But although the savage, in the course of ages, may
attain as much civilization as would lead him to the construction of a
new Parthenon, the wood-pigeon will continue only to make a platform
of sticks to the end of time. It is evident, from a contemplation of
all nature, that the faculties of quadrupeds, birds, insects, and all
the inferior animals, are stationary: those of man only are
progressive. It is this distinction which enables him, agreeably to
the will of his Creator, to 'have dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the
earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the
earth.'--But within their limited range the inferior animals perform
their proper labours with an unwearied industry, and an unerring
precision, which call forth our wonder and admiration. Of these
remarkable qualities we have given abundant examples in the preceding
pages; and they are not without moral instruction. Elevated as our
minds are in the comparative scale of nature, we may still take
example from the diligence, the perseverance, and the cheerfulness,
which preside over the _Architecture of Birds._"
There are nearly eighty cuts in the present volume--many from
specimens, all from excellent authorities, and of any but common-place
character.
* * * * *
TOMB OF PAUL AND VIRGINIA.
Junior lieutenants and midshipmen, and others of the age of romance,
always make it a point to visit these tombs as soon as possible after
their arrival.
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