Wonders of God's Creation: Volume 4

One whose faith is in the Lord cannot help but be aware of Satan's effort to promote the false teaching of evolution. What is the purpose of his doing so?

It is his evil way to defy the Bible, which, incidentally, warns against such teachings, saying: "Be not carried about with [different] and strange doctrines: for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with [things] which have not profited them that have been occupied therein" (Heb. 13:9).

The Bible also tells us, "All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds" (1 Cor. 15:39), and this plainly means that human beings could never have "evolved" from monkeys and apes.

The purpose of this book is to bring before you a few interesting examples of God's creation, and we hope you will enjoy the illustrations and accompanying Bible verses.

We hope, too, that you know the Lord Jesus as your Savior and will soon be with all the redeemed in heaven itself, singing together, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11).

S. R. Gill

Sky, Land and Sea: Chapter 1

"And God said, Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together... and let the dry land appear.... And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night." Gen. 1:9,14

Gazing Skyward

"He telleth [knows] the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power" (Psa. 147:4-5).

The darker the night the better we can see the stars, all of them vast distances away-some, hundreds of trillions of miles away. King David enjoyed gazing at them and wrote: "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psa. 19:1). Don't you enjoy them, too?

How strange that some people try to figure out how the starry skies came into being when the answer is found in many places in the Bible, one of which says, "The worlds [stars] were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Heb. 11:3). The stars came into being at God's command!

Astronomers admit they have not been able to find an end to the starry skies and are increasingly amazed at what they discover with modern instruments. They report that the galaxy called the Milky Way (of which our world is a very tiny part) has an estimated 200 billion stars in it, and that there are another 800 million galaxies-probably more-with a total number of stars so large that it is impossible for our minds to grasp the number. Yet, as our opening Bible verse tells us, God knows the exact number of stars. And even more amazing, He has a name for each one of them! Actually, there is no point in our trying to count them, for God Himself declared, "The host of heaven cannot be numbered [by man]" (Jer. 33:22). We are also told that "one star differeth from another star in glory [beauty]" (1 Cor. 15:41). No two are alike. What pleasure our blessed God must have had when He stretched "out the heavens like a curtain" (Psa. 104:2).

Here is an example of how the Creator made each star different from all others. Earth's diameter is 7926 miles, which may be compared with the star Betelgeuse's diameter of 215,000,000 miles, and the star Aurigae's diameter of 390,000,000 miles. Our sun, over 92,000,000 miles away from Earth, is 860,000 miles in diameter, or more than 100 times Earth's size. If we were to compare others within reach of telescopes, we would be astounded to discover what great differences the Creator has made in all of them.

It has been calculated that, if it were possible, our fastest spaceship traveling from Earth would take 40,000 years to reach the star known as Alpha Centaura, which is 26 trillion (26,000,000,000,000) miles away from us. This certainly makes our present space shuttle explorations seem terribly puny!

Yet, for all these great distances which boggle the minds of astronomers, the Creator has each heavenly body under His constant gaze and keeps each one in its proper orbit. Only He could make them, place them in their orbits in space, and keep them in order. As the hymn sung by Sunday school children states so well, "Isn't He wonderful!"

The arrow shows the position of our solar system in the Milky Way.

An Exciting Sight

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork" (Psa. 19:1).

Those who have had the experience of watching a shooting star streak toward the earth have found it exciting. Actually there are thousands heading our way most of the time, but they are only visible in the dark hours.

Shooting stars are more correctly known as meteors. They begin usually as broken or burned-off particles of comets streaming through space. Countless numbers of them eventually group together in what is called a meteoroid swarm, and when their orbits through space bring them near the earth, some are pulled away from the group by the earth's gravity. Although invisible until they enter our atmosphere, the friction of passing through air causes them to burn at white heat. This provides an outstanding streak of fire in the sky for just a brief moment. During that time most break and burn up completely before reaching the ground.

There are regular periods of these displays, which usually occur from midnight to six o'clock in the morning. Late July is one period, as well as early August, late October and the first week of January. (The meteor shower called Quadrantid is due January 3 every year.) Of course it's necessary to be away from bright lights to see them really well. And it's no use looking for them on a cloudy, rainy or foggy night, or even when a full moon is high in the sky.

It is estimated that thousands of tons of meteors enter the earth's atmosphere every year, and in just one of these displays there may be 200,000 or more visible in a six-hour period. It is quite common for a person to be able to see as many as 150 in an hour.

Larger ones, weighing five pounds or more, are sometimes involved, producing a much brighter display than the small ones. Some of these do land on the earth without completely burning up. Then they are called meteorites. They rarely result in any damage as most land in ocean waters, or deserts, forests, mountains, etc. Many museums have some on exhibit which were brought to them by hikers.

In a few instances some have been found that weighed several tons. Near Winslow, Arizona, a historic spot named Meteor Crater is a place where one of these landed long before Columbus arrived in America. The meteor itself is apparently buried deep in the ground, but has left behind it a huge crater that is well worth seeing.

Many things call our attention to the wonderful creation of the Lord God-so many we can never know them all. But perhaps in heaven He will unveil them, one by one, to those who will be there with Him.

Astronomers admit they don't have any idea how many stars there are, but the Bible tells us the Lord "telleth [counts] the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names" (Psa. 147:4). He has told those who love Him that He is their "bright and morning star" who will soon be coming for them. Will you be included?

Beauty in a Snowflake

Great things doeth He [God], which we cannot comprehend. For He saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth" (Job 37:5-6).

People in warm climates are often thankful they do not have to experience winter. But one thing many of them miss is the beauty of a snow-covered landscape when ugly scars on the earth are covered over with a soft, white blanket of snow and everything outdoors takes on a new beauty.

Millions of tons of snow fall over large areas each year. It fills us with wonder when we stop to realize that all that snow is entirely composed of delicate, beautifully designed snowflakes, one of which would scarcely cover your little fingernail. And such beautiful designs! People who study and photograph them continually find to their amazement that no two are alike.

With few exceptions, snowflakes are always six-sided. Sometimes the six sides are flat and straight, but more frequently they have six beautifully designed arms coming out from a circle forming a common center having its own design. Each spear- like arm matches the others on the same flake, but, as mentioned above, no two flakes have been found that are exactly alike. A scientist who made photographs of more than 400,000 snowflakes showed in his pictures that this was truly so. Isn't that amazing! No one but the Lord God, their Creator, could design so many.

Snowflakes form in the clouds, starting as tiny specks of dust surrounded by little drops of water and changing into flakes as freezing air blows on them. As they fall many collide, changing the shapes from which they started, and arriving on earth with sometimes less than six sides, or becoming long and narrow. But, together with the unchanged ones, each has its part in forming the snowy landscapes that attract skiers, tobogganers and photographers.

Even more important, the snow on mountains, getting deeper with each snowfall, is held in the cold temperatures of these high places until hot summer months. Then a gradual melting releases snow in the form of water into streams and rivers to supply necessary moisture to forests, meadows, gardens, etc., in the lower areas-wise planning of the Creator of all things.

In the Bible there is a lovely verse which says, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isa. 1:18). By "reasoning together" we learn that the Lord Jesus died on the cross to wash away our sins, and that by confessing ourselves to be sinners and accepting His offer to be our Savior, we are saved.

If He is not your Savior yet, He invites you to come to Him right now and He will accept you as one of His own, making your sins "as white as snow" in His sight.

Roots Are Important

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him; rooted and built up in Him" (Col. 2:6-7).

"Yum, yum! This peach is so good-sweet and juicy. I want another one." Did you ever say something like this? How do you suppose all that flavor and juiciness gets into a peach? Someone might answer: "Through the sunshine." That's partly right, because all plants need light. But there is something else that is important, and that is the roots. Hidden in soil, they give nourishment to the parts of the plant that we see. Roots are an important wonder of God's creation in providing for our needs.

In turning to Gen. 2:7, we read: "And the Lord God formed man of the dust [soil] of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life." When God chose rich soil to form the first man, we may be sure He was planning ahead to care for his needs as well as for all of us. Adam's body, created with all the important minerals, nutrients and moisture of that very soil, could continue to live. His hunger would be satisfied from plants. Fruits, vegetables, seeds and plants themselves would supply these important things from the soil-by way of the roots.

This is why our title reads, "Roots Are Important." It is through the hidden roots that these important minerals and nutrients are taken from the soil and passed on to the parts of plants that we eat.

Not all food grows above ground. Instead of sending all minerals and nutrients into the parts of the plant above ground, some roots store them. Many of these roots are good to eat-carrots, radishes, beets, potatoes and others.

God's creation, of course, has many growing things not meant for eating. Even a little blade of grass depends on a root, as do huge redwood and sequoia trees that grow as high as 300 feet above ground. If you could dig all the dirt away from the base of most large trees, you would find the roots spread out from the trunk at least as far as the overhead branches extend. You have probably noticed how strong roots of shade trees often crack and raise pieces of cement sidewalks several inches. Even small roots will sometimes break stones apart.

In Psa. 1 a man who delights in the word of the Lord is "like a tree planted by the rivers of water." Just as tree roots get needed water from the river, so we get our spiritual food from God's Word, the Bible. In Eph. 3:17 we learn that when Christ lives in our hearts by faith, we are "rooted and grounded in love." Is your life rooted in the love of the Lord Jesus? Are you getting your daily food from His Word?

The World's Oldest Living Things

"I the Lord have... made the dry tree to flourish: I the Lord have spoken and have done it" (Ezek. 17:24).

Bristlecone pine trees, gnarled and weather-worn, are considered the oldest living things in the world. Many started growing as long as 4000 to 5000 years ago-some before the great pyramids of Egypt were built, others while the Israelites were crossing the desert. While some bristlecones are 100 feet or more tall, many are short and stubby, and each has a beauty of its own.

How do they survive in the mountains of California and Mexico at heights of 10,000 feet or more, where summers are extremely hot and winter storms bring subzero temperatures and fierce windstorms? A strong root system, clinging to patches of soil in the hard and rocky areas, is part of the answer.

Their tough, waxy needles help them survive as well. Where bristle-cones grow there is not much rainfall, but the Creator supplies some of their moisture requirements another way. At that high altitude summer fog and clouds blow over them. Enough tiny droplets of water collect on the needles to form drops that fall to the ground, providing moisture for the roots. The needles also prevent snow from piling up and breaking the branches. When the load gets too heavy they bend down and the snow slides off. As this snow melts, it gives further moisture to the roots. The needles also contain protective poison so that birds and animals stay away from them.

Older trees, and some younger ones, have survived lightning and severe storms that have killed sections of the trees, leaving some dead trunks and limbs alongside the living green ones-the dead sections actually sheltering the living. Over the years these dead sections have become polished, gnarled and twisted by severe weather, resulting in natural beauty. A visitor observing one of these ancient trees cannot help but wonder at their long survival under such conditions.

Bristlecones begin life as a seed dropped from a cone, that was perhaps blown from the parent tree and taking root in a sheltered bit of soil some distance away. Their rate of growth is so slow that the tiniest tree growing now is likely many, many times older than the person looking at it. While young they are usually straight and upright, but wind, rain and snow have made many of them bent and weathered while still small.

When we consider the beauty and majesty of these trees that God has created, we can understand the meaning of the Bible verse that says: "Let them praise the name of the Lord: for He commanded and they were created... mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars [related to the bristlecones]" (Psa. 148:5,9).

The Grand Saguaro - a Desert Giant

"Blessed be the Lord God... and let the whole earth be filled with His glory" (Psa. 72:18-19).

In parts of Arizona and New Mexico as well as the country of Mexico, the deserts are extremely dry. The surface of the ground has perhaps a few spiny cacti and is covered with rocks that become very hot with the sun beating down on them.

Among the cacti are the towering saguaros. They have green trunks and branches which are bare and heavily ribbed, some as high as 60 feet. No two of them look alike. One may look like a huge totem pole with no branches, and another may have just one branch almost as tall as its trunk. But most frequently there will be twin branches on opposite sides, branching out about five or ten feet above the ground. Rising alongside the main trunk, they form a big "U," almost touching the sides of the trunk. In some areas there may be just a few saguaros on a sloping hillside, while in other places great numbers of them, each with its own shape.

Saguaros have no bark, thorns or leaves, but the trunk and branches have a dozen or more thick, deep, vertical ribs. For a short time each year pretty white flowers bloom that produce fruit which can be eaten.

With the sun beating down on them so fiercely day after day and with hardly any rain, how do saguaros grow and stay alive? The answer is that the Creator has designed them in a very special way. At certain seasons heavy rains soak the ground in which they grow. For the saguaros to benefit from these rains, unlike most trees that send roots down deep, the saguaro's roots are just a few inches beneath the surface and spread over a wide area in a great mass of small roots and fibers. These are able to quickly absorb water coming their way, which is then drawn up into the trunk and branches to be stored in the thick ribs for future use. Saguaros benefit from even light rain or dew, because the Creator has arranged for the great number of roots to grow so near the surface of the ground.

Some birds make nests by boring holes in the fleshy trunks. When this happens, a waxy coating covers the exposed edges, which prevents evaporation of any of its valuable water. This waxy coating dries so quickly that it doesn't seem to bother the birds.

The opening Bible verse says that the whole earth is filled with the Creator's glory. When we realize that all things have been made by Him, we can quickly see that these amazing desert plants were included. How good to think of His wonders in all created things and say, as the Psalmist did: "I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all Thy marvelous works" (Psa. 9:1).

Desert Wild Flowers

"The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come" ( Sol. 2:12).

It's only natural to think that deserts are dry and barren, but there are times when they are full of beauty. Desert plants and trees all bloom, mostly in the spring, and many have beautiful flowers.

One of these is the agave, or century plant, with long bayonet-like leaves. Its 10-foot flower stalk is capped with beautiful white flowers. Another, the ocotillo, or candle-wood, for a short time each year has beautiful scarlet or salmon-colored flowers. From a distance these look like bright flames on the ends of many stems. Joshua trees add their beauty, bursting into bloom in the spring with creamy white flowers.

The Mohave mound cactus, close to the ground, is covered with large scarlet flowers from April to June. At the same time the desert mariposa displays large bright-red flowers, perhaps growing amidst a golden-yellow carpet of dandelions. Others include the saguaro tree which grows 50 feet high. During May it displays lovely creamy blossoms with yellow centers clustered at the end of its branches.

Then there is the sand-loving phlox, with its small, pretty reddish-pink flowers, as well as the hedgehog cactus. Its prickly stems stand out with many-petaled, brilliant, four-inch red flowers with yellow centers. Yet another beauty is the fishhook barrel plant with tiny reddish flowers overlooking the peculiar hook-like leaves for which the plant is named. The ball cactus flower, one of the prettiest, has waxy yellow petals coming out of a pretty orange and red center.

If we had more space, there are many more desert beauties we could list, but perhaps these few will paint a picture in your mind of how beautiful desert lands can be.

In a time that is coming called the millennium, after the Lord Jesus has taken to heaven those who have accepted Him as their Savior and has judged those who have rejected Him, He will change the earth into a place of peace and thankfulness for God's blessings. The Bible tells us that during that time the deserts will be places of exceptional beauty. The prophet Isaiah has written, "The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing" (Isa. 35:1-2).

Will you be included with those in heaven who know the Lord Jesus as their Savior, looking down on the new, beautiful deserts?

Hardy Olive Trees

"Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually" (Lev. 24:2).

The olive tree has always held an important place in the world. You may have noticed that the illustration of an olive branch is still a symbol for peace. It is a very rugged tree with a gnarled trunk, willow-like leathery leaves and yellow blossoms. Even with little care it will often still be producing olives even though it may be more than a thousand years old. (Some of the trees brought to California by the Spaniards are still alive.)

In Bible days olive trees had a special part in the lives of people in Palestine and neighboring countries and are often referred to as tokens of God's blessing on His people. Their fruit, the olive, not only provides food, but its oil has been used for centuries for lighting lamps, cooking, ointment, lubricants, in soap, etc. Kings and priests were usually anointed with olive oil before taking their place of honor among the people. But more importantly, God's people, Israel, were carefully instructed to use olive oil in many places inside the tabernacle and the temple in connection with sacrifices offered to the Lord, as our opening verse shows us.

Olives in the Mediterranean and Jordan areas ripen in the fall or early winter. When finally ripe, entire families often pick together-pulling the fruit off by hand-fathers up on ladders, mothers reaching lower limbs, and children climbing up the trunk for others.

The oil is then taken out of them by presses. In olden days, donkeys, walking slowly in a circle around big millstones, provided the power to crush the oil from the olives, but now this is usually done by modern machinery.

When trees eventually produce too little fruit they are cut down, mostly to be used for firewood. However, some selected hard pieces, yellow in color and with patterns showing in the grain, are more likely to go to skilled artists who make lovely carvings which sell for high prices in tourist shops as souvenirs.

In the first chapter of Genesis we learn that on the third day of creation God created fruit trees, and when He looked on this lovely creation He "saw that it was good." (Read Gen. 1:11-12.) Many years later, when King Solomon thought about the beauty and wonder of God's creation, he wrote: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Eccl. 12:1).

All of us, young or old, should be glad when we see the marvelous works of creation. They show us a little of the majesty and wisdom of the Lord God, our Creator. How thankful we should be that all things were made by Him for us to enjoy.

Bald Cypress Trees

"For by Him were all things created... visible and invisible... all things were created by Him, and for Him" (Col. 1:16).

Every tree is a marvel of God's creation. Think of the giant Sequoia that begins life as a small seed, wrapped in a cone, that has taken root in the moist soil. After pushing through the ground, it may grow for as long as 4000 years, reaching a height of 300 feet or more. Or perhaps the word "tree" makes some think more of almond or fruit trees blooming in a grove in early summertime.

The Creator made the first trees three days before He created Adam. The trees already had fruit for Adam and Eve to eat when they were placed on the earth shortly afterward. When God looked on what He had created, He "saw that it was good," and it has been good ever since.

The bald cypress trees in the southern United States represent one of the unusual varieties. They grow right in water in swampy areas. They are sometimes called fat-bottomed cypress trees because of large bulbs at the base of their trunks which stand in water. Above the bulbs the trunks grow straight and tall, similar to pine or fir trees. But instead of needles, their branches are loaded with leaves that are vivid green through the summer and change into a beautiful orangy-pink in the fall.

One of the many groves of this lovely tree is called Moro Bottoms in Arkansas. It also has a wide variety of other trees in it, providing a spot nature lovers like to visit. Another, the Big Bend Wildlife Refuge in Florida, has beautiful displays of bald cypress. Also, in the nearby Everglades Park, trails and foot bridges enable visitors to get close to beautiful groves of this outstanding tree.

Another popular spot is in the Chicksaw Wildlife Refuge in western Tennessee. Paths allow visitors to reach out and touch the trunks of these trees standing so stately in water that reflects their colorful foliage. More can be seen in many other parks and reserves, one being the Black River Reserve of North Carolina which is home to some of the oldest bald cypress trees in North America. These unusual trees can also be seen in the Atchafalaya Swamp in Louisiana.

In addition to these trees, many other varieties help beautify these reserves, and visitors also often see colorful birds and a variety of water-loving animals. These all speak of the wonders of God's creation and part of His design for the world around us.

Do you believe what the Bible tells us, that it was His creative wisdom and power that made these beautiful displays for us to enjoy? Here is one of the verses that assures us it is true: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Heb. 11:3). And, another verse tells us, "The living God... giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Tim. 6:17). I believe it. Do you?

Robber From Trees

"And God said, Let the earth bring forth... the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind... and it was so" (Gen. 1:11).

We are so used to rubber in many forms, particularly the tires on automobiles, airplanes, bicycles, etc., that it's hard to think of times-a hundred years or so ago-when there was not much of it around. But today it is a very important item throughout the world.

What is known as pure India rubber is sometimes called gum elastic, as well as a technical name pronounced "coochook." Much of it comes from rubber vines in India and Africa, as well as from large rubber trees in South America, particularly in the forests of Brazil.

The method of getting rubber from the trees is interesting. In some ways it is quite similar to that used to draw sweet maple sap from trees in northeastern United States and Canada.

For many years great quantities of pure milk-white latex, which is made into rubber, has been coaxed from these trees by workers called "rubber tappers." Without seriously harming the trees, workmen with sharp curved knives reach high up the bare part of the trunk and cut shallow circles into the thin bark, slanting them downward. At selected spots they attach buckets into which the latex drops after winding downward in the tapered grooves. These buckets are carefully watched to make sure they don't overflow and waste any of the precious liquid.

The pails of latex are taken to a shed and dumped into a large vat for heat-treating and partial drying. Soon a workman brings a big roller with a bare wooden handle on which he carefully pours the treated latex. He slowly rotates this, and when it gets to a proper thickness, takes it to another area where it is fully dried and stripped from the roller. Then it is flattened into smooth sheets about two or three feet wide and five or six feet long. This, in turn, is packaged and shipped to rubber factories, some in South America but mostly to the United States and Europe.

Rubber trees continue producing latex for many years. People who own groves of rubber trees and properly work them have discovered that they make more money per acre producing rubber than by cutting down the trees and using the land for farming. That makes many people happy, because cutting down trees in Brazil over the years has meant destroying many forested areas and depriving some of the world's most beautiful birds and animals of their homelands.

The above Bible verse reminds us that the world itself and all things in it or on it were created by God and that He well knew the benefits His creation would bring to people all over the world. There is another Bible verse that has an important message for children and young people about their Creator. Read it in Eccl. 12:1.

The Importance of Oxygen

"Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord" (Psa. 150:6).

What's colorless, tasteless and invisible? Oxygen, and it's essential for almost all living things-including us. Even fish need oxygen, and the Creator has provided them with gills to absorb the right amount from water.

Oxygen is important for many things. Hospitals use it every day to help save lives of seriously-ill people or victims of accidents. Also, without it there would be no fire in your fireplace or furnace, no pure water to drink, and almost every living thing on earth would die.

With all this demand for oxygen, is there danger that it may run out? No, the Creator well knew how much oxygen would be needed to sustain life, and He provided an abundant supply when the world was created. He also arranged for oxygen renewal.

Incidentally, if oxygen and hydrogen (the two elements of water) are separated from each other and exposed to fire, they would instantly make the fire burn more fiercely. But here's something amazing-when they are combined in the form of water and applied to a fire in a large enough quantity, they put the fire out! This is another wonderful provision of the Creator for the safety of humanity.

God, our Creator, has arranged a remarkable partnership between people and plants. People must have oxygen; plants must have carbon dioxide. The Creator designed each to supply what the other needs.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which they need to live, and release oxygen into the air, which we need to live. For us to inhale this oxygen-enriched air into our lungs, we must first exhale carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide, harmful to our bodies, is exactly what trees and foliage need in order to be healthy.

Remember, the oxygen we breathe comes from trees and plants of the world. We must be careful to avoid unnecessary destruction of this vital resource.

The Bible verse at the beginning of this article speaks of using our breath to praise the Lord. Have you ever thanked Him for His marvelous plan of salvation as well as His amazing provisions for us in creation? Another Psalm expresses it, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits" (Psa. 103:2).

Nitrogen Is All Around You

"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is" (Ex. 20:11).

On the previous page we considered the importance of oxygen. Nitrogen is also extremely important, and the Creator has arranged that the air we breathe is more than three-fourths nitrogen and only about one-fifth oxygen. While oxygen is the more important of the two, by itself it would be far too strong for us. So the Creator has wisely combined the two in just the right balance (along with small amounts of other substances) to provide us and all air-breathing creatures with just the right combination for our comfort and health.

In addition to this, if oxygen were present in larger quantities, a fire could probably never be put out, but the nitrogen, which does not burn, keeps this from happening. Actually no plant, animal or person could survive without nitrogen.

In spite of there being so much nitrogen in air, our bodies could not survive unless some were provided by another source. Once again we see another wonder of God's creation, in that He has provided that vegetables, fruit and cereals we eat contribute large amounts. Also, since animals, poultry and fish have it in their bodies, we get an additional supply when they are included in our diets.

Where do plants get this extra nitrogen? Much of it comes from the air and some from the soil through their roots. But one of the spectacular ways is through lightning which brings large quantities to them, some of it passing on through their roots in the soil to other vegetation.

Much of the fertilizer and plant food sold by garden supply stores also has a high quantity of sodium nitrate in it, which is a means of providing nitrogen-rich food to the plant. But sometimes a plant can get too much of it, and its green color becomes too bright. An example of this is a tomato plant that is covered with too much leaf and not enough fruit.

In Psa. 40:5 we read, "Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward... if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." As we look at these wonderful works, it should cause us to agree with the Psalmist who said, "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand" (Psa. 95:6-7).

Not only should we worship and thank Him for His marvelous works, but more importantly for His love in providing His Son, the Lord Jesus, as the Savior for all eternity to all who put their trust in Him.

Plants receive some nitrogen through their roots.

Carbon Dioxide and You

"Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord" (Psa. 150:6).

Having given information on the effect of oxygen and nitrogen on our lives and on other living things, now we'll consider carbon dioxide-what it is and what it does. The dictionary describes it this way: "a heavy, colorless, non-burning gas."

Trees and plants need great quantities of carbon dioxide, which they get from the air moving around them. Humans and animals, however, can't use it. We have to have oxygen every moment to stay alive. The Creator has designed a wonderful arrangement to maintain this balance. Every breath you breathe draws both oxygen and carbon dioxide into your lungs. The lungs give the blood its oxygen supply and also remove carbon dioxide from the blood. The carbon dioxide is discarded when you exhale.

But that's only part of the story. By a process called photosynthesis, plants and trees use the carbon dioxide out of the air and release oxygen back into it. Thus, vegetation uses the part which people cannot use and releases the oxygen so necessary to people. Isn't that an amazing design!

Of course, we need to be careful about going into unused caves, or hiding inside a big box, or entering a small space where there is no fresh air. Workmen having to go into dangerous places are wise to wear special masks. And there are some miners without special ventilating equipment who take caged canary birds into mines with them. These cute little birds always fall off their perches if too much carbon dioxide accumulates. When that happens, the miners grab the cages and don't waste any time getting outside with them, saving the lives of both the canaries and themselves.

But in spite of some dangers, carbon dioxide, when properly used, has some very good things about it. For instance, it adds the fizz to soft drinks. That's where the name "carbonated soda" comes from. Another important use is in fighting fire with extinguishers loaded with this gas. Blown over a flame soon enough, the vapor from the carbon dioxide keeps oxygen from getting to the fire and will put it out. And yet another use is found in bakeries, because yeast, which is used in making bread, produces carbon dioxide, which helps the bread to rise.

Surely when we think of this wonderful gas created by the Lord God, we should praise Him for His loving care over us, as the opening Bible verse tells us to. That love was most wonderfully expressed when the Lord Jesus gave Himself on the cross as a sacrifice to God for all the sins of each one who comes to Him to be their Savior. Any who do this are assured a happy home in heaven with Him when life on earth is over. Come to Him today, if you have not yet done so. He will warmly welcome you.

A Glass of Water, Please

"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country" (Prov. 25:25).

Nature requires plenty of water and God supplies it in abundance. To our bodies it is truly the fountain of life and accounts for about three quarters of a person's weight. If you weigh 100 pounds, water will make up about 75 pounds of it, mainly in your blood and bones. That's why it is important to drink lots of it through the day, especially when active and perspiring.

Animals, birds and insects need water, too, in different amounts, as well as plants, trees and flowers, some of which can't survive unless they are growing right in it. Others, growing on the bank of a river, stream or lake, may not get much rain, but the Creator has provided them with roots that go deep into the soil and draw up a good supply.

Oceans, lakes and rivers are the largest display of water, but again the wonderful design of the Creator is seen in the great amount of unseen water underground that is available to us through wells and pumps. In addition, the atmosphere contains huge quantities of water that are visible when clouds appear in the sky. Isn't it amazing how suddenly on a sunshiny day the blue sky can turn into threatening black clouds that release their moisture as rain, sometimes gently and sometimes in a downpour! Although we may not be aware of it when the sky is clear, tremendous amounts of water are always overhead—millions of tons of it—ready to moisten thirsty soil.

How does all that water get into the air? This is another example of a wonder in God's creation. In Eccl. 1:7 we read: "All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full: unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again." Lakes and oceans don't normally get too full because evaporation from these bodies of water all over the world is just the same amount as the rain, snow and rivers have added to them.

Some of this evaporation is seen when the weather is foggy, but more often we are not aware of it, the moisture rising invisibly to eventually form new rain clouds, or perhaps snow storms on the mountains and valleys, where it will finally be on its way down the rivers again. That is what the opening Bible verse means when it states, "Thither they return again."

Another way that water evaporates into the air is from plants. Plants take up water through their roots and release it through their leaves. Here is an interesting experiment to try outside. Select a branch of leaves in sunlight. Seal a plastic bag over the end of the branch, enclosing 5 or 6 leaves. Check the bag in an hour and you will see that it has fogged up with moisture. Check it after several more hours and you will find a teaspoon or more of water has collected in it.

The Lord Jesus declared, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst" (John 4:14). By this He meant that when a person turns to Him as his or her Savior, that person will be filled with the gift of eternal life and the thirst of their heart is forever satisfied. He invites you to drink of that water right now if you haven't yet. This is certainly the "good news from a far country" (heaven) that the opening verse speaks of.

Glaciers and Icebergs: Part 1

"He (God] saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain" (Job 37:6).

A glacier is formed by vast amounts of snow turning into ice as more layers of snow press down on the top or sides of a mountain. As this goes on year after year, a long, deep mass of ice builds up and a glacier is formed. Eventually the great weight of ice begins to slowly move downward, pushing ice, soil and loose rocks ahead of it like a giant bulldozer. Though it doesn't appear to be moving, it is actually moving very slowly, perhaps only a few inches a day.

A glacier may cover so much area that its lower end could be melting in a warmer part of the land, changing into a stream or lake. But most often a glacier moves toward the ocean where great chunks break off and float out into the water. These huge floating chunks, many of which weigh thousands of tons, are called icebergs.

These masses of glacial ice are often beautiful to look down on from a nearby hillside. People are sometimes tempted to climb up a glacier. But that should never be done without a guide's help, because there are often hidden holes (crevasses) where an inexperienced person might fall through, causing serious injury or even death. Huge caves are often formed, too, but these are also dangerous to explore without a guide's help. What most frequently happens to glaciers, adding to their beauty, is that as the force behind keeps them moving, they break into innumerable chunks of ice-pretty to look at, but dangerous to climb on.

The greatest number of Alaskan glaciers end their journey in the North Pacific Ocean, where warmer salt water splashes against them, breaking off chunks, large and small. This is an example of the wisdom of the Creator, using the melting of glacial ice to add fresh water to keep the oceans of the world from becoming too salty.

The Lord God, Creator of all things, invites each of us to spend eternity with Him in heaven where even more wonderful things will be seen. How can we get there? The Bible tells us, "He [Jesus] is able also to save them to the uttermost [forever] that come unto God by Him" (Heb. 7:25). Have you done this? Have you confessed to Him that you are a sinner and accepted His payment on the cross for your sins? If you have not yet done this, will you do it today?

It will be of interest to consider the place icebergs have in the Creator's plans.

Glaciers and Icebergs: Part 2

"He (the Lord God] gathereth the waters of the sea together as a heap: He layeth up the depth in storehouses" (Psa. 33:7).

