[ 202 ] 
Again, as land animals would be dedroyed by too 
much maceration in water, fo fifhes would, on the 
other hand, be ruined by too much exficcationj 
the latter being, from their general drufture and con- 
ditution, made fit to bear, and live in, the water j 
the former, by their conditution and forms, to breathe, 
and dwell, in the air. 
But it may be afked, why eels and water fnakes are 
capable of living longer in the air than the other kinds 
of fifh: this is anfwered, by confidering the providen- 
tial care of the great Creator for thefe and every one of 
his creatures : for, fince they were capable of loco- 
motion by their form, which they need not be if they 
were never to go on fhore, it feemed neceffary that 
they fhouid be rendered capable of living a confider- 
able time on fhore, otherwise their loco-motion would 
be vain. How is this provided for ? why in a mod: 
convenient manner ; for this order of fifhes have their 
branchiae well covered from the external drying air, 
and are alfo furnifhed with a (limy mucus, which 
hinders their becoming crifp and dry for many hours, 
and their very (kins always emit a mucous liquour, 
which keeps them fupple and moid for a long time ; 
whereas the branchiae of other kinds of fifh are much 
expofed to the air, and want the flimy matter to keep 
them mo iff. Now, if, when any of thefe is brought 
out of the water, it was laid in a veffel without water, 
he might be kept alive a eonfidcrable time, by only 
keeping the gills and furfacc of the fkin. condantly 
wet, even without any water to fwim in. 
Before I difmifs the fird part of my difeourfe, I 
mud beg your patience, while I mention fomething 
that relates to a family among the fifh kinds, which is 
of 
