CLEANLINESS OF ANIMALS. 
219 
notable circumstance, when we consider that nearly 
their whole lives are passed in burrowing in the earth, 
and removing nuisances ; yet such is the admirable 
polish of their coating and limbs, that we very seldom 
find any soil adhering to them. The meloe, and some 
of the scarabsei, upon first emerging from their winter’s 
retreat, are commonly found with earth clinging to 
them ; but the removal of this is one of the first opera- 
tions of the creature ; and all the beetle race, the chief 
occupation of which is crawling about the soil, and 
such dirty employs, are notwithstanding remarkable for 
the glossiness of their covering, and freedom from de- 
filements of any kind. But purity of vesture seems to 
be a principal precept of nature, and observable 
throughout creation. Fishes, from the nature of the 
element in which they reside, can contract but little 
impurity. Birds are unceasingly attentive to neatness 
and lustration of their plumage. Ail the slug race, 
though covered with slimy matter calculated to collect 
extraneous things, and reptiles, are perfectly free from 
soil. The fur and hair of beasts in a state of liberty 
and health is never filthy, or sullied with dirt. Some 
birds roll themselves in dust, and occasionally, particu- 
larly beasts, cover themselves with mire ; but this is not 
from any liking or inclination for such things, but to 
free themselves from annoyances, or to prevent the 
bites of insects. Whether birds in preening, and beasts 
in dressing themselves, be directed by any instinctive 
faculty, we know not ; but they evidently derive plea- 
sure from the operation, and thus this feeling of enjoy- 
ment, even if the sole motive, becomes to them an es- 
sential source of comfort and of health. 
It may be noted probably by some, how frequently 
I recur to the causes and objects of the faculties, man- 
ners, and tendencies of animate and inanimate things. 
This recurrence springs from no cavil at the wisdom, no 
suspicion of the fitness of the appointment, nor, I trust, 
from any excitement to presumptuous pryings into paths 
which are in the great deep, and not to be searched 
out; but are humbly indulged, from the pleasure which 
the contemplation of perfect wisdom, even in a state 
