kinds of butterflies, nocturnal and diurnal. He likewise asserts, but, I think, without any grounds of exact computation, that the number of species of insects, reckoning all sorts of them, may not fall short of ten thousand. Yet in this vast variety of animal forms, we cannot but take notice of the different me-thods, or rather the studiously diversified methods, by which one and the same purpose is attained. In the article of breathing, for example, which was to be provided for in one way or other, besides the ordinary varieties of lungs, gills, and breathing-holes, (for insects, in general, respire not by the mouth, but through holes on the sides) the nymphæ of gnats have an apparatus by which they raise their backs to the top of the water, and so take breath. The hydrocanthari do the same thing by thrusting their tails out of the water. The maggot of the eruca labra has a long tail, one part sheathed within another, (but which it can draw out at pleasure,) with a starry tuft at the end, by which tuft, when expanded upon the surface, the insect both supports itself in the water, and draws in the air which it requires. In the article of natural clothing, we have the skins of animals invested with scales, hair, feathers, mucus, froth, or the skin itself turned into a shell, or crust. In the no less necessary articles of offence and defence, we have teeth, talons, beaks, horns, stings, prickles, with (a most singular expedient for the same purpose,) the power of giving the electric shock; and, as is credibly related of some animals, of driving away their pursuers by

an intolerable fetor, or of blackening the water through which they are pursued.

3. Animal Happiness.

THE air, the earth, the water, teem with delighted existence. In a spring noon or a summer evening, on which side soever I turn my eyes, myriads of happy beings crowd upon my view. "The insect youth are on the wing." Swarms of new-born flies are trying their pinions in the air. Their sportive motions, their wanton mazes, their gratuitous activity, their continual change of place without use or purpose, testify their joy, and the exultation which they feel in their lately discovered faculties. A bee amongst the flowers in spring, is one of the most cheerful objects that can be looked upon. Its life appears to be all enjoyment: it is always busy, and always pleased; yet it is only a specimen of insect life, with which, by reason of the animal being half domesticated, we happen to be better acquainted than we are with others. The whole winged insect tribe, it is probable, are equally intent upon their proper employments, and, under every variety of constitution, gratified, and, perhaps, equally gratified, by the offices which the Author of their nature has assigned them. But the atmosphere is not the only scene of enjoyment for the insect race. Plants are covered with aphides greedily sucking their juices, and constantly, as it would seem, in the act of sucking. It cannot be doubted that this is a state of gratification. What

else should fix them so close to the operation, and so long? Other species are running about with an alacrity which carries in it every mark of pleasure. Large patches of ground are sometimes half covered with these brisk and sprightly creatures. When we look to what the waters produce, shoals of the fry of fish frequent the margins of rivers, of lakes, and of the sea itself. The attitudes, the vivacity, the leaps, and sportive movements of these creatures all conduce to show a happy excess of spirits.

4. On the surface of the Earth.

WHEN We take a curious survey of the surface of our globe, a thousand objects offer themselves, which, though long known, still excite curiosity. The most obvious beauty that strikes the eye, is the verdant covering of the earth. This appearance of the surface is formed by a happy mixture of herbs and trees of various magnitudes, and diversified tints of colour. It has been often remarked, that no colour refreshes the eye so much as green; and it may be added, in proof of the assertion, that the inhabitants of those places where the fields are continually white with snow, generally become blind long before the inhabitants of more temperate regions.

The advantage which arises from the verdure of the fields, is not a little improved by their agreeable inequalities. There are scarcely two natural landscapes which offer prospects entirely resembling each other; their risings and depressions, their hills and

valleys, are never entirely the same, but always offersomething new, to entertain and enliven the imagination.

To increase the beauties of the face of nature, the landscape is greatly improved by springs and lakes, and intersected by rivulets. These lend a brightness to the prospect, give motion and coolness to the air, and furnish the means of subsistence to animated nature.

Such objects have a tranquilising effect on the mind; but there are others of a more awful and magnificent kind: the mountains, rising above the clouds, and topt with snow; the river, pouring down their sides, increasing as it runs, and, at last, losing itself in the ocean; the ocean, spreading its immense sheet of waters over more than half the globe, swelling and subsiding at well-known intervals, and forming a communication between the most distant parts of the earth.

Leaving these objects, we are presented with the greater irregularities of nature, the mountain, the precipice, the cavern, the cataract, and the whirlpool.

5. Objects found under the surface of the Earth.

In descending to the objects immediately below the surface of the earth, we find wonders no less surprising. For the most part, the earth lies in regular beds, or layers of substances; every bed growing thicker in proportion as it lies deeper, and its contents become more dense and compact.

We shall find, in almost all our subterranean researches, an amazing number of shells, that once belonged to aquatic animals. Here and there, at a distance from the sea, are beds of oyster shells several yards thick, and many miles in extent.

On examining the earth, where it has been opened to any depth, the substance which is commonly found at the surface, is that light coat of blackish mould, which, by some, is called garden-earth. This kind of soil has probably been formed from the decay of vegetable and animal substances; and it forms a storehouse, from which animal and vegetable natures are renewed. The blessings of life are thus continued in unceasing circulation. It is this portion of the earth, that supplies man with all the true riches which he enjoys. Gold and jewels he may bring up from greater depths; but these articles are merely the toys of a capricious being,-things on which he has placed an imaginary value.

The earth, like a kind mother, says Pliny, receives us at our birth, and sustains us when born. It is this alone of all the elements around us, that is never found the enemy of man. The body of waters deluges him with rains, oppresses him with hail, and drowns him with inundations; the air rushes in storms, prepares the tempest, or lights up the volcano; but the earth, gentle and indulgent, ever subservient to the wants and the comfort of man, spreads his walks with flowers, and his table with plenty ; and returns, with interest, every good committed to her care.