Se ee ee ee a Se a ae eee z 
mary ; 
Dr. Fothergill’s account of ice islands. 79 
human race, and presented to their astonished eyes only to create ter- 
ror and surprize ?_ As no explanation of the final cause of these re- 
markable phenomena has hitherto even been attempted, it perhaps may 
be allowable in this place to offera few conjectures. In the present 
chequered state of being, good and evil -are every where blended, 
though the former is generally predominant. May we not suppose 
then, that these apparent evils are designed for some useful or benefi- 
cial purpose not yet discovered ? Or, as Pope expresses it, ‘ bles- 
Sings in disguise ?” ‘That they are impediments to navigation cannot 
be denied ; but it is no less certain, that by vigilance they may gene- 
rally be evades and Gree esas shsnaiesesprevented sy: die attention 
“As ee may be fendered useful to the prudent and enter- 
prising, may not these grand obstacles serve to call forth the talents 
and exertions of our naval commanders and brave seamen, and inure 
them to encounter the dangers of the deep ? affording also hints for 
improving navigation and the construction of ships destined to trav- 
erse the Atlantic and other seas, where ice islands abound ? May not 
the gradual liquefaction of such vast masses of ice, divested of salt, 
add a large portion of fresh water to the ocean? And may not this oc- 
casionally be necessary to the well being of fishes and other marine 
animals, many of which at certain seasons delight to bask in fresh riy- 
ers ? May not the melting ice by the action of the sun beams evolve 
goes streams of vital air, and thus contribute to the salubrity of the 
atmosphere ? Finally then, may not the formation of ice islands be 
destined to the most important purposes, viz. the Beas,’ vigour, and 
‘refreshment of the animal and vegetable creation ? 
