of the varied appearance of the nebulæ may be, that such a series resembles not the assemblage of young and old trees of the same species in a forest, (which we see, and are told by our forefathers, change their proportions from the seedling to the stag-headed timber tree), but a herbarium, containing a classified collection of all the plants in the same forest, from the mould-fungus to the oak, arranged each in its proper place in the series, but by no means losing its character for permanence, in consequence of that arrangement. If the nebular theory falls to the ground (as we may assume it has fallen), will not the arguments for gradually-progressive physical organic changes in other departments of nature, and which are mainly supported by the analogy of the nebulæ as the first grand step in Creation,-will not those arguments be greatly weakened by Lord Rosse's resolution of many hitherto unyielding nebula ? The only apology that is offered for this tedious preamble, is that it seemed desirable to show that what may be called crotchets have not been entertained without some shadow of reason. An abler writer than the present, with equal practical study, could easily make the ground taken far more tenable. It may be difficult to explain all points connected with his position in the argument, but the advocates of progression are defied to prove the accuracy of theirs, minutely, and step by step. Let them carry out their theory; let them use synthesis as a test of their analysis; let them make us a new species, by combination strictly evidenced, not by importation, nor by a constant interdashing of foreign blood. This will have a far more convincing effect than to go on working laboriously at mere hypotheses, and requiring the opposing counsel to bear the burthen of proving a negative. CRINGLEFORD, ORNAMENTAL POULTRY. PEA-FOWL. "Were it known, that a paradise or a humming-bird could be seen alive in any of our zoological gardens,-birds which, however beautiful, sink into insignificance before this,-half London would flock to see them; nay, if one of those monstrous abortions-a double-headed chicken, which we have more than once read of could have been fed and reared, the owner would have made his fortune! Thus does curiosity, in minds essentially vulgar, predominate over the lasting sense of beauty; and the glories of the visible heavens, no less than the splendours of the peacock, are passed with indifference by unreflecting millions, because both are every-day sights."-SWAINSON. So charming is the perfect combination of grace and splendour displayed by these most lovely creatures, so excellent is their flesh, so hardy are they in their adult state, that, were it not for certain inconveniences attendant upon keeping them, and also, perhaps, for the indifference with which everything not rare is apt to be regarded by us, they would be sought after as nevertiring objects wherewith to gratify the sense of sight. Who does not remember the thrill of delight with which, in childhood, he first gazed upon their brilliant gorgeousness ? Peacocks and gold fill our youthful imaginations as fit elements of the magnificence of Solomon; and no fable more fitly chose its decorations than that which attached these feathered gems, in association with the many-coloured Iris, to the train of imperial Juno. Even B |