LENGTH OF THE YEAR. 33

seen that their periodical constitution derives its
use from the periodical nature of the motions of
the planets round the sun; and that the duration
of such cycles in the existence of plants and
animals has a reference to the arbitrary elements
of the solar system : a reference which, we main-
tain, is inexplicable and unintelligible, except by
admitting into our conceptions an Intelligent Au-
thor, alike of the organic and inorganic universe.

CHAPTER II.

T/ze Length, qft/ze Day.

WE shall now consider another astronomical ele-
ment, the time of the revolution of the earth on
its axis; and we shall find here also that the
structure of organized bodies are suited to this
element ;---that the cosmical and physiological
arrangements are adapted to each other.

‘Ve can very easily conceive the earth to re-
volve on her axis faster or slower than she does,
and thus the days to be longer or shorter than
they are, Without supposing any other change to
take place. There is no apparent reason why
this globe should turn on its axis just three
hundred and sixty-six times while it describes
its orbit round the sun. The revolutions of the

other planets, so far as we know them, do not
1)