It is a real treat to look at glaciers originating on Alaskan mountainsides and their long, slow journeys to ocean waters. Now let's consider what happens to icebergs formed that way. (Incidentally, the part of an iceberg under water is almost ten times larger than what is seen above the water.)

Some icebergs are quite flat on top, making a suitable place for seals to climb up and rest. Birds also appreciate them as places to rest too. Skilled Eskimo hunters, spotting game on icebergs, silently paddle their kayaks near enough to get shots at them. Sometimes they are particularly pleased to discover a polar bear asleep on one.

But the icebergs most often referred to in books and magazines are the huge ones found in Arctic Ocean waters above Newfoundland. Many of these icebergs are carried by ocean currents and winds into the shipping lanes of the Atlantic Ocean. It was one of these that was hit in the dark by the "unsinkable" ship named Titanic many years ago. The Titanic sank and many people drowned. Many other ships have in past years crashed into icebergs in the dark or fog. Today these iceberg areas are patrolled by boats with radar and radios which warn ships to keep far away from them.

These larger icebergs are most frequently huge chunks of ice that have broken away from the thick ice caps of the North Atlantic Ocean. Some have been measured and found to be as much as three miles wide and 1600 feet thick, weighing thousands of tons.

In former days of fishing it was quite common for sailors to pull alongside these great icebergs to chip off enough ice to fill their storage tanks with good, clean drinking water-for icebergs have no salt in them. It is estimated that an iceberg one-half mile long, one-half mile wide and 500 feet thick, holds frozen water worth $4,000,000, if it could be towed to one of the hot, water-scarce countries down near the equator. So far, there are too many problems to try doing this.

Our opening Bible verse reminds us that glaciers, icebergs and other waters are all included in God's creation and are also included when the Bible says, "For Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11).

But the Creator has far more pleasure in a higher form of His creation. We are told in Psa. 149:4, "For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people." Who are His people? Those who love Him and trust in Him as their Savior. Are you one of His people?

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 1

"In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it" (Psa. 95:4-5).

Imagine a lovely summer evening and you are standing at the seashore looking across the water at a beautiful sunset as the gentle incoming waves quietly wash up on the sand. What a beautiful sight this can be, with all around you so peaceful.

Perhaps two or three days later you come to the same spot. Now the wind is blowing fiercely, huge waves are thundering against the beach, and the sky is black with threatening clouds. How changeable the ocean can be, you might think and be reminded that our own lives are often changeable also.

But no matter how rough the ocean's surface appears, if you could look down into deep water you would find it calm and undisturbed by the troubles overhead. Perhaps such a contrast should cause us to realize that when troubles are allowed to come our way, we also should find it possible to be calm, by casting all our cares upon the Savior who tells us to do this. We can be encouraged by these wonderful reminders from God's Word, the Bible. "O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto Thee? or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them" (Psa. 89:8-9).

More than three-fourths of the earth's surface is covered by the oceans, the largest of which is the Pacific, some 11,000 miles wide between Panama and the China Sea.

Before explorations were made, it was generally thought that the floor of the oceans was almost level, but researchers have since discovered amazing facts about what is below the surface-among other things, that the floor of the Pacific is mostly rough and irregular, with mountains and deep valleys in many places never seen from above.

If Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, with its peak five-and-a-half miles above sea level, were placed in the deepest part of the Pacific ocean, it would rise five-and-a-half miles above the bottom, but still be completely covered by another mile of salt water. In other words, the ocean at that point is more than six miles deep!

In other parts of the same ocean, where the water is not so deep, many of the underwater mountains break through the surface, causing the upper parts of them to appear as islands. The highest of these is the island of Hawaii, surrounded by other beautiful lower ones, including Oahu, Maui, Kauai and others, extending all the way to Midway Island.

These things all speak majestically of God's wonderful creation, and we will look at them further in the following page.

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 2

"Thy way is in the sea, and Thy path in the great waters, and Thy footsteps are not known" (Psa. 77:19).

On the preceding page we looked at the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean, in which the deepest spot is 30,180 feet and which is over 4,000 miles wide, also has a chain of underwater mountains 10,000 miles long. Some of these are higher than the Rockies, but still out of sight under the water. By contrast, the floor of the North Atlantic is mostly wide, flat areas in which deep sea channels have made cuts like rivers.

It would take an entire book to list all the islands in every ocean and the details of islands such as Japan, the Philippines, the Bahamas, Cuba, Iceland, Madagascar and many others which represent entire nations. These have risen up through the ages to become the home of millions of people and often supply much of the world's food.

Most of these islands have been formed in one of two ways. Many are volcanic, that is, they began as fierce volcanoes, breaking through the ocean floor. Over a period of many years with many eruptions, they became higher and higher, finally breaking through the surface and rising above it. Some of these, like the island of Hawaii, are still active volcanoes and are adding to their size with thick fiery streams of lava.

Other islands are formed by coral that built colonies on burned-out underwater peaks, lifting their summits higher year by year and eventually rising above the surface where waves of the ocean gradually deposited many things that decayed and turned into soil. Birds, making their nests on these new lands, also often help by dropping seeds that take root, helped by the fertility of decaying fish and other marine life that have been washed into the coral by stormy waters. Wind and rain also bring deposits of dust and vegetation from great distances, so that in the course of many years rich, fertile soil is formed.

Some people fear that someday the oceans may rise and cover many shores and even cities. But there is a Bible verse that should remove that fear. It says, "Who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth... and said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" (Job 38:8,11). We know all these things reveal the hand of the Lord, the Creator of all things, who keeps everything under His controlling power.

Another Bible verse says, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Eccl. 12:1). Do you remember to thank Him often for all His care and love for you?

Marvels of the Body: Chapter 2

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of

life." Gen. 2:7

Your Amazing Body: Part 1

"I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully (amazingly] and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works"

(Psa. 139:14).

Nothing in all the world can compare with the marvels of the human body. Animals, birds and other kinds of life are made in a remarkable way, but nothing can be compared to what the Creator has given mankind. That, no doubt, was His purpose in bringing all other living things into the world before creating Adam, for He was to give Adam and his offspring the chief place in creation and arranged for the others to be already in existence beforehand.

We also read that "God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life" (Gen. 2:7). This is an example of the Creator's wisdom, for He designed our bodies to need nourishing food. And since man was formed from the earth itself, then the things growing in its soil would have the elements his body would require. Also, when He "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life" (verse 7), He gave man a soul that would live forever, even after life on earth ended. He did not do this with any other creature.

The human body, from the sole of the feet to the hair on the head, is so extremely complex that it could never have come about by "evolution," but only through a supreme and divine Creator. Medical experts continually learn new things about its wonders, but, for the most part, cannot explain how these came about. For instance, many of these experts admit they are baffled by the performance of our eyes, and no wonder, when you consider all the eyes do for us.

It's easy to say, "The eyes see things," but not so easy to say, "I know how they do it." Actually, the eye is constantly taking pictures, so to speak, distinguishing objects by color, shape and size. In doing this it automatically focuses immediately, whether the object is close or far away. And what happens to these pictures? They don't remain in the eye, but travel to the brain, which immediately tells the various parts of the body what to do about them. If the eye has seen something dangerous, the brain may tell our hands to shove it out of the way or instruct our legs to get us far away from it.

In addition, these pictures are stored by the brain in the memory When needed the memory will bring the pictures back to us, even many years after they were first seen. They've been "on file" all the time, although we have not been aware of it.

Continuing on the following pages we will consider more of these marvels provided by the One who has not only created us, but loves us dearly and wants us to accept His love and know Him as our Lord and Savior.

Your Amazing Body: Part 2

"Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him" (Psa. 33:8).

No doubt an optometrist, specializing in the functions of our eyes, would tell us that we have given only a few details on the previous page, but lack of space prevents giving additional facts at this time.

The Brain The brain, one of the most important parts of the body, fits snugly into a strong protective skull which in a newborn baby remains rather soft so it can grow with the baby's development. At a certain age the skull hardens and becomes a strong shield for the brain.

There are three main parts to the brain: the cerebrum, made up of two halves, the cerebellum in back of it, and the medulla oblongata (sometimes referred to as the brain stem) located at the back of the head just above the spinal column.

The cerebrum is the most important part-taking messages from all over the body and sending instructions back to all these places, telling them what they are to do at any given moment.

The cerebellum's principal job is to keep in touch with all the muscles, telling them when they are to be in action or when to relax and be still. For instance, if a boy is standing at home plate on a baseball diamond, he doesn't think about what is going on inside his brain. But whether he knows it or not, he can't lift the bat over his shoulder until the cerebellum tells his arm and hand muscles exactly what to do; nor can he swing at a pitched ball unless muscles all over his body-such as in his legs, arms and back-have received instructions from his brain. Finally, running off to first base, his entire body is obeying those brain-given instructions without his having to consciously think about it.

The brain stem is important, too. One of its chief duties is to see that what are termed "instincts" are not neglected, but put into action when necessary. This would include the functions of the nose and lungs, the beating of the heart, the blinking of the eyes, the swallowing of a bite of food, etc.

All in all the duties of every part of the brain are far beyond anyone's ability to understand and are much more wonderful than the achievements of all the world's latest specialized computers put together. And this represents just one area of the Creator's wonderful provisions for us.

When we think of the wonderful works of the Lord, how it must please Him to hear us say, just as Isaiah did: "O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things" (Isa. 25:1).

Your Amazing Body: Part 3

"Only fear the Lord, and serve Him... with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you" (1 Sam. 12:24).

Our Heart and Blood Considering all the work it does, the 12-ounce heart doesn't take up much room in the center of our chests. It is the hardest-working part of our body, and life would not be possible without it. For instance, it pumps throughout our bodies an estimated 650,000 gallons of blood every year, and the energy required for just one hour's worth of pumping would be enough to lift a 65-ton weight a foot above the ground!

The heart beats approximately 70 times each minute, or over 100,000 times a day. It is truly a perpetual-motion wonder, working moment by moment and day by day without any instructions from its owner.

The blood flowing through many miles of arteries, veins and capillaries is made up of 60 trillion cells in an adult, a mixture of one white cell to every 650 red ones. The duty of the red cells is to carry oxygen to every part of the body and at the same time pick up carbon dioxide, a waste product that would prove deadly if left there too long. The white cells take care of sickness and infections, heal cuts, etc.

Where do the red cells pick up the fresh oxygen that they distribute throughout the body, and what do they do with the waste carbon dioxide they pick up? This is where the lungs enter the picture. After the blood has made its rounds it is sidetracked to the lungs before returning to the heart to start another trip. When the breath of air you inhale reaches the lungs, its oxygen is turned over to the blood that needs it badly but has become loaded with carbon dioxide. The lungs also remove this carbon dioxide which is discharged into the air each time you exhale-eventually reaching trees and vegetation which require carbon dioxide to live.

The blood, thus treated, passes on to the heart to be pumped along for another round trip. Isn't this a wonderful arrangement? It is again something that only the Creator could plan and use in the maintenance of life, among humans as well as animals and birds.

In other articles we will review the digestive process to see how the food and liquids we take in are used in the body, passing from mouth to stomach for first treatment, then on to other body parts in the digestive system-blood playing a very important part in this too.

Meanwhile, perhaps what we have considered in these three articles will help us appreciate more deeply the wonders of God's creation of the human body and His continuing care and love for each of us, as the Bible verse states: "Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward" (Psa. 40:5).

Breathing and Eating

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life" (Gen. 2:7).

What a marvelous thing the human body is, designed by our Creator, who makes no mistakes. Let's look at the part the nose, mouth and throat take in the life of each of us, for it is through them that air for our lungs and food for our stomachs reach the vital parts of the body where further miraculous things take place.

The nose certainly is easy to see, but it is much more complex than it appears, for it is made up of a combination of parts working together in harmony. It is used principally to breathe in air, but functions in other ways as well, including the smelling of a rose or other object and assisting in improving the taste of food.

Medical people refer to the nose as a nasal cavity, made up of two nostrils, divided by the septum. The hairs inside, which we sometimes think of as a nuisance, are extremely important, for their job is to filter incoming air, picking out bacteria, dust and other impurities that would be harmful to our lungs. The soft inner lining of the nose, like the rest of the airway, contains many small glands which secrete mucus onto the surface. Also, the surface is covered with short, hair-like projections which beat rhythmically in a special direction. These automatically sweep out accumulated mucus with its collection of filtered impurities, sending them on to the stomach, which knows how to dispose of them.

Helping the hairs do their work, sinuses, located above the nose, drop small amounts of mucus into each nostril to moisten them and aid in the filtering process. Part of this moisture from the mucus is passed on to the air just breathed, which is also warmed in the nose so it will be just right for the lungs. The sinuses located above and beside the nose also assist in this task.

Of course there are times when, bothered with a bad cold, it is difficult to breathe through the nose and we have to get air through the mouth. That is a wonderful provision of the Creator, for otherwise we wouldn't get enough air under such conditions to keep us alive. However, breathing through the nose best prepares the air for the lungs.

As our opening verse expresses, the very first breath that gave life to Adam was breathed into his nostrils by the Lord God. This was not true of any other creature, and mankind has always had a special place in God's thoughts.

When He reads your heart, does He find that you have special thoughts toward Him, too? He has done so much for you in providing His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be your Savior if you will only trust in Him. Your thoughts should indeed be of thankfulness and acceptance of His wondrous gift of salvation.

The Mouth Does More Than Talk

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments (or Instructions)" (Psa. 119:73).

The mouth is a very efficient part of our heads and contains some very essential parts. These include the teeth (which we are inclined to take for granted unless we have a toothache) that are perfectly adapted to the kind of food we eat.

As the mouth closes on a bite of food, chewing immediately begins. At this time the very active tongue joins in the action, moving the food from one side to the other, all the while gradually working it from the sharp front teeth (incisors and cuspids) on to the bicuspids and finally back to the molars which finish the chewing process. All this time saliva has been added to it so that when the food is reduced to fine particles it is also moist enough to safely enter the throat and pass on down to the stomach.

Where the backs of both the mouth and nose come together there would be danger of the tongue pushing food up into the nose, which could cause a lot of trouble, but a partition, called the palate, prevents this from happening. This palate actually forms the roof of the mouth and toward the front is hard and rigid, but in the back becomes soft and elastic.

Another precaution against food going the wrong way after it has been chewed is a pink safety valve behind all this, hanging down like a baby's thumb, called the uvula. If food or liquid threatens to go the wrong way, this swings upward automatically along with the soft palate to keep it from doing so.

On either side of this little safety valve are the tonsils, which help trap bacteria and other microbes that might get past the controls in the nose.

Your lips are the first to touch anything offered to your mouth. They are very sensitive and signal whether to accept anything that may be too hot or cold. They have a great deal to do with speech and singing, too, as well as visually showing the kind of mood you may be in-cheerful, sad, frightened or surprised. The tongue, which covers the whole floor of your mouth, is the principal organ of taste and decides whether something is sweet, sour, bitter, salty or tasteless.

Doesn't it seem strange that with both the nose and mouth performing so marvelously, we scarcely ever think of them? How good the Creator has been to provide these things that go on performing all the years of our lives, with scarcely a conscious command or instruction from us. Who but God could form each part of our bodies in such wonderful ways?

"Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves.... Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name" (Psa. 100:3-4).

(continued on following page)

The Throat's Part in Our Lives

"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing" (Psa. 100:2).

In the preceding pages we have considered the services given by various body parts. Now let's consider the throat (pharynx). About five inches long, it is located about seven inches from our lips and connected to the esophagus (down which food travels) and to the windpipe (through which air moves to the lungs).

At that point where the throat divides into two tubes, the Creator has provided an amazing safety valve (epiglottis) to keep the air and food separate from each other. Both begin their journeys sharing the pharynx, but where they separate -the air passage going to the front and the food tube behind it—there is the safety valve to make sure the right material goes into each one. When no food is on the way, the valve allows the air to pass along to the windpipe and lungs, but keeps it out of the food tube. But when food is present this wonderful valve shuts off the part to the windpipe, and the food goes on down to the stomach. Otherwise there would be some real problems.

This part of the body is one of the wonders of God's creation and could never come about by so-called evolution. How interesting that the valve doesn't have to be told, but just opens and closes at exactly the right time!

The larynx, also called the voice box, is an important part of the throat. It is from there that our voices and songs originate. Within it are two vocal cords through which air from the lungs is forced when we talk. These cords are usually relaxed, but speaking or singing draws them close together, and as air is forced through they vibrate to make a great variety of sounds. The amount of air forced through and the degree of tightness of the cords determine just what sound will be heard, so that when talking or singing, these have to change their tightness over and over instantaneously.

Of course the forming of words and music also requires the use of the tongue, mouth and even our teeth. But how wonderful it is to think how all these cooperate to work so perfectly. Animals may grunt, moo, squeal, etc., but cannot speak or sing as we do. Birds can produce God-given melodies delightful to hear, but they cannot compose any other music. It is only mankind that has this ability, and that is because of the kindness of our Creator in making it possible.

When we consider all the ways He has provided for us, surely we should respond to Him as our opening verse expresses and serve Him with gladness, letting our vocal cords bring forth songs and prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

Fingernails, Toenails and Hair

"But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him" (1 Cor. 12:18).

Did you ever think how amazing it is that when a person reaches 20 (or near that age), his or her body stops growing?

The Creator has wisely arranged this, for if our spines, legs and arms kept growing, what a peculiar assortment of giant people there would be!

However, three parts of our body don't stop growing-hair, fingernails and toenails. Why is that? Actually it is a kind provision of our Creator. Consider our hair: it keeps dropping off and in time would also be rubbed completely off if new hair didn't push up through our scalp a little bit every day, which it does at the rate of five or more inches every year. This means that every 20 years more than eight feet of new hair replaces what has dropped out.

But why should our fingernails and toenails keep growing? We can be thankful they do, for nails do get broken or damaged, and if a new supply didn't grow, the ends of the fingers and toes would soon be exposed to all the painful bumps and accidents now absorbed by the nails. They are really wonderful pieces of armor.

Also think how useful our fingernails are in picking up a coin dropped on the floor, a needle on a flat table top, and many other small things. And without them, how would you untie a knot in a thread, piece of string or fish line? How would you relieve an itch if you had no fingernail to scratch with?

Some may think fingernails and toenails are bone, but that is not true. They, like our hair, are made of a material called keratin which our system produces from the food we eat. How does it get to these specific parts of the body? Our brain is constantly giving instructions to every part, and it's as though it were speaking to the stomach and saying, "Now as soon as that food is digested, send some keratin up for the hair, send another part to the ten fingernails and still another part to the toenails." This isn't just imagination; it's actually the way our body responds to the brain's commands! When these instructions are carried out and the new part forms behind the old one, it pushes it out a little, until finally it's so noticeable that you may find it necessary to trim your hair, as well as those nails on your hands and feet.

This is all part of the Creator's wonderful arrangements for us, as our opening verse expresses. Each member of the body responds just as He has established. Let us not fail to thank Him daily for providing every little, but important, detail of our bodies. "Giving thanks always for all things unto God" (Eph. 5:20).

Summing up Your Wonderful Body

"I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psa. 139:14).

Your body, and every other human being's, is more wonderful than the world's most amazing piece of machinery! It is composed of some 60 trillion cells, making up more than 5000 parts. Furthermore, the Creator has provided it with an intellect far superior to the rest of His earthly creation.

The single cell with which your life started determined what kind of person you would be-tall or short, the color of your eyes, the color of your hair, etc. By the time you were born there were some two trillion cells to your body, and as you grew older the number increased to 60 trillion. Various groups of the cells are responsible for a particular part of your body, and all groups work together in perfect harmony.

Let's consider also your eyes, which are like two cameras working together perfectly, but far superior to the most expensive camera money can buy. Healthy eyes can immediately adapt to about 10,000 different focuses, without your even thinking about it. Their pictures come in upside down, but your amazing brain lets you see them right side up.

Your ears can pick out one voice in a crowd or the melody of a whole orchestra. Vibrations they receive send electrical signals to your brain, which immediately identifies the sound and tells you what to do about it.

Your tongue has 3000 taste buds, enriching your life by the enjoyment of food and drink. A sense of smell is important too, warning you against what is harmful.

Your brain has tremendous ability to store information. It is more wonderful than the most advanced computer in the world and is never fully at rest, even during sleep. Your memory is like a huge library, divided into two kinds—short-term and long-term. Our Creator designed this to help us along life's way-not retaining things of little importance for a long time, but storing away things of value to be brought to mind when necessary.

Your heart, lungs, digestive system, as well as arms and legs, etc., are also very important parts of your body.

None of us gives much thought to our body parts until they are injured or sickness occurs. However, we should think of what the Psalmist wrote in our opening Bible verse. Like him, let us praise and give our thanks to the Lord God who has not only made us, but who invites us to be in heaven with Him when Jesus comes for His own or when our life down here is ended. We may be sure of this if we turn to Him, admitting that we are sinners, and accepting Him as our Savior. He promises, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37). Have you done this?

Birds Are Everywhere: Chapter 3

"Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?" Job 39:13

Lovely Sun Bitterns

"I [the Lord] know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine" (Psa. 50:11).

The sun bitterns' homes range from Mexico on south through Central and South America. Fully grown, they are about 18 inches in length and have small heads with rather long necks. Their bodies are plump, and they have pretty tails composed of 16 feathers. The first part of their name was given because of their bright colors. Their small heads are a mixture of green, white and black, with sharp, blue beaks. Tails are decorated with bands of dark brown and spotted with crimson where they join their bodies. They have dark brown and white wavy lines on their wings. As a final decoration, their legs are orange.

While this coloring is very pretty, when one is excited or challenging another bird, the more visible beauty of its body shows more clearly with its wings extended. The tail, raised high at such times, has added beauty as well, and its whole appearance is quite amazing. With its long neck, head and long beak lifted high, it looks threatening. All in all, it is easy to see why they don't experience many challenges from other birds or animals.

Sun bitterns have a very graceful way of flying, usually with slow wing-beats, like those of pelicans. But if they become alarmed without warning, they quickly fly high into a tree. If this should happen late in the day, they just spend the whole night there.

Their nests are made of mud, leaves and grass and are built in the forks of tree branches, usually not very high above the ground. However, sometimes they build them right on the ground. In contrast to most other birds, they make no effort to hide these nests, probably because they are aware that they are not likely to be attacked.

Mother and father birds take turns incubating the two or three eggs for about a month. They also share in bringing food to the newborn chicks as soon as they hatch. One reason they like to nest near water is that they need a good supply of insects, small fish, frogs, lizards and other small creatures that are plentiful in such places. Just as soon as the chicks hatch, they are fed this kind of food.

The Bible often speaks of birds and the Creator's ever-watchful eyes looking out for them. For instance, in Matt. 10:29 it says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father [knowing it]." Then verse 31 says, "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus, love you very much and want you to return that love from your own heart to Them as well. Do you enjoy Their love and return it?

The Interesting Least Tern

"The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works" (Psa. 145:9).

There are several varieties of terns, and a very pretty and lively one is called the least tern. It did not get this name because there are so few of them, but because, at only nine inches long, it is the smallest. It is not a songbird, like a robin or a meadowlark, but it does have a distinctive chirping call of its own. How pretty they are with pure-white, smooth feathers over the entire lower parts of their bodies, throats and heads. This is beautifully contrasted with tan-black forked tail feathers trimmed in dark brown. Tops of their heads are coal black, and the long sharp beaks, legs and feet are orange.

Favorite nesting places are in California and Long Island, where they nest close together in great numbers along flat ocean beaches or at the sides of streams. Nests are scooped out of the sand, and soon the sand-colored eggs produce sandy-gray chicks-all well camouflaged. Both parents share in the care of the chicks, which are able to walk almost immediately after hatching. In fall large groups migrate to Mexico, Central and South America and then return north to the same nesting spot in spring.

Feathers of these birds used to be in demand for decorating women's clothing and hats. Hundreds of thousands of these lovely birds were killed for that purpose. But bird-lovers are happy that killing the least tern is no longer allowed, so their numbers are increasing. However, enemies, such as foxes and dogs, and some people too, still kill many of them.

To attract new ones to protected areas, wooden birds, made to look exactly like mature terns, are placed in exposed spots along with tapes automatically making tern-like calls. When passing birds see and hear these, many fly down and make their nests there.

When waters are smooth, a tern glides swiftly close to the surface with its lower beak open. When it spots a fish of the right size, it scoops it up and swallows it or takes it to the nest for its family. Other food includes insects, flies, beetles and sand-hoppers, many of which are captured in midair. Incidentally, if the male tern doesn't provide enough food for the baby chicks, the mother will sometimes find another companion to help.

Do you think the Creator cares about these little birds and their problems? He certainly does, as the above Bible verse assures us. As we learn of the wonders of God's creation, may we realize that it is in the Bible, His Word, that we learn the truth of all the earth's wonders. How it should cause us to agree with what the prophet Isaiah wrote: "O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things" (Isa. 25:1).

Red-Tailed Hawks

"Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?" (Job 39:26).

There are many species of hawks, most of them quite pretty in a variety of colors. An outstanding one is called the red-tailed hawk because its tail is made up of beautiful red feathers, each with a black base and a pure white tip. The rest of its body is pretty too, either a tannish-brown, a bluish-gray or soft white. It is the best-known hawk in the United States and Canada, found in areas from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It is also found in Central Alaska and down in Central America as well.

Because this hawk is found in so many places it has been given a variety of names, including red hawk, chicken hawk (unjustly), squealing hawk, buzzard hawk and white-breasted hawk, but the more official name is red-tailed. It measures about two feet long from its beak to the tip of its tail. When full grown and with wings outstretched, it measures about four feet across.

It usually nests in open areas near trees where mice, rats, squirrels and moles abound. A hawk will perch still as a statue on a tree limb or fence post until one of these animals is spotted. Then swiftly and silently it swoops down and captures it, killing it instantly. Its appetite also includes fish, rabbits, snakes, frogs, lizards and insects.

Besides hunting in wooded areas, these hawks often soar in the sky at great heights, often in pairs, making wide circles in the sky. Suddenly a pair of sharp eyes spots a prey far below. Then it dives silently at great speed and catches the prey in its sharp curved talons.

Pairs of these birds stay together for life. They often use the same nest year after year, which can measure two feet wide or more in the fork of a tree top. Two or three eggs are usually laid during March or April, and both parents share incubating them for about a month. The little ones learn to fly in a surprisingly short time and soon leave the parents, to be on their own.

An answer to the question asked in the opening Bible verse is given in Psa. 104:27, which says, "These wait all upon Thee [the Creator]; that Thou mayest give them their meat [food] in due season."

When we think of all the birds and other creatures dependent on God, their Creator, for their needs, we are also reminded of His wonderful care over us. The Lord Jesus tells us, "The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:30-31).

Do you know the Creator as your Savior? Can you say what the Psalmist said, "I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember Thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all Thy work, and talk of Thy doings" (Psa. 77:11-12).

Enchanting Hummingbirds: Part 1

"That which may be known of God is manifest (made plain)... being understood by the things that are made (created)" (Rom. 1:19-20).

Hummingbirds make up the largest family of non-singing birds in the world and, in relation to their size, are the most intelligent. More than 400 kinds are known. The largest number and variety are in Central and South America, Cuba and Mexico. The United States has 19 varieties-seven on the West Coast and several more along the Gulf of Mexico.

There is only one kind east of the Mississippi River, and great numbers of them are seen throughout summer months. It is known as the ruby-throated and is well named because of the male's brilliantly colored throat, contrasting with the white and metallic green of its other feathers.

Actually the ruby-throated is one of the smallest birds in the United States-less than 4 inches long. During the nesting season the male becomes very bold. He is a real threat with his sharp beak and ability to swiftly dash around a larger bird and give it some sharp jabs. One was seen scaring away an eagle that came close to its nest.

One of its favorite nectars is from the cardinal flower. These and other tubular flowers in home gardens attract them. The tiny bird darts from plant to plant, finding insects as well as feeding on the sweet nectar of the flowers, using its long, slender bill.

"Hummers" make their homes only in the Western Hemisphere of the world. A few spend summer months in Canada and on occasions as far north as Alaska. Most of these migrate south in the fall, where flower blossoms are fresh and sweet during winter months. Some migrate across the 500-mile Gulf of Mexico without stopping. This is truly amazing when you stop to think of the great amount of nectar and insects they normally eat each day just to stay alive. But the Creator has provided them with an amazing way of building up extra body weight before the migration, and they draw on this while crossing the water. Others migrate over land, usually stopping for rests along the way to replenish their bodies with fresh food.

These lovely birds are wonderful examples of the Creator's delight when, on the fifth day of His creation, He placed the first hummingbirds in the world. Ever since, He has had them in His care.

The opening Bible verse tells us that we should all recognize that God is the One who has done this. Do not be deceived by those who will not believe that God is our Creator. Another Bible verse warns us of this: "Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods" (Deut. 11:16).

Enchanting Hummingbirds: Part 2

"Take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul (heart] diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen" (Deut. 4:9).

We are sure you enjoyed the introduction to the beautiful and amazing hummingbirds and learned that the ruby-throated live in the eastern United States. Now let's look at some that live in the western part of the country.

One of these is the rufous, mostly orange-red in color, but with a black chin and mottled gray over its head. Some of these spend the summer as far north as Alaska, but most remain in California and Oregon. Another is the well-named black-chinned, with metallic green top feathers, contrasting with a deep black chin and white throat. Then there is one called Anna's, also a dark green color. It spends its summers in California and its winters in South America.

Some of the others with descriptive names include the racket-tail, which has a forked tail three times the length of its body. Another one with a long tail is named fork-tailed. An interesting one named bee is the smallest bird in the entire world. Its body is only about two inches long from the front of its short beak to the end of its short tail. This tiny bird weighs less than a penny. But it can beat its wings as vigorously as the others, about 80 times a second-faster than your eye can see. In flight its wings are seen as a blur. By contrast, the largest hummer of all is called giant and is about ten inches long, but as noiseless as a butterfly in flight.

All hummers must eat at least their own weight in food each day to keep strong and healthy. Their diet is mostly the nectar from flowers and tree blossoms, but also includes a surprising amount of insects and spiders, which provide essential protein.

Hummers' nests are a surprise to those who have never seen one. The insides of their nests are about as big around as a quarter. They are usually made of very small twigs or stems, often coated with clay on the outside and strengthened with spider webs wrapped around it. To do this, the female finds a web stretched between two supports. Hovering a while, she decides just where to grab it with her beak. She pulls it away by flying backward and continues flying in reverse all the way to the nest. If she flew forward the web would wrap itself around her and present a real problem.

How do you think she learned all this? Well, she didn't have to learn it. This is one more example of the Creator's wonderful provisions for every living thing He has placed on the earth. He provided helpful instincts which are passed on from generation to generation. As we think of these little beauties, we can easily understand the words of the Bible which tell us: "[God] doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number" (Job 9:10).

Enchanting Hummingbirds: Part 3

"The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.... He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered" (Psa. 111:2,4).

The Lord God had a definite purpose in making hummingbirds. More important than their attractiveness is their work for certain types of flowering plants. It is amazing to see how God has placed at least one variety close by to meet the special needs of these flowers.

