450 PALAEONTOLOGY. 



would seem to point to a period when the earth may become 

 the abode of a higher race of intelligences. But here we 

 enter the wilderness of conjecture, where, in trying to advance, 

 we are soon " in wandering mazes lost." 



The more willingly, therefore, I return to the surer deduc- 

 tions from the phenomena we have had under review. 



In the survey which has been taken of the various 

 forms of life that have passed away — of their genesis, suc- 

 cession, geological position, and geographical distribution — 

 if the adaptation has been shewn of each structure to 

 the exigencies, habits, and well-being of the species, it has 

 •exemplified the beneficence and intelligence of the Creative 

 Power. 



If, in all the striking changes of form and proportion which 

 have passed under review, we could discern only the results 

 of minor modifications of a few essential elements, we must 

 be the more strikingly impressed with the unity of that Cause, 

 and with the wisdom and power which could produce so much 

 variety, and at the same time such perfect adaptations and 

 endowments, out of means so simple. For, in what have those 

 contrasted limbs, hoofs, paws, fins, and wings, so variously 

 formed to obey the behests of volition in denizens of different 

 elements, differed from the mechanical instruments which we 

 ourselves plan with foresight and calculation for analogous 

 uses, save in their greater complexity, in their perfection, and 

 in the unity and simplicity of the elements which are modified 

 to constitute these several locomotive organs ! 



Everywhere in organic nature we see the means not only 

 subservient to an end, but that end accomplished by the best 

 means. Hence we are compelled to regard the Great Cause 

 of all, not like certain philosophic ancients, as a uniform and 

 quiescent mind, as an all-pervading anima mundi, but as an 

 active and anticipating intelligence. 



By applying the laws of comparative anatomy to the relics 



