MARCH XIII. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLANTS AND ANIMALS. THE difference between Animals and Plants is so great and evident, that it requires only a superficial observation to be convinced of it. Undoubtedly, the most remarkable difference consists in this; that animals can move, and change their place; a faculty of which vegetables are entirely destitute. But a more essential difference still is, that animals have the faculty of feeling, which cannot be attributed to plants. To this we must add, the manner of being nourished. Animals, by means of external organs, are capable of choosing that food which is suited to their nature: plants, on the contrary, are obliged to receive such nourishment as the earth brings, without the power of making any choice. This nourishment they receive from the humidity of the earth, and by the action of the tubes of their leaves, which attract and imbibe the nutritive juices from the earth and air. The number of species is much more considerable in the animal than in the vegetable kingdom. Among insects only, there are, probably, a greater number of classes, (including those which cannot be discovered but through a microscope) than there are of visible plants on the face of the globe. Besides, animals have not such a conformity among themselves, as plants have with each other: and this resemblance renders it more difficult to reduce them to classes. Another circumstance which establishes the difference between the two kingdoms is, the manner in which plants and Difference between Plants and Animals. animals propagate their species. This is very distinct, notwithstanding the accidental similarity which may appear in some cases. The only place.in which plants can grow and multiply is the earth. The greater part rise above the surface, but are attached to the ground by roots more or less strong. Others are entirely under the earth: a small number grow in the water; but, in order to live, it is necessary that they should take root in the earth. The habitation of animals is, on the contrary, less limited. They spread themselves over the earth. An innumerable multitude people its surface and interior parts. Some dwell in the bottom of the sea; others swim in the waters, at a convenient depth. Many live in the air, in vegetables, on the human body, on animals, in fluids, and even in stones. If we consider animals and plants, in reference to their size, we shall find the difference much greater. Between the monstrous whale, and the tiny mits, the difference is more considerable, than between the highest oak, and least sprig of moss. Finally, it is particularly in the form, that the most general and visible difference between plants and animals consists. The greater part of the latter have, in this respect, such distinguishing characteristics, that it is impossible to confound them with vegetables. After all, let us not imagine, that we have discovered the bounds which separate the animal and vegetable kingdoms, or that we have found out all that distinguishes them. Nature, in order to diversify her works, makes use of almost imperceptible shades. In the Difference between Plants and Animals. chain of beings, perfection increases successively, and ascends by thousands of degrees, so that the most perfect species differs but little from that which occupies the next degree below it. But, how narrow are the limits which separate plants and animals! There are plants which appear sensible, and animals which seem to be deprived of sensation. Nothing proves the truth of this more, than the discoveries which have been made in Corals. Formerly, corals were considered as marine plants; but, at present, we have strong reasons to class them with animals: fer, that which has hitherto been considered as a flower, is now well known to be a real animal. Thus, each order of creatures arrives at its perfection, by innumerable gradations. The more we multiply observations, the more we shall be convinced, that we cannot exactly determine the bounds of the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms; and that, among most creatures, there is more conformity than dissimilarity found: at least, we are sure, that the bounds which separate the most perfect creatures, from those which are least so, are imperceptible to such limited understandings as ours. What has been said should convince us, that the world, and all the creatures which it contains, are the work of an Infinite Intelligence: and so much harmony, and so many differences; so much variety, and at the same time, so much uniformity, could not proceed but from the Almighty, Omniscient, and infinitely Good Being, who has created the universe, and all that exists. Let us raise our hearts to him: let us Difference between Plants and Animals. go from stone to plant, from plant to beast, from beast to man, and from man to angels: then dart up to that infinite Being, the Incomprehensible, Omnipresent Creator of heaven and earth; the Preserver of plants, the Protector of animals, the Father of men, the King of angels. Measure, measure if you can, his grandeur!-endeavour to fathom the abyss of his wisdom! "Most holy God! created beings are too weak to understand thy works! they are immense: and in order to comprehend them, we must be, what is impossible, infinite, like thyself!" Therefore, the less capable we are of conceiving how extensive thy wisdom is, the more we should endeavour to meditate upon thy grandeur, and to imitate thy goodness to the utmost of our power. We see, that no creature is destitute of the gracious care of the Supreme Being: that care is extended to the stone and to the plant, as well as to animals and to men. In his sight there is (in some respects) no distinction. His mercy is over all his works. In this respect, also, let us endeavour to imitate our Maker. We occupy, it is true, a distinguished rank among created beings; but let us take heed, that we be not cruel and tyrannical towards those creatures, which appear to have received less prerogatives than we have. Let us rather enjoy, with gratitude and moderation, all those creatures, which God has granted us for our use; to the end, that in all things God may be glorified through Christ Jesus: to whom belong honour, praise, and thanksgiving, for ever and ever! MARCH XIV. UNIFORMITY AND VARIETY IN THE WORKS OF NATURE. THE sky above us, and the earth under our feet, continue the same from age to age. Nevertheless, they exhibit from time to time, spectacles, as varied as they are magnificent. Sometimes the sky is covered with clouds; at other times it is serene; sometimes blue, at others painted with different colours. The darkness of the night, and the brightness of the day; the blazing light of the sun, and the pale light of the moon, succeed each other regularly. The immeasurable space of heaven appears sometimes a desert, at others, strewed with an infinite number of stars! To how many changes and revolutions is our earth subject! For some months it is unadorned and uniform, the severity of the winter having robbed it of its beauty; by and by, the spring comes, and renews its appearance; summer shews it to us still more rich and beautiful; and, in a few months, autumn shall cause it to pour into our bosom, fruit of every descrip tion. There is also a great variety between one country and another. Here, a flat level country presents plains, the beauties and limits of which, the eye cannot take in there, high mountains, covered with forests elevate themselves; and at their feet, fertile vallies, watered with brooks and rivers. Here gulphs and precipices; there, lakes and stagnant waters; farther on, impetuous torrents. On all sides, we perceive a |