The bird, of course, thinks only of the sweet nectar in the flower, but if the plant could speak it would no doubt be grateful each time the right hummer visits it. The bird's long beak, inserted in the flower right to the bottom, becomes covered with pollen. It unknowingly carries the pollen to another plant of the same kind, accomplishing what is known as cross-pollination which is necessary for the development of seeds. Bees, moths and a few other flying insects help in this work, but the hummingbirds surpass them all.

Their beaks have been specially designed. Some are short and just right for flat flowers, like the half-inch beak of the purple and green thornbill. By contrast, the longest beak of all is that of the sword-bearer. It looks like a five-inch knitting needle and is the only beak that can reach the nectar deep in the Andes passion flower. If there were no sword-bearer hummingbirds there would have been none of these plants after the first season, for nothing else can pollinate them.

The curved beaks of some hummers are interesting. Among these is one called Lucifer, noted for a black beard and dark wings on a beautiful body. Its long beak curves slightly downward just the right amount to reach into the flowers that have exactly the same curve in them. Another with a longer curved beak is the sickle-bill. And an unusual one whose beak curves up is known as the mountain avocet. These are just a few of the more than 400 varieties known in the western world. Perhaps another time we can look at the extraordinary tail features of some of them. With the few we have been able to briefly look at, when you see one now you will understand more fully the wisdom of the One who created them and looks on them with pleasure.

But also think of the even more marvelous ways He has provided for you. A Bible verse states what the Psalmist wanted to see: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18).

Another verse tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov. 1:7).

Do you read the Bible and have you ever thanked the Lord Jesus for giving it to you, so you can know of His love and trust in Him as your Savior? Or does the last part of the verse describe you?

Swamp-Loving Bitterns

"I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine" (Psa. 50:11).

Unless you spend some time in swampy areas, chances are you will never see one of the lovely bitterns that make their home in such places. There are many varieties of them throughout the world, and two of them are residents of the northern United States and southern Canada.

Let's look at one named the least bittern. It is not called "least" because there are few of them, but rather because of its size compared to other bitterns. It is only about a foot long when measured from its toes to the tip of its long beak when it is stretched straight up in the air. Its body is only about the size of a quail or robin, but its legs, neck and beak are much longer.

The Creator has provided this pretty bird with colors suited to hide it in its marshy home of cattails, tall reeds, long grass and low bushes. Its feathers, except for head-top and tail, are orangy-red. Similar coloring on its throat and breast is lightly striped in black tones. This combination makes the bittern almost impossible to spot when it stands perfectly still, head held straight up, in the midst of the swamp foliage when something has startled it. If wind moves the reeds, the bittern sways the same way. Adding to its excellent camouflage, the striped coloring of its long neck and chest look like the reedy plants in which it stands.

The reason bitterns like such watery surroundings is the plentiful food found there-fish, eels and frogs. They also eat mice and other small animals, various insects and seeds. Unlike most birds, they do not like to flock together. Usually only one is seen by itself or occasionally a pair.

They are among the world's most cautious birds, preferring to stay in the surroundings that hide them so well. Only occasionally will they venture out on open water or into a close-by meadow for a meal of grasshoppers, other insects or seeds. They can run fast on open ground but fly slowly, keeping close to the tops of the reeds and brush.

Nests are built above water level and from three to six young are raised each year. The mother bird does all the incubating and feeding of her brood until they can care for themselves. How much nicer it would seem if the father bird helped a bit, wouldn't it?

As we look at even a few of the multitudes of bird varieties in the world it gives us happiness to realize the Creator, the One who is Lord of heaven and earth, has found delight in them all. But you are more important to Him than any bird, fish or animal-so important that He died on the cross for you. Is He important to you?

Gorgeous Toucans

"I (the Lord] know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine" (Psa. 50:11).

There are over 40 species of toucans, ranging from 10 to 24 inches long. They live in Southern Mexico and Central and South America. The special feature of these birds is a huge, brightly colored beak which sets them apart from all other birds. Following are some details of three of them: The Sulfur-Breasted Toucan This one, with a beak longer than its body, has a yellowish-tan breast. This blends nicely with its green beak. A patch of pink shows on both upper and lower parts of its beak near the mouth and a darker green around the eyes. Body feathers are principally deep greenish-blue.

The Toco Toucan Brazil is the home of this one, somewhat smaller than the sulfur-breasted, but with quite different color patterns. For instance, its seven-inch beak, which is also longer than the rest of the body, on most tocos is bright red and bright yellow. A black patch is on the end of the upper half, as well as a black ribbon circling it near the bird's eye. This band extends over the lower half of the beak as well.

There is a deep blue circle around black eyes and a white or yellowish neck, but on some the throat and breast are a light chocolate brown. Beyond that point the body is deep black, except for a red heart-shaped area between the bottom of its tail and body.

The Keel-Billed Toucan This one has perhaps the most startling colors of all. Its beak, not as long as some, has a bright red front on the upper part, followed by green all the way to its head, except for an orange spot in the center. The lower half has a smaller matching red point, backed by purple-blue, then a mixture of green and white, winding up with a al spot of blue at the base of the bird's head.

The lower part of its head, throat and part of its stomach, are canary yellow, while the upper part and rest of the body are deep black, except for a bright red shield between the tail and body. Quite pretty, don't you think?

Toucans all have rather long, slender legs and long toes with sharp claws. Their unusual beaks are thin and light in weight, and are great for snatching insects in the air, picking fruit or robbing eggs from bird nests. Wings are short and rounded and tails quite long. Their calls are harsh and lack the melodies common to so many other birds.

As the opening Bible verse reminds us, it is the Lord God who created all things, including these spectacular birds. But, in spite of His greatness, He has loving thoughts toward every person on earth. Another Bible verse tells us, "[He] will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4). Are you saved from your sins?

The White Pelican

"God that made the world and all things therein... is Lord of heaven and earth.... In Him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:24,28).

The white pelican is found in many places around the world, including the United States and Canada. Its huge broad bill with a pouch on the underside is the most noticeable thing about it, along with its beautiful wings which spread eight to ten feet across. Although this large water bird is awkward on the ground, it is graceful when flying or swimming.

They thrive on a diet of fish, and sometimes work together to catch them. Large numbers will swim together in a line, beating the water with their wings. Frightened fish find themselves trapped as the birds scoop them up in their open bills. Their stomachs filled, they return to shore to digest the meal and soon fly into the air in great flocks, apparently just for the pleasure of it. They are often seen flying single file.

They nest in groups of a thousand or more on the shores of an island or inland lake. The females lay just two eggs that take a month to hatch. The chicks are at first without feathers and quite ugly, but the mother is very attentive, keeping them well fed with fish which she first digests and then brings back up into her pouch. Opening her upper bill wide, she lets the little ones help themselves, which they are always ready to do, practically crawling into her pouch in their hurry. The little ones stay in the nest three months before learning to fly and then are taught how to catch their own fish.

With their wide wingspan, adults glide on air currents, covering as much as 40 miles or more a day over water in search of fish. When a fish is spotted near the surface, the bird dives down and scoops up several quarts of water along with the fish. Lifting its head to let the water run out, it then gulps the fish down.

It is easy to understand why fishermen don't like the competition from pelicans. Actually, much of their catch is made up of sick or injured fish, which the sportsmen wouldn't want anyway.

The Bible verse above causes us to think of God as the Creator of every living thing on earth.

But what is more important is that everything we do depends on His care and loving-kindness. How important it is to accept His invitation to take the Lord Jesus as our Savior. His Word, the Bible, says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). When we do this He calls us His sons and daughters and assures us of eternal life with Him. Are you clean and forgiven?

The Osprey and Its Prey

"Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom?... Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?" (Job 39:26-27).

The osprey (also called fishing hawk), with a five- to six-foot wingspread, is a pretty bird in the hawk family. It is shiny brown above, but parts of its head and neck are yellow and white. The underparts of its body are plain white, including its heavily feathered legs. It is very impressive with its erect head and sharply curved beak.

These birds are found in many countries. In America they spend summers from Labrador to Florida and Alaska to California. Most migrate to Central America for the winter.

Ospreys do not have songs; they have high-pitched whistles. They feed only on fish, which is why their homes are near lakes, rivers or ocean shores.

Their huge nests are a mass of sticks, usually lined with grass or seaweed. They use the same nest year after year, always adding to it until it may reach three feet high and three feet wide. Before so many forests were cut down, trees were a favorite nesting place. From high branches they could look down into the water and choose their fish targets. But now many build nests on telephone poles, roofs of barns, posts in water, etc. Helping solve this problem, naturalists build platforms 30 feet or more above the water, and the ospreys find these good substitutes.

Others build nests on rocks as high as 300 feet. It is quite a sight to see one take off from this height, then dive feet first into the water to snatch a luscious fish in its strong talons. It carries the fish back home in its talons, perhaps eating a few mouthfuls on the way.

The male migrates north again in early spring, soon followed by his lifelong mate. Returning to the same nest, they clean it and add to it. Soon they have three or four little ones to care for. The mother stays with the young at all times, and the father provides all the food. The little ones eat so much they become heavier than the parents, but return to normal size before learning to fly.

The Bible tells us that on the fifth day of creation "God created... every winged fowl after his kind" (Gen. 1:21). And in Psa. 145:15 we are told, "The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their meat [food] in due season." Another Bible verse says: "For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings" (Job 34:21). Is that comforting to you? Or does it trouble you?

Rockhoppers Are Tough!: Part 1

"Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done.... They are more than can be numbered" (Psa. 40:5).

There are many varieties of penguins, from the largest emperor species which is about four feet tall, to the smallest species which is about one foot tall. The rockhoppers are about two feet tall. These don't make their homes on big ice fields, but on the cliffs of islands in the Atlantic Ocean near the tip of South America.

They have white bodies, but their heads, backs and flippers are black, with a row of yellow feathers below the scalp and standing out from each side of their heads. Their beaks are pink, matched by short pink legs and webbed feet.

For some reason they avoid sheltered bays and beaches for nest sites and prefer bare shores exposed to the winds or bare areas atop rocky cliffs where the winds are even stronger. Nests are only shallow scrapings in the ground and extremely close together-thousands of them in colonies called rookeries. A colony sometimes makes an awful racket with their sharp shrieks. One visitor said they sounded like thousands of rusty wheelbarrows being pushed too fast.

These odd little fellows swim to more northerly islands as winter draws near. But they are not gone for long. When they return the males go first to claim territories for their nests, and the females arrive two weeks later. Just one egg is laid in the simple nest, and they both take turns incubating it until the little chick breaks out of its shell, a blackish, nearly blind baby. After three weeks the chick can look out for itself while the parents are off getting food for it. It leaves the nest for good when about eight weeks old.

But when the parents are both away, the little ones are particularly exposed to a vicious enemy-a big dark gull called skua. These hang around the colony as continual threats, every once in a while swooping low with head stretched out to snatch up an unguarded egg or exposed chick. Also, just as quick to capture an unattended chick is the giant petrel. It stealthily makes its way into the colony and carries away a victim, accompanied by the shrieks of all nearby rockhoppers, which are unable to do anything about it.

In the next article we will take a close look at the adult rockhopper 's activities in the water and learn how it makes its way back home.

Isn't it nice to know that these odd birds, so far away from people, are always under the watchful eye of their Creator. He has fitted them well for the peculiar kind of life they lead. They are part of His creation, in which He has great pleasure, but His greatest pleasure is in men and women, boys and girls, who have thanked Him for that loving and gracious care and know Him as their Savior.

Rockhoppers Are Tough!: Part 2

"O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!" (Psa. 36:6-7).

How did these birds get the funny name of rockhopper? Let's imagine we're following one of these penguins around and we'll soon learn the answer.

Leaving the female on the nest caring for the little chick, the male, early in the morning, hops along the edge of their high cliff to where there is a way down to the seashore below. It is rough and full of huge rocks, but these don't bother him a bit. He just hops up and over them and soon is at the bottom where big waves are crashing in.

He immediately dives into a wave and is soon swimming in smooth water. Then he gets to work and, diving fairly deep, spots a small fish which also spots him and tries to swim away. But a rockhopper can swim faster, and soon the fish's tail is in his mouth, and then... good-bye fish!

He may do this a few more times until his stomach is full. But then he needs one more to take to their little chick. So the next catch, instead of going all the way to his stomach, just goes to his crop.

When he and several others decide to head back to their nests, they may find that a storm has brought immense waves which are pounding against the rocks they need to reach. Before they are able to get a foothold on the rocks, they may find themselves washed back out time after time, until they finally get a foothold and climb out of the water.

Now they have a tough climb ahead of them, but one they are used to. Is a big rock in the way? Just hop to the top, and hop down the other side. This is done many times until they reach the top of the cliff and can scamper home, hopping over gullies and other things along the way. So you see it was only natural for these interesting penguins to be given the name rockhopper by those first discovering them.

When the male gets back to the chick, he will bring up the partially digested fish from his crop into his open beak where the hungry chick can reach it. The little one drops off to sleep after its meal, while the parents stand guard over it. They sometimes lean against each other and doze off too, giving the father a well-earned rest.

The manner of life and needs of people and other creatures are often quite different. How happy it made the Psalmist to think of the Creator's preserving care over all living things, as expressed in the opening Bible verse. The birds, of course, don't know He is caring for them, but we who do should always remember to thank Him, not only for His care, but also for His love, and that He has provided a way for us to know Him as our Savior. Have you thanked Him for this?

Water-Loving Ibis

"And God created... every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good" (Gen. 1:21).

Ibis are among the world's largest birds, some measuring as much as four feet from the tip of their beaks to the end of their tail feathers. All have long necks and legs with partly webbed feet. They eat mostly fish, frogs and snails captured by probing in shallow, muddy water with their long beaks. They will also eat large insects, mice, moles and small snakes. Farmers welcome them because of their huge appetites for these pests.

Some species live together by the thousands, grouping in trees or bushes in large, bowl-shaped nests built of twigs and interwoven sticks with a thin inner layer of grass. But some prefer to nest in single families in swamps and marshes or open forest areas. There are many varieties of ibis scattered from the southern United States through Mexico and South America, and Africa and Australia. With changes in seasons, some make flights of thousands of miles, while others remain in one place through summer and winter.

Two varieties in America prefer to make their homes in cleared areas of a forest or out in open, dry country. The American white is a large and pretty bird, almost solid white with black wing tips, red face and legs, and a yellow bill. The wood ibis is darker in color. Both kinds usually nest close to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Australian white looks much like the American white. It is noted for its practice of breaking a shellfish open by holding it firmly against a flat stone or hard surface with a foot, then using its tough beak as a hammer to break it open.

The bald ibis, found only in the mountains of Africa and the Middle East, has quite a color contrast to those named above. It is mostly greenish black except for a dash of deep pink or brown where its wings are attached to its body, as well as a deep-red head-top on the male. The head itself is pinkish, but the long down-curved beak, long legs and feet are light orange.

One that is worshipped by natives around the Indian Ocean from South Africa to Australia is the sacred ibis. The worship habit probably came about centuries ago when natives first noticed how these birds got rid of troublesome pests.

It pleased the Lord God, the Creator of all things, to place these and thousands of other bird varieties throughout the world, both for their usefulness and also as objects of great interest. Each has its particular place in the creation in which He delighted.

For those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, there is a wonderful time coming in heaven when He will show us His wisdom and love in all He has done. Will you be there to hear that wonderful account?

The Lovely Avocet

"And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air" (Gen. 2:19).

There are four species of the pretty bird called the avocet, and all are quite similar except for coloring. One of these is the American avocet, called this because its home is in the United States and Canada. It migrates north in spring to the Arctic and returns south to Canada and the United States in fall. This long-legged, web-footed, 18-inch resident of marshes and ponds is called a "wader." This is because much of its time is spent wading as it hunts for food.

Beautiful color combinations mark the American species. The smooth, tan feathers of its neck, head and breast are set off with a small white circle around each dark eye. It has a larger circle at the base of its long, up-curved, slender, black bill. Below the breast the body is pure white, partly covered with black wings. Long, slender, strong legs and extra-large, partially webbed feet complete the picture. In flight it spreads long wings far out and trails its legs behind like a rudder.

When choosing a mate, the male, while wading in water, entertains a female sitting on the ground. She may encourage him with motions of her head and wings. He struts gracefully through the shallow water, stopping now and then to bow to her. Then he spreads his wide wings and shows her how gracefully he can dance. If she responds to all this, they soon begin to build a nest in a hidden spot among brush and grass.

The female lays three or four olive-colored eggs which will hatch in three or four weeks. The male incubates them for a week or more and then turns the rest of the job over to the female. If an enemy threatens her, he is close by and immediately comes to her aid.

The baby chicks can run around right after hatching. If the parents warn them to be still, they "freeze" immediately and stay that way, even permitting a person to pick them up.

The Creator has provided these birds with long, up-curved bills to enable them to get food from the marshy areas. With them they probe in the mud for small shellfish and worms. At other times they swing their opened bills back and forth just above the surface of the water to catch insects hovering there.

The opening Bible verse tells of the Creator's bringing all birds and beasts into the world. And we know He took great pleasure in all He created. More importantly, we are also told of His special love for each one of us. He wants each of us to accept the Lord Jesus as Savior-the One who died on the cross, providing a way for us to be in heaven.

If you have not yet come to Him, why not come right now? He will receive you. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2).

Talking Birds: Part 1

"[The Lord God] doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number" (Job 9:10).

Parrots are one of the few kinds of birds that can be captured in the wild, taken into a house or aviary, and soon become "one of the family," even to the extent of joining in the talking. Probably most of you have had some contact with parrots.

Some not only mimic people with words plainly spoken, but also learn how to use them. Some will call for certain foods by name or greet people with a loud "hello" or "good-by." Some have even been taught to call out the word "want" for something they want, as well as "no" when they don't want what is being offered to them. However, this takes a lot of patient training, and not all parrots can learn that much.

There are many varieties of parrots, ranging in size all the way from the small brilliantly colored lorikeets of Australia, about three inches long, to the largest, the hyacinth macaw of Brazil which measures some 40 inches from beak to tail-end. These are colored a solid deep blue, except for yellow eyes and a small yellow band across the neck.

Parrot varieties are found in many parts of the world, including Africa, the Philippines, southern Asia, Australia and the Orient. But the greatest number make their homes in Central and South America, as well as the tropical areas of Mexico and the West Indies. None are natives of North America, although they seem quite content when captured and brought here.

In their homelands they like to nest in holes in dead trees, and with strong beaks and claws will enlarge holes that are not big enough. They usually cover the floors of these nests with small bits of wood or leaves. The burrowing parrot is an exception to the tree-nesting parrots. Large colonies of these dig burrows into cliffs close to one another and can make an awful noise when all are chattering or calling at the same time. Another, the night parrot of Australia, hollows out a nesting spot in the base of a clump of coarse, tall grass.

These remarkable birds are included in the opening Bible verse as it talks of wonders of God's creation without number. He is the One who has provided so great a variety of wonders. They did not "just happen" to be the way they are.

In the following article we will take a look at some of the individual species of parrots and their distinguishing colors and habits.

Talking Birds: Part 2

"O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things" (Isa. 25:1).

A photographer with color film or an artist with a good selection of bright colors will always find parrots interesting subjects.

One called rainbow lorikeet is a good example of this with so many bright colors-red, blue, green and orange all blending so beautifully. This one lives in Australia and, contrary to the appetites of most parrots, its food is mainly soft fruit and nectar from plants and trees, rather than nuts and seeds.

The blue-naped variety of the Philippines is another pretty one. The head feathers behind its reddish beak are a brilliant green, followed by a large patch of blue on its neck (which is how it got its name). The rest of its body feathers are a mixture of light green, blue, yellow and black- a very pretty combination.

In Peru there are great quantities of macaws, an extra-large type of parrot with varieties of coloring. These have large yellow beaks, behind which a typical example will have a bright red head, throat, neck and shoulders. These colors are followed by orange on the wings before they turn brilliant deep blue. Another feature of macaws is their long tails, a mixture of green and red-really beautiful birds.

The blue and gold macaw, also of Peru, is well-named with its bright blue top feathers. Its neck is yellowish-gold in back, but black in the front. Its white, round face has a small sharp black beak.

Another part of this family in nearby Brazil is the well-named scarlet macaw. With the exception of a few blue spots, its entire body is a display of brilliant scarlet feathers, including wings and tail.

Another in Brazil is called the red-spectacled parrot. This is because of a wide band of crimson across the top of its head that also surrounds its eyes. This one has a short tail, mostly deep green in color and red on parts of its wings. It is noted for its exceptionally long, strong claws.

If you have a parrot in your home or schoolroom you may say, "Our parrot isn't colored like any of those!" That's the interesting thing about these birds. The Creator has placed such a wide variety on the earth that it would be difficult to try to list them all at one time.

They remind us again of the splendor of God's creation. And not only has He created them, but the Bible tells us that He watches over them at all times. Do you know that He watches over you with an even greater love? His invitation to you is, "Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength" (Isa. 26:4).

Do you know Him as your Savior?

Crazy as a Loon?

"Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Josh. 1:9).

Walking along a mountain trail in the Cascade Mountains near Seattle, Washington, we were startled by a loud, strange laugh nearby. Puzzled, we went on walking and soon heard it again. To find out what was going on, we left the trail and soon came to a small lake. There on the surface we saw two large birds with black heads, white breasts and beautiful speckled black-and-white wings. Our wondering about the weird calls we had heard was soon answered when one of the birds opened its long, sharp beak, raised its head and gave out a loud laugh-like cry. And so we were introduced to the common loon.

The birds spotted us and took off, kicking the water vigorously with their webbed feet, soon rising above it with spray spattering all around. Necks outstretched and wings flapping rapidly, they were soon out of sight. This beautiful display made us decide to learn more about them as soon as possible.

We learned that great numbers make their homes on small, lonely lakes across the northern United States and into Canada and some seacoast areas. When on land they seem awkward, for the Creator designed them for the water where they are excellent swimmers, both on the surface and underwater. They swim faster than most fish, which form their principal food supply. They have wonderful vision and before diving submerge their heads, turning them from side to side to locate prey. Then with a quick dive and underwater swim they make their catch.

Loons are from two to three feet long with a wing span of about five feet and weigh from 10 to 14 pounds. Their life span is about 30 years. In April they incubate just two eggs for about a month. The newborn hatchlings are as cute as can be, with coal-black soft down. Soon they are swimming with the parents, sometimes riding piggyback on mom and dad who care for them for about three months.

Groups of adult loons often join in choruses of hoots, screams and yodeling. The weird-sounding result is where the expressions "crazy as a loon" and "loony" came from. Actually, they are among the world's outstanding birds and seem to act very intelligently. Coming across them at the mountain lake was an experience we have never forgotten.

Loons are another example of the wonders of God's creation and are included in His words: "I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine" (Psa. 50:11). Another Psalm tells us, "The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works" (Psa. 145:9). This is specifically true of every boy and girl, man and woman on earth. Have you thanked Him for His love and care for you?

The Cock-of-the-Rock

"Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?" (Job 35:11).

The pigeon-sized cock-of-the-rock makes its home in the Amazon region in the north of Brazil. The outstanding color of the male is orange-red, its head topped with a helmet like orange crest (looking like a lady's fan, with a yellow border around it). Wing feathers are contrasting dark brown and blue-all making this bird outstandingly beautiful.

In contrast, young chicks are anything but beautiful, with their fuzzy black hair, bare legs and wings looking like a coarse comb. But in a year's time they have the same plumage as the adults.

Because of the male's fighting attitude toward all that approach its nesting area, it is well named cock-of-the-rock. (Some people have been given the same title because of their behavior!) This fighting attitude makes them quick to challenge one another, especially when one trespasses into another's territory or when they are both trying to win the same female at an event called a lek.

At the time of the lek several male and female birds gather together in a clearing. The females are off to one side while the males, one by one, approach with their pretty feathers fluffed out, dancing with steps and hops and fluffing out their pretty light-blue wings below the orange body feathers.

The females then make their choice of a mate and they go their way to find a place to build a nest of mud and sticks among the trees or perhaps atop a rocky ledge. The female, whose feathers are plain brown, often builds the nest by herself and incubates the eggs and raises her young without any help. Meanwhile the father bird is enjoying a carefree life, showing off his feathers as he flies through the forest. What a selfish fellow!

Males in combat lock powerful talons together, jab at each other with their wings and may lock beaks. These matches may last two or three hours, and if neither can claim himself a winner they seem to agree to rest a while before fighting again, until one is defeated. When not fighting they still threaten each other with harsh calls and noisy wing-flapping.

We may be sure that when these beautiful birds were created they were not proud and vicious as they are now. When God created them, along with the other birds on the fifth day of His creation, the Bible states, "And God saw that it was good" (Gen. 1:21). What happened to change them? It was sin coming into the world through Satan, and he has never changed from his evil ways. The Bible warns us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary [enemy] the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour [destroy]" (1 Peter 5:8).

We can only resist Satan and his evil ways by putting our trust in the Lord Jesus and asking Him to lead us in His ways. Have you done this?

Charming Sandpipers: Part 1

"Thou art worthy, O Lord... for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11).

When we look at the great variety of birds the Creator has placed on the earth, it is not difficult to understand the above Bible verse and see why He had real pleasure in creating them.

There are many millions of sandpipers, in many varieties, throughout the world. They are found mostly in North America and Europe, but some in other countries as well. The one most often seen in Europe is known as the common sandpiper, and the two most common ones in North America are the spotted and the western. Some of them are given nicknames such as "stilts," "shanks" and "peeps" because of their special habits.

Most sandpipers migrate, spending fall and winter in warm southern places and flying thousands of miles to northern Canada, the Yukon and Alaska in spring. As an example, over 6,000,000 of the western species leave South America in May for northern spots where they nest, raise their young and find abundant food provided by a kind Creator.

Some of these fly along the Pacific coast, others across midwest states, but the greatest number prefer the Atlantic coast. Whichever route is taken, many stops are made along the way for eating and resting. They fly in great masses, but not in formation like geese and ducks. In flight their wings lift high above their backs, then drop swiftly below their bodies, making a rapid sweep.

Sandpipers find much of their food in water or on sandy shores, eating mostly at night. Food includes many kinds of small sea life, such as clams, mussels, a small fish now and then, and many insects caught while flying over the seashore. Large groups often stand perfectly still on the sand, heads pointed into the wind, and many, if not all, stand with one leg tucked up under their feathers. They are also interesting to watch as they run rapidly together, feet in shallow water, some stopping now and then to poke their beaks into the sand or water to snatch a tasty bit of food.

Sandpipers usually nest on the ground, scraping out a shallow round spot and lining it with grass. Two or four eggs are laid, with both parents taking turns incubating them. By late fall they are ready to make the return trip to their winter homes.

In the following article we will look at a few of the interesting varieties in more detail. Meanwhile, if you are near a sandy lakeshore or ocean beach, keep your eyes open and you may see some.

We have already mentioned the Creator's pleasure in placing these birds on the earth. Another Bible verse tells of His watchful care over them: "Thou hast made... the earth, and all things that are therein... and Thou preservest them all" (Neh. 9:6). Have you thanked Him for His watchful care over you?

Charming Sandpipers: Part 2

"For of Him [the Lord God], and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever" (Rom. 11:36).

In the last article we looked at sandpipers in general. There are too many to list them all, but here are some interesting things about a few of them.

The one named spotted is one of the best known all along the Pacific coast. These are commonly seen running along the shore, stopping now and then to teeter up and down several times, then running again. This has given it the nickname "tip-up."

The large-beaked spoonbill and the broad-billed are among the great migrators. Their large beaks contrast with the small ones of others. The westerns, also migrators, are very pretty with white stomachs and breasts and mottled dark and light brown wings, tan heads and sharply pointed bills.

An unusual one that doesn't migrate is named eastern. It spends winters and summers in the midwestern United States in deep woods, wading in shallow ponds and swamps, stirring up food with its feet.

The greater yellowlegs has long colorful legs, lifting its body to nearly a foot above ground. Another tall one is the nine-inch-high stilt, living along the Atlantic Coast, with some in Texas.

Among the shorter ones is the least, probably given this name because it is so small. It is quite pretty with black wings, speckled top and tail feathers, and clear-white underparts on its round little body. Its head fits snugly into its body with a sharp black beak pointing out. It often stands a long time on one leg, the other tucked under its body and completely hidden.

The one called purple is really black with gray and brown markings. Its winter home is in Central America, but it migrates far north in spring and summer. Then there is the red-headed, with a long black beak and pretty reddish feathers so smooth against its small skull that it looks almost bald.

A provision of the Creator, made for many birds, is in Delaware Bay, near Washington, D.C., where great numbers of horseshoe crabs migrate each spring and lay millions of eggs, which many birds eat. Great numbers of sandpipers find this a good stopping place when migrating north, including the semi-palmateds. Feeding on this tasty treat, they fatten up for the last lap of a several-thousand-mile migration. Many other kinds of birds join them in this feast.

We must stop here, although there are many more interesting species. Remember, these are all examples of God's creation, placed on the earth by Him, and are dependent on Him for their short life span. They do not know of God's care over them, but we can know about His care over us and thank Him for it. The Bible tells us, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him" (Nah. 1:7). Does He know you because you trust in Him?

Kestrels and Peregrines: Part 1

"And God created.. every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good" (Gen. 1:21).

Kestrels and peregrines are closely related birds of prey; both are falcons and members of the hawk family. The kestrel, for instance, is often called a sparrow hawk and the peregrine, duck hawk. Here we'll consider the kestrel and we'll look at the peregrine in the next article.

The kestrel is a pretty bird with a cap of bluish gray, brown and rust colors on its white head and an outstanding display of rust, black, bluish-gray and spotted-white feathers mixed over the rest of its body and wings. It makes its nest in a tree, on the side of a high cliff or even on a ledge of a tall building. Don't ever reach into its nest or you may learn how sharp its curved beak and powerful claws are!

Kestrels make their homes in just about every part of the United States and Mexico, and in southern Canada. Many live in the Pacific Coast areas. Where winters are cold, they migrate south in the fall, but in the southern states they remain year-round.

Like all hawks their food is mainly small animals, such as mice, moles, rats and fish. They also dispose of many insects, like caterpillars and dragonflies. Being the size of a blue jay, they don't attack even the smallest birds in the air, for they are not swift enough to catch them. However, if they see one of the smaller birds, like a sparrow or chickadee, hopping or resting on the ground, they will fly silently over it and then drop down and capture it. People are not happy to see them catch birds, but are glad when they catch mice, rats and insects.

They spend much of the daytime hovering over open fields or perching on posts, wooden fences or electrical wires near open fields. Their sharp eyes are alert for food to eat on the spot or take home to a mate or little ones in the nest. They have a peculiar habit which will help you identify them. When perched on a post or stump they often pump their tails up and down, as though impatient to spot prey and go after it. They also have an unusual call, which sounds like they are repeating, "klee-klee-klee."

The mother bird lays about five eggs in springtime and the young hatch in about four weeks. A month later they are ready to fly and are soon on their own.

Kestrels are part of God's creation and He has much delight in them. But their lives are for this world only, compared with human beings who have a never-dying soul. God gives us a special invitation: "And [let] the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God" (2 Thess. 3:5). Are you aware of God's love for you? Do you know His Son, the Lord Jesus, who loves you so very much that He died for you?

Kestrels and Peregrines: Part 2

"I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine" (Psa. 50:11).

