41 



sioned, undoubtedly, by the teeth of some 

 carnivorous animal, while in the act of feeding 

 upon his prey. It is well known that the buf- 

 falo, deer, elk, and a variety of otlier animals, 

 are in the constant habit of making such places 

 their resort, in order to drink the salt water, 

 and lick the impregnated earth. Now, may 

 we not from these facts infer, that nature had 

 formed some huge voracious animal, to Avhom 

 she allotted the beasts of the forest for his food ? 

 How can we otherwise account for the nume- 

 rous fractures that every where mark these 

 strata of bones ? May it not be inferred, too, 

 that as the largest and swiftest quadrupeds were 

 appointed for his food, he necessarily was en- 

 dowed Avith great strength and activity ? That, 

 as the immense volume of the creature would 

 unfit him for coursing after his prey through 

 thickets and woods, nature had furnished him 

 with the power of taking a mighty leap ? That 

 this power of springing to a great distance was 

 requisite to the more effectual concealment of 

 his bulky volume while lying in wait for his 

 prey ? Is not the Author of Existence wise 

 and just in all his works ? Would he confer 

 appetites, and withhold the powers capable of 

 obtaining their gratification ? 



