We might make many more observations of this kind, without being at all able to explain all the mysteries in the instinct of birds: but the little that we know of them is sufficient to dispose those whose minds are open to contemplate the works of nature to follow still more noble pursuits. Let us not confine ourselves to the consideration of the instincts and properties of birds,which ought only to be regarded as a first step leading to more sublime meditations; but let the admiration which these raise in us elevate our souls to the God from whom these animals have received all their faculties, and who has prepared and combined so many things for the continuance and multiplication of this part of his creatures.

OCTOBER IV.

Animal Reproductions.

HERE we discover a new field of wonders which seem wholly to contradict the principles which we had adopted concerning the formation of organized bodies. It was long supposed that animals could only be multiplied by eggs, or by young ones. But it is now found that there are some exceptions to this general rule, since certain animal bodies have been discovered, which may be divided into as many complete bodies as we please; for each part thus separated from the parent body soon repairs what is deficient, and becomes a complete animal. It is now no longer doubtful that the polypus belongs to the class of animals, though it much resembles plants both in form and in its mode of propagating. The bodies of these creatures may be either cut across or longitudinally, and the pieces will become so many complete polypi. Even from the skin, or least part cut off from the body, one or more polypi will be produced; and if several pieces cut off be joined together by the extremities, they will perfectly unite, nourish each other, and become one body.

This discovery has given rise to other experiments, and it has been found that polypi are not the only animals which live and grow after being cut in pieces. The earthworm will multiply after being cut in two; to the tail part there grows a head, and the two pieces then become two

worms. After having been divided, they cannot be joined together again; they remain for some time in the same state, or grow rather smaller; we then see at the extremity which was cut a little white button begin to appear, which increases and gradually lengthens. Soon after we may observe rings at first very close together, but insensibly extend on all sides; a new stomach and other organs are then formed.

We may at any time make the following experiment with snails: Cut off their heads close by their horns, and in a certain space of time the head will be reproduced. A similar circumstance takes place in crabs; if one of their claws is torn off, it will again be entirely reproduced.

A very 'wonderful experiment was made by Duhamel on the thigh of a chicken. After the thigh-bone, which had been broken, was perfectly restored, and a callus completely formed, he cut off all the flesh down to the bone; the parts were gradually reproduced, and the circulation of the blood again renewed. We must acknowledge then that some animals may be multiplied by being divided into pieces; and we no longer doubt that the young of certain insects may be produced in the same manner as a branch is from a tree; that they may be cut in pieces, and live again in the smallest piece; that they may be turned inside out like a glove, divided into pieces, then turned again, and yet live, eat, grow, and multiply. Here a question offers itself which perhaps no naturalist can resolve in a satisfactory manner. How does it happen that the parts which are thus cut off can be again reproduced? We must suppose that germs are distributed to every part of the body, whilst in other animals they are only contained in certain parts. These germs unfold themselves when they receive proper nourishment. Thus, when an animal is cut in pieces, the germ is supplied with the necessary juices, which would have been conveyed to other parts if they had not been diverted into a different channel. The superfluous juices develop those parts which without them would have continued attached to each other. Every part of the polypus and worm contains in itself, as the bud does the rudiments of a tree, all the viscera necessary to the animal. The parts essential to life are distributed throughout the body, and the circulation is carried on even in the smallest

particles. As we do not understand all the means which the Author of nature makes use of to distribute life and feeling to such a number of animals, we have no reason to maintain that the creatures of which we have been speaking are the only ones which form exceptions to the general rule, in their mode of propagating. The fecundity of nature, and the infinine wisdom of the Creator, always surpass our feeble conceptions. The same hand which has formed the polypus and the worm has also shewn us that it is able to simplify the structure of animals.

OCTOBER V.

The Organs of Taste.

WE should possess fewer sources of pleasure if we had not the faculty of distinguishing, by our taste, different kinds of food. The great variety of fruits which abound in this season may naturally induce us to reflect upon this subject. Our pleasure would be considerably diminished if the apple, the pear, the plum, and the grape, all had the same flavour. The faculty of distinguishing them, or the sense of taste, is a gift of God's goodness, and a proof of his wisdom, which deserves our utmost gratitude.