The preceding page reviewed kestrels and now we'll take a close look at their near relative, peregrine falcons. You may recall that both groups are members of the hawk family and live in the same places throughout the world, including the United States and Mexico, as well as parts of Canada. Their nesting habits are similar-sometimes in the hole of a tree trunk, or on the ledge of a rocky canyon, or even on a flat area high on the side of a skyscraper.

Male peregrines are mostly mottled brown and tan over their bodies and legs, with darker brown on their wings and tops of their heads. Females have lighter grayish feathers over their backs and heads, contrasting with soft white throats and chests.

Compared with the blue jay-size kestrel, peregrines are about the size of a big crow. One look at their hooked beaks and long sharp claws (talons) would convince you they can be very tough enemies, not only to rats and mice, but to rabbits, squirrels and other land animals, as well as birds as big as sea gulls.

"Peregrine" means "traveling" or "wandering," and that's how they got their name, because they will at times fly hundreds of miles searching for a meal. While kestrels don't

have enough speed to catch other birds in the air, the peregrines are different. They can overtake many birds. They fly as high as 1000 feet, their sharp eyes all the while searching far below.

They could not do all this remarkable hunting if the Creator had not provided them with eyes like telescopes. They can spot a squirrel on the ground a thousand feet below, or see a flying bird a great distance off and soon overtake it. Sometimes when mates are flying together and the male captures a bird, the female will fly upside down below him and let him drop the captive into her open claws to take home for food for their little ones. At other times, flying alone and capturing a bird at a time when he's not hungry, the peregrine will kill it in the air and then drop it to the ground. When he comes back later to pick it up, he might catch a rat or other animal nibbling on it.

Adam and Eve brought sin into the world. After that, many animals and birds, such as these hawks, became meat eaters for the first time. But another time is soon coming when everything will be happy and at peace again.

Before that takes place those who have accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior will be with Him in heaven and will happily look down on a renewed world that will then be in perfect peace. Will you be one of those looking down from heaven on that happy sight? You can be.

The Great Blue Heron

"And God created... every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good" (Gen. 1:21).

When the Lord God created the world, He designed it with oceans, mountains, deserts, forests and everything else that made it a wonderful, beautiful globe. Then in each region He placed birds, animals and other creatures suited to that area's weather conditions and vegetation. His wisdom becomes evident as we observe how each creature fits into the area where He has placed it.

An example is the great blue heron-a bird that is part of a variety known as waders, making its home in marshes or beside lakes, streams and other watery places. The great blue is the world's largest heron, standing four feet tall and having a six-foot wingspread. Seeing one standing motionless in the shallow water of a pond with its long, spindly, red legs holding it like a statue, you would probably exclaim, "Spectacular!"

Its name comes from the generally bluish-black feathers on its back and wings, but it is hard to make a general description, for its coloring does not set a definite pattern like a flamingo's does. But each one is beautiful, whatever its color. As examples, one is bluish-black over its back, but has reddish wings and red patches elsewhere. Another is pretty with the top of its head a deep blue, back and wing feathers a somewhat lighter shade, with a rusty-red throat and neck and a pinkish breast and lower body parts.

But the varieties make great blues more interesting and do not affect traits common to them all. These include long spindly legs, long, narrow, flexible necks and strong, sharp-pointed beaks used to catch food, including fish, insects, frogs, mice or other tiny animals. They are very patient when hunting these, standing statue-still in water, with yellow eyes alert for any motion. When a fish or other small creature approaches they thrust their strong beaks down quick as a flash and rarely fail to catch it.

It is a treat to see this bird wing its way across the sky. When first taking to the air, its long neck is stretched straight forward, but as it rises high above the ground its neck is gradually drawn back to a graceful, double curve and, with its long legs straight behind it, it makes a wonderful picture.

Herons like living in large colonies high in trees alongside a marsh or stream. One tree may hold a dozen roughly built nests, so loosely woven that their eggs can be seen from below. Both parents provide for the little ones for over two months or more before they mature enough to fly away to make it on their own.

Psa. 33:5 tells us, "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." And Psa. 150:6 tells us, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." Have you ever praised the Lord?

The Lovely Manakins

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.... All things were created by Him, and for Him" (Col. 1:16).

In the forests of Central and South America, from Mexico to Brazil and on nearby islands, there are over 50 species of the interesting manakin, a bird not much larger than a swallow, but much more active. They are provided by the Creator with small but strong beaks, slightly hooked on the end, with which they pluck fruit from trees, as well as insects from the air, while flying. These items form their principal food supply.

The more common manakins include those called the long-tailed, swallow-tailed, white-bearded, golden-headed and the blue-backed. Their names describe each one's general appearance. They are also called jewel birds, perhaps because of the brilliant coloring of the males. The females, however, are mostly plain olive-green, this being a kind provision of their Creator, so that they blend in with their surroundings while sitting in their nests or taking care of their little ones.

Manakins have a most outstanding way of choosing mates. Not all follow the same pattern, but many-especially the white-bearded, golden-headed and blue-backed-put on a remarkable show. First of all, a group of handsome males selects an open area between trees, and one or more remove twigs, leaves, grass and pebbles, exposing the bare ground in a large circle.

With this area ready, female birds, drawn to the loud calls of the males, look on from nearby branches as the males get into action. The leading one first jumps high in the air, hovering there with fluttering wings in front of a female and perhaps flying back and forth near her before dropping back to the ground. Then, one by one, the others leap up and perform the same way while making a noise like a cat meowing.

In some of these groups each male will make 100 jumps or more, becoming faster and faster each time. Before long the females, in their excitement, hop up and down from perch to perch, and then with widespread wings each makes its way to the ground, selecting the male of its choice. Soon pairs fly off together to build a cup-shaped nest in a tree or bush, where two eggs are laid and incubated for about three weeks. After hatching, the little ones are cared for by the mother for another three or four weeks (her mate leaves it all up to her) until they are able to be on their own.

The Lord God found great pleasure in creating all living things, and we can be sure of His tender thoughts toward these lovely birds as He watches over them. His eyes are always on you, too, inviting you to admit your need of having your sins forgiven and to accept Him as your Savior. Have you done this?

The Cheerful Cardinal

"He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.... By them shall the fowls... have their habitation, which sing among the branches"

(Psa. 104:10,12).

There are so many beautiful birds throughout the world-all part of God's creation—that it is impossible to select one as being the prettiest. But somewhere near the top of the list is the lively, cheerful cardinal.

The male is particularly showy in his bright red feathers, with a black, mask-like face and throat and black tips on his wings and tail. A red feathery crest sits perkily on top of his head. The female, too, is pretty, but her coloring is not quite so showy.

Both male and female are cheerful, swift and busy birds. They have a variety of lovely songs that can be heard long distances through the forests of the eastern United States and as far west as South Dakota and Texas. They are also welcome residents of Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia and an attractive addition to any neighborhood fortunate enough to have a pair. Farmers are happy when they settle nearby, for they eat great quantities of insects and seeds of harmful weeds.

Although the female's song is softer than the male's, it too is clear and cheerful, and both sing throughout the year. And that's another nice thing about them-they don't migrate. How striking the flash of their bright red feathers is as they fly over the snow or perch on a snow-covered limb to sing a happy song!

In springtime males and females nest in low shrubbery to raise a family-the male winning his mate by bringing her seeds and cracking the hard shell for her. She seems content to do most of the nest building as long as he feeds her. The finished nest is lined with soft material, then bluish-white eggs are laid in it, hatching out in about two weeks.

The little ones are fed by both parents. After about 10 days they are ready to make their first flight. Soon after they fly the mother leaves them, and the responsibility of teaching them the ways of bird life is left to the father. But he seems to enjoy doing this.

Do you think God cares about cardinals? Yes, He surely does, for they are His creation and included in the Bible verse: "These wait all upon Thee; that Thou mayest give them their meat [food] in due season" (Psa. 104:27).

And how wonderful is the care that He shows to you, including you in another verse that says: "God our Savior; who will have all men [all people] to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:3-4). Are you one who has been saved by admitting that you are a sinner and accepting the Lord Jesus as your Savior?

Birds of the Cliffs "Birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head" (Matt. 8:20).

There are a great number of ways in which birds make their nest. Among the most unusual are those of several species of sea birds in the high, rocky cliffs of the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans. One species will choose a section of the cliff, from the top to the bottom, for its nests. Other species will choose their own section on the same cliff, but the species do not mix. For instance, one section might represent the homes of petrels, next to it sea gulls, then puffins, or sometimes gannets, guillemots and murres. These series of nests in some areas look just like several apartment buildings built next to one another, but the people from one don't mix with the people from another.

This separation of nests is a wise provision of the Creator, for it keeps the various species from fighting with one another. But in daylight hours there is always a terrible racket from such a collection of birds.

Openings between the levels of the cliff may be several inches high and not very deep in some places, but several feet deep in other places. In these areas eggs are laid, often on the bare rock, but sometimes in nests made of mud and grass. The eggs of most of these birds are pear-shaped instead of round or oval. Can you guess why? I'll tell you. If a pear- shaped egg is knocked out of the "nest" it will not roll out and drop over the edge. Instead, it will roll in a tight circle and stop. The mother then can fetch it back where it belongs. Isn't that a wonderful provision of the Creator?

These birds get almost all their food from salt water. It is thrilling to watch one making a swift dive through the air into the water and coming up with a fish in its beak. The fish is often flown back to little ones crouched in their rocky home.

When there are hundreds and sometimes thousands of nests so close together, how does each bird Puffins find its own nest when returning from a fishing trip? Another question: How do the little ones dare to jump from their high homes and use their wings the very first time? For answers to these questions we can only look at the Master Designer and His ability to provide so wonderfully for all that He has created.

The opening Bible verse refers to the Lord Jesus, who left the riches of heaven to become a man on earth. He showed kindness to needy people, but He was so poor Himself that He did not even have a bed of His own. At the end of more than 33 years, He allowed wicked men to nail Him to Calvary's cross where He bore the sins of all who will confess they are needy sinners and accept Him as their Savior. Have you done this?

The Bird With a Big Bill: Part 1

"I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine" (Psa. 50:11).

Looking at a spoonbill, it is easy to understand its name, as the outer end of its long, bony beak flattens out to look just like a spoon or small shovel.

There are great numbers of these birds in warm climates of the world. One species, called the royal, makes its home in Australia along with the yellow bill. Most of them in these southern lands are all white except for yellow crests on their heads. The African is also pure white except for brilliant red legs and a matching neck band. Another white one is the common, with a prominent crest of long feathers at the back of its head that it lifts up in a pretty display on occasion. Its home is in parts of Europe, Asia and northern Africa.

There are many other varieties, including the roseate, which we will consider in our next article.

The Creator gave spoonbills their unusual bills for a special purpose. Wading on their long legs in shallow lagoons, they thrust their heads down to the soft bottom and swing them back and forth, snapping up anything they recognize as food. This is mostly fish, shrimp, other water creatures and insects. Then, lifting their heads up high they enjoy their snack as the "catch" slides down their throats. Since they cannot see the food they catch (except for floating creatures) they often hunt at night as well as in the daytime.

Nesting habits are not limited to any particular style of nest. Some are on the ground in marshes and others are in brush or tall grass. But more often they form either small or large colonies in cypress or mangrove trees where nests are close together, providing added protection from enemies. Some of these groups will build a platform of sticks high above the ground with individual nests on it. But whatever type of home they choose to have, we can be sure the Creator has provided the ability to construct it, and their cleverly built homes speak of His care over them.

The beautiful plumage of these birds was at one time in great demand to decorate ladies' hats and clothes. To keep the lovely spoonbill from extinction, they are now protected from this kind of hunting.

These birds are another display of the wonders of God's creation. We read in the Bible that all things have been created for His pleasure (Rev. 4:11), and it has pleased Him to place all varieties of animals, birds and fish upon the earth.

When we have occasion to see any of them, let us remember they are not the result of "evolution," but have all been created and preserved by the Lord God, according to His divine wisdom and pleasure.

The Birds With a Big Bill: Part 2

"Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath" (Deut. 4:39).

In the foregoing page we were introduced to the large and beautiful birds known as spoonbills. Now let's take a look at the species that makes its home in the United States and, because of its coloring, is known as the roseate. This one is considered by many to be the prettiest of all varieties. They are found mostly along the Gulf of Mexico, from Florida to Texas.

The main body of the roseate, including the underside of its wings, is a deep pink, but the tops of the wings are pink only where connected to its back. Short tail feathers are usually orange; its legs and feet are deep pink. The only white on the roseate is on its neck and breast and the lower top-sides of the wings. However, an absolute rule on their coloring cannot be made because several variations show up. But these are always in beautiful harmony, presenting a lovely display the Creator has given us to enjoy.

The reason for so much pink on the roseate, as well as on its relative, the flamingo, is that the diet of both birds includes large quantities of shrimp from the ocean shorelines. The depth of the color depends on how much shrimp they eat.

Roseates most frequently make their nests of sticks in bushes along the water's edge, but sometimes they will colonize with others on raised platforms. After nest building is completed, both parents take turns incubating four or five eggs until they hatch in three or four weeks. The parents also take turns guarding and feeding the chicks.

Their way of feeding is to insert their heads into the spoon-like bill and throat of a parent, which then produces already digested food for them. When little ones are waiting for food, they line up on the side of the nest, whistling and trilling noisily. When a parent arrives, the first one getting to its bill doesn't want to leave, so the parent eventually shakes it loose so another one can have a turn.

How do you suppose these birds all learned the same way of life? Well, they didn't need to learn, because the Creator gave these instincts to the very first ones He created, and they have been passed on to each generation ever since.

And when we think of His wondrous ways in creation, how it would please Him to hear each of us repeat and really mean the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote: "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).

The Strange Hoatzin

"These wait all upon Thee; that Thou mayest give them their (food] in due season" (Psa. 104:27).

The hoatzin is rather large, about two feet long and weighs about two pounds. It is one of the most colorful birds in the world and a native of South America. It is found along the banks of the Amazon and other rivers. Its principal food is leaves and fruit of plants growing in the marshes, as well as an occasional small fish, crab or frog. It is not a good flyer and, except when nesting, spends most of its time on the ground or in low brush.

An impressive crest (crown), composed of a dozen or so thin black and yellow feathers, stands straight up in a fan shape from the top of its head, which is deep blue. Its neck, brown on the back and over its wings, is marked with white cross-stripes. The front is solid white between its strong, sharp beak and its stomach, where deep orange takes over down to its gray legs. Long tail feathers on the young are gray, with light yellow tips, but on adults are dark brown with a wide yellow border at the tips. All in all, they are strange-looking but very colorful birds.

As many as five eggs are laid in loosely woven nests which are built as high as 20 feet above ground alongside a river or stream. Little ones hatch out in about a month's time, and during the first two years of life often stay with the mother to help take care of new hatchlings. If they are not available, other friendly hoatzins become helpers.

Young hoatzins are born with claws on their wings which they use to climb on tree branches until they learn to fly. When they get older the claws fall off.

If an unprotected young one, resting in this high nest, is threatened and no helper is near, it will dive headfirst into the water below, swimming under the surface for quite a distance. Then, when the danger is past, it will work slowly back through the brush, at times hooking its chin, feathers and claws over a branch low to the ground to help it reach the other side. Then it will climb to its nest when it reaches the right tree.

Do you think the Creator knows about these hoatzins, so well hidden in the jungles? He certainly does, as the above Bible verse says, and provides for all their needs. But His love for you and me is much greater. He says, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee" (Jer. 31:3).

He invites you to know Him as your Savior, to enjoy His love while still on earth, and then share it more fully in the wonder of heaven for all eternity. Will you accept His loving-kindness and thank Him for it today? "Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart" (Psa. 95:7-8).

Long-Legged Stilts and Avocets

"All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:3).

Several varieties of the closely related large birds called avocets and stilts are among those with the longest legs in the world. Their Creator gave them long legs to wade in marshes and swamps and on ocean beaches, while searching for insects, small fish and other underwater food. These birds often nest near each other and get along quite well.

But there are a few differences. For instance, an avocet has three partly-webbed toes and a smaller plain one behind each foot, while a stilt's foot has only three unwebbed toes. Also, the stilt's 18-inch-long, narrow beak points straight out, and the avocet's curves upward toward its tip.

An avocet's body is black and white on top and plain white below, with its head and neck a dull tan. The American black-necked stilt is typical of other family members, with glossy black covering the top of its head, long neck, wings and tail, but otherwise almost entirely white. Its beak is a combination of dark pink and black.

Before nesting, these both follow the usual custom of birds everywhere—the male goes through a ritual. The avocet gets the attention of a female sitting on the shore by wading out in the water where he crouches, leaps and dances with his wings spread wide. This seems to impress her, and when he comes ashore they build a nest. The male stilt does much the same thing but adds another feature to his display. He playfully sprays the female with water thrown by his strong wings. She also is impressed, and when he comes ashore they build a nest.

The nests of these two related birds are very similar and are always either on the ground, on bare sand, on mud flats, or occasionally on a grassy spot. Sometimes they are built in the open, but more often under a low bush. Soon three or four eggs appear; the pale-yellow ones of the stilts have speckled dark marks and the olive-colored ones of the avocets have brown and black spots here and there.

It is quite a sight to see several of these birds, each standing on just one leg with the other completely drawn up and hidden under its wing feathers. To look at them you would think a puff of wind would blow them over, or at least make them put the other foot down. However, their foot and leg muscles are strong, and they may stay in that position for long periods of time.

As we consider all the interesting living things throughout the world, let us always remember that they did not just happen to be here. The opening Bible verse clearly informs us that the Lord God is the Creator, and He found pleasure in creating them and watches over them, as He does over us, night and day.

The Year-Round Ptarmigan

"Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made... the earth, and all things that are therein... and Thou preservest them all" (Neh. 9:6).

Ptarmigans (pronounced tar-migans) are about the size of hawks. Males and females stay together for life, making their year-round homes in northern Canada and Alaska. Their name means "feet like a rabbit," because thick, soft, warm feathers cover their legs right out to the claws.

In spring they build their nests on the ground. The female lays six or more eggs, which both birds take turns incubating. Foxes, weasels, hawks and other carnivorous birds are a threat at such a time, and both parents are very protective of the chicks.

While the female is tending the chicks, the male often conceals himself on a nearby rock or branch of a tree. When an enemy approaches he will either attack it or draw it away so it will attack him instead of his family. Sometimes the male loses his life protecting his family. And if the female should be killed while the chicks are still in her care, the male will sometimes take over and raise them by himself.

An amazing thing about these birds is the pure-white color of all their feathers in winter, making them almost invisible against the deep snow of their homeland and preserving them from hungry enemies. In the fierce cold they could not survive without these thick layers of warm feathers. If overtaken by a fierce snowstorm before they can get back to the nest, they will sometimes burrow into a snow bank for protection. They come out later, none the worse for the experience.

As spring begins and the snow melts, large rocks, patches of bare soil, and dark clumps of vegetation appear. Ordinarily, an all-white bird walking across such a place would be immediately visible to a hungry fox or hawk. However, just as these changes take place, the color of the bird's feathers also changes, turning into a combination of dark and white, helping to assure its safety.

Another complete change of color is timed with the final melting of the snow. This is when its feathers turn a soft yellow, blending with the brush and grass. But that's only part of the story, for as the fall season approaches there is one more color change to a combination of gray and brown, which remains until winter when it becomes all white again.

Do you think the ptarmigans plan these color changes? No, they couldn't. Everything about them displays the wonders of the Creator's care for them. But He has an even more special care for every boy and girl, man and woman. Here is what He tells us in a Bible verse: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee" (Jer. 31:3).

Have you thanked Him for that kindness and accepted Him as your Savior? The Bible warns us, "Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts" (Heb. 3:15). Will you to come to Him this very day?

A Spectacular Beauty

"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever" (Rom. 11:36).

There are more than 40 species of birds called quetzals in the tropical parts of the world. The one named mocinno trogon is probably the most beautiful of all. It lives in Mexico and Central America and is the national bird of Guatemala. Its picture is on a silver coin of that country. Here are some interesting facts about this beautiful bird.

Its short body is only about a foot long, but the long tail feathers form a train about three feet long. Head, chest, back and tail feathers are all a beautiful emerald green, and the under parts of its body are bright red. The only additional colors are the few white feathers in the tail, a soft-yellow, short, pointed beak, and maroon legs and toes. To see one perched on the limb of a tree is something to be remembered, but to see one flying or gliding under the trees is a really beautiful sight!

Its food includes insects, which it darts out to catch in the air, as well as spiders, berries and fruit, including a small wild avocado that it devours whole. When its normal food is hard to find, it may substitute small lizards, snails and frogs.

The male puts on quite a display when trying to win a female companion. He repeatedly flies straight up in the air as much as 150 feet, then swoops gracefully down to display his gorgeous colors.

Nests are usually high up in the trunk of a dead tree. Both birds peck out a hole with their sharp beaks and claws. They take turns incubating from two to four bright-blue eggs for two to three weeks, until the chicks hatch out. They are born without down or feathers and are totally helpless. So until they grow enough feathers to fly and can hunt for themselves, both parents feed them with predigested food held in their wide-open beaks. The babies greedily peck it out.

Sad to say, these lovely birds are facing many problems. In addition to natural enemies, which include the weasel-like tayra, monkeys and snakes, hunters often shoot them for their feathers. But the worst hazard of all is the fact that loggers are cutting down the forests in which they make their homes. However, there are a few national parks that are being preserved for them and other wildlife, which should protect many of them.

These spectacular birds are certainly one of the wonders of God's creation and remind us that "He hath done all things well" (Mark 7:37). His doing all things well includes a Bible promise to those who know the Lord Jesus as their Savior. The promise says: "It shall be well with them that fear [have reverence for and listen to] God" (Eccl. 8:12).

He does care for the quetzals out in the tropical forests, but those people who love Him know much more of His love and care over them every moment of their lives. Are you aware of His care?

Animals on Display: Chapter 4

"I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto Me." Jer. 27:5

The Oryx, a Desert Resident

"O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hest Thou made them all" (Psa. 104:24).

The scimitar-horned oryx of northern Africa is noted for its spectacular curved horns slanted in a high curve over almost its entire body. These pretty animals, part of the antelope family, are about four feet high at the shoulders and-except for those horns-similar to a small horse. Another closely related species is the Arabian oryx, making its home in the desert country near Saudi Arabia.

But their coloring is very different than that of horses. The faces of one group of the scimitar-horned are grayish-white, with small brown patches over the fronts and sides and brown continuing down to the top of their front legs. From there to the divided hoofs the coloring matches their faces. Their backs (which have a small hump on them), sides and stomachs all are grayish white and look very smooth. Another of this species has reddish-tan coloring over their bodies, but black and white faces and legs.

The Arabian oryx looks much like its close relatives, only its body is almost totally white except for a bit of black on its head, and all four legs are totally black. The horns of the Arabian are also outstanding, but not quite as long as the others. They stand nearly straight up from the top of the head.

All these oryx species have been victims of cruel hunters who wanted the horns for trophies. This went on for so long that they almost entirely disappeared from their homelands. Fortunately, nature lovers have captured some for zoos in other countries, and these have given birth to little ones in the safety of such shelters. This program included zoos in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as the Wild Animal Park in San Diego, California, where they are getting along just fine.

Also included in these programs was the help of a wealthy man who set up a most interesting reserve on his own property near Fort Worth, Texas. There he has devoted much time to the oryx group, as well as other wild, imported animals. He has worked closely with the American zoos in getting selected pairs back to the desert lands where they really belong.

As these animals are shipped back to their homelands, laws are now being made that strictly forbid hunting them, and guards patrol the desert areas where the animals graze. With this kind of protection, it is expected the herds will soon grow into large numbers.

As the beginning Bible verse expresses it, these spectacular animals again remind us of the wonders of God's creation that accounts for everything seen and unseen on the earth. That includes each of us, too, and His Word, the Bible, tells us of His love inviting us to be His very own children by accepting His Son, the Lord Jesus, as our Savior. Have you done this? If not, wait no longer, for He is coming soon to take His own home to heaven.

Man's Good Friend, the Dog: Part 1

"Be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create" (Isa. 65:18).

There are more than 25 million dogs just in the United States, and no one knows how many more millions there are throughout the world. Where did they all come from, and how is it that there are so many kinds? Actually, the Bible doesn't say much about them, but we can be sure they were included when, on the sixth day of creation, God said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle... and beast of the earth after his kind; and it was so" (Gen. 1:24).

"Cattle" as used in this verse does not just refer to cows, but includes many other animals that we call "tame" or "domestic" animals. It would seem that some dogs may have been included in this group. Others may also have been created separately as part of the group called "beasts of the earth," referring to what are now wild animals, living apart from people. We cannot say positively it was this way, but we know that there are wild animals today in the dog family, such as wolves, coyotes, dingoes, jackals and hyenas of Africa, all of which had their original start on that day of creation. But through the thousands of years since then, tame dogs have been companions of men, women, boys and girls all over the world. Most tame dogs have a nature which wants to love and be loved and will be a loyal friend in any circumstance.

There are so many varieties because when puppies have been born they sometimes have the combined looks of a male dog of one kind and a female dog of another kind and so don't look exactly like either of the parents.

People who raise dogs sometimes do this on purpose in order to produce a new variety. But it is important to remember, whether wild or tame, a dog is always a dog. Even though it may have changed its looks from the original, it still belongs to the dog family as created by God. We all know that a dog and a cat can never mix families (species), any more than a horse and cow can. God created them to continue "after their kind" and they can never change this pattern, although God does allow them to mix within species which somewhat changes their looks into what we call "a new breed."

In the next article we will explore the special and unusual ways of some tame (or domestic) dogs that are helpful to mankind.

Man's Good Friend, the Dog: Part 2

"I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm" (Jer. 27:5).

With few exceptions, dogs are among the most outstanding of all animals, and they have amazing ways of showing their many skills and abilities.

What other creature can match the faithful loyalty of a dog to its master, no matter what kind of person he or she may be? Most people will avoid a drunk person asleep on a sidewalk or in a dirty alley-but not so with his dog. It will stay by him in daylight or darkness, rain or shine, and guard him from harm.

Or what better care could a blind person have than that of a seeing eye dog as it leads him or her safely across streets, on and off buses, in and out of buildings, always ready to help its blind master.

Think of how a dog can find its way, traveling by foot great distances where it has never been before, perhaps footsore and starving, back to its master who has abandoned it hundreds of miles from home.

For another example of their skills, let's look at sheep dogs and the duties they carry out so well. There are many breeds that can do this work and prove very helpful to the shepherd. The Border Collie is the one used most in England and America. Sheep dogs are very necessary where sheep graze in open fields. Training for this work starts while the dogs are still puppies, and they soon become skilled at rounding up sheep that stray from the flock. In addition to what they do without having to be told, their master may signal them to drive the flock out to pasture, keep them in a special place, or bring them back to the corral. The master's signals, which may be by voice, arm motions or different whistles, instruct the dogs to turn the flock left or right, ahead or back, wherever the master wants them to graze. Trained dogs can even separate one half of the flock to one place and the other half elsewhere. Their amazing abilities in this work are wonderful to see.

God told Adam to "have dominion over... every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Gen. 1:28), but when sin came into the world that privilege was spoiled in many ways. However, God has graciously permitted man to have authority over dogs and some other animals. We should be grateful to Him for this kindness.

But above all else, we should thank Him that through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, each of us may have forgiveness of our sins and the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Do you have this forgiveness for your sins?

Wildcats Are Interesting

"O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!" (Psa. 36:6-7).

There are many varieties of wildcats in different parts of the world. The term "wildcat" generally refers to small, wild members of the cat family. It is often applied to an unusual species of lynx, bobcat, or even a domestic cat that has gone off into the wilds.

The one known as the forest wildcat is actually a variety of the lynx, but is smaller than most lynxes-being only about one-third larger than a house cat, with longer legs, a broader head and shorter tail. They have dense, long, yellowish hair with stripes in various places, but their throats are whitish.

Another variety is called desert lynx, and looks very much like a household pet. It has a striped brown coat, with some white on its throat and face. Both kinds are found in various parts of Canada and the United States and are bold and cunning at hunting, which they do mostly at night.

Among wildcats' favorite foods are ground squirrels, rabbits, wood rats, mice, moles and low-roosting birds which they capture while the birds are asleep in their nests. Unless the birds are sick or injured, wildcats catch very few in daylight.

Actually these animals are not very good runners, but bound after their prey in bobbing leaps, just like a frightened house cat does. When other food is not available and they are really hungry, they have been known to eat insects, such as beetles, grasshoppers and crickets. At times a wildcat will flatten itself on a limb over a trail and pounce on unsuspecting animals or birds which pass below.

Excellent tree-climbers, wildcats prefer to live in forests or brushy places, but sometimes make their homes in rocky areas where they will have a well-hidden den. Often they will have more than one den in which to hide when pursued by an enemy, which might be a fox, wolf or prowling dog. When attacked by an eagle, a hawk or an owl without chance of escape, wildcats roll over on their backs, biting at the bird's head and neck and sharp-clawed feet, pulling out feathers. The birds generally give up and fly away.

Usually three or four kittens are born in the spring, either in a cave or hollow log. They are just as cute as domestic kittens. The mother nurses them for several weeks before teaching them to hunt by putting live mice and other small creatures in front of them. If the intended victims are about to get away from one of the kittens, she will go after it and bring it back for the kittens to try again. They soon catch on.

Does the Creator watch over these wildcats? Yes He does. They are one of the "beasts" in the Bible verse at the beginning. Can you say with the Psalmist, when he thought about the loving ways of the Lord: "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture" (Psa. 95:6-7).

The Seldom-Seen Desman

"The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein" (Psa. 111:2).

In remote mountain streams of Spain and France there is a mysterious little animal whose body is no longer than a man's hand, and its rope-like tail is the same length. The desman lives a very secret life and is rarely seen by anyone. It is well hidden-not only living in places that are difficult to reach, but also because it sleeps during the day hidden in a rocky nest beside a stream. It spends the dark hours of night underwater in the fast-flowing stream.

It is an odd-looking creature, resembling a mole. It has thick yellowish-gray fur which, when wet, stands out in long arrow-like pointers. The skin, where exposed, is rough and looks like rows of small, dark, round beads pressed tightly together. Its long snout, brown on the end, has two large, rubbery nostrils. Each foot has leathery soles with five long, white claws. The claws are used to pull itself along the creek bottom, as well as for loosening rocks under which food is usually found.

It has eyes, but does not seem to use them for finding its way around or in hunting food. Instead, it relies on a sensitive nose to smell out its underwater food of bugs, worms and other insects and their larvae. Its nose seems to be its greatest helper, not only in finding food, but, being sensitive, warning it of rocks and other obstacles in the dark waters. It can stay underwater for a long time, occasionally pushing that useful nose through the surface for a gulp or two of air.

Its life pattern of hunting underwater at night includes the ability to hide on a dark rock when threatened. When really scared, it darts through the water so fast that it is almost impossible to get a good look at it even if a strong light is used.

The desman and its mate hunt for their food in only a small area of the stream close to their daytime home. They are most active in winter, eating as much as possible to keep warm. Their bodies develop rather fat stomachs through the winter months.

It is not likely that any of us will ever see a desman, but there is One, the Creator of all living things, who is watching over each and every one of them. He gave them these amazing instincts and the ability to live in such an unusual way. The Bible tells us this, including the verse which says, "The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord" (Psa. 145:9-10). Do you thank and praise Him for His love and tender mercies to you?

