seen the ordering of Almighty Wisdom and Power, in whose hands are the issues of life and death. "THOU hidest thy face, all creatures are troubled: THOU takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust: THOU sendest forth thy Spirit, they are created, and thou renewest the face of the earth." (Psalm civ. 29, 30.)

DIALOGUE XIX.

OF ANIMALS.

Father. WHAT a commodious provision hath the Almighty made for animals that are obliged to climb for food, not only in the structure of their legs and feet, and in the strength of their tendons and muscles, but also in the peculiar structure of those parts which act in their search for food.

Son. I suppose, then, we never find an animal which is directed by instinct to seek its food by climbing, hunting after it on the ground; nor one which hunts its prey on the ground, seeking it in the branches of a tree?

Father. Each of them is true to his instinct, and as it never misleads, so he never disobeys its impulse.

Son. I should like to hear some instances. Father. What, then, is more remarkable

than that provision, in nocturnal birds and beasts, in the peculiar structure of the eye, whereby they are enabled to discover their food. in the dark?

The most remarkable, however, is that natural affection which almost all animals feel towards their young-with what alacrity do they fulfil their parental functions, thinking no pains too great to be taken for them; no dangers too great to be ventured upon for their defence and security-how carefully will they lead them about in places of safety, and carry them into places of retreat where they may be free from harm-some of them admit them into their own bowels*-how will they caress them with their affectionate notes; lull and quiet them with their tender parental voice; put food into their mouths; suckle them; cherish and keep them warm; teach them to pick and eat, and gather food for themselves —and, in a word, perform the part of so many nurses, deputed by the sovereign Lord and Preserver

* As the viper.

of the world, to help such young and thriftless creatures, till they are come to that maturity as to be able to shift for themselves.

DIALOGUE XX.

OF BIRDS.

Son. WILL you now be so kind as to speak of the feathered tribe? I am delighted with the sweet notes of birds.

Father. To enjoy this pleasure undisturbed, we must rise early in the summer season.

The production and the structure or formation of a bird call first for your attention.Observe how it acquires its existence, out of that matter or substance with which an egg is filled; and this effected, after it has been impregnated, only by a brooding heat. The