XIV. 



PLEA FOR THE BIRDS. 



In the beginning, according to the testimony of the 

 " Wisdom of Solomon," all things were ordered in 

 measure, number, and weight. The universe was bal- 

 anced according to a law of harmony, no less wise 

 than beautiful. There was no deficiency in one part, or 

 superfluity in another. As time was divided into sea- 

 sons and days and years, the material world was 

 arranged in such a manner that there should be a 

 mutual dependence of one kingdom upon another. 

 Nothing was created without a purpose, and all living 

 things were supplied with such instincts and appetites 

 as would lead them to assist in the great work of pro- 

 gression. The kingdoms of nature must ever remain 

 thus perfectly adjusted, except for the interference of 

 man. He alone, of all living creatures, has power to 

 turn the operations of nature out of their proper course. 

 He alone has the power to transform her hills into for- 

 tifications, and to degrade her rivers to commercial ser- 

 vitude. Yet while he is thus employed in revolutioniz- 

 ing the surface of the earth, he might still work in 

 harmony with nature's designs, and end in making it 

 more beautiful and more bountiful than in its pristine 

 condition. 



