318 LECTURE VII. 



same kind, how the cells are formed, or 

 the young get into them, is not I believe 

 known ; yet surely no one who has atten- 

 tively examined and considered the works 

 of Nature, can doubt of there being good 

 and sufficient reasons for this peculiar de- 

 viation from the commonly established 

 structure and economy of such animals. 



It is from the consideration of the means 

 by which the continuance of the different 

 species of animals is ensured, that we de- 

 rive the firmest conviction of the works of 

 Nature being neither the effect of neces- 

 sity, nor of chance ; and therefore it follows 

 that they must be the effect of causes and 

 laws inscrutable by man. The young of 

 some animals are born with very perfect 

 senses and powers, so that they scarcely 

 need maternal care. Yet as young ani- 

 mals cannot have experience, and must be 

 exposed to danger from their deficiency of 

 size and strength, the mother generally 

 nurses them, and directs their conduct, 

 till they are able to procure their own sus- 

 tenance, and secure or defend themselves. 



