The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-08-28

Is THE EARTH AN ANIMAL At is refresh
ing, in these days of party excitement, to find
some writer discussing subject that has no
connexion whatever with either of the Pres-
Dental candidates that does not allude to the
fishery question, or venture upon the Lohos
Islands. The clever article below is from the
knickerbocker, for September. 1t takes a
wider range than any Of the vexed questions
we have mentioned for it embraces the whole
earth-contending that the planet on which
we live and move is an animal We have
never before seen this sub ect agitated, and
prefer to lay it by for further consideration be-
fore committing ourselves.
The concluding portion of the extract is very
pretty, and is an agreeable change from the
gaiety OF the introduction.
A clever correspondent argues very ineeni-
ously to prove that That the Earth is an An
imal,' and he thinks 1T will go nigh to be
thought SO, shordy.' Some of his arguments
in favor of this conclusion are amusing. For
example sWhat have we, then as regards the
Earth A mass of water, enveloped in a crust
of rock-a big baby in its swaddling clothes
Volcanic agencies; rains, fits, commissions,
ID,
way from its birth If the Earth were moi
alive, how could it furnish life to so many NV
RAIDS of exisiences, of so many myriad kinds
The mothers breast, unless warmed by life.
could no longer furnish nutriment to the in,
FAINT how then could the Earth, unless If
were alive? Answer us that, my masters -
A second argument is, that the Earth is hinge
feeder, great drinker, aud that it is very often
sick. Ii over-loads its stomach with wilted
vegetables every autumn, and has either chlls
or levers the whole year round. Moreover, it
Is It's own cook; the game is often too high
and half the time the fire plays the deuce in the
culinary department: SO that everything is
either under.done or over-done, at different sea-
sons. The third argument is very strong
one. The Earth is fond of dress;' choosing.
now the gayest colors, now a subdued ward.
rooe, ana again contentlng itself with a plain
"nlte mantle but II has an entire new ward.
robe every year, even to the smallest upd.r.
garment. The Earth is its own tailor as we'll
as its own cook. 1t is fond of amusements
too; has Its operas, with its magnificent scene.
ny, and performances OF the first order of excel.
ienc e.: .Douhtiess the songs of those bright
spheres that so bedeck the sky NAV he hesr
by the Earth, III il choose but listen: indeed
Earth herself may be performer in the same
opera, and shine forth every night prims
donna in the scene. How delightful No ex-
ecrable numbering OF time no fiddles no
crowding and jsmming ; no hot. suffocating
rooms no getting on fire no 'hi-hi's = no
peanuts and above all, nothing to paw at the
door. There is no door But listen to the
conclusion for not long in light vein can he
continue, who speaks the visible handiwork
Of the Almighty
If what we can see be so sublimely beauti-
fol, what tongue shall dare TO speak of that
mighty song which shall be heard when all
sons of God shall shout together for joy, and
the voices that 60 through the sky shall call
from star unto star! And when the beautifully
tinted curtain in the west--a new one every
night, often most gorgeously painted, and
beautiful beyond the power of words-is drawn
aside, how quiet the scene how solemnly it
oil proceeds-how brighter than the loyelicsl
dream that ever visited poets sIumbers
All i is such scene as this that wits.
pers to the heart, in tones too clear and strong
TO be unheard, the name Of Him who framed il
thus beautiful and holy! And not il alone,
but worlds on worlds; farther than eye can