hive is one of the finest sights a lover of nature can ever have. We cannot tire contemplating that laboratory,where millions of artificers are employed in different works. We are in a continual state of surprise on seeing their order and regularity; and particularly in those magazines so plentifully furnished with all that is necessary for the subsistence of the society in winter. What merits our attention more than all the rest, is, the indefatigable application and uninterrupted labours of this little republic. The bees give us an example of industry and activity, which is not only uncom. mon, but perhaps has not its equal. They appear as soon as winter is over, even when it might still be feared that the cold would hurt them, and benumb their delicate limbs. When the juices of the flowers which begin to blow have not yet been sufficiently digested by the sun, so as to furnish honey in plenty, the bees still gather some little for their food. But their cares and activity redouble very evidently during spring and summer. They do all they can; and despise not small profits, provided they can only increase a little their provisions. In the building of their cells, they are so indefatigable,that we are assured that a honey-comb of double cells, back to back, such as three thousand bees can lodge in, is dispatched in twenty-four hours. This whole work is divided amongst the members of the republic. While some of the bees are gathering the wax, preparing it, and filling the magazines, others are employed in different works. Some take the wax, and make use of it to build their cells; others knead it, polish, and purify it; others gather the honey from the flowers, and lay it in the hive for their daily subsistence, and for future occasions. Others close, with a covering of wax, the cells in which they keep their winter provisions of honey. Some carry food to their young, and close with wax the cells of the little ones, that are near the

time of transformation, to prevent their being disturbed in working their way out. Some closely stop up, with a sort of bird lime, all the chinks and holes in the hive; and cover all the weak places, that neither the wind nor little insects may find entrance. Some drag out of the hive dead bodies which might infect them; or, if these dead bodies are too heavy to be carried away, they cover them over with bird lime or wax, and cement them in such a manner, that, in corrupting under that crust, they cannot occasion any bad smell. But it is not enough to admire the activity of these little creatures: it ought to give us emulation, and serve us as a model, considering the proportion between us. We have many more motives for diligence than those insects. We have an immortal soul of inestimable value. With what application ought we to labour for its happiness, and to avoid what might lead to its total ruin! What is more calculated to excite us to activity and indefatigable diligence, than the considering, that the fruit of our labours does not merely extend to a few days and years, but to eternity itself? The bee gathers honey, not only for herself, but for her superiors; whereas, in applying ourselves to wisdom, we labour for ourselves, and we gather fruits for everlasting life. Let us, therefore, never be slothful or idle in. doing good; but let us acquit ourselves of the duties of life with zeal and fidelity.

MAY XII.

How Providence has provided Food for Animals.

FROM the elephant to the mite, there is no earthly animal which can live without food and nourishment; from the eagle to the gnat, no bird can do without it; from the leviathan to the

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smallest worm, no reptile can subsist without eating; from the whale to the oyster, there is no animal in the waters to which food is not necessary. But, in forming these creatures thus, God has at the same time ordained, that there should always be an abundant great variety proper for their sustenance. As many species of animals as there are, so many sorts of food are there for them. There is no beast on earth that does not find the food adapted to its nature. We may, this respect,divide animals into three chief classes. The first comprehends those that feed on the flesh of others some, like the lion, love only the quadrupeds; others, birds, as the polecat; others, again, only fish, like the otter; and, lastly, some love only insects, as several of the birds do. There are some exceptions in all these; but, in general, it is certain that each species has its particular food designed for it by the Creator. The second class includes the animals which seek their food amongst vegetables. Some animals prefer grass; others, fruit trees; and, amongst those which love the same plant, there is still a very remarkable difference. Some only feed on the root, others on the leaf;, some love the stalk or body of the plant; others the marrow or seed, or the whole fruit; there are some also which eat the whole plant. Those that feed on minerals belong to the third class; they are mostly insects; and it is rather difficult amongst them to ascer. tain what food such and such sort in particular require; because those little animals cannot be so easily observed as others. It is known, how. ever, that some of them feed on earth, others on stones. And if we consider that there is scarce any beast or plant, which does not serve as food to some animal, we shall easily conceive that it must be the same in respect to the mineral kingdom; and that there is nothing there which does not serve directly or indirectly as food for some

insect. I here comprehend the words of David: "The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord, and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and fillest all things living with plenteousness." The cares of Divine Providence are evident proofs of that eternal goodness which extends over the whole universe. Reflect on the prodigious number of ani mals which exist. How many millions of species of birds and insects, and how many hundred mil lions of each sort! IIow many millions of animals live in all parts of the earth! How many hundred millions of each kind find dwelling and food in the forests, the fields, the mountains, and valleys, in the caves and hollow parts of rocks, upon trees, and in trees, in turf, in stones, &c. What innumerable shoals inhabit the ocean! What immense numbers of fish swim in the sea, and in rivers! All these creatures find their daily food. How inexpressible the multitude! How astonishing the variety of insects which every. where surround us, millions of millions repeated! Insects in the air, in plants, in animals, in stones; insects in other insects! All of them constantly find their daily food. How infinitely also does the wisdom of the Creator shine forth, in his manner of providing for all these animals! He gives them all the food fit for them, and adapted to their nature; for each kind of food does not indifferently suit all animals: a particular sort is required for quadrupeds; another for birds; others still for fish and insects. This distribution of food is a means wisely ordained by the Creator, to afford sufficient food for each species of animals, and to prevent any of the sustenance, which the earth produces, from being useless. But if God so provides for animals void of reason, what will he not do for man! Such is the conclusion we may and ought to draw, from seeing the plan of Divine Providence, which gives to all the beasts of the earth

every thing necessary for their support. Oh man of little faith! anxious, restless, discontented man! go and reflect on the goodness with which the Lord sustains the lives of animals; and let that teach you to be content, and trust in God. Be hold the birds in the air; the fallow-deer on the rocks, and in caves; the fish in the sea; the animals in the fields and in the forests; every thing finds food and habitation fit for it. Great in the smallest things, as well as in the largest, God does not disdain or neglect the lowest worm. it possible, then, that man alone should not be the object of his paternal care?

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MAY XIII.

The Senses of Animals.

IN all animals the organs of the senses are disposed in a manner conformable to their nature and design. It is by their means, that they take in knowledge of objects, either near or distant, and that they are enabled to provide necessaries, and to guard against dangers. By the feeling, animals form an idea of corporeal objects, as soon as they touch them. This sense, in beasts, as well as in mankind, has its seat under the outward skin, the extremities of which are covered with a multitude of nerves and sinews. It cannot be exactly ascertained what revolutions the feeling goes through in the greater number of beasts. It is even doubtful if insects are not endowed with another sense, and if their horns may not be organs of an unknown sense which men are entirely deprived of. Birds, fish, serpents, and some other animals, appear not to have it. The organs of taste are principally the tongue and the palate, which receive the impressions of relish; but the papille are the immediate instruments of it, as likeVol. I.