162 GLASS MAMMALIA. 



constitute a perfect eye, but a greater development of 

 parts. 



Whether the Spalax be absolutely blind, or whether it 

 receive any perception of light through the medium of the 

 eye as an organ, does not sufficiently appear by what has 

 hitherto been said by its describers. The presence of what 

 may be called the vestige of an organ, seems perfectly con- 

 sistent with other instances, in which the application of 

 such imperfect organ is not at all to be traced. On the 

 contrary, it accords with that apparent unwillingness in 

 nature to depart from prescribed laws. The total absence 

 of an accustomed organ is much more anomalous in nature 

 than the complete inutility of an imperfect one. So it 

 seems with the Spalax, which is not without the vestige 

 of eyes, though their application as organs of sight seems 

 doubtful, we might probably say, indeed, nugatory. 



It is a common observation among ourselves, that the 

 loss of one faculty is generally in some measure counter- 

 acted by the perfection of another, or to speak more me- 

 thodically, we should probably say, that the absence, or 

 total loss of one sense necessarily calls others actively into 

 operation, which become more perfect by exercise. We have 

 also frequent occasion to observe, that Nature, to a very 

 considerable extent, is ever willing to vary and change the 

 physicalities of a being, in accordance with its circum- 

 stances and situation. We need not therefore be surprised 

 to find that the blind Spalax has the organs of hearing in 

 a very perfect state. What is denied on the one hand 

 is prodigally bestowed on the other, and the creature is 

 thereby enabled to preserve its existence. The external 

 ear, indeed, has but a very small outward expansion, but 

 the auditory canal is very large, and the whole organ in- 

 ternally greatly developed. 



The neck of this animal is large, short, and muscular, by 

 which the head is capable of considerable strength consi- 



