THE UNIVERSE. 



When, at the very outset of our studies, we cast a glance 

 upon creation, we are astonished at its vastness, and we 

 see that none of our fictions attains the subUmity of its 

 propoi'tions. 



1. Pan-Kou-Che, the Creator. — From a painting in a Chinese manuscript. 



For instance, the Chinese accounts of creation represent 

 the first organizer of chaos under the form of a feeble old 

 man, enervated and tottering, called Pan-Kou-Che, sur- 

 rounded by confused masses of rock, and holding a chisel 

 in one hand and a hammer in the other. He toils pain- 