Wild Pigs - Ugh!

"Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods" (Deut. 11:16).

Wild pigs have a variety of names, such as boars, razorbacks, or just plain hogs or pigs. They were not always wild. Years ago some escaped from their farm homes and easily adapted to living in the wild.

There were no pigs in Hawaii until someone imported a number of tame ones. Some of them escaped into the nearby beautiful forests and shorelines. Today they are Hawaii's worst pest, among other things, destroying beautiful tree ferns by gnawing into the stems for food. Another plant they love to eat is the banana-poke, the seeds of which they spread around, making it also a problem, because it chokes out other pretty plants.

Both California and North Carolina have thousands of these black, fat, short-legged animals with ugly pointed snouts and bare tails. Many other North American areas have similar problems with them, all resulting from the importing of tame pigs years ago, without realizing some of them would soon go wild. Hunters shoot them by the thousands. But it is impossible to keep ahead of them since the mother pigs give birth to about six babies twice a year. These soon grow up and do the same thing.

They feed on acorns, hazelnuts, chestnuts and berries, among other things, hoggishly depriving many birds, deer, bears and other wild creatures of what they need. Another disadvantage is that they do not hibernate in the winter, but rain, snow and freezing weather seem to make them hungrier. With part of their regular food not available, they strip bark off many trees, looking for hidden insects. This results in ruining some forested areas.

As if these traits are not bad enough, they love to change a forest pond or part of a shallow stream into a filthy mud hole in which they wallow and get covered with mud. These areas soon become terribly smelly with all the filth involved. This attracts flies and other insects that carry some of the disease-laden filth to farmyards, as well as homes and public parks, harming not only farm animals and birds, but people as well.

These vicious, unpleasant beasts are an example of what sin has brought into the world, for when God created them they were not this way. This reminds us that Satan tempted Adam and Eve to sin against God, and Satan is still trying to keep people from responding to God's love (as our opening Bible verse warns us).

A loving God wants us to turn from sinful ways and look to His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died on Calvary's cross for all who will come to Him. The Bible tells this, saying: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [evil]" (1 John 1:9). Have you done this?

The American Brown Bear

"O Lord, how manifold [many] are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches" (Psa. 104:24).

There are many bears in North America, including the black, the brown, the grizzly and the polar bear. The brown bear lives mostly in Alaska, but there are also some in Canada and the northern United States. It is often mistaken for a grizzly, to which it is closely related, but the brown bear is larger and stronger. A big one may weigh nearly a ton and, standing on its hind feet, be about ten feet high. It can run 35 miles per hour. Its head is round with big upright ears, dark eyes and a short, wide snout and just a stub of a tail.

This bear is often thought of as a flesh eater, but actually its favorite foods are grass, weeds, flowers, berries, acorns and other nuts and seeds. Honey is also a favorite food and a real treat. The bear's heavy tan-brown coat of hair protects it from getting stung by bees.

There is an exception to its vegetarian diet-when salmon are coming in from the ocean to spawn far upstream. At that time large numbers of these bears wade in the stream's shallow parts, scooping out one fish after another onto the shore for a good meal. They never share these fish with one another, but sea gulls and other birds stand by for occasional scraps they can snatch.

It is most interesting to see a bear wade out in the strong-flowing river to the very edge of a waterfall. It waits there, head pointed down stream and getting soaking wet, until a salmon makes a giant leap from below and comes through the air in range to be grabbed in the bear's jaws and taken to shore for an anticipated meal. Full-grown bears can handle the strong current, but smaller ones don't venture out. They seem to sense that they could possibly get washed over the edge.

In winter these bears do not actually hibernate as most varieties do.

They have prepared dens in advance, lined with soft grass and moss, where they remain sleeping much of the time. It is during this period that babies, about the size of a little kitten, are born. The mother nurses them until she takes them outdoors in early spring.

The Bible speaks in several places of bears. In one place David told King Saul how he had killed a bear with his bare hands (1 Sam. 17:34). But that, of course, was not as big as these brown ones.

As part of God's creation, these creatures are always under His watchful eye. The animals do not know this, but we who do know of His watchful care should thank Him often for the love that provides it. A Bible verse says: "Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving.... For the Lord is a great God" (Psa. 95:2-3).

Fierce Tigers: Part 1

"And God made the beast of the earth after his kind... and God saw that it was good" (Gen. 1:25).

There are eight varieties of tigers. Although they all look much alike, there are differences in their stripe markings. The Bengal and heavily-furred Siberian tigers (the ones most often seen in zoos) are the largest. Some measure 10 feet or more from their noses to the tips of their tails and weigh as much as 550 pounds. There are smaller tigers in India, Turkey, Iran, China, Japan, Java and Sumatra.

Tigers' coats give them their beauty, with black and orange stripes circling their bodies, contrasting with yellow legs and long, white-tipped tails. But their faces, with their glaring eyes and open mouths with sharp fangs, make them rather scary, especially if a rasping snarl comes out. They are not friendly with other tigers unless it is a member of their own family.

It is not hard to see that they are distantly related to the domestic cat you may have in your home. Both of them have loose fur, small ears, long whiskers and sharp claws that are hidden when walking or resting, but spring out as sharp weapons when fighting or capturing an animal. That animal might be an antelope for the tiger or a mouse for your house pet.

Tigers are well camouflaged by the stripes on their coats when in a forest, swampy area, or desert with its tall, dry grass, and by instinct take advantage of this when hunting. For instance, when a tiger is in an area where it is camouflaged and spots a zebra or other animal nearby, the tiger will immediately stop. It may lie perfectly still for an hour or more, until, carefully and silently placing one foot before the other, it sneaks closer.

If nothing betrays the tiger's presence, it will continue its silent approach until close enough to attack. Suddenly, darting out of its hiding place, it will leap on the victim's back and with a bite of its fierce jaws, put a quick end to its victim's life. Then it might call its mate to come and join in the feast. They may take two or three days to eat all of a large animal, but their stomachs will then be so full they won't be interested in hunting for at least another three or four days.

Do you think the Lord God, the Creator, knows what these beasts are doing? Yes, He surely does, and it seems He most often directs them to a feeble or sickly animal that would only suffer in continuing to live with its handicap. Its sudden death is really a merciful way of ending its life, for tigers never torture their prey but kill it quickly. We will consider this more in the next article. Meanwhile, think about the Bible verse that tells us: "For He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven [sky]" (Job 28:24). His look of love and kindness is on you too.

Fierce Tigers: Part 2

"O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hest Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches" (Psa. 104:24).

We have already mentioned a similarity between tigers and house cats. But one difference is that while our pets don't like getting even a paw in water, tigers love to play or just swim in it, sometimes swimming great distances.

Baby tigers are cute and interesting. Females usually have two to six cubs in a litter, and they are born blind and helpless. However, just like kittens, cubs don't lose any time finding their mother's milk, and they nurse until big enough to eat meat, which she teaches them to catch for themselves. The male can't be bothered with them, so the mother cares for them for about two years, until they have learned how to be on their own.

Except for swimming, tigers will not mix with others and will fight any that come too near. When one has eaten its fill of a kill and there is some left over, it will not let others have it, but covers it with rocks or branches to hide it for later.

We mentioned the two largest tigers as the Bengal and the Siberian. Although the Bengal is the strongest, the Siberian is the most beautiful. Its golden brown body fur, with narrow black stripes, contrasts beautifully with the solid white fur on its face with stripes down the inside of its lower jaw and throat, as well as its front legs.

There are some exceptions to the usual orange and black tiger colors. The Bengals, for instance, sometimes have white fur all over, ringed with the usual black stripes. But they do not live separate from the others. Some of these are in the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

Although fierce hunters, tigers live peaceably with hippos, rhinos and elephants, because, in spite of sharp claws and strong teeth, they would be no match for those huge beasts. Instead, they just ignore one another. Tourists, wishing to get a picture of these beauties, ride on elephants-sometimes arranged in groups-and a native guide leads them. Strangely, the tigers don't appear to mind this and at times seem proud to have their pictures taken.

Some might ask, "Why did the Creator make tigers so vicious?" Actually, God made them tame and gentle, but when sin came into the world a sad change came to many creatures. They will remain that way until God will make them peaceful again. When that time comes, all who know the Lord Jesus as their Savior will be in a more beautiful place-heaven itself. Will you be there?

The Warthog

"I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine" (Psa. 50:11).

Several varieties of warthogs, one of the world's ugliest animals, are found in East Africa. Related to pigs, they have larger bodies and longer legs than pigs have. Mature warthogs weigh up to 200 pounds. Their skins are tough and thick so that they are not easily hurt. They get their name from the large, fleshy warts on their faces between their eyes and the four tusks. These curved tusks, sometimes over two feet long, grow out from the sides of their ugly snouts. One stroke of these sharp tusks will cut a wild dog in two.

Their general color is dull brown with some black. The front parts of their bodies are covered with long, bristly hair, but the rest is nearly bald. Tiny eyes at the top of their foreheads contrast with their large, hairy ears.

One look at a group of these fierce-looking creatures and most animals are immediately alert and more than likely to bound away as quickly as possible. A traveler in Africa reported his experience in this way: "Suddenly, from behind us, comes a snorting and woofing, as up from a nearby swamp, with flyswatter tails bolt upright, trots a family of warthogs- father, mother and three young-all enameled in mud. We made a hasty exit and were relieved they did not take after us."

As you will gather, warthogs are about the fiercest looking of all animals, but actually they prefer to be peaceful. They often turn away from enemies, running at speeds of about 30 miles per hour with tails sticking straight up in the air. The sharp tusks are not just for fighting; they also use them to dig for edible roots and to enlarge empty dens to make a home for an expected family. In the heat of the day they would much rather be wallowing in a soft, sticky mud bath than fighting.

When a family of these tough-looking beasts arrives at their den, the young ones (sometimes a dozen of them) go in first, then the mother follows, and last of all the boar (father) backs in, blocking the entrance. If an enemy appears, it is not likely to attack when it gets a look at his tusks and ugly face.

We might wonder why warthogs were created, but the fact is that when God created them they were harmless. Sin, brought into the world by the disobedience of Adam and Eve, changed the animal kingdom, as well as humans.

This is a solemn reminder that "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). Another verse tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (1 John 1:9). Are your sins forgiven, or are you still facing the wages for your sins?

How the Aye-Aye Got Its Name

"The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their meat (food] in due season" (Psa. 145:15).

The unusual little aye-aye is about 15 inches long plus a two-foot-long tail. It is found only on the island of Madagascar off the coast of southeast Africa. Its distinctive cry of "I-I" caused the natives to make that its name, which we now spell in English "aye-aye." It is a member of the lemur family.

A nighttime feeder, it is rarely seen, spending most of the daylight hours curled up in a ball-shaped nest in the hidden fork of a large tree. Sometimes it grooms itself with its long fingers during the day.

Its appearance is rather unusual, distinguished by its pale-brown smooth face and white chin, sharp red eyes and alert black ears. The rest of its body is covered with long, silky, rust-colored or grayish-black hair, darker along its back than on its stomach and legs. Its head is broad at the top, but tapers to a narrow point at its small mouth and chin. Because of its rather spooky-looking eyes, the natives have long thought that it has an evil spirit and avoid touching it. But that is just superstition, and the aye-aye is not inclined to harm anyone.

The most interesting thing about it is the middle finger of each front hand (paw). This finger is twice the length of the other four fingers and as thin as a birthday cake candle. Armed with a long sharp nail and hinged in the middle, this finger is the principal means of catching much of the aye-aye's food.

Its sensitive ears pick up the sound of an almost-silent grub or insect in side a tree trunk or fallen log. With its strong teeth it immediately chews a hole in the wood, through which this spindly finger penetrates, grabbing an insect and bringing it out to eat, returning again and again until no more victims remain. These slender fingers are also helpful in removing bark to expose tidbits, as well as scooping out the insides of fallen coconuts, and are even used by the animal as a toothpick!

The aye-aye's food is not just insects. It is also fond of fruit and their juices, often dangling by its legs from the branches to get at ripe, juicy treats. It considers sugar cane a special treat, tearing off pieces of the stalks with its strong teeth and chewing the sweet juiciness from them.

The aye-aye is another example of the Creator's marvelous works, some of which are never seen by human eyes, but which, as our opening verse tells us, are always under His watchful care, whether in the darkness of night or light of day.

There are foolish people who think their activities are hidden from God, but the Bible tells us: "For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings" (Job 34:21). True happiness is only found in knowing the Lord Jesus as our Savior and Friend, trusting in Him every day for every event of our lives.

The Meerkat

"O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness" (Psa. 36:6-7).

Meerkats make their homes in Southern Africa in two wild areas protected from hunters. One place is called Kruger National Park, and the other is called Kalahari Gemsbok Park (named after the deer-like gemsbok, the park's main resident). Sharing these areas are gnus, springboks, hyenas, lions, leopards and ostriches. The Creator has provided them all with ability to adapt to the red sand dunes and hot, open country with its infrequent watering holes.

These reddish-brown squirrel-like animals are members of the mongoose family. They are noted for living in groups of 25 or more. Their life-style is rugged, and their major enemies are eagles, hawks and other birds of prey. Another enemy is the cobra, but the meerkats are usually too quick to be caught and even seem to enjoy teasing these vicious snakes into striking without success until they give up.

Much time is spent searching for their food, consisting of insects scratched from the sand, as well as mice and lizards. While some are searching for food, others frequently stand upright on their hind feet (much like prairie dogs), in groups of a dozen or more, heads tilted back, on the alert for their enemies overhead. If one is seen, a shrill warning is given and all immediately dive into their nearby burrows.

A meerkat is not likely to wander off alone, for the group habit of watching out for each other is really the secret of their survival. Those hunting food make a purring sound, enabling the others always to know where they may be. If one wanders to a spot where the others no longer hear the purr, they call it back.

When food is scarce they move as a group to another location, usually where ground squirrels have already dug out burrows. The meerkats take over without so much as a "thank-you." Twice a year from two to four little ones are born in these individual burrows and kept there for about a month. When allowed outside they find others to play with and are often joined in their fun by older brothers and sisters, as well as the parents, all of whom help in training them.

The clever ways of meerkats, in surviving and even thriving in such barren country, remind us of the wisdom of the Lord God when He created them and adapted them to such unusual conditions.

And this He has done with all His creation, as our above Bible verse indicates. More than that, though, He has provided a home in heaven for every boy and girl, and man and woman, who accepts His loving invitation: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31). Have you accepted this invitation?

Tamaeins in Danger

"And God said, Let the earth bring forth... the beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so" (Gen. 1:24).

Tamarins, natives of South America, are part of the monkey family but they do not look like them. Let's look at two species that are in danger of disappearing, because the forests in which they live are being cut down or burned.

One is the cotton-top (called pinche by the people of Columbia, where they live). Its soft-gray, gentle face, is emphasized by a large, upright mane of pure white hair, hanging down over an orange-brown collar. The rest of its body is entirely white.

Another, the golden lion of Brazil, is now one of the rarest animals on earth, with only about 300 still living in the vanishing forests. It is about two feet long, including its tail, and weighs only about one-and-a-half pounds. It looks almost too fragile to live in the wild, but it does very well there.

Thick, orange-red, velvety hair frames its pretty face with its pleading eyes, small nose and large square mouth. It likes to locate in thick bushy areas under tall trees. This also supplies many of the insects it eats, including bugs that live in cup-like leaves of many plants. Wild bananas and other fruits are favorites, too.

At times tamarins make their homes in hollowed-out trees, where the mother, with perhaps just two little ones, teaches them to make their own way in the forest. It is amazing to see her leading her little ones over branches or along a vine stretched between trees.

The father brings up the rear and keeps an eye on the youngsters as well. Coming to the end of a vine, one by one they leap to nearby tree branches, the little ones jumping successfully without any training.

It is usual for young tamarins to stay close to their parents for quite a while and help take care of baby brothers and sisters. Surprisingly, the otherwise gentle females are often quarrelsome with one another (even sisters and mothers and growing daughters), until a father moves in and quiets things down.

Golden Lion Recently some of the golden lions have been taken to zoos in the United States, where large numbers of little ones have been born. Many of these have been taken back to Brazil and placed in more natural homes where they seem to be thriving under the watchful eyes of forest officials. Efforts are being made to save the remaining forests of Brazil, which would also help increase the tamarin population.

Does God, their Creator, know about these tamarins? He certainly does. A Bible verse assures us, "The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works" (Psa. 145:9). It is also written: "For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings" (Job 34:21). What does God see when He looks on your ways?

The Prickly Hedgehog

"I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm" (Jer. 27:5).

Unless you have traveled in northern Europe, Asia, southern and eastern Africa or New Zealand, it is not likely that you have ever seen a wild hedgehog.

Some people in England make friends with hedgehogs and tame them by setting out food for them at night, which is when they do their hunting. They usually eat any kind of insect, slug or caterpillar they may come across, as well as leaves, nuts, seeds and eggs.

Although when fully grown they are only about as long as a man's shoe, the Creator has provided these odd little animals with an excellent means of protection from harm. Except for smooth heads, the backs of hedgehogs are covered with a complete armor of sharp, bristly spines, like a porcupine, down to their stubby tails. These spines normally lie flat while the hedgehogs are resting or searching for food. But when a dog or other animal threatens them, they roll into round balls, tucking in their heads and drawing their legs up tight, which leaves the sharp spines pointing in every direction. A dog or other creature that is stupid enough to grab this black prickly ball in its mouth immediately yelps in pain and is left with some of those spines stuck in its mouth, nose or tongue-a rather painful lesson to learn!

Hedgehogs have this name because they make their homes under bushy hedges, hiding there in the daytime and coming out only at night. Males and females stay with each other throughout their lives. In nests of woven moss and grass they raise three or four little ones each year. Their spines at first are soft and few in number, making them look like young birds. Hedgehogs hibernate in winter, but may come out briefly to search for food, then promptly return to the nest.

These funny little creatures remind us again of the pleasure our Lord, the Creator, had in bringing so many varieties of life into the world. But we read in the Bible that His greatest delights are with men and women, boys and girls. For all who will accept the Lord Jesus as their Savior, He has prepared a place in heaven where all will be peace and love, a wonderful change from this world of sin, sorrow and trials.

Have you heard that wonderful message, "Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord" (Psa. 144:15), and confessed to Him your need of a Savior and accepted His wonderful promise of eternal life?

The Agouti of Central America

"Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward" (Psa. 40:5).

Central America is home for many kinds of wildlife, including large and small animals. One of these is the agouti, also known as the guatuga. Most of these live in Costa Rica, but some live in South America as well.

The agouti is a harmless little rodent about the size of a rabbit. If it hears strange noises or spots an enemy such as a jaguar, coati or vicious monkey, it gives a special alarm call to others nearby. At the same time it "freezes" as still as a statue, or will dash for cover, zigzagging through the trees. The Creator has provided it with strong legs which it uses to move quickly when threatened.

This rather pretty little animal with no tail has large, bulging eyes, a pointed head and blunt nose. Its long pink ears are always standing upright when the agouti is awake, which accounts for its keen sense of hearing. Generally it has light brown fur. Its chin and mouth are light in color, with darker legs, stomach and head.

The agouti usually makes its home in a sheltered spot under tree roots, between rocks, or in a hollow log. This peaceful creature hunts in daylight for its food, consisting mostly of wild avocados or other fruit, nuts, leaves, roots, or stems of tasty shrubs. Unlike most animals, its babies are already covered with hair when born; their eyes are fully open, and almost immediately they begin eating plants.

Natives consider the agouti a helpful friend because it aids in starting new trees to grow after a forest fire or damaging wind has raged through their part of the country. Since this animal likes acorns and other nuts, it buries large numbers of them in the ground, planning to return later to dig them out. But, like squirrels and chipmunks which do the same thing, it often forgets where some are buried. In a short time these take root, and soon new trees are started.

These rather cute little animals are another example of the wonderful works of the Lord God, the Creator, mentioned in our opening verse. We are told elsewhere that He is always looking over all His creation, caring for it.

But He has a special place in His caring heart for every boy and girl, man and woman, as this verse states: "And Thy thoughts which are to us-ward." Yes, He has loving thoughts of you. Do you have loving thoughts of Him? He wants you to know His love and invites you to accept Him as your Savior. Have you done this?

The Lovely Chamois

"The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats" (Psa. 104:18).

The Latin word chamois (sha-mee) means "rock goat" which describes the appearance of these two-foot high, 100-pound animals. Both males and females have curved black horns about a foot high and bodies covered with reddish-brown fur, with whitish fur on the head and hindquarters. The kind Creator has given them strong legs and hooves and also large lungs which are necessary to sustain the enormous energy needed for life in the mountains. Their heads are short with sharp eyes and alert, upright ears; they have just a stub of a tail.

Grassy meadows on high mountain peaks make ideal summertime homes, providing nutritious grass, but in winter they go to lower levels to escape the cold, fierce winds of the heights. They have an outstanding ability to climb and romp about the mountainsides. To them it is no problem to cross a 20-foot ravine-they just jump over it! At times, rather than working their way down a long, smooth area, a chamois may simply slide down and make a landing on the narrow ledge that has been its target.

They are very alert for enemies, such as eagles, lynxes and wolves, or even people trying to get near them. When any of these are still a long way off, sharp whistles and stamping hooves of guards cause the whole herd to disappear immediately among the rocks.

Each herd will strongly resist another herd's trying to take over, or even wanting to share, their territory. To keep others away, the bucks rub a waxy substance from their heads on bushes, trees, rocks, etc., the odor of which warns others not to intrude. Where do you suppose they learned to do this? We know they didn't need to learn, for this is quite common with many wild animals and a provision the Creator has given for their protection. How good He is to all His creation!

Usually mothers have just one little kid each year, but sometimes there are twins. They can walk almost immediately and have no fear of high, rocky places. Like other young ones (including boys and girls), they are very playful, running, jumping and sliding down snow-covered slopes, but never getting very far from their mother who keeps a watchful eye on them.

We should not be surprised to see how well big and little chamois survive in the surroundings that would be very dangerous for us. The Lord God designed them for that exciting life and they are included in the Bible verse at the beginning. When David wrote that wonderful Psalm he exclaimed, "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being" (vs. 33). We should be happy doing this.

The African Aardwolf

"O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!" (Psa. 36:6-7).

The aardwolf (called earth wolf by natives) lives in the dry, open parts of Southern Africa. It looks like a dog with extra-large ears and pointed muzzle, and is quite similar to the closely related hyena, though smaller. It is about three feet long, plus a bushy, black-tipped tail of the same length. It appears somewhat out of balance with a sloping back and hind legs shorter than those in front. It is also very plain looking, with rough, coarse, yellowish striped fur and a crest down its back that rises in angry bristles when the wolf is attacked.

In spite of fierce looks, loud barks and roaring, it is harmless and shy around people. Although having strong claws and sharp teeth, it uses them only for defense or for getting food. When available, it prefers a meal of dead animals (carrion), large insects, termites and white ants. These last two it finds by breaking into nests and mounds with the sharp claws on its strong front legs. These insects being its principal food, the Creator has provided it with a sticky tongue to help catch and dispose of thousands of them in a single meal.

Because of its sharp claws and teeth, plus the fact that it can spray enemies with a foul-smelling fluid, this animal is left pretty much alone. Also, the natives do not care to eat aardwolf meat.

The claws are important for digging deep burrows where it lies and sleeps in the daytime, doing its hunting at night. These burrows are cleverly designed. Three or four pairs of aardwolves each have their own burrow, and each burrow is extended farther into a central chamber where, on occasion, the aardwolves get together. In bad weather they stay underground for days at a time, but when the weather is clear some will interrupt their daytime snoozes to enjoy an outdoor sunbath.

If an empty burrow is available, they help themselves to it and avoid digging their own. But they still have to make changes to provide a room where little ones-usually triplets-are born. Like puppy dogs, their babies are blind and helpless at birth, but in less than a year they are fully grown.

It is not likely anyone would want to make pets of aardwolves. But in spite of their odd characters, they are part of God's creation, and even though they are unaware of it, His loving care is over them. This love and care is told to us in His Word, the Bible, and each of us should respond as the psalmist did when he wrote: "The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord" (Psa. 145:9-10). Does He hear your voice in praise and thanksgiving?

Migrating Caribou: Part 1

"O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things" (Isa. 25:1).

A tourist tells of hiking in a remote part of the Arctic in the summertime, when he spotted a small group of caribou watching him. Then he was startled to see a huge number coming his way and realized he was in the path of a migration. Soon the caribou were all around him, but they ignored him completely and soon passed by. How would you like an experience like that?

Every spring about half-a-million of these deer-like animals migrate northward from the northern part of western Canada, parts of Alaska and the Yukon territory, traveling hundreds of miles to the meadow-covered shores of the Arctic Sea. There the Creator has provided great meadows of nourishing grass and big fields of a tasty plant called lichen (pronounced "liken"), or reindeer grass, which is part of the tundra growing over marshy areas.

The females, which have made the trip ahead of the males, give birth to little ones there. Baby caribou are such tough little creatures they can stand as soon as they are born and in less than a month can outrun a threatening grizzly bear. The males arrive some time later and stay with their families for several weeks. These large herds often share the grazing grounds with other caribou groups without quarreling, except for the big males that sometimes fight each other. But when it is time to leave, the groups never get confused with one another.

How about wild animals living along the routes they travel? Bears, cougars and wolves all eat caribou meat. They stalk the little ones particularly, and do capture quite a few on the outside edges of the herd. But these vicious animals don't dare chase very deeply into the herds or they'd be trampled by the big hoofs or meet up with the sharp horns of the males. In any event, so few caribou are caught by these enemies that it doesn't noticeably affect the size of the huge herds.

There are half-a-dozen or so species of caribou involved in both the northbound and southbound migrations, but they don't try to move together. If one group happens to overtake another along the way, they are almost always quite friendly. Then somewhere along the route each group knows instinctively when to turn off, and the others continue straight on.

As our opening verse says, our Lord, the Creator of all things, has "done wonderful things." As we consider these vast numbers of beasts, large and small, traveling such great distances each year with never a mistake as to their destination, we cannot help but be impressed with His ways with all He has created.

In the next article we will look more closely at some of the individual groups that make up these tremendous herds of caribou.

Migrating Caribou: Part 2

"O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!" (Psa. 36:6-7).

As previously mentioned, there are about half-a-dozen distinct but closely related species of caribou making their homes in Alaska and northwestern Canada, including the Yukon. Each group stays by itself in its winter home area and, with few exceptions, migrates hundreds of miles north to the Arctic in April and May. There they enjoy the cool weather and ample food provided for them by a loving Creator. During their stay, the little ones are born. Then in late June or July they return south to their winter homelands.

The porcupine variety is one of two species that number in the thousands. This name identifies them as living south of the Porcupine River in the forests and meadows of Canada and up into northeast Alaska. A full-grown male will weigh 300 pounds or more and measure six feet long and four feet high at the shoulders.

They have remarkable, upswept antlers, reaching about four feet above their heads and five feet across, with many sharp-pointed sections on them. Along with these is a pair of smaller sections, pointing forward from their foreheads with more "spikes." No other animal is likely to attack a male caribou. The antlers on the females are smaller. (By the way, female caribou are the only American female deer that have antlers.)

The other outstanding group is known as the western Arctic. These are similar in size to the porcupines but are more handsome. The males have brown fur from the backs of their necks to the fronts of their stubby tails, contrasting with snow-white fur on their chests and stomachs. The females don't have these outstanding colors. This seems to display the kind provision of the Creator in helping to conceal them from bears and wolves when giving birth and nursing their little calves.

Another species is the Prudhoe's caribou. This is a much smaller group of only about 18,000. They are named this because their homes are on Prudhoe Bay, in seaside meadows about 100 miles wide. They do not migrate since the weather is mild with ample year-round food.

The most numerous species is the Barren Ground caribou who make their homes in what is known as the Barren Ground region of the Arctic. A big male will weigh more than half a ton and has an appropriately loud, harsh roar which can be heard three miles away.

If space permitted, a few more could be added. But they are very similar, and each species is an additional wonder of God's creation. As we think of these beasts and the Creator's care over them, we should think of how He cares for us too. We should be happy to say, as the Psalmist did, "Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble" (Psa. 32:7). The important thing is to know Him as your own Savior, and then stay near Him and see the proof of His loving care.

Delightful Squirrels: Part 1

"O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!" (Psa. 36:6-7).

Squirrels are interesting little animals, aren't they? There are some 200 species throughout the world. People cannot help but be interested in them, because their antics are fun to watch. The Creator has made them very nimble in scampering up and around a tree trunk, as though playing hide-and-seek. At other times they scamper out on a narrow branch, hunting for a hazelnut, acorn or walnut.

Squirrels have no difficulty holding a nut between their front paws while sitting upright, with their big bushy tails raised in a big loop over their backs. Their sharp teeth and strong jaws can crack open a nut shell very quickly, and they are soon enjoying the treat.

Brave ones in public parks will often come timidly to the outstretched hand of a boy or girl squatting on the ground and holding a peanut or other treat for them. They finally will snatch the food and scamper away, often up a nearby tree to a nest hidden there. When they do this, they often are taking the treat to a mother squirrel caring for a nest of baby squirrels, or as a treat to a younger one.

There are several varieties of these active little creatures in North America, including the fox, ringtail, chicaree, tuft-eared, ground and others. They are all part of the same family, but each a little different from the others. For instance, the ringtail, one of the smallest, is distinctive with an extra-long tail, thickly covered with wooly fur which forms wide black and white rings over its entire length. The rest of its body is grayish-brown. It has large, sharp eyes and high-pointed ears atop a head that tapers to a sharp point at the snout.

The smallest of all is the African pygmy, only five inches long, including a short tail. The largest is the Indian giant, about three feet long, with a bright red, black and pale yellow coat.

Tree squirrels are commonly seen in parks or trees along a wooded trail or road. With powerful hind legs they easily jump from limb to limb, their bushy tails helping them to keep their balance. They can run amazingly fast headfirst down a tree trunk, sharp claws clinging to the bark. Most of their time is spent in trees, but they also search on the ground for nuts, berries, seeds and mushrooms.

The Bible verses quoted above remind us that these attractive creatures are never left alone, for there is One in heaven above looking after them, as He also looks after each of us. Have you ever thanked Him for His loving-kindness to you?

Delightful Squirrels: Part 2

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth" (Col. 1:16).

In another volume we have considered the "flying squirrels" of Africa. There are some flying squirrels in North America as well. Their scientific name means "gray mouse that flies." Now let's take a look at the ones usually referred to as the gray and a close relative, the red. Although referred to as flying squirrels, it would be more appropriate to call them "gliding" squirrels, as the following description of their activities will make clear.

These are most outstanding in their ability to make their way from tree to tree through the air without going to the ground. They have been known to "fly" more than 150 feet and always seem to make a perfect landing on their target. They do this by launching themselves from high up in a tree and gliding through the air with legs outstretched. Here's how it's possible.

The Creator has provided them with special, furry, loose skin (flight membranes) stretched between their front and hind legs. These membranes are very loose when they are not flying, in contrast with other squirrels which have smooth, tight, furry skin. But when gliding through the air with all four legs stretched out, this loose skin becomes a perfect parachute under their full control.

