"WE have here a large family of animals, in every particular respect curiously contrived, and made for that especial posture, place, food, and office or business which they obtain in the world. So that, if we consider their own particular happiness and good, or man's use and service, or if we view them throughout, and consider the parts wherein they agree with man or those especially wherein they differ, we shall find all to be so far from being things fortuitous, undesigned, or any way accidental, that everything is done for the best; all wisely contrived and incomparably fitted up, and every way worthy of the great Creator. And he that will shut his eyes, and not see God in these his works, even of the poor beasts of the earth, that will not say as Elihu hath it, 'Where is God my maker, who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?' (Job xxxv. 10, 11;) of such an one we may use the Psalmist's expression, 'That he is like the beasts that perish.' (Psalm xlix. 12.)"-Physico-Theology, by the Rev. W. Derham, F.R.S.

1712.

THERE are no fewer than twelve species of BATS known as natives of Great Britain; and, if these curious creatures could be more easily caught, it is likely that some other kinds of the same family would be found to belong to this country. They are classed among British quadrupeds; but are unlike any quadrupeds, inasmuch as they are formed for the purpose of very rapid flight. One of the old English names, however, for the Bat-Flittermouse, which signifies " flittering, or flying mouse," gives the idea of a quadruped.

The length of the head and body of the common Bat is rather less than two inches; while the extent of its wings is upwards of eight inches. It has a quick and flitting motion, chasing through the air the gnats and

B

other insects upon which it feeds. Sleeping during the day in the most retired places, in the hollows of trees, or hanging by its claws from the bark, or concealing itself in ruined buildings, or in the roofs of ancient churches, it avoids the glare of daylight; but when the shades of evening come on, and hunger tempts the timid animal from its lurking-place, it is brisk and lively. In winter these remarkable creatures are in a torpid state. They crowd together in vast numbers under the roofs of houses and churches, or in caverns, holding not only by the walls or ceilings of their dwelling, but by each other; being collected so closely together that it would seem scarcely possible for so many to be contained in so small a space.

The Bat is spoken of in Scripture as one of the unclean * animals ; and the prophet Isaiah, in the chapter in which he "prophesieth the coming of Christ's kingdom," says, "In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats."† These words may be applied at the present time to the diffusion of the light of the gospel among heathen nations.

THIS animal is often found in hedges; its head and face are shaped like a hog; and hence it has received its name. Its length from the tip of its snout to the end of its tail is between nine and ten inches. Its body is covered above and at the sides with sharp prickles, about an inch long, which protect it from cruel dogs, and sometimes from more cruel boys. When this poor harmless creature finds danger to be near, it folds itself up into a kind of ball; and then the enraged dog may fly at it, and bark, and roll it about with his paws; but the armour which its Maker has given it generally keeps it from harm.