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VIII.

For proofs and illustrations of the first, I must limit myself to a mere infinitesimal sample, taken, not from a professed theologian, but from the very foremost Naturalist of our age. In his fascinating work on 'The Various Contrivances by which British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilized by Insects,' Dr. Darwin* seems to have exhausted his vocabulary, in emphasizing the notion of design. Speaking of one species he remarks:- 'The labellum is developed into a long nectary, in order to attract Lepidoptera; and we shall presently give reasons for suspecting that the nectar is purposely so lodged, that it can be sucked only slowly, in order to give time for the curious quality of the viscid matter setting hard and dry.' Of another he says:- 'The contrivance of the guiding ridges, may be compared to the little instrument sometimes used for guiding a thread into the eye of a needle.' Of a third, whose structure once sorely puzzled him, he gives the following instructive record:- 'I ought to have scorned the notion that the labellum was thus placed for no good purpose. I neglected this plain guide, and for a long time, completely failed to understand the flower!' This witness is true, and we are not in the least surprised at his failure. There is no possible key to the mystery, save in presuming, determinate intention! If you call the 'assemblage of water-tanks' in the stomach of a camel, mere 'evolutionary progress,' why not give the same name to the marble drinking fountains which beautify not a few of our towns and villages? The construction of an easygoing bicycle, is everywhere accepted as evidence of forethought and skill. What shall we say then, of the self-impelling fish, the lordly eagle, or the beautiful

*April 26, 1882.-'Weep for Adonais!'-This morning, Westminster Abbey had the honour of receiving the mortal remains, of the author of the grandest generalization in Science, since the days of Newton! It is something for the reader and writer to boast of, that they were privileged to live in this part of God's universe, in the age of CHARLES DARWIN! By his works 'He being dead, yet speaketh'!

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racehorse? Can it be, that they are without intelligent cause, or intelligible purpose? For special illustrations by the hundred, I need only refer you to the well-known 'Bridgewater Treatises.'