mals in general. In a few places,
however, it has a more precise meaning, as in 1 Kings iv., 33, where
the vertebrated animals are included in the four classes of "beasts,
fowl, _creeping things_ (or reptiles, _remes_), and fishes." In the
present connection it probably has its most general sense; unless,
indeed, the apparent repetition in this verse relates to the
amphibious or semi-terrestrial creatures associated with the great
reptiles; and, in that case, the humbler reptilian animals alone may
be meant.

4. We may again note that the introduction of animal life is marked by
the use of the word "create," for the first time since the general
creation of the heavens and the earth. We may also note that the
animal, as well as the plant, was created "after its kind," or
"species by species." The animals are grouped under three great
classes--the Remes, the Tanninim, and the Birds; but, lest any
misconception should arise as to the relations of species to these
groups, we are expressly informed that the species is here the true
unit of the creative work. It is worth while, therefore, to note that
this most ancient authority on this much controverted topic connects
species on the one hand with the creative fiat, and on the other with
the power of continuous reproduction.

5. In addition to the great mass of _sheretzim_, so accurately
characterized by Milton as

"----Reptile with spawn abundant,"

the creation of the fifth day included a higher tribe of oviparous
animals--the birds, the fowl or winged creature of the text. Birds
alone, we think, must be meant here, as we have already seen that
insects are included under the general term _sheretzim_.

6. It is farther to be observed that _the waters_ give origin to the
first animals--an interesting point when we consider the contrast here
with the creation of plants and of the higher animals, both of which
proceed from the earth.

7. It can not fail to be observed that we have in these verses two
different arrangements of the animals created, neither corresponding
exactly with what modern science teaches us to regard as the true
grouping of the animal kingdom, according to its affinities. The order
in the first enumeration should, from the analogy of the chapter,
indicate that of successive creation. The order of the second list
may, perhaps, be that of the relative importance of the animals, as it
appeared to the writer. Or there may have been a twofold division