THE SUPERNATURAL. 41 



the nectar is purposely so lodged that it can be 

 sucked only slowly, in order to give time for the 

 curious chemical quality of the viscid matter set- 

 ting hard and dry." * Nor are these words used 

 in any sense different from that in which they 

 are applicable to the works of man's contri- 

 vance — to the instruments we use or invent for 

 carrying into effect our own preconceived de- 

 signs. On the contrary, human instruments are 

 often selected as the aptest illustrations both of 

 the object in view, and of the means taken to 

 effect it. Of one particular structure Mr Darwin 

 says : — " This contrivance of the guiding ridges 

 may be compared to the little instrument some- 

 times used for guiding a thread into the eye of 

 a needle." Again, referring to the precautions 

 taken to compel the insects to come to the proper 

 spot, in order to have the " pollinia " attached to 

 their bodies, Mr Darwin says : — " Thus we have 

 the rostellum partially closing the mouth of the 

 nectary, like a trap placed in a run for game, — 

 and the trap so complex and perfect ! " f But 

 this is not all. The idea of special use, as the 

 * P. 29. t P. 30. 