They also have flat tails which act like a rudder when gliding. These are most important also for stopping their flight. A squirrel suddenly will lifts its tail straight up just before landing, which greatly reduces its speed.

They always land upright, with strong claws of the hind feet grabbing the tree trunk before the front ones make contact. Then they immediately scoot around to the opposite side of the tree-a God-given instinct in case they may have been spotted by an owl or hawk that would like a squirrel supper. When the young squirrels are only five or six weeks old, the mother begins their flight training. She has them make short glides at first, gradually lengthening them until they become experts.

Aside from the ability to glide, which other squirrels would never attempt, their lives are much the same. They make nests in decayed holes in large trees, with enough space for food supplies. Their food is mainly nuts and seeds, but at times includes berries, grasshoppers and an occasional bird egg.

The Bible tells us the Lord God took pleasure in all His creation, and nothing came "just by chance" as is often taught. You are a part of His creation too, and He wants you to know Him personally as your Savior. Receive Him into your life as your Savior and then follow the words of His promise: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [sin]" (1 John 1:9).

If you have not yet done this, do so today!

Kangaroo Rats

"The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works" (Psa. 145:9).

Kangaroo rats are fascinating little animals with long, rather flat tails and hind legs about three times the length of their front legs. They are not at all like the rats many of us are familiar with; these are really cute and interesting to watch as they leap about in desert places.

There are about 50 varieties of them, mostly in the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are well named, for they look like miniature kangaroos as they hop about on their long, powerful hind legs, with their long tails trailing behind them.

Large ears are almost flat against their heads and large eyes are prominent on their sloping heads. They have long, black whiskers on either side of their noses. Most are about ten inches long, plus a fur-covered, long tail. The tops of their bodies are provided with dark fur to camouflage them from birds of prey, such as hawks, falcons, ravens and owls, which are always trying to capture and eat them. In contrast to the dark top fur, the undersides of their stomachs, legs and tails are white, perhaps the Creator's way of protecting them from snakes that are crawling over the light-colored desert sands.

One species has a pretty, reddish-tan coloring with a few white stripes. This gives them good protection from the eyes of their enemies as they gather their food in grassy areas and carry seeds and plant material in their cheek pouches into their burrows. Others have different colorings as well, but all blend with their surroundings, which are mostly hot, open, sandy deserts.

One of these, known as the hammertain, spends its life in hot desert areas and has been provided by the Creator with a digestive system that does not need a drink of water. It gets all the moisture it needs from the seeds it eats. On days when the heat is too uncomfortable and it wants to get cool, it crawls backwards into its burrow and pulls a pile of sandy soil over the entrance, leaving itself temporarily in total darkness, but at least much cooler than outside.

Kangaroo rats come out at night when it is cooler to search for food. They can see well in the dark with their large eyes.

Do you think the Lord Jesus cares about these little creatures living in such hot places? He surely does, as the Bible verse at the beginning of this article assures us. Here is another verse that tells us how He cares for them: "These wait all upon Thee; that Thou mayest give them their meat [food] in due season.... Thou openest Thine hand, they are filled with good" (Psa. 104:27-28).

The Pretty Mink

"And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind... and it was so.... And God saw that it was good" (Gen. 1:24-25).

The mink is a pretty little animal with thick and glossy dark-brown fur, offset by a white spot on its chin which often extends over its cheeks and down between its front legs. It is only about two feet long from nose to tail-tip and weighs less than four pounds. Beady black eyes, a long, slender neck and small ears all add to its beauty and give it a very alert appearance. Its legs are short and the feet are equipped with razor-edged claws.

Like weasels, their food is mostly fish, frogs, mice and other small animals, birds, eggs, muskrats and rabbits. The Creator has equipped them with partially webbed hind feet to help in swimming and moving about underwater for much of their food.

Excellent swimmers, they like to make their homes close to streams or ponds, sometimes in abandoned animal burrows, inside a hollow log, or in tall grass under an overhanging bank. If necessary, they make their own burrows, about ten feet long and usually with two entrances. One entrance may be underwater, but both open to a large den where half a dozen or so little ones are raised in the springtime. When born, these babies are tinier than a man's little finger and are covered with soft white fuzz.

The mother mink nurses them for about five weeks and then adds some solid food for two more weeks before taking them outside where she teaches them to find their own food. She also teaches them how to protect themselves from owls, bobcats, etc. The youngsters playfully chase each other around, have mock battles and slide down banks into streams. At other times they curl up like a ball and float down a stream as lightly as a cork, just for the fun of it.

Adult mink are tough fighters, lightning-fast on their feet and put their needle-sharp teeth and claws to good use. They also spray enemies with an awful-smelling musk which discourages the most vicious bobcat, fox or owl foolish enough to attack.

During winter they continue hunting, their webbed feet helping them in snow and their sharp ears detecting the noise of mice below the surface. Rapidly, they dig through to capture the rodents that no doubt thought themselves quite safe.

Wild animals have no knowledge of their Creator and His constant care of them. The Bible verse says: "O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness" (Psa. 36:6-7). How happy for us to notice that this verse includes mankind, just as the Bible tells us in many places of His love and care for us. Have you ever thanked Him for this?

The Friend Llama

"In whose hand (the Lord's] is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10).

The llama, somewhat like a sheep but with much longer legs as well as a longer neck, is a native of Bolivia, Argentina, Peru and the mountains and plains of some other South American countries. It is difficult for a stranger to easily tell the difference between llamas and gentle alpacas (which we looked at in another volume) and guanacos.

These nimble animals measure about three feet high at the shoulders and have backs, sides and tails usually covered with dark brown hair, nicely set off with necks, heads and legs of a tannish-white color. There are several variations-some even being an attractive light tan over the entire body-others mostly black. Big, alert ears rise up from their foreheads and their pretty dark eyes are shaded with long eyelashes. The Creator has provided them with thick wooly coats to keep them warm in the chilly mountains.

Because they are exceptionally clean animals and their feet are well-padded, some of them become real favorites with an owner's family. Sometimes they are allowed to come inside the house to be petted, and their little ones are picked up and cuddled like a baby, and sometimes are given a sweet treat. Incidentally, their mouths have a smiling appearance which makes them seem very good natured.

No longer wild, they are very useful to their owners. For one thing, they are sheared like sheep for their wool, which is prized because it contains no oil and has a sweet smell, even after being spun into yarn.

In addition, they are used for carrying loads of 100 pounds or more, covering 10 to 20 miles a day. They are particularly valued as pack animals over high, dry mountain trails, because, like a camel, they can get along without water for four or five days and are sure-footed with their padded hoofs.

But llamas can be stubborn, and owners have learned that it only makes matters worse to punish them when they lie down and refuse to get up until some of the load is taken off. They are also determined to set their own walking pace on the trails and will not increase their speed even if the drivers try to make them go faster. But, aside from these stubborn streaks, they are valuable and lovable animals.

The Bible verse at the beginning refers to the Lord's goodness to every living thing and reminds us that every person, young or old, depends on His care even for His goodness. Have you followed this verse: "Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever" (1 Chron. 16:34)?

The High-Leaping Impala

"Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Josh. 1:9).

South Africa has a great variety of animals, some cruel and vicious and others gentle and harmless. Among this latter group are several closely related animals such as the gazelles, klipspringers, springboks and impalas. The impala is a beautiful animal. Its velvety coat is a soft brown color over its head, neck, back and legs, but clear white on its stomach and another white patch under its stubby tail. Its nimble legs are long and slender but surprisingly strong, and for a good reason, as we will see.

This prairie animal is only about three feet high and weighs between 100 and 150 pounds. Males have V-shaped horns, beginning with a short backward slant and then straightening upward a total length of two or three feet. These horns are indeed a part of the Creator's display of beauty on this animal and look as though they might have been carved by an artist.

The impala is quite content with the food supply of the prairie-herbs, bushes, shrubs and the most important and nourishing Savannah grass. But there is the constant threat of a lion or other vicious animal. When an impala becomes aware of an enemy, it barks an alarm, and in a flash the whole herd scatters in various directions. This is where their slim, strong legs are so valuable, as they run for safety in a series of dashes and long-distance jumps as high as ten feet and as far as thirty feet in single, graceful leaps... a beautiful sight.

When bounding away from such danger in these great leaps, the front feet are in the air on the first bound. When the hindquarters come up, the white patch under their tail becomes a signal to others that it is time to get going, too. The lion, presuming it is well hidden, seems to be surprised at the swift action and gets confused as to which impala to chase. When it hesitates, sometimes they all escape.

The Creator has also provided another means of warning through tick birds that frequently ride on an impala's back. These birds not only rid it of pesky insects, but also give their own warning when they see danger approaching.

The Creator's care over these gentle animals should remind us that His care over us is even more tender. He invites you to prove His wonderful love, as the Psalmist so well expresses it: "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear [love] Him, in those that hope in His mercy" (Psa. 147:11). Has He ever had the pleasure of hearing you thank Him for His love?

The Cute Viscacha

"God that made the world and all things therein... is Lord of heaven and earth" (Acts 17:24).

These pretty little animals, from one to two feet long, plus long bushy tails, live off the plants, grass, seeds and roots of the mountains and plains of South America. Viscachas are related to chinchillas but act more like prairie dogs. They have burrows and post sentries while gathering food. The sentries sound an alarm, scooting them all into their burrows when danger approaches.

Those in the mountain area are mostly shorter and are covered with gray or brown fur which is soft and short. This makes them look something like rabbits, except for their long side whiskers and bushy tails. Most of them have a plain black stripe down their backs.

The ones on the plains are larger and heavier. Their coats are a coarse gray or light brown and their underparts are plain white. These dig networks of burrows, many of which end up in a large den where two dozen or more of these animals make their home. Sometimes lizards, snakes, toads, foxes and owls make their way into these dens, but although some are natural enemies they seem to get along together in the dens. No doubt this is a special provision of the Creator, to preserve the viscachas from being wiped out.

These lowlanders often make their homes near cultivated fields where they get into farmers' crops. This often results in their getting shot and becoming a tasty meal on a farmer's dinner table.

In general, the faces of the various species are outstanding. Although colors vary, they all have upright, open ears atop a light-brown forehead. Their eyes stand out sharply inside a white circle of fur. Many of them have another white band going from the top of the tiny nose (itself surrounded by dark fur) up to the eyes. Then the chin and throat become part of the white fur of the underparts. There are many patterns involved, all looking as though someone had painted ribbons and patches on the cute little heads without a pattern to follow.

Viscachas stay in their dens in daylight, but at early dawn and again at dusk go after their food. While out searching, if they come across things of interest, such as bones, stones, a piece of bright metal, etc., they take them home and make a pile of them, just like the packrat of North America does.

We may not understand just what part these little animals have in God's wonderful creation, but we do know He delighted in placing them on the earth and now watches over them. The Bible tells us: "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth.... All things were created by Him, and for Him" (Col. 1:16). Aren't you glad that "all things" includes you too?

Life Below the Surface: Chapter 5

"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep."

Psa. 107:23-24

Beauty in the Depths of the Sea

"O Lord, Thou art My God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things" (Isa. 25:1).

The chambered (or pearly) nautilus is considered to be the most beautiful and amazing shellfish in ocean waters. Only five species are living today. Their homes are along the coasts of the Hawaiian Islands, several South Sea islands, South America and India, usually at the edge of coral reefs, where waters are warm.

The coiled shells of these sea animals occasionally wash ashore. One that is not severely damaged is a real prize for a collector. Live nautiluses are sometimes trapped and placed in aquariums in the United States and a few other places so people can see their beauty. Measuring from eight to ten inches in diameter, their coiled shells are exceptionally pretty, with alternate red and white stripes over the top and solid pearly white underneath.

The animal and its shell begin life hatching from an inch-wide egg about as long as a man's finger. As the animal grows, its shell develops in the form of a spiral. It adds a new chamber to its shell each time it outgrows the old one, and each chamber becomes slightly larger. For the first half-dozen years these come rather rapidly, but by ten years of age just one chamber is added per year. When reaching its life-span of about 20 years, its shell will have as many as three dozen chambers surrounding the original center piece, and its body will be about the size of a man's fist.

The chambers are used as a mixing area for water and air, permitting the nautilus to move up and down, to ocean depths of 1500 feet. As the chambers increase the shell's size, the unusual creature within moves forward inside the shell while a new, perfectly curved wall forms behind it. When one of these shells is carefully cut in half, the beautiful curved mother-of-pearl walls can be seen.

The nautilus has long finger-like tentacles on the front of its body that catch small fish, crabs and lobsters, cross section which form its food supply. A jet-propulsion system moves it either forward or backward as it catches food.

These beautiful and interesting creatures are another example of the wonders of God's creation, as the Bible verse expresses it, "Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven... the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all" (Neh. 9:6).

How important not only to know the Lord Jesus as your Creator, but to know Him as your Savior. Is He your Savior?

Gray Whales of the Pacific: Part 1

"God... [has] made the world and all things therein... (and] He is Lord of heaven and earth" (Acts 17:24).

Do you remember how excited people were once over some whales trapped in the ice in Alaska and how happy an event it was when the hard work of kind people freed them? These were gray whales, found only in the Pacific Ocean from the Arctic to Mexico and a small number near Korea.

There are many whale species throughout the world's oceans. The largest is the blue whale, with some as long as 100 feet and weighing about 100 tons. The smallest is the Orca, or killer, whale. Between the two sizes is the gray species. It is about half the size of the blue, but is still very large, as some reach 50 feet in length and weigh nearly 50 tons.

The grays are one of several species known as baleen whales, because of the baleen (or whalebone) plates hanging down in their mouths from the upper jaw. These plates are actually hairs pressed into long, narrow, plastic-like shapes that act as filters when the whale is feeding. To eat, they push their open mouths through a muddy ocean bottom, scooping up mud and whatever food is hidden in it-mostly a mixture called plankton (small sea animals and plants).

Closing their mouths on these big bites, the mud is filtered out in big clouds and the food portion is held back by the baleen sieve for swallowing. This is another example of the wonders of God's creation, for the throat of the gray whale is not big enough to swallow large pieces of food, nor does it have any teeth to chew with. The baleen sieve takes care of this perfectly, and the whales get all the food they need this way. Of course, the Creator could have made them with large throats and teeth, but we often see the unusual in creation, which tells of His delight in creating a great variety of living things. The gray whale is just another example of His wonderful creativity.

These whales spend the summer months feeding on this nutritious food in the northern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Alaska, up beyond the Aleutian Islands and on into the Bering Sea between Russia and Alaska. But in winter those areas are covered with heavy layers of ice and icebergs, and the whales, which cannot survive without coming up frequently for air, would not be able to live beneath that frozen cover.

Because of this they migrate-south in the fall and north in the spring. When they return north there are many more, because a great number of little ones are born while they are in the warm southern waters. We will look in more detail at these migrations in the next page.

Gray Whales of the Pacific: Part 2

“For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible” (Col. 1:16).

The migration of gray whales is an outstanding event each year. As summer changes into fall they become restless in the northern waters, and soon groups of females leave their companions for a 6,000-mile swim to Mexico. The younger ones soon follow, and last of all the males. All are heading south, and they don't get lost, for the Lord God, their Creator, is guiding them.

Within a month or so Alaska is far behind them, and they have traveled past the coasts of Canada, on to Washington and Oregon, then to California, swimming day and night with only occasional, brief rest stops.

In all these areas people are out in small boats or standing on high cliffs with field glasses and cameras, thrilled at seeing these interesting mammals "fluking," which is the start of a deep dive. The whale's body turns straight down, forcing its huge tail out of the water -a thrilling sight. They also seem to enjoy "breaching" -when they leap completely out of water and drop back with a terrific splash. Sometimes one will lift only its immense tail out of water and whack it back down with tremendous force and noise. come alongside a small boat to be stroked and patted in a friendly way.

By December or January they have reached the coast of Mexico, and they remain there until March or April before making the long trip back north. It is in the warm lagoons of Mexican shores that little ones (calves) are born. These are born underwater where they would promptly drown if the mother did not boost them up to the top for their first breath of air. Since she can't tell her baby (which weighs about half a ton), "Don't try to breathe until we get up to the air," how do you suppose they both know this? It is just another of the wonders of God's creation, for He has given both mother and baby the instinct that preserves its life at this critical time.

It is quite common to refer to migrations as "instinct," but it should always be remembered that it is a God-given instinct, passed along from generation to generation, and that He does not for a moment neglect nor fail to guide them while on these journeys.

He has taken pleasure in all He has created and, as the Psalmist expresses it, "The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works" (Psa. 145:9). Have you ever thanked Him for His goodness and mercies to you?

Don’t Step on a Stingray!

"Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power... there is nothing too hard for Thee" (Jer. 32:17).

Stingrays are big fish, seemingly afraid of nothing. Mature ones measure four or five feet wide across their flat, fleshy "wings" with which they gracefully swim with little effort. Long tails, with their six-inch spears, make them look much like a boy's huge kite sailing under the water. The common species is darkish gray on top, but white underneath. Others have different coloring, including one called blue-spotted which is chocolate colored with round blue spots over its entire body.

Along North America's Atlantic Coast, on to the Caribbean Sea and other places in the world's oceans, stingrays often lie half buried in the sand in shallow water. This is a time when they can be very vicious, although they are not as vicious as the electric rays to which they are related.

If left alone, they do not attack anyone swimming among them, but if you should unintentionally step on one you would immediately regret it. The angry ray would strike your leg with its whip-like tail and its sharp, barbed spear would dig into your flesh. Oh, how painful this is, but it is even more painful as it pulls the spear back out and the barbs tear the flesh even more!

Incidentally, off the shore of Cayman Island in the Caribbean, sports divers, swimming among big schools of stingrays and feeding them by hand, have developed a friendly relationship with them. They will even pet and hug them, which the stingrays seem to enjoy. These divers have discovered that the scale less skin of these big creatures is as smooth as velvet, but the divers are careful not to irritate them in any way.

The mouth of a stingray does not extend in front as with most other fish, nor does it have visible jaws, but it has what looks like a large hole under its head. To secure its food, made up of fish, crabs, oysters, sea worms, small squid and other water creatures, it cruises slowly over the ocean bottom. Since its eyes are on top of its head, it cannot see what is down there, but when its mouth comes in contact with anything edible, it sucks it up and if unsuitable it spits it out. But good food is passed along to a grinding plate with strong teeth where shells and other unsuitable parts are removed and the edible food is crushed and moved on to the throat and stomach.

We may not understand why stingrays were part of God's creation, but we know they have a place in His purposes. And we know He looks with love on every person in the world and invites us to let that love into our hearts by accepting His Son, the Lord Jesus, as our personal Savior. Is your heart open to Him?

Scorpions of the Sea

"If a son shall ask... [for] an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?" (Luke 11:11-12).

The scorpion of desert areas should definitely be avoided, and when the Lord Jesus mentioned it in the above verse, He was telling people that loving parents do not give harmful things to their children.

Several types of vicious fish are found in the Red Sea off the coast of Africa and nearby Jordan called scorpion fish. These, too, are avoided by those who know about them.

One is named turkey fish, probably because of the way it spreads its fins when swimming. It is one of the more active in the scorpion fish family and a fearful enemy of small fish as well as shrimp. It will gobble them up quickly. Hunting in small groups, a few of them circle a school of small fish, driving them toward other turkey fish which quickly eat quantities of them and then change places with their companions. They do not attack people unless stepped on. Then, like a scorpion, they sting the swimmer's bare leg with a poisonous fin. This is usually not fatal, but extremely painful.

Another variety, equipped with small fins that help it crawl along the sea bottom, is the devil scorpion-fish. This one usually lies on the bottom, so well camouflaged it looks like a piece of coral. It's just too bad for a shellfish crawling near it or a small fish swimming too close. They are quickly eaten. When swimming it is quite colorful and other fish stay far away from it.

A close relation to this one is the shortfin lionfish which, motionless on the sea bottom, also looks like a piece of coral until it leaps into action.

The most fearful of all is the stonefish, which doesn't really look like a fish but more like a piece of colored rock. With no visible fins or mouth, its brightly colored eyes look like pieces of gravel resting on top. Swimmers are also fearful of this one as its sting is extremely painful and sometimes fatal. Even its skin is poisonous. Like a cannibal, it doesn't even hesitate to make a meal out of a smaller stonefish.

These poisonous and crafty creatures remind us of Satan's ways, the one of whom the Bible warns us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Satan, of course, does not want to eat our bodies, but to "devour" our lives by leading us into sin and closing our ears to the story of God's love and care toward us.

There is excellent counsel in the Bible, telling us how to avoid Satan and his evil ways, saying, "The Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked [one], and save them, because they trust in Him" (Psa. 37:40). Have you taken that counsel?

A Monster Fish

"Take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money" (Matt. 17:27).

Across the Pacific Ocean, the Mekong River flows through fields and hills of northern Thailand, and it is here that a huge fish, plaa buk by name, provides the natives with some fishing thrills each year.

A fully-grown plaa buk is six to nine feet long and will weigh between 600 and 700 pounds. Though it looks like a small whale, it is a member of the catfish family and its graying-pink smooth skin has no scales. Much of its weight is in its massive wide-mouthed head, from which its body tapers down to a big, upright tail.

To catch one, native fishermen travel together in a dozen or more large dugout canoes to a likely spot. They spread a huge net between two canoes starting at one shore, with another net between two more next to them and perhaps one or two more nets, until they spread across to the opposite side. Then they drift slowly downstream-other members of the party following behind. A net is the only way to catch one of these monsters, for an ordinary fishing line would immediately break, and if one were caught with a strong rope or cable, how would the fisherman ever get it to shore?

After a plaa buk has been caught in one of the nets, the crews get busy, making sure it doesn't escape. The net is drawn to the shore and then floated to a suitable riverside dock where there usually are some excited men, women and children waiting to see the action. They hope they may be given a piece to take home, for it is considered a very tasty treat.

Ropes are attached to the net, and strong men pull the fish from the water onto dry land, where the audience gets a good look at it before sharp axes, machetes and knives cut it up for carrying away.

At times these fish are divided among the people with the fishermen rewarded with the largest portions. But not always. Some restaurants in nearby cities gladly pay a high price for this meat which they serve to customers who will pay high prices for it. Selling to these restaurants, as much as $1000 may be paid for just one fish-representing more money than a native could otherwise earn in a full year's time. It is easy to see why these fish are usually sold, rather than eaten in native huts!

The Lord God, who arranged for a fish to bring a piece of money to Peter (see the opening verse), is the One who knows all the fish of the world, for He is their Creator and has placed them in the waters to serve His purposes. He also knows all about you: "Doth not He see my ways, and count all my steps?" (Job 31:4). David also wrote, "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker" (Psa. 95:6). Have you ever knelt down before your Maker? Have you ever worshipped Him?

Ever Meet a Walrus?

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable" (Psa. 145:3).

What a marvelous sight it must be for a person standing on an Alaskan cliff to see a great mass of huge brown walruses sprawled on the ocean shore below. There are sometimes hundreds or thousands of them-some lying on their stomachs or sides and others lying on their backs-all pressed tightly together, with their long white tusks pointing in every direction!

They don't seem to worry that the sharp tusks of others might pierce them. However, a latecomer working his way through the mass is always greeted with angry snorts and grunts and even some jabbing with the tusks, but not enough to really harm it.

Walruses live only in the cold Arctic, far from civilization. Daily they eat about 200 pounds of clams, snails, oysters, fish and other marine life from the ocean. When they are not busy looking for food, they like to rest on shore, sprawling closely together to share each other's warmth. At certain times of the year these groups break up into smaller numbers.

These giants keep gaining weight. An old male may weigh 2000 to 3000 pounds. Their entire bodies are covered with a thick, black layer of wrinkly blubber, covered with orange-brown hair, making wonderful insulation for them from the icy-cold waters, just like a warm blanket.

Walruses are anything but pretty. They have puffy, whiskered muzzles with tusks that point downward from their upper jaws. These tusks are actually extra-long teeth, six inches or more in diameter, tapering to a sharp point at the end. They are about a yard long and weigh about 12 pounds each.

The Creator designed their tusks to handle several jobs: for protection from their enemies (polar bears), for pulling themselves up on the ice, and for digging shellfish from the ocean bottom. Tusks of the males are much longer and thicker than the females'.

Eskimos are now the only people allowed to hunt walruses, and for many they are a main source of food. Catching one is a great event, not only for the amount of meat it supplies, but for its valuable ivory tusks and its skin which makes good leather.

Animals such as these may seem strange to us, but they have a definite place in God's creation. When we think of all He has created, small and great, we can only agree with the Bible verse, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11).

Can you say, as King David did, "Happy is he... whose hope is in the Lord his God: which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is" (Psa. 146:5-6)? This is true happiness.

The White Whale Shark

"For by Him [the Lord God] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth" (Col. 1:16).

There are about 350 kinds of sharks in the oceans of the world. We usually think of these creatures as dangerous, and many are, including the one known as the white whale shark. When one of these 20-foot, fearsome-looking citizens of the sea is spotted, it is easy to see why they are called whale sharks. They swim extremely fast and can keep up with big ships when looking for food scraps that are being thrown overboard. These sharks are found in many places, mainly off the coasts of South Africa and Australia, but all along the Pacific coast of North America as well.

They usually travel alone or in pairs and are always on the lookout for fish and other seafood, including seals, sea lions and small porpoises. Their most common method of capturing food is to hide in rocks deep under the surface, waiting for a seal or other victim to swim by. They make a quick dash, attacking it from underneath if it is too large to be swallowed whole. Their mouths have many strong, sharp teeth, with spare ones embedded under those on top. The spares soon fill in the space of any that break off.

It is through its snout that a white whale shark senses the nearness of other things swimming nearby. This is a more reliable way of locating food than by their rather poor eyesight. Incidentally, it is thought by marine experts that the rare attack on a human is the result of mistaken identity-probably thinking that a swimmer is a seal. These experts suggest that where sharks of any kind are likely to be, it is best for swimmers not to wear dark swimming suits. They say divers and others who wear black wet-suits may really be asking for trouble.

Baby white whale sharks are about three-and-a-half feet long at birth and look just like a miniature of the mother. They stay close by her while learning how to catch their own food.

We might wonder why such vicious creatures were placed in the oceans, but they were not vicious until sin came into the world and spoiled all of God's creation.

But there is a day coming, after those who know the Lord Jesus as their Savior are taken to heaven, when all creation will be at peace again. This is the time referred to in Isa. 11:6, where we are told, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid [baby goat]; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." Will you be with us in heaven looking down on this happy scene?

Sturgeons Grow Big

"O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches" (Psa. 104:24).

Unlike the huge fish in South America's warm waters, sturgeons prefer the colder northern waters. They are found mostly in Russia and nearby points of Europe, a few Oriental countries, Canada and the United States.

Olive-green or bluish-gray in their top covering, they are not very attractive, but are certainly unusual. Twelve rows of silvery knobs, looking like the teeth of a big saw, stretch down their backs. They also have helmets of bony plates covering their heads, tapering down to pointed noses, below which four, pink, worm-like barbels dangle. When feeding, they push their snouts into the mush of the ocean floor and the barbels feel out their food while their mouths pucker up like funnels to take in fish, crabs and other shellfish.

Only a few varieties become greater than 100 pounds, and some of these are the giants of the fish world. In America the big ones are usually found in West Coast rivers, such as the Fraser, the Columbia and the Sacramento. The all-time-record catch weighed almost a ton (2000 pounds) and was 18 feet long! However, that was several years ago. Now it is unusual to find one weighing more than 1000 pounds, but even that is twice as heavy as a big gorilla! How would you like to have one of these huge fish on your fishing line? In springtime the adults migrate from the ocean into rivers. The females, heavy with thousands of eggs, swim upstream until they find a place to lay them. These masses of eggs stick to rocks and plants until in about two weeks they hatch out. At the end of summer, when the young fish have grown almost a foot long, they migrate downstream and out into the ocean. Only a small number actually make it since other fish eat many of the eggs as well as all the little fish they can catch.

There is always a good market for sturgeon meat, but even more so for the tasty eggs which are called caviar-a pound of which sells for as much as $800. At that price, most people cannot afford them, so they are served mostly in fancy restaurants or on the tables of the wealthy.

It was on the fifth day of creation that God formed the creatures of the sea-from the tiniest to the largest-and the sea creatures of today are just like those He placed in the waters thousands of years ago.

Do not be misled by those who teach evolution and speak as if the world's interesting creatures just happened to form themselves. Instead, enjoy God's invitation: "But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create" (Isa. 65:18).

Cheerful Dolphins: Part 1

"But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee... and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee" (Job 12:7-8).

There are about 40 varieties of dolphins (sometimes incorrectly called porpoises) throughout the world's warm ocean waters. These include some 3 feet long and others up to 15 feet long and weighing 1000 pounds or more. They are all great swimmers, sometimes covering more than 70 miles a day and reaching speeds above 30 miles an hour.

They travel in large schools, enjoying one another's company and often leaping out of the water, individually or several together, apparently having a great time doing this and other playful things. They communicate with one another, sometimes when more than a mile apart, by whistles, squeaks and barks. Each dolphin has a distinctive tone, just as your voice is different from that of your brother or sister. They can communicate this way with each other even when it is too dark to see one another.

Their bodies have been streamlined by the Creator, enabling unusually fast movements, and they are particularly designed for catching fish for their entire food supply. Their short snouts look like beaks and streamlined bodies taper off to large flat tails divided in the middle, used both as a rudder and a contributor to their unusual speed.

They are so friendly with each other and with people that it almost seems as if the "smile" on the face of a newly born dolphin is only a starter, and as they grow bigger the smile does the same. Incidentally, babies are born underwater, and the mother immediately pushes the little one to the surface for its first breath of air-sometimes with a little help from another dolphin. If she were too slow doing this, the little one would gulp water into its lungs and drown. Dolphins are not really fish, but mammals, like seals and whales which also come to the surface regularly for that life-giving breath of air.

There are apparently no reports of these intelligent creatures ever purposely harming a swimmer. In the next article we will consider in more detail their relationship with humans, which you will find extremely interesting.

Perhaps the Creator has given us these delightful creatures as an illustration of a part of His creation that lives in peace and happiness, because they do not associate with cruel and evil things. Let's apply this to the opening Bible verse, for they are an example to us in their happy, peaceful lives.

The Savior's words to those who trust in Him are, "My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth" (John 14:27). If you are trusting Him and are obedient to His Word, you will have that promised peace.

Cheerful Dolphins: Part 2

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee" (Jer. 31:3).

We are happy to comment on the friendly nature of dolphins, not only among themselves, but with people as well. For instance, often people who are friendly with the dolphins swim at the same spot at certain times of the year, and the dolphins seem to sense when they will be there. Swimming among the people, they are as friendly as pet dogs, even with some people they have not seen before, but definitely remembering others and swimming up close to them for a friendly pat or hug.

A group of tourists in the Bahama Islands also told how they found dolphins swimming around them, some even coming alongside and welcoming their gentle strokes over their smooth bodies. One of the ladies, swimming among them, tossed her bright red scarf into the water and then promptly snatched it up and swam a short distance with it. Sure enough, the dolphins immediately showed an interest, and the next time she tossed the scarf one of them immediately grabbed it and from then on they all joined in the fun. They never tried to take the scarf away from another dolphin, but in a short time it would drop it and, fast as a wink, several would go after it. They seemed to enjoy playing this game, and the swimmers and dolphins stayed with it for four hours. Actually it seemed to give them something new to do, and some were seen later playing the game with pieces of seaweed.

