if their tastes and dispositions did not lead them to embrace different kinds of life, and to adopt different views; if there was not such a diversity of genius, and such a variety of talent; such a difference of opinion respecting beauty, riches, and every other exterior circumstance; human society would have no charms to interest, no pleasures to invite, but would present one constant assemblage of uniform sterility. No class of men can live isolated from the rest; and each country has its peculiar advantages, which, if common to all, would do away the necessity of the connexion and commerce at present so essential to the interest and convenience of each. In short, wherever we cast our view we see nothing but harmony and beautiful proportion. Notwithstanding the infinite variety of creatures, and the frequent interruption of some of the laws of nature, every thing in this immense universe is beautiful, and arranged with that regular proportion and admirable perfection which produce the greatest possible good to the creation.

Let us then adore and exalt the great Author of nature, and, whilst we contemplate the glory and magnificence of his works, sing his praises with the gratitude of an overflowing heart! The greatest proofs, and the most pleasing employment, of reason, is to admire the wisdom of God; and though the most profound investigations can penetrate through a very small part of the glory which shrouds the works of Omniscience, and the most that we can know is little in comparison of what is concealed from our view, we yet discover sufficient to convince us that the perfection of God is infinite, and his power and goodness without bounds; and may he graciously

condescend more and more to remove the film from our eyes, that we may acknowledge him in all his works, and feel in ourselves a degree of that divine peace and ineffable love with which he governs the universe and arranges the spheres!

APRIL XXII.

Of the constituent Parts of Water.

WHEN we drink water, if we suppose that we are partaking of a pure and simple element, we are deceived; for naturalists affirm that each drop of water is a little world, in which the four elements and the three kingdoms of nature are united. There is scarcely any water that does not contain much heterogeneous matter, which is readily discovered when the water is either distilled or filtered: and however incredible this may appear, it is sufficiently proved by the most exact and accurate experiments.

Besides its elementary parts, water contains different earthy particles; such, for example, as belong to the mineral kingdom; as calcareous earths, nitre, and other salts. This will appear less remarkable if we consider how many earthy particles the water must meet with and dissolve in its course, or carry along with it. Water also contains an inflammable principle, which becomes manifest when in a state of corruption; and it contains a large portion of air, which is manifested during ebullition. It possesses heat, which keeps it in its fluid state; for when deprived of its caloric it is congealed, becomes heavy, and acquires the hardness of stone. Thus common water contains earth, salts, hydrogen or inflammable gas, heat, and air; which proves the truth of the assertion, that all the elements are united in a single drop of water.

But are plants and animals found in it? It certainly contains the principles of vegetation; since all plants derive from water their most nutritive juices, and are indebted to it for their growth and increase. As to the animal kingdom, there is abundant evidence of its existing in water; to say nothing of the fish

and other aquatic animals with which it is peopled, there is not a single drop of water which has not inhabitants perceptible through the microscope; and we well know the facility with which insects are propagated in stagnant waters, the germ of which must have previously existed in the water, though certain circumstances might have prevented their develop

ment.

The consideration of all these particulars should lead us to reflect upon the wise providence of the Creator, who has not by chance formed the waters of so many parts. Were it purely simple, it might perhaps make the most pure beverage; but its medicinal virtues would be lost. From the great nutriment which it affords to plants, we may naturally suppose that it yields some of the nutritious properties it contains to men and animals; and though in itself it · may not be very nutritious, it tends to the more perfect solution of our aliment, and to distribute it more readily through the minuter vessels. It is found to be the most wholesome beverage, and one which we cannot do without; the salutary effects of which are often felt when every other drink is prejudicial.

How grateful then ought we to be to God, whose goodness has so amply provided for our necessities! He has prepared for us that kind of food and drink which is fittest for our nature, and the most beneficial to our comfort and health; and he has imparted a salutary virtue to the most ordinary and indispensable means of subsistence. Let us therefore praise God for the water which he has given to allay our thirst, and digest our food; and though we should have nothing but bread and water for our sustenance, let us endeavour to be contented and grateful. Let us implore the blessing of God on what we eat, and ask grace to use it with a cheerful and contented mind.

APRIL XXIII.

Propagation of Plants.

VEGETABLES are in general propagated from seed, and in most plants the flowers produce the seeds which are to continue and preserve their fertility. Almost all flowers are folded within a bud, where they are secretly formed, being defended by their tunics and external leaves. When the sap begins to flow abundantly at the beginning of spring, the blossom swells, the bud expands, the tunics open and fall off, leaving the flower in naked beauty. We perceive on the outside some very small leaves of different colours, which serve to defend the organs of fructification, and probably to prepare the nutritious juice which enters those parts. It is however in the centre of the flower that we discover the organs of fructification. We find there a filament or stem, called pistil, which, particularly in tulips, rises pretty high; round the pistil are the stamina, capped with tops which contain a prolific dust, tinged of various hues. These stamina may be considered as the proper male organs destined to impregnate the germs, and the pistil the female part which receives the fertilising dust.

Vegetables are also propagated by grafts. From the tender branch of a tree, when in sap, they detach an eye, or beginning of a branch, with a part of the bark, and insert it between the bark and the wood of another tree, and bind up the whole very gently, by passing flax or some soft cord several times round it. From this there proceeds a branch of the same nature with the tree from which the eye was first taken, although the tree in which it is inserted be of a quite different sort.

Trees and other woody plants are propagated by slips: thus, for instance, a slip is taken from a willow,

which, after being stripped of its small sprigs, is deposited in the ground; roots soon proceed from those places where branches had begun to appear, and in time it becomes a tree.

Another way of propagating vegetables is by means of roots; but these should have eyes, or they will not grow. Some plants shoot forth long filaments in all directions, which have knots or eyes; these extend their fibres in the ground, which become so many new feet that may be separated from each other, and then form new plants. A bulbous root is a species of eye in which the rudiments of the future plant are enclosed, and between its leaves are little bulbs or eyes, which enable the plant to be propagated by the leaves to which these bulbs are attached.

What a variety of causes are requisite for the production, preservation, and propagation of vegetables! Granting that the germs already existed, what art is required to effect their development, to give growth to the plant, to preserve it when arrived at maturity, and to perpetuate its species! How fruitful a mother must the earth be, in whose bosom so many tender plants are cherished and derive their nutriment! Water, which also contributes to their support, must be composed of all those particles, the assemblage of which favours the germination of plants. The sun must put all these in motion, and cause the seeds to germinate and the fruits to be matured, by the vivifying influence of his heat.

It was necessary to establish a proper balance and a just proportion between plants, that on the one hand they might not multiply too fast, and on the other that there might always be a sufficient abundance. It was requisite that the texture, vessels, fibres, and every part of the plant, should be so disposed that the sap might penetrate them, circulate, and be so prepared and digested, that the plant might receive its proper form, size, and strength. It was necessary to determine exactly what plants should spring up of