ke a machine, as a clock or a ship, but the power of generation
makes the maker of the machine; and probably from having observed, that the
greatest part of the earth has been formed out of organic recrements; as
the immense beds of limestone, chalk, marble, from the shells of fish; and
the extensive provinces of clay, sandstone, ironstone, coals, from
decomposed vegetables; all which have been first produced by generation, or
by the secretions of organic life; he concludes that the world itself might
have been generated, rather than created; that is, it might have been
gradually produced from very small beginnings, increasing by the activity
of its inherent principles, rather than by a sudden evolution of the whole
by the Almighty fire.--What a magnificent idea of the infinite power of THE
GREAT ARCHITECT! THE CAUSE OF CAUSES! PARENT OF PARENTS! ENS ENTIUM!

For if we may compare infinities, it would seem to require a greater
infinity of power to cause the causes of effects, than to cause the effects
themselves. This idea is analogous to the improving excellence observable
in every part of the creation; such as in the progressive increase of the
solid or habitable parts of the earth from water; and in the progressive
increase of the wisdom and happiness of its inhabitants; and is consonant
to the idea of our present situation being a state of probation, which by
our exertions we may improve, and are consequently responsible for our
actions.

V. 1. The efficient cause of the various colours of the eggs of birds, and
of the air and feathers of animals, is a subject so curious, that I shall
beg to introduce it in this place. The colours of many animals seem adapted
to their purposes of concealing themselves either to avoid danger, or to
spring upon their prey. Thus the snake and wild cat, and leopard, are so
coloured as to resemble dark leaves and their lighter interstices; birds
resemble the colour of the brown ground, or the green hedges, which they
frequent; and moths and butterflies are coloured like the flowers which
they rob of their honey. Many instances are mentioned of this kind in
Botanic Garden, p. 2. Note on Rubia.

These colours have, however, in some instances another use, as the black
diverging area from the eyes of the swan; which, as his eyes are placed
less prominent than those of other birds, for the convenience of putting
down his head under water, prevents the rays of light from being reflected
into