These pleasant experiences are becoming more and more common at beaches in the Bahama Islands, as well as along the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to the southern tip of Florida, and no doubt along South American shores as well.

The most amazing thing that has happened several times over the years is the help these kind creatures have given to people in danger of drowning. A typical instance was related some time ago by a sailor who had to abandon a sinking ship. Jumping fully clothed into the ocean quite a distance from shore, he found the water rough and soon gave up hope of making it to shore. But suddenly he felt a gentle but strong support underneath him. To his amazement it stayed with him all the way to shallow water where he could stand. Then he finally saw his rescuer, a large dolphin heading back to deep water.

The manner of life and kindness of dolphins is outstanding and perhaps makes some of us ashamed that we do not show more of it to one another. But there is a kindness that far outshines all others, expressed by our loving Lord in our opening Bible verse. That love took Him, the Creator of all, to Calvary's cross, where, in a cruel death, He became the Savior of all who put their trust in Him. Can you claim Him as your Savior?

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Cheerful Dolphins: Part 3

"Thou... art Lord alone; Thou hast made... the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all" (Neh. 9:6).

In the two preceding pages we have looked at the activities of dolphins found throughout the world. There are about 40 species, ranging from 3 to 15 feet long, some weighing 1000 pounds or more. Following is a partial listing of some of the more common ones.

The bottle-nosed dolphins are big, up to 12 feet long and weigh as much as 1200 pounds. Their name comes from their long, round snouts which look like they would fit in a bottle. Many of these dolphins are found in the warm waters off the coasts of Georgia and Florida, where they enjoy swimming with large groups of people who swim and play in the water there.

They get along well with other dolphin species, but don't let them intrude into their community. The bottle-nosed are the ones usually performing at aquariums and water shows.

The spotted are well named and familiar to swimmers in the Bahama Spotted Dolphin Islands where they share the water with them. They are an outstanding variety with bodies completely covered from nose tip to tail with a pattern of small, black and white spots. On some the spots are just in certain areas, but with others the spots are in long rows between narrow, coalblack stripes. When swimming near the surface they leave long, white patches of air bubbles behind them.

The spinners are among others preferring Hawaiian waters, and they are a great attraction to tourists. Some make their homes in the Gulf of Mexico. They usually swim in groups of from five to ten and make an attractive display of their graceful ways.

The Indus River dolphins are most unusual, making their homes in the waters of India. These are nearly blind, their pinhole-like eyes not seeing much more than darkness and light. They range from four to eight feet in length and have long, bony snouts lined with sharp teeth. They sweep their long snouts from side to side along river bottoms, using their "echo systems" to direct them to their meals of fish in the dark waters.

Just to name a few others, there are the humpbacked, dalls, soto, vaquites, beiji, and many more. Each represents another display of the wonders of God's creation and a reminder of the way in which He cares for them all, as the above Bible verse tells us.

There is another verse that invites us to trust in Him: "[Cast] all your care upon Him; for He [cares] for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

When we think of His loving care, we should follow what another verse tells us: "[Give] thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 5:20). He would delight to hear that you are thankful for His loving care.

Wrasse Fish Are Beauties

"And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth... after his kind" (Gen. 1:21).

Wrasse (pronounced "rass") are among the most colorful and interesting of all fish. They range in size from a few inches to some as big as 200 pounds, but the small ones are the most appealing. All have been given gorgeous coloring by the Creator and are found in ocean waters off the coasts of Europe, in the Mediterranean and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Many divers find the Red Sea a favorite spot for them.

Those in the northern waters include the red wrasse, the green, the black, the rainbow, the ballen and several more. An outstanding one in the Great Barrier Reef is called moon. It is different than most others, with a rather small mouth and pointed head. It has a beautiful, narrow blue and pink ridge all along its back, which matches big fins that are a soft pink in the center, but otherwise a bright blue. Its pretty, pointed, narrow head is also blue.

A big 200-pounder in the Red Sea is called the humphead, because at first glance it looks like a big turtle is getting a ride on its blue and green back. Huge lips covering its big mouth are a smooth, deep blue, but the rest of its body is pale blue, except for big, green fins matching the hump on its back.

One of the interesting activities of the smaller wrasse is cleaning the teeth of big fish. When a huge fish is uncomfortable with bits of food caught in its teeth, it holds its huge mouth open when it sees a wrasse approaching. The wrasse swims right inside, checking out each tooth for bits of food, which are often parts of other fish that were eaten.

If the big fish should shut its mouth at such a time it would be the end of the little visitor, but they never seem to do that. When the little wrasse finishes its job it swims away, having had a free meal. The huge fish, with its teeth now clean, goes its way also, perhaps never again to see its tooth-cleaner. Isn't it wonderful how the Creator has provided such an arrangement for them?

If space allowed we could consider many more varieties. Each one is a little different from the others, but all dressed in gorgeous colors provided by the One named in our opening Bible verse.

These provide one more example of the wonders of God's creation and they are always under His watchful eye. But, more important, the Bible also tells us, "The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear [love] Him.... Our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name" (Psa. 33:18,21). Can this be said of you?

The Manta Ray or Devilfish

"And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth... after their kind" (Gen. 1:21).

The manta ray is the largest of the ray family.

It measures up to 22 feet across its "wings," is ten feet long from head to tail, and weighs up to one-and-a-half tons. It lives in tropical oceans. Surprisingly, it has very small teeth and is actually one of the harmless creatures of the sea, feeding mostly on plankton (tiny plant and animal life).

A diver who recently saw one tells that at first he was afraid of it, but then he was surprised to find it quite friendly. After looking the diver over, the manta ray dropped down below him, barely moving. So in a bold moment's decision, the diver also dropped down and gently landed on its back with his legs spread out and his hands on its shoulders. Soon its wings began to slowly beat, and the diver realized he was off on a trip with no idea how it would end. But he was pleased to find he wasn't thrown off and that the manta ray seemed to be enjoying his company.

The ride didn't last long, but was quite a thrill. When he told other divers about it, some of them decided to try the same thing to see if it would also give them a ride. Sure enough, it did. But the first diver found his last ride on another day the most thrilling. This time the manta ray carried him out into deep water, past sharks and schools of fish and other creatures. However, he could not stay down too long or he'd be in trouble. When he finally let go, his new-found friend seemed surprised, stopped beating its wings and glided just a short distance away, as if waiting for him to climb back on.

As far as we know, no one else has had experiences such as this man and his friends had. We hope it impressed on them a real awareness of the wonders of God's creation, for all the creatures of the oceans are included in the Bible verse that says, "By Him were all things created... and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist [continue to exist]" (Col. 1:16-17).

The Bible also tells all boys and girls to "remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Eccl. 12:1), and to know Him not only as the One who created and watches over them, but who loves each and every one. He invites you to know His Son, the Lord Jesus, as your Savior. He died on the cross to put away the sins of all who trust Him to forgive them. He will then accept you as one of His own children, with the promise of a heavenly home when life on earth is ended.

If you do not belong to Him yet, why not look up and ask Him to be your Savior this very day. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2).

Garden Eels and Flying Fish

"They that go down to the sea in ships... see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep" (Psa. 107:23-24).

Garden Eels If you were to look underwater near some Red Sea beaches you might come across what looks like a group of three-foot-long pieces of black garden hose standing upright, gently swaying as the water flows around them. But as you would move closer they would, one by one, sink out of sight into the ocean bottom. Then, if you remained perfectly still, they would come back up and you would later learn that these marine creatures are called Gorgasia, or garden eels.

They are nourished by specks of sea life that float into them. Occasionally they bend over and fight one another, perhaps over bits of food. But they usually stay upright all day long, sinking into their anchor holes at night.

Flying Fish Unlike garden eels that spend most of their time motionless, flying fish spend most of their lives in motion. Many of them make their homes in warm waters near the equator, but some can be found in warm waters as far north as Florida and California, as well as other parts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The smallest species are only about 2 inches long and the largest about 18 inches long.

These fish don't really fly; they throw themselves out of the water by a strong push with their tails, leaping through the air several hundred yards. They spread out their fins, which act like the wings of a soaring bird. This is not done for fun. Like other small fish, they are often the targets of larger fish. They escape by taking to the air.

Sometimes they look like skipping stones as they skim over the waves, their tails flipping them back up each time they drop down to the surface of the water. They are seldom very high in the air, but occasionally drop onto the decks of small boats. Then they are likely to wind up in a frying pan, for they make a very tasty meal.

Does the Lord God, the Creator, pay attention to such things as =A' ee garden eels and flying fish? He certainly does, as a Bible verse tells us that "all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Heb. 4:13). This verse, and many more like it, cover all living things. But it is most important to notice that this includes people, for whom He has a special loving care. He invites us to come to Him in faith and trust His wonderful love.

Do you know Him as your Savior?

Fish-Loving Harbor Seals

"And God created great whales, and every living creature... which the waters brought forth" (Gen. 1:21).

Harbor seals (called this because they stay near shore) are in great numbers from the Arctic Ocean to Mexico on the western coast of North America, and from the Arctic down to South Carolina on the eastern coast, as well as along European and Asian coasts. They are also called hair seals.

These are much smaller than sea lions or elephant seals. A full-grown one is about five feet long and weighs about 200 pounds. Baby seals are about 30 pounds at birth, born in spring and nursed for about a month, after which they are on their own. The pups, which can swim right after birth, make loud cooing sounds which are recognized by their mothers when they get separated.

They are appealing mammals, starting out as pups with a smooth, gray skin with patches of dark spots. The adults are speckled dark brown or sometimes almost reddish. They have tan, oval faces with dark eyes and long, white whiskers and large, flipper-like tails. They have a friendly look, but are actually timid and quickly wiggle from the sandy shore into the ocean waters when people or animals get too close.

They may live for 20 years, but are not as strong as their larger relatives. Still, they are excellent swimmers and can dive 200 feet deep after food. Although good swimmers, they tire rather easily, resting frequently on shore or on a rock protruding out of the water where there are almost always others already enjoying a sunbath. Some do their hunting at night.

They feed on kelp, crabs, squid, octopi, and also enjoy fish, particularly salmon. They can be a real problem where streams or rivers empty into the ocean and great numbers of fish start to migrate upstream. Some of their favorite salmon areas on the West Coast of North America include the entrance to canal locks between Lake Union and the salt water in Seattle, the mouth of the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon, as well as at the Trinity and Sacramento Rivers of California.

In addition to being killed by many fishermen, the harbor seals' worst enemies are sharks, particularly the one called great white, as well as dogs, bears, coyotes and foxes going after them along the shores where they are resting. Efforts are being made to protect them from fishermen.

They are indeed one of the wonders of God's creation, and He cares for them. The Bible says, "In whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10).

Have you thanked Him for His care over you, and have you accepted His offer to have His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as your Savior?

Insects and Reptiles: Chapter 6

"And God made... everything that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good." Gen. 1:25

From Microbes to Elephants

"Remember His marvelous works that He hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth" (1 Chron. 16:12).

Did you ever stop to consider the wonders of the world around us-close up and far away? How a clear starry night amazes us with its vastness, or the beauty of a delicate flower, the waves of the ocean thundering against a rocky cliff, the flight of a bird, an elephant or monkey in a zoo, or a horse, cow or pig in a barnyard. The beauty of an oak or redwood tree, as well as the delicate frond of a maidenhair fern, should make us think about the very wonder of their existence.

How does a tiny seed, falling to the ground, take root and become a buttercup, a lily, a violet or other plant in a meadow or deep forest? How did cacti and other desert plants learn to store enough water for a coming dry season when, on rare occasions, they are pelted with heavy rainstorms? How does a pigeon, carried to a distant, strange locality, know how to fly straight back home?

What causes a compass to point northward? Who provided gravity to enable animals and people to stand upright, to walk or run without falling, or to keep loose objects from flying off into space? Who thought of storing snow on mountain peaks in winter and keeping it from melting until moisture is needed at lower levels? Why don't the oceans overflow with all the rivers continuously pouring such huge quantities of water into them?

With all the stars and other planets in the skies, how did the earth get placed at the most perfect position in relation to the sun and the moon? Who set it spinning at just the right tilt and proper speed to give all living things just the amount of heat and cold, darkness and sunshine required in the various parts of the world in which they are placed?

Did you really ever stop to wonder how these and millions of other things have taken place? They are all examples of the wonders of God's creation and should make us think very seriously about our relationship with Him!

A Bible verse makes it very personal: "Doth not He see my ways, and count all my steps?" (Job 31:4).

Yes He does, and He wants every single person not only to know Him as his Creator, but as his Savior God. He invites each one to come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life on Calvary's cross to take away the sins of all who will trust in Him. If we admit to Him that we are sinners and look to Him as our Savior, then His Word tells us: "If we confess [admit] our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Have you done this?

Are There Really Any Good Bugs?

"But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee... or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee" (Job 12:7-8).

The answer to our question about good bugs is a definite YES, for there are many kinds of insects that are beneficial. And one way in which they do good is by killing and eating certain other insects that are harmful. Much of this we are not aware of, because it goes on so quietly and in places we are not likely to visit.

One good insect is called the mealy-bug destroyer. It makes its home in certain plants and trees where mealy-bugs do lots of damage by boring into plant stems and eating the sap that is as important to the plant as blood is to an animal. The mealybug destroyer and other "destroyers" do a tremendous amount of good.

Another good one in the garden is the lacewing. This is a pretty, green little creature with delicate, lace-like wings and a pair of long "feelers" coming out in front of brilliant eyes. Possibly some of us have killed these with insect spray without realizing they are good helpers. They eat countless destructive aphids and other harmful bugs.

Still another is a little wasp by the name of El Formosa. It has a special appetite for whiteflies which are harmful insects doing tremendous damage to all kinds of plants and trees. Some garden stores have these for sale when whiteflies are particularly troublesome, and gardeners use large quantities of El Formosas to help fight them.

Ladybugs are probably known by most of us as good and helpful in gardens. We should be careful to treat them kindly, and be thankful if you see some of them on your plants and flowers.

While many snails are harmful in gardens, there are some helpful ones. One of these is the Decollate variety, marked with a pretty corkscrew tail. Its principal food is the harmful common garden snail.

Then there is the praying mantis that feeds on many harmful insects, and a beetle by the name of seven-spot that has an appetite for aphids. Many farmers purchase them in big quantities from garden stores every year.

Of course we all know the value of honey from bees and silk threads from silkworms. Altogether there are more than 600 "good bugs" that farmers and plant nurseries use to help fight a continual war against harmful ones.

These harmful insects remind us of what sin has brought into the world. The good insects speak of the Creator's wisdom in providing ways to overcome the bad. It should make us think, too, of the love and grace of God in providing a way for boys and girls, as well as adults, to overcome their sins. God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, into the world to bear the sins of all who will trust in Him as their Savior through His death on Calvary's cross. Have you let Him wash away your sins?

Stay Away From Killer Bees

"I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: [who] doeth great things... marvelous things without number" (Job 5:8-9).

Most people are familiar with honeybees. They are very useful in pollinating flowers, fruit trees, etc., as well as being the source of delicious honey. They, as well as wasps and other insects, are all an important part of God's creation. However, people sometimes interfere with the plan God has made for them, and that is almost certain to lead to trouble.

Sad to say, that's how killer bees have become a serious problem in areas of South and Central America. About 25 years ago some were brought to Brazil from their natural, God-given African homes. Beekeepers wanted to crossbreed them with honeybees of Brazil so they would produce greater amounts of honey, and then the beekeepers would make larger profits. But that was a serious mistake.

There are thousands of species of bees in the world, but only honeybees make honey and wax that man can use. And there are only four kinds of honeybees: the German, the Western, the European and the African. Each species was originally placed in its own geographical location with a particular nature best suited to its surroundings. The bees in Africa, for instance, have different things to cope with in the wildlife of that country than the Western bees have. The African bees defend themselves by flying together in huge, angry swarms and attacking their enemies with more stings than could be counted.

The result of the unwise crossbreeding experiments in Brazil has been a new type of bee called "killer bees." These are actually a cross between the African and the Western honeybees, with a few German honeybees also included. These killer bees attack in large masses when bothered and annoyed, and many animals and people have been killed by their many stings since these experiments started.

These vicious bees have gradually worked their way northward into Mexico, and even into the southern part of the United States. It does not appear that they will be a serious problem farther north, because they prefer the warmer climates of the south, like those in Africa and South America.

This tragic experience and resulting trouble should remind all of us that only God's ways are perfect, and men should be very careful before making changes in them. How much better it is to do as the Bible verse at the beginning says, and to remember Psalm 25:4-5: "Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation."

The Noisy Cicada

"[God] doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number" (Job 5:9).

The periodical cicada has the longest life-cycle of all insects and is seen just once every 13 or 17 years. They appear mostly in the northeastern United States, but show up in the Midwest and northern California as well. The Pilgrims were aware of them, but never understood how they could disappear for so long a time.

Most people become aware of them in early summer when they come out of the ground (sometimes millions of them), climb tree trunks or anything upright, and shed their skins. In the next few hours their bodies harden as their large wings unfold, growing stronger and colorful. They can then fly short distances into trees.

Males make an ear-piercing buzzing song to attract females. The shrill notes are not made with their mouths, but are produced by vibrating drum-like membranes on the underside of their bodies. Sometimes males will group together, producing a chorus of song. At times they will suddenly become totally silent for several seconds-as if by signal-and then all begin their buzzing again.

These one-and-a-half-inch to two-inch-long insects with bulging eyes are harmless to people, but do serious damage to tree branches. The females make deep slits on the undersides of twigs and branches for depositing their eggs. A few weeks after the eggs are laid, the outdoors gradually becomes quiet again as their life cycle is over and they begin to die. Their work of producing a new generation is completed.

After about two months the eggs hatch and the little nymphs drop to the ground. They immediately dig little tunnels into the soil where they disappear from sight, not to be seen for another 13 or 17 years, unless someone uncovers a few when digging in the soil. What do they live on down in the soil all those years? As far as scientists can tell, they live entirely on moisture sucked out of tree roots, and this satisfies both hunger and thirst. This does not seem to hurt the tree roots.

Incidentally, there is another species of cicada which has a shorter life span, staying underground for only two to five years. These are called dog-day cicadas. Their buzzing songs are heard in late summer.

The more we discover and investigate the great variety of animals, birds, fish and insects the Creator has placed on the earth, the more we are impressed with His wisdom in not only creating them, but in caring for them as well. We should say like King David did many years ago, "I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all Thy marvelous works" (Psa. 9:1).

Outstanding Beauties: Part 1

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11).

Have you ever heard about the tremendous migrations of monarch butterflies, sometimes covering thousands of miles? They fly south to warm areas like California, Mexico, and even South America to spend the winter. Then, in early summer, millions form large clouds and fly north to the United States, including Alaska, and also to the Maritime Provinces and other parts of Canada.

While in those northern areas great numbers of eggs are laid. They quickly hatch-not into baby butterflies-but into caterpillars which find their food in the plentiful wild milkweed. Soon, however, they lose interest in food and enclose themselves with a cocoon made from silken threads which they spin.

Then an amazing thing takes place. When summer is nearly over, they break out of their prison-like cocoons-no longer as caterpillars-but changed into beautiful butterflies! After a short rest, stretching their wings and other body parts, they take to the air, fully grown. Now they eat only sweet nectar from wildflowers.

Meanwhile, the parent butterflies have died, so the new generation is entirely on its own. But no, it is better to say that they are under the guidance of their Creator who delights to care for them. As they mature and build up strength, they sense that cold days of fall and winter are near at hand. Before long, great groups gather at night, leave their summer homes and fly south together. Each group flies to the same areas and the very same trees their parents left behind many months before when they migrated north.

Their migrations are much like those of many birds. But monarch migrations are even more remarkable, as they have never before made the long trip nor seen the areas which will be their winter homes. They, of course, could never do these marvelous things if it were not so planned by their Creator. He guides them in ways too wonderful for us to understand.

We could never find time to give a detailed account of each kind of butterfly, for there are so many-250,000 varieties-throughout the world.

As our beginning Bible verse tells us, the Lord God, the Creator, found pleasure in giving to each group and the individuals in it, its own lovely design, just as He has done with the vast number of birds, the flowers of the world, and other things of His creation.

Now let's take a look at a few other butterflies.

Outstanding Beauties: Part 2

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Eccl. 12:1).

We have had an interesting look at monarch butterflies and their remarkable migrations. Today we will look briefly at a few other butterfly varieties.

The sharp colors and designs of a butterfly are formed by thousands of tiny scales covering its wings like shingles on a roof. These scales not only add beauty but strengthen the wings and absorb warmth for the butterfly, which cannot fly until its body is warmed to about 80 degrees.

The male monarch has bright orange on its wings, spreading out from its coal-black body. Each wing has a matching black border, speckled with white at the outer edges. The female is much lighter in color.

Another pretty one is the great spangled fritillary. It has a soft-orange body with the same soft orange on its wings, which also have dark-brown markings in various shapes. At the outer edges of the wings a narrow strip looks like a hand-sewn hem.

The American copper has copper and silvery-gray wings, with large and small black patches. Then there is the Florida blue, an outstanding beauty of deep purplish blue, without the extra trimmings so many others have. The American painted lady, on the other hand, is such a contrast with a heavily patterned wingspread of brown overlaid with large circles of bluish-brown. Each circle is enclosed by a light inside ring and a dark outer one. The edges of its wings are bordered with ribbons of blue, white, pink and dark brown. The upper section of each wing looks like an artist with a fine paint brush has traced narrow and broad lines in scattered directions.

A more unusual one is named the 88 butterfly, because of two pairs of large marks on its light-brown wings which look like big number 8s. Around these are deep brown circles, and across the center of the back is a brilliant display of bright red.

As we admire the "beauties of nature" around us, let us remember we are actually seeing the Creator 's handiwork. Another Bible verse says: "He is before all things, and by Him all things consist" (Col. 1:17).

It is God our Creator's voice of love and authority that we want to believe, not man's ideas of evolution. Let each of us remember Him both in our youth and into old age as well, not only as the Creator of all, but, more importantly, as the One who sent His Son Jesus to die for the sins of all who will believe on Him.

Bristletails, Silverfish and Firebrats

"And God created great whales" (Gen. 1:21). "And God made... everything that creepeth upon the earth" (Gen. 1:25).

In those marvelous days of creation, God made everything from great whales to the smallest creeping insects. Everything was perfect until sin came into the world through Adam's disobedience. Since then all creation has suffered, including the insects living today, and God had to tell His people that "every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination" (Lev. 11:41).

That did not mean that God would not still care for these insects, for He does every moment, but they would be types of Satan's hidden and evil ways.

Throughout the world there are billions of insects, such as termites, ants, mosquitoes and flies that for various reasons we naturally don't like. There are also some that God has made helpful to mankind, such as honeybees, ladybugs and others. These He has made an exception, and they are not called "an abomination."

However, the three in our title do much harm and are very clever at hiding themselves. They are true examples of Satan and his sinful ways. The bristletail is one of these, another is the silverfish, and the third is called the firebrat, because it hides in warm places behind a stove or fireplace. They are almost as similar in appearance as identical triplets and are hard to tell apart. They have no wings, but their scaly, one-half inch-long bodies have six legs and two bristle-like extensions in front. All of them have most peculiar appetites.

For instance, the bristletail eats the paste used to stick wallpaper to a wall. Finding a loose spot, it crawls inside and, if not discovered soon enough, over a period of time gobbles up so much paste that the wallpaper falls to the floor or just hangs loosely.

The silverfish (not related to a fish in any way) likes to eat the glue used in binding books. Oh, how they love chewing up the glue until the book falls apart!

But none of them is choosy and each kind seems to find its way to shelves, drawers or closets where starched clothes are soon damaged, because starch is also a special treat to them.

All three of these pests are reminders that the evil things which Satan tempts us with are seldom out in the open, and cause much harm when we do not guard against them. Our best protection from his evil ways is expressed in the Bible verse: "Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust" (Psa. 16:1). When you make this a truly honest prayer, God will always help you.

Insects in Watery Homes

"All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:3).

The Lord God is not only the Creator of the beautiful and spectacular things that we see, but the above verse includes the many things we are not even aware of.

One of the world's largest insects, called the giant water bug, is one of these. Many live in tropical regions, but some are in North America as well. Most are about four inches long, but some are just half that size. They are good fliers, but usually stay close to their homes on ponds or lake-shores, where their wide, flat bodies float with their heads tipped downward, although clear of the water.

Their strong beaks give deadly bites to bugs captured for food. Front legs, wide and flat, have sharp edges that are helpful in capturing these as well as fish as big as themselves. Hind legs provide paddle-like power for fast swimming on or below the surface.

The male of one variety is unusually helpful to his mate, allowing her to spray his back with a glue from her body and then lay 100 or more eggs over it. He carries these around for 10 days until they hatch. Other species just lay their eggs on water plants, held in place by a similar glue.

Although not aware of it, they are always under the watchful eye of their Creator and serve a useful purpose in destroying many insects that are harmful to farmers' crops.

Another insect in a watery home is the damselfly, which looks like a small dragonfly. The female lays her eggs in shallow water down among the weeds. Sad to say, often a tiny wasp named polynema, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is likely to show up. Using paddle-like wings as oars, the female dives down to lay eggs also, depositing one of her own on each of the damselfly's eggs already there. Then she swims to the surface and forgets all about them.

By the time the damselfly's eggs hatch into nymphs that will remain under water for some time, the polynema's eggs placed on them will have changed into worm-like grubs that slowly eat their hosts, until they become full-grown wasps and fly into the air. But many little damselflies will never become full-grown, because their intruder's hunger has killed them.

You might ask, "Did God create polynemas, too?" Yes, but when He created them they were not harmful in any way. Their harmful change was the result of sin coming into the world-all created things being affected by it.

But the time is coming, after all believing Christians are taken to heaven and God's judgment against wickedness and evil has taken place on the earth, that there will again be a peaceful creation. If you are one who knows the Lord Jesus as your Savior, you will be in that happy home above, looking down on the lovely new creation. Will you be one of those up there?

Spittlebugs or Froghoppers

"God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty... and things which are despised... that no flesh [person] should glory in His presence" (1 Cor. 1:27-29).

There are countless insects in the world, some so small they can only be seen with a microscope. Yet in some way each one has its part in keeping nature in balance, even though it is hard to see how some can be useful when they are such a nuisance.

But, besides being helpful to other things, the above Bible verse tells us that God allows them to help keep us humble rather than proud. In another verse we are informed, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6).

One such insect called the froghopper, or spittlebug, is an example of this. Have you ever wondered what those globs of white froth (looking like spittle) are doing on grass stems and plants in a field or in your own yard? The next time you see one, look closely and you will see inside it two tiny nymphs clinging tightly to the stem, sucking juice from it.

That ball of bubbles is not spit. It is partly digested plant sap that the nymphs mix with a material similar to that used by some other insects for spinning silk cocoons. Of course they don't realize the Creator gave them this unusual arrangement to protect themselves from the hot summer sun as well as from other insects and birds that would like to eat them. The sticky froth stops them.

By the time the nymphs are fully grown the spittle-like foam has all disappeared and the nymphs have turned into flat, leaping insects about half-an-inch long, brown, greenish, or sometimes red and black, looking something like tiny tree frogs-which is how they got their other name of froghopper. They look odd with heads that appear too big for their tiny bodies. Their legs and wings also seem extra long, but are a big help when hunting for food. The grass and plants on which they feed while protected by the froth wither away after they hatch. Then, as adults, they fly into pine trees and damage them severely, eating the needles, and are thus a real pest in parts of North America.

These insects are mainly a nuisance, yet God has created them for a purpose which perhaps only He can understand. But we can see how they help to keep us humble when we think of how much effort has been made to get rid of them and still, year after year, they continue to show up.

God is never pleased with proud ways. So let us always remember His promise: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Looking but Not Seeing

"Oh God, Thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from Thee" (Psa. 69:5).

The Creator has provided interesting ways for many of His creatures to protect themselves from danger while gathering food. He has given them various camouflages so they cannot be easily seen.

One of these is the katydid, an insect which has green wings that match the color of leaves where it nests. These wings also rise up like a strong, round armor covering their backs, keeping birds from attacking it.

Leafhoppers, common in many areas, are protected in much the same way. They are colored like the plants on which they feed, but the "armor" on their backs rises to a high, sharp-looking point that scares most enemies away.

In South America the false-eyed frog has large imitation eyes on its back. When this little fellow is in danger, he turns his back and bends his head down low to hide his real eyes. Usually the attacker, looking at the fierce imitation eyes, leaves in a hurry.

There is a bright yellow caterpillar, called synchlora, that bites off chunks of flowers of various colors, rolls them into small coils and attaches them all over its body with sticky threads. Then it goes to feed on a variety of flowers, fully disguised and safe from birds that would otherwise make a quick meal of it.

You may have heard how some ants make friends with little bugs known as wooly alder aphids. The ants gently lick a sweet fluid from the aphids' bodies; this does not hurt the aphids. To protect this good source of sweets, some of the ants stay by the aphids all day to protect them from intruders. But, sad to say, aphids of another kind sometimes sneak into a colony of the sweet aphids and kill some. Then they pull off pieces of their sticky wool to attach over their own bodies. This makes them look like the real thing. Unfortunately the ants, being fooled, protect these intruders just as they do the genuine wooly alders.

Isn't it wonderful how the Creator has provided for these and many other little creatures? It is easy to see how they can hide from their enemies and fool them. But we also think how misbehaving boys and girls (and older people too) try to fool others by pretending innocence when guilty of some offense. But, as the beginning Bible verse tells us, there is One from whom we can never hide. The Bible also tells us, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Prov. 15:3).

It is good to ask the Lord Jesus every day, as the Psalmist did: "Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments [or instructions].... Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity [foolish or evil things]" (Psa. 119:35,37). Our loving Lord delights to hear such a request and will help you when you ask Him.

Solitary Wasps

"O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches" (Psa. 104:24).

You may have seen a wasps' nest made of paper, suspended from a protected part of your house. These wasps who live in colonies and cooperate with one another are called social wasps.

There are other wasps who make nests for their young in an entirely different way. They do not live in colonies and are called solitary wasps. In another volume we learned of one called the black wasp caterpillar hunter. This female makes a nest in which to lay her eggs and provide for her young by digging a hole several inches deep in well-packed sand. At the bottom of this hole she lays her eggs. Then she hunts for a caterpillar which she paralyzes with her stinger and drops in the hole beside them. The caterpillar is still alive but cannot move, and when the eggs hatch out, the caterpillar becomes a fresh food supply for them.

It is common for various species to build similar nests, some of them dropping insects, spiders or caterpillars beside the eggs as a food supply when the larvae need it. Not one of all these wasps needs to be taught these things, nor experiment until it is done right, for these instincts are the Creator's gift to them, passed on from generation to generation.

One of the other varieties is known as the bembix wasp. Several of them make holes side by side in the ground to form colonies, digging with front feet specially designed by the Creator for this purpose. Each female wasp, after placing her eggs at the bottom of her nest, drops paralyzed flies down the hole. An interesting thing about bembix wasps is that after the eggs have hatched into larvae and eaten the food left for them, they cover themselves all over with a hard coating of fine sand held close to their bodies with sticky saliva. After being wrapped up that way through the winter months, they come out of this hard cocoon and crawl up into the outdoors as full-fledged wasps.

