DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18825#0130
104 PROPORTIONS OF THE HEAD. [lECT. V.
what seems as one eye in those insects, when exa-
mined by the microscope, proves to be a collection
of eyes, each perfect in its kind, and furnished with
distinct nerves. The Cameleon has only two eyes ;
yet by moving them forward or backward, or in con-
trary directions at once, he surveys all around him.
I have with admiration observed one of these crea-
tures looking steadily at me with one eye, with the
other watching another person over his back, when
having changed his situation rapidly to view his al-
teration of colours, his eyes have discovered their
most surprising powers. The towering Eagle is pro-
verbial for possessing a strength of sight which is not
injured by soaring amid the brightest beams of the
splendid luminary : (this bird, and he is not singu-
lar in this, is provided with a kind of membrane,
which he draws over his eye, to defend it from the
effects of too much light) while on the other hand,
how greatly inferior are some animals ! what should
be the visual organs of the Mole, are so pain-
fully affected by light, when exposed to it, that
the creature instantly seeks shelter in the earth.
We often say, we know not the worth of our pos-
sessions till deprived of them. Shall we take our
estimate of the value of Sight from the lamenta-
tion of one who had lost it ?
Seasons return, but not to me returns
Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn,
Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose,
Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine;
But cloud instead, and ever-during dark
Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men
Cut
what seems as one eye in those insects, when exa-
mined by the microscope, proves to be a collection
of eyes, each perfect in its kind, and furnished with
distinct nerves. The Cameleon has only two eyes ;
yet by moving them forward or backward, or in con-
trary directions at once, he surveys all around him.
I have with admiration observed one of these crea-
tures looking steadily at me with one eye, with the
other watching another person over his back, when
having changed his situation rapidly to view his al-
teration of colours, his eyes have discovered their
most surprising powers. The towering Eagle is pro-
verbial for possessing a strength of sight which is not
injured by soaring amid the brightest beams of the
splendid luminary : (this bird, and he is not singu-
lar in this, is provided with a kind of membrane,
which he draws over his eye, to defend it from the
effects of too much light) while on the other hand,
how greatly inferior are some animals ! what should
be the visual organs of the Mole, are so pain-
fully affected by light, when exposed to it, that
the creature instantly seeks shelter in the earth.
We often say, we know not the worth of our pos-
sessions till deprived of them. Shall we take our
estimate of the value of Sight from the lamenta-
tion of one who had lost it ?
Seasons return, but not to me returns
Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn,
Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose,
Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine;
But cloud instead, and ever-during dark
Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men
Cut