What are the means which enable us to taste and distinguish our food? The tongue is the principal organ: for this purpose the surface is furnished with nervous papillæ, by means of which we receive the impression of taste. This structure is evident upon dissecting the tongue; for having taken off the membrane which covers it, numerous roots where the nerves terminate appear; and it is precisely where these nervous papillæ are found that we have the sensation of taste; when they are wanting, we have no sense of tasting. When we put highly flavoured things under our tongue, we have scarcely any perception of them till they are attenuated and brought to the surface of the tongue, when we immediately become sensible of their flavour; consequently the sensation of taste is only powerful where the nervous papillæ are in the greatest quantity, and that is in the part nearest the throat.

To be still more convinced that the sense of taste depends upon the nerves, we have only to examine the tongue of a

dog or of a cat. In these animals the nervous papillæ are situated towards the root of the tongue; the fore part being destitute, whilst the palate is covered with them: hence with these animals the tip of the tongue is not susceptible of taste.

How skilfully this organ of taste is constructed, all the parts of which no anatomist has yet been able to discover! Is it not the effect of infinite wisdom, that the tongue has a greater number of nervous fibrilla than any other part of the body, and that it is filled with little pores, that the salts and savoury parts of food may penetrate more deeply, and in greater abundance to the nervous papillæ? Is it not owing to the same wisdom, that the nerves, whose fibres spread over the palate and throat, are also extended to the nose and eyes, as if to make these organs contribute their share in discerning our aliment? Another thing worthy of admiration is the duration of the organs of taste; however fine and delicate in their structure, they continue longer than instruments of stone and steel. Our clothes wear, our flesh decays, our bones become dry, whilst the sense of taste survives them all.

Seeing, then, that God has favoured us with faculties superior to all other creatures, let us endeavour always to exert them for the best purposes. If we are unwilling to acknowledge the wisdom and goodness of our Creator, who else is to render him that homage? Let us reflect on the abundance we receive from the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms. The heavens and the earth, the air and the ocean, contribute to our happiness; wherever we go we behold the gifts of God. From the lofty summits of the mountains, the depths of the valleys, the beds of lakes, and the bosom of rivers, we derive sustenance and pleasure. Though it is reasonable that we should esteem and highly value this choice gift of God, yet let us not prize it beyond the design of the Divine Giver. The sense of taste is bestowed on us as a means to conduct us to the noblest ends. How absurd and culpable it would be, if we made our chief happiness to consist in those pleasures of which this sense is the organ; and to live only to gratify the palate by savoury viands and delicious drinks. Let us shrink from the idea of reducing ourselves to the level of the brute, whose chief delight is in eating and drinking: and let us ever re

member that we have an immortal soul, which can never be satisfied with any thing short of the Supreme Good; and to have a true relish for this good, to be desirous of being nourished by it, constitutes the wisdom and felicity of the man and the Christian.

OCTOBER VI.

Of God's Government, with regard to natural Events. ALL the events which take place in the heavens, upon the earth, and in the air, are regulated according to prescribed natural laws. But it would be wrong not to acknowledge the influence of a particular Providence, which directs natural things according to its own views, and makes them concur in its designs. God makes use of natural causes to chastise or to recompense men; and it is thus for example, that at his command the air is pure or corrupt, and the seasons are fruitful or unproductive. He prevents or assists the designs of men; sometimes by winds and storms, at others by the flux and reflux of the sea. It is true that God does not in general interrupt the course of nature; but it is equally certain that nature cannot act without his will and concurrence. The parts which constitute the visible world cannot use their power as they please; and God can influence his creatures without overturning the order of nature. Fire, water, wind, and rain, have their natural causes and peculiar properties; and God uses them to execute his designs in a manner suitable to their nature. He uses the heat of the sun to warm and fertilize the earth: he employs the winds and the rain to purify and cool the air, but always in such a way as best suits his views and purposes.

A great part of the good and evil which we experience in this state of existence proceeds from surrounding objects; and as God interests himself in every thing which happens to man, he undoubtedly has an influence upon those objects, and upon every part of nature; and on this are founded the rewards which he promises to virtue, and the chastisements with which he punishes vice. The one he crowns with peace and prosperity; and when he pleases sends war, famine, and pestilence to punish the other. In short, all VOL. II.

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