265 , 
advantage, in many culinary and chemical operations. Here then 
are we presented with one of the many instances, in nature’s works, 
of the obtaining of the most important ends, by a contrivance not 
less remarkable for its simplicity, than for the certainty with which 
it accomplishes the desired effect. It also serves to show that, in 
every investigation of the operations of nature, the more minute 
are our inquiries, the more will our admiration be excited by the 
discoveries which we make. A superficial examination of any of 
the works of creation must be sufficient to excite our wonder ; but 
an inquiry, successfully employed, in ascertaining the means by 
which one, even of the least, important purposes of nature is 
effected, cannot fail to excite a reverential awe, and dispose us to 
the adoration of the Great Supreme. 
Yours, &c.. 
% 
LETTER XXVI. 
RECAPITULATION APPARENT AGREEMENT OP THE HYPOTHESIS- 
WITH THE ECONOMY OF NATURE. 
To enable you to form a clearer judgment of the opinion I have 
delivered, respecting the formation of peat-bogs, coal strata, &c. 
I will endeavour, in a recapitulatory sketch, to furnish you with an 
uninterrupted statement of the means which, I imagine, nature, 
employs for accomplishing these purposes. 
VOL. I. 
MM 