Sand and wood wasps follow habits similar to those of the bembix, but sometimes drill their holes in fence posts rather than in the ground. These particular wasps use paralyzed spiders and a few other insects for their food.

Another species feeds on nothing but paralyzed bees, which no doubt are very tasty to the larvae when they come out of their long sleep and find this food right beside them.

As we think how wonderfully the ways of the Lord God, the Creator of all things, are displayed, we can easily understand why Psalmist declared, after expressing the above verse 24, "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.... I will be glad in the Lord" (Psa. 104:33-34). Are you among those who join in that kind of singing?

Two African Lizards

"These also shall be unclean unto you... the chameleon, and the lizard" (Lev. 11:29-30).

The above instructions given to God's people in Bible times defined lizards as "unclean." This meant they were not to be eaten, but it did not mean that God, the Creator of all things, didn't care for lizards. He

has always provided well for their every need. We'll look at just two types of lizards.

One, named aporosaura, lives on the hot sandy Namib desert near the tip of Africa. It has been given long, husky legs to cope with its hot, sandy homeland-far too hot for any of us to walk on barefoot. In bright sunshine temperatures reach 150 degrees, but at nighttime it becomes chilly.

Moving about in that heat, searching for flies and other insects, the aporosaura's long, rubberlike legs raise its body high enough so it doesn't rub against the hot sand. But it stops often to cool one leg at a time by raising it and waving it in the air.

Each afternoon fog blows in from the ocean, and our lizard friend, not pleased with the cool change, buries itself completely under the sand and stays there until the sun shines again.

If the fog comes in too early for it to stay there for the night, it will lie flat on its stomach on the still-warm sand, scooping some over itself. If the sun breaks through again, it will lift its tail in the air and raise its legs and head to get what warmth it can from the sun that had been too hot for it earlier.

Another unusual lizard, known as the leaf-tailed gecko, makes its home on Madagascar Island off the coast of Africa. It is very odd-looking, with mottled brown and gray skin from its sharp nose to the end of a long tail, as well as on its long legs and clawed toes. It is about a foot long. The "gecko" part of its name refers to its call, which sounds like that word.

It hunts at night, and the Creator has given it large eyes, standing out like yellow balls, well back of its pointed nose. With jaws wide open it looks like a small dragon. The toes have suction cups enabling it to cling to steep branches and smooth boulders, or even climb a wall and cross a ceiling when chasing an insect. If an enemy grabs its tail, the tail breaks away and the lizard escapes. A new tail grows back in a short time.

These are just two of about 2000 kinds of lizards in the world. The Bible assures us that the Lord God, their Creator, watches over them night and day. But He watches more carefully over you and invites you to know Him as your Savior and give thanks to Him for all His loving-kindness to you. Is He your Savior, and have you thanked Him today?

Two Tropical Iguanas

"I will speak of the glorious honor of Thy majesty, and of Thy wondrous works" (Psa. 145:5).

In a previous volume we looked at the family of lizards called iguanas found throughout the deserts, forests and waters of the world.

Most iguanas look actually like miniature dragons, but are actually shy and are not a threat to people. A grown one will weigh as much as ten pounds and be six feet or more long, including its long, thin tail.

Another of these is the tropical green iguana, making its home among the trees from Panama to Brazil. It also looks like a miniature dragon, with its sharp claws as well as spines sticking up all along its back. But this one is also really shy and hides when anyone gets near it. Except when hunting food, it likes to stretch out on the limb of a tall tree and enjoy a sunbath. It looks so much like the bark of native trees that it is difficult to spot unless it is moving.

Its principal food is tender leaves and shoots high in tall trees, as well as wild fruits. Little ones are hatched from eggs laid by the mother in a hole she has dug in the sand or ground. Soon after hatching she takes them up into a tall tree where they feel right at home and live up there until nearly full grown. They eat leaves and buds and drink water from cuplike leaves that hold rainwater. The parents often spend time with the little ones up in the trees, but they gather much of their food down on the ground, because they can more quickly escape if anything dangerous shows up.

But, sad to say, natives in those tropical areas have discovered that iguanas are good to eat. It has been necessary to pass laws limiting the amount of hunting that can be done, for fear that before long none would be left. As a result, farmers are allowed to raise them on their own properties and sell them to meat markets, where they receive a good price. Iguana meat tastes so good it is sometimes nicknamed "chicken of the trees."

A contrasting species is the Galapagos marine iguana, somewhat larger and heavier than those found in deserts and forests. Groups of these may vary in color, but their leather-like bodies are most often brownish-black or gray. Their skin is coarse and fierce-looking with fleshy upright spikes from the top of their heads to the end of their tails.

This species likes to cling in large groups to the steep, rough rocks rising above low tides of the ocean beaches and feast on seaweed and other marine plants that grow there. They are good swimmers.

Read the Bible verse again at the beginning of this article. Are you one of the happy ones who believes and trusts the Lord God who created all things? Another Bible verse says: "Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name" (1 Chron. 16:8). Have you done this?

Caymans Have No Friends

"The cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox" (Isa. 11:7-9).

Most people in Florida and the lower Mississippi areas are familiar with crocodiles and alligators and their vicious ways. But there is a close relative of these, the cayman (or caiman) that lives only in Central and South America, where they thrive in great numbers in rivers and swamps.

A big one will measure up to 20 feet long, and if it were stretched out on your garage floor you would probably be barely able to close the door completely!

In certain ways they hold their mouths it almost seems as if they are smiling or grinning, but there is nothing pleasant about them. Long, curved jaws filled with big, sharp teeth are under a bulb-like snout. When those huge jaws are open, one quick snap of them can immediately end the life of a victim.

Caymans' bodies are covered on top with a dark, tough skin with a pattern of pointed, wedge-shaped bumps. The underpart of their bodies is much lighter in color and has protective plates covering it.

South American hunters find their flesh tasty when roasted. But they are more interested in the caymans' skins, which are in great demand and are made into high-quality leather goods. A pair of men's shoes made from this leather may be priced at $250 or more, and jackets, gloves, belts and other items all carry high prices. Of course, the hunter doesn't get much of that money, but can often make more than he would in some ordinary job.

Baby caymans, like alligators and crocodiles, are hatched from eggs. Usually a dozen or more are laid by the mother. She makes her nest on a spot of high ground near a pond or stream and covers it with a few branches or rubbish. She lets the sun incubate the eggs, but stays nearby to protect them. When hatched the young caymans are about ten inches long and already can fight! The mother immediately carries them in her big mouth to nearby water where she leaves them on their own. They live on insects, frogs, fish, mice and other small creatures. They know enough to stay out of the way of bigger caymans who, if hungry enough or annoyed, would gobble them up in one bite.

We might wonder why such vicious creatures were included in God's creation. Actually they were not that way until sin came into the world and its effects were passed on to all forms of life. But the time is coming when God is going to bring back peace, and the peaceful natures of all creatures will return. The Bible verse at the beginning refers to that time.

We learn from the Bible that that peace will not come until the Lord Jesus takes His own to heaven and comes to reign in righteousness. Will you be included with those who will be in heaven, those who have trusted in Jesus as Savior?

The Strange Chameleon

"God that made the world and all things therein... is Lord of heaven and earth" (Acts 17:24).

In another volume we looked at chameleons in general, and now we will look at some individually. There are more than 100 varieties of these lizards in the warm ocean-water areas of the world. They range in size from three inches to nearly two feet long. All of them look fierce but are actually harmless, except to the insects and bugs that become their food.

Some chameleons have long, stilt-like legs, lifting their bodies quite high; most have short legs with strong claws, helping them climb trees and rocks. Their tails are as long as the rest of their bodies. Their tongues can, in a split second, stretch out even farther than the length of their bodies to snatch an insect. Their eyes are most unusual-each moves independently of the other, so that they may at the same time look ahead with one and behind with the other. They can also see what's going on at both sides without turning their heads.

But the most amazing thing about chameleons is the beautiful blending of a wide variety of colors and the ability the Creator has given them to change these colors in a few moments to match their surroundings if they need to hide from an enemy.

One of the most striking in color is the female panther of Madagascar. To attract a mate she takes on a lovely blend of bright red with areas of deep yellow, green and white. The base of her throat is decorated with white-tipped red spear heads, which are actually quite soft and harmless.

Another, the yemeness of Saudi Arabia, will often dress himself in an amazing combination of light and dark green, with areas of light yellow and deep orange. To us this looks frightening, but to another yemeness it is very attractive.

One that looks really vicious is named Parson's and lives in the jungles of an island in the Indian Ocean. It is commonly a mixture of pale green and bright blue on its lower parts, with the upper section tan, spotted with green, brown and white. From the top of its back, coal-black stripes reach clear around its body. Its jaws when closed look very much like a corncob with two rows of big kernels of yellow corn.

Another, named Jackson's, in the highlands of Africa, is most odd-looking. One unusual feature is that each jaw has a pink carrot-shaped horn-one a little above the other-sticking straight out, with sharp points looking like vicious weapons, but which are only used to pick up food.

The above Bible verse assures us chameleons are one more interesting display of God's creation over which He shows loving care. And His invitation to each of us is to "[cast] all your care upon Him; for He careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Have you accepted that wonderful invitation?

Fringe-Toed Lizards

"Thou art great, and doest wondrous things: Thou art God alone. Teach me Thy way, O Lord" (Psa. 86:10-11).

There are more than 2000 kinds of lizards throughout the world, and the fringe-toed lizard is perhaps the most amazing of all. It gets its name from the small, tough scales on its hind toes that swivel like tiny paddles when making its way over loose sand, across which it can run with amazing speed-or, when necessary, dive into for safety.

This is a cute little creature with a slender orange body about three inches long. As far as is known, it can live in just one spot in North America, and that is a place near Palm Springs, California, called Thousand Palms Canyon. There it lives comfortably among huge sand dunes which are also occupied by tarantulas, rattlesnakes, rabbits, quail and a wide variety of other creatures.

Rough, furrowed skin covers its body, but its stomach, throat and legs are smooth. Its flat body (flatter than most lizards) and its pointed snout, provided by the Creator, both help it to dive headfirst into the loose sand for safety. With surprising speed it buries itself and completely disappears from view, either lying still down there or moving off quite a distance without being detected.

How can it breathe under the sand? Well, the Creator has taken care of that in a remarkable way. In the first place, He has given it a special nose like no other creature has. Part of it is a trap beyond which sand cannot pass, although allowing the small amount of air it requires to pass. When back on the surface it simply blows out the trapped sand.

Its eyes have been given additional protection from harm. Each eye has two overlapping lids, completely stopping even the tiniest speck of sand from getting to the delicate part of the eyeball. One of these lids acts just as yours does-blinking up and down when something threatens; the other moves from side to side to do the same thing. If, as rarely happens, a speck of sand gets past this double guard, then it simply wipes it away with a fringed toenail of a hind leg.

This lizard apparently gets sufficient moisture from the stems of desert plants. If this is not enough, it can move out into the morning fog, which condenses and runs down its skin into its mouth, which it holds lower than the rest of its body for that purpose.

As the opening verse from the Psalms expresses, we can see even in a little creature like this an example of the untold number of things that speak of the greatness and wonder of God and His creation. Thinking on it, the Psalmist could say, "Teach me Thy way, O Lord" (Psa. 86:11). That excellent desire should be in the heart and mind of each of us also.

Things Unusual: Chapter 7

And they were all amazed, and they glorified God... saying, We have seen strange things today."

Luke 5:26

A Great Imitator

"The heart is deceitful above all things... who can know it? 1 the Lord search the heart" (Jer. 17:9-10).

Known as walking sticks, or stick insects, these relatives of katydids, crickets, grasshoppers and earwigs come in many varieties. They live throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Orient. Some measure only two or three inches long, but in Oriental countries some may be 12 inches long when stretched out on a limb. The larger ones are considered a very tasty food when roasted by the natives.

These insects usually lie perfectly still on narrow branches of trees, or even flat blades of grass or leaves. They look so much like a part of the tree or plant that insects coming from behind innocently climb up and along their backs, not knowing that they will soon be gobbled up. When approaching from the front, the insect expects to climb over the "stick" in its way, but at just the right moment the "stick" opens its mouth and devours it.

These strange, dark-colored creatures have no wings, but have six long, flexible, skinny legs that are a big help in climbing over twigs and branches. Their legs look like a part of a branch itself when folded under their bodies.

Walking sticks remain motionless on the twigs, branches or leaves, blending so perfectly and nearly invisible except when capturing the prey that ventures too close, or when they decide to move on. But most of the time they just lie snugly still against whatever is supporting them. Even people, searching for these odd creatures, may walk right by one lying on a bare branch and not discover it until by chance the person thinks he is grabbing a branch for support and discovers it trying to wriggle away from his hand.

Long, string-like feelers rise straight up from the foreheads of walking sticks' small heads, providing an awareness of some tasty meal approaching. After the discovery of something approaching, these fold back silently and snugly over the tops of their long, skinny necks.

In many ways these walking sticks represent an illustration of the deceitful ways of Satan and his efforts to spoil our personal lives. How much better to have our trust in the Lord Jesus, our Creator, and ask Him to help us do what these Bible verses tell us: "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain [keep] his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile [dishonesty].... For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous [honest and true], and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (1 Peter 3:10,12).

Some Special Noses

"Once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks" (1 Kings 10:22).

This Bible verse tells us that King Solomon included monkeys in the shipments he ordered every three years. He must have found them interesting to watch, just as many of us do today. Here is an account of three kinds of monkeys with unusual noses.

Mr. Bignose of Borneo: The nose of the male proboscis monkey is the most noticeable thing about this red and yellow fellow with big, brown eyes and a hairy face. But there is something most unusual about this monkey's nose-it gets bigger every year!

Most of the time its big, three-inch nose hangs over its mouth like a bag of pink flesh, and it has to shove it out of the way so it can eat. The babies, like mischievous youngsters, tease him by tweaking it, but he doesn't seem to mind too much.

The Creator had a special purpose in this unusual feature. As the "man of the house" he has the responsibility of guarding his family. When danger comes near, he blows his nose up even bigger, making a loud honking noise. This not only warns the family, but also scares the enemy away.

Another nosy one: In New Guinea there is a much smaller relative, called the white-nosed. Its prominent nose has a triangular white spot on its tip with a separate white fringe around it. This little fellow, with pretty olive-green and yellow fur on its back and sides contrasted with white underparts, is usually playful, but can be cranky at times.

It seems most happy to perform for onlookers and enjoys their applause for its variety of stunts and pranks. But if any of its companions try to get in on the act, it angrily chases them away.

Some with a tiny nose: Three varieties of these live in China. All look quite similar except for the color of their fur. These, understandably, are named snub-nosed. Their tiny noses hardly show at all because they are squeezed between bulging eyes and their thick upper lip.

The most common of the tiny-nosed monkeys is named Sichuan and has beautiful golden fur. It lives in the mountains along with the panda bears. The names of the other two are Guizhou and Yumman. These monkeys are very few in number, and many people have learned to love them.

We know the Creator delighted to include these interesting animals in His creation. We also know they are not aware of His watchful eye over them, but we are aware of His watchful eye over us. And His love for us is far greater. When they die, that's the very end for them. But there is a wonderful promise of a home in heaven for every boy and girl, and man and woman, who has accepted the Lord Jesus as his or her Savior. Will you be in heaven?

Odd Heads on Birds

"Thou art worthy, O Lord... for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11).

We usually think that most birds are beautiful, but some of them deserve more than just a quick look because of unusual features of their heads. A few are so unusual that we might wonder why God made them that way.

One of these is the hoatzin of Venezuela, about the size of a turkey. Its head is a vivid blue with large, bright-red, black-bordered eyes and a large pointed beak. Its most distinctive feature is a high crown of long feathers from its forehead to the back of its neck. The shorter feathers are pinkish-yellow and the longer ones lean forward above the rest in a scraggly mixture of yellow, red and black. Some call it the strangest bird in the world.

In South Africa, the crowned crane usually holds its head very high atop a long neck. Beneath its head a large, blood-red wattle (a hanging flap of flesh) drapes across its neck to meet velvety black hairs of whiskers that reach on up to its long, pointed beak. This all finally forms a big cap of black over its head. But that's not all. It also has a wide, tall crown of thin, black-tipped lavender feathers reaching high above its colorful head. It is really a spectacular sight!

Another bird with an odd head is the king vulture of southern Mexico. Its head is a vivid red on top, down to the back of its neck. It has large, white eyes and black pupils framed in the same deep red. In addition, a strange growth, like a long, thin arm with long, warty fingers, stretches across the back of its head, pressing down on black hairs on the sides and front of its head to the base of the beak. This beak is covered with a shapeless mass of bulgy, warty flesh, mostly bright orange.

Still another is the ocellated turkey of Mexico. Its tall, sky-blue head is held upright. It has a short, white and yellow beak with a blue rope-like wattle with red tips draped over it, looking like a long, woolen stocking. Its blue head has large, dark eyes set in wide collars of deep red. Even more unusual is a large number of marble-size lumps, yellow and red, that seem to have been stuck on various parts of its head and neck. But most of them are in a big cluster at the very peak of the high dome of its head.

We might ask the question, Did the Creator have a reason for giving these birds such odd heads? Yes, we're sure He did. Many things in His creation that may seem odd to us demonstrate His creative power and remind us that He took pleasure in what He created. The Bible verse at the beginning tells us this.

Bufo Relatives

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Eccl. 12:1).

No clown ever looked funnier than this little toad, sitting upright with its legs and arms outstretched, eyes bright and a big grin across its face as if saying: "Hi there. My name is bufo boreas. Want to be friends?"

The bufoes hatch from eggs in ponds beside the Los Angeles River in Southern California. But after changing from a tadpole into a toad, they leave their birthplace, climb the bank, and go in search of a new home. A golf course or park area will do very well for a year or two, but sooner or later they will return to their original home to join others in producing new batches of tadpoles.

In these trips many hazards await them. Although large numbers are killed each year crossing busy paved roads or die on sun-baked parking lots, their numbers never seem to decrease.

Nearly 500 miles farther north in high meadows near Yosemite Park, an equally restless cousin to bufo boreas also leaves its home to seek adventure in life. This one is bufo canorus, but because of a rugged life-style it is not as cheerful as its relative.

To escape the killing cold of the high mountains, these little creatures hibernate from October until May or June when they come out into the warm sunshine to loaf and happily enjoy themselves, at the same time gaining strength and energy for what is before them.

Soon, like those in the south, they start out to find a suitable pond for a summer home and to raise new batches of tadpoles. But there is quite a trip ahead with many snowdrifts to be crossed, and that is not easy for toads that cannot let their bodies get too chilled or they will freeze to death.

But their Creator has given them remarkable instincts. Coming to a patch of snow too large to go around, they stand up on their hind feet to look it over, and then, with only occasional rests, tiptoe on their four feet across the patch, keeping their stomachs high and dry. They are surprisingly sure-footed on those slippery surfaces.

After crossing several such areas, the sought-after pond will be found and provide a summer home. What amazing toads these are! The opening verse tells us to "remember" the Lord Jesus, and that means not only as Creator, but also as the Savior of sinners. He invites us to live in His home in heaven when life here is ended. He has paid the full debt of every sinner who comes to Him, confessing that they are sinners and asking Him to be their Savior. When this is truly done, heaven will be their eternal home.

Make sure you are prepared for it.

A Cute, Expensive Pet

"For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind" (James 3:7).

The above Bible verse tells us that people have always been able to tame all kinds of creatures. We might ask, How could men and women, so much smaller than an elephant, a bear, or a whale, ever persuade these and other wild animals to do their amazing tricks or even become friendly pets?

It can be done because it was God's purpose to have it this way. Man was God's highest creation, and it pleased Him to let man dominate over everything else, as the Bible tells us: "And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Gen. 1:26). No animal ever showed fear or hatred toward humans until sin came into the world, but since then they are no longer naturally friendly, making much patience and skilled training necessary to teach them obedience.

Talking of pets, how would you like to have a horse sit on your lap, or have one or two of them make them selves at home in your living room? Well, that's just what is going on in many places today. However, these are not horses you can saddle for riding or use for farm work. They are what are known as "mini" horses and they look like living toys. Some are so small they could walk right under a race horse and not even bump their heads. Breeders who raise them have a rule that they cannot be called "mini" if they are more than 34 inches high (about the size of a big dog), and some are much smaller than that.

These little fellows should not be confused with Shetland ponies, which are much bigger. The "minis" are a friendly group all by themselves, and the Creator has allowed men to develop them over the years through what is known as a "breeding process." But the "minis" are true horses and come in the same variety of colors as their larger relatives.

They make wonderful pets and love to be around children, and will play actively with each other. But they are sometimes surprisingly bold, too, and if a full-sized horse seems to be intruding, "minis" will snort, toss their heads and perhaps stand on their hind feet in such a threatening way that the big horse is glad to get out of the way in a hurry.

These unusual little animals are really just for folks who can pay thousands of dollars for them, but most owners are friendly and happy to show their pets if you ask them nicely. Harnesses are often made to fit these little horses so they may take part in parades or animal shows, pulling a small cart or wagon, sometimes with a small child riding in it.

Does God care about these "mini" horses? One of the Bible verses tells us that He certainly does: "In whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10).

Three Unusual Animals

"In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10).

The Addax The heavy-bodied, short-legged addax is one of the desert-dwelling antelopes. It is a grass-eating animal, with extra-large hooves that provide easy travel over the loose sands of Africa. Like so many animals of the desert, it can go many days without drinking.

Only the males of some antelopes have horns, but both the male and female addax have long, twisted, handsome horns-the most distinguishing feature about them-sweeping back high above the ears of their pretty heads. They stand about 40 inches high, are gray in summer and turn darker in winter. A white band of fur covers their faces like a towel, and a dark tuft of hair on the forehead looks like a wig. But these do not in any way detract from their striking beauty.

The Numbat Another name for the numbat is the banded anteater. It is one of the prettiest Australian animals, but is very rare. It is about twelve inches long, plus a seven-inch tail. Alternate black and white stripes surround the top and sides of the body and its pointed, gentle-looking face has big eyes and large ears. Legs and feet are golden brown, with the lower part of the body entirely white. It is a very beautiful little animal.

It is a true termite-eater. The Creator gave it features to extract these insects from the tunnels they make in rotten wood. The numbat will pass up ants and other insects as long as termites are available.

The Coypu The coypu looks like a big guinea pig and lives on the edges of lakes and rivers of South America. It feeds on water plants, mussels, snails and small fish. Its soft under fur is called nutria and sells for high prices to be made into winter jackets and coats. Its fur is in such demand that many of the animals are now raised on game farms.

Eight or nine little ones are raised each year. The little ones are good swimmers and are able to be on their own in about a week's time, but usually stay longer than that with their mother.

The opening Bible verse tells of the Creator's care for all living things (including boys and girls) and another verse exclaims, "O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things" (Isa. 25:1).

Can you say the same?

Lonesome Kakapos

"And God created... every winged fowl after his kind...and God blessed them, saying...let fowl multiply in the earth" (Gen. 1:21-22).

Pronounce this New Zealand bird's name "caw-caw-po." They are heavy birds, weighing up to six pounds. They cannot fly, and they nest in holes dug in the ground.

They feed mostly on seeds of plants. They are related to parrots, and because they do most of their feeding at night, they are also called the owl parrot.

Their enemies include dogs, rats, cats and other animals, as well as hunters who not only like their pretty, olive-colored feathers, but consider them a nice addition to the dinner table.

Their calls are unusual. Wanting to attract another kakapo, a male fills his breast with air and, after a bob or two of his head, lets out a loud booming call like someone blowing a blast of air across the top of a large bottle.

It is sad to note that there are not many kakapos left. Years ago well meaning people imported some new animals that promptly found the kakapos very tasty and have continued to kill them ever since. As

a result, when a male bird tries to attract a female with his booming call, there are seldom any answers. Because of increasing scarcity, few nests now have eggs in them or little ones to take over when the older ones will all be gone.

Strangely, although this unusual bird has fairly large wings, it only uses them in the utmost emergency. Explorers visiting their area reported that walking through a forest they suddenly saw a big kakapo perched high in a tree. Trying to get close to it, it spotted them, and instead of flying away as other birds would do, it dropped to the ground, never once opening its wings to break the fall, and then scooted off through the brush on foot.

It is interesting that since these birds don't use their wings, the only way they can get up a tree is to claw their way up the trunk, using their strong toes and beaks to get from branch to branch.

The Creator included these beautiful birds in the vast number of other kinds and instructed, "Let fowl multiply in the earth." He not only created them, but provided ample food and nesting places for them as well.

With most bird species we can see how they have multiplied in abundance over the centuries. But because of man's carelessness, some, like this lovely bird, seem destined to completely disappear before long. Let's always do what we can to protect birds and other creatures that were put on the earth so long ago and that the Creator looks upon with pleasure. The Bible really tells us to do this in Isa. 65:18: "But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create."

The Smallest of Their Kind

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish" (John 10:27-28).

On some Mediterranean islands there are mouflons which make their homes on high pastures. These wild sheep have very long, reddish-brown hair mixed with a few patches of white. Their short legs and small bodies combine to make them the smallest sheep in the world.

A newborn lamb is about the size of a kitten, and a full-grown one is not much more than half the size of the sheep we commonly see. The males appear somewhat larger, with two big wrinkly horns nearly three-feet long rising from the top of their heads before curving downward and then upward again when reaching the sides of the mouths. They each look like a big "C" shape on each side of their heads.

As their numbers have become greatly reduced by hunters, concerned people have provided protected areas in Texas for several years. They also have imported quite a few of these adult mouflons to the protected areas. This has resulted in giving them a new name of Texotics, and some United States' zoos now display a few of them. You would find them very interesting little animals.

"[God] doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number" (Job 5:9).

The smallest pig in the world is nicknamed potbelly. This miniature pig is about the size of a large house cat; the adult is only about 18 inches long from its snout to its curly tail. They were introduced from China into Canada and the United States only a few years ago, but have become quite popular with those who like house pets.

Unlike most pigs, this little black fellow is extremely clean and has no objectionable odor. It makes an ideal house pet, never seems to have fleas, and enjoys being held on a leash while the owner takes a walk-obedient all the way along.

It makes quick friends with other animals, especially cats and dogs, and often cuddles up with them for a nap, or they may sleep beside each other at night. Some potbellies, however, prefer to be with people and even spend nights cuddled up against their owners, on top of the covers.

Both of these cute little animals are another example of the marvelous things the Creator has placed on the earth, as the earlier Bible verse in Job tells us. Another verse says, "Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee" (Job 12:7). The beasts don't tell us with their voices, of course, but just to see them and their happy ways of life assures us that there is a Creator who looks after them. And that very same Creator is also looking with greater love on every boy and girl.

Are you one of His sheep, one who knows the Lord Jesus as your Savior?

Unusual Bird Nests

"As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young... taketh them, beareth them on her wings" (Deut. 32:11).

Bird nests come in a great variety of sizes and shapes. Small hummingbirds, for instance, build tiny ones only an inch or so across. Compare them with those of some eagles. A new eagles' nest may be only three feet across, but they add new material every year they use it, so that an old one may be 10 or even 20 feet across. Storks add new material to their large nests every year too. A lady told of hanging a pair of men's socks outside to dry, and when she went to get them later, she found a bird was using one of them for a nest and had already laid two eggs in it. And a farmer, who found his lost ball of string which had an opening in its center, discovered that it had been made into a nest with three baby wrens inside.

Many seabirds lay their eggs on bare, rocky ledges in cold northern areas and sit over them most of the time until the baby birds hatch. Another unusual nesting arrangement is that of some penguins. The female lays just one egg right on the bare ice. Standing over it, she scoops it between her overlapping webbed feet, then turns it over occasionally. The male takes his turn too. When the little one finally hatches, it is kept warm in the same spot on their feet until it develops enough feathers to come out in the open.

Cliff swallows make their nests out of mud. They plaster one beakful of mud at a time against the side of a barn, or a smooth rocky wall, or the bare cement of an overhanging bridge.

Flamingos also use mud to make their nests. A big area of mud flats alongside a seashore will often be covered with hundreds of their high-walled nests. They are all close together and look exactly alike, but the birds never get mixed up. They always find their own. The female makes her nest while sitting in the mud with legs folded under her. Then beakfuls of mud are placed in a circle just a few inches wider than herself. She eventually forms a circular wall all around herself that looks like a tiny open-top mountain. After this hardens she lays just one egg in it. Both parents take turns incubating it for about a month until the little one hatches.

There are hundreds of other kinds of nests, all speaking of the wonders of God's creation. He is the One who has provided birds with both instincts and abilities to build just the right kind for their individual needs.

The Lord God, the Creator of all things, watches over everything He has created. The Bible often tells of His care of birds. One verse gave special instructions to the children of Israel: "If a bird's nest chance to be before thee... in any tree, or on the ground... thou shalt not take the dam [mother bird] with the young" (Deut. 22:6). Did you know He watches over you all the time too?

The Toy Deer

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet" (Psa. 18:32-33).

We have already had an article on miniature horses and how some owners would allow them in their living rooms as pets. But miniature deer (while true members of the deer family) are smaller yet-so small they can walk under an adult deer and never touch it.

One of these is the toy deer, or key deer, living on some of the islands known as the Florida Keys. It is a cute little beauty only 24 inches high. It has a black muzzle and large eyes, with velvety brown fur covering its head and top of its little body, but its stomach is white.

It is sad that, because they are so friendly, people feed them things that make them sick, and some even kill them for the meat. Guards are kept nearby now, so this doesn't often happen.

Another member of this pygmy deer family, known as a muntjac, is a resident of England. It, too, is about 24 inches high and some of them have short antlers. Not only is it the size of a dog, but it also barks like one. The head and front of its body are light tan, but otherwise it is dark red all over.

They were first imported from China many years ago and their numbers are now in the thousands. Like those in Florida, they are extremely tame and quickly make friends with people. The English people feed them proper food and often build shelters for them next to their homes. Some of the farmers, however, don't look on them so kindly when the muntjacs get into their gardens!

Then there is another known as the red brocket, located in areas of Mexico, and Central and South America. These are similar in size to the toy deer, and the males have short antlers. They have a reddish coat except for dark brown legs and a tail that, like the others, is white when raised.

But the tiniest deer of all makes its home in the Andes Mountains of South America and has the odd name of pudu. This one is only 15 inches high and weighs less than 25 pounds-smaller than many dogs. Some are reddish brown with black heads, and others are lighter brown. A pudu is very wild, and it is hard to get a glimpse of one as it scampers over the mountain slopes and through the forests.

The Psalmist's use of "hinds' feet" in the above Bible verse means "deer's feet." He was thankful that God, the Creator, had given him such strength and happiness that he felt like leaping for joy, just as a deer does. And people today who know the Lord Jesus as their Savior have learned that full trust in Him provides them with the same happiness, giving them strength and guidance every day.

Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Savior?

Camouflage in the Seas

"(God] doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number" (Job 9:10).

Around coral reefs and other areas in the oceans where sunlight penetrates, many fish would be easy targets for larger fish, animals and birds, unless protected in some way. And so God has given them camouflage for protection.

An example of this is the 10-inch, bright-red sea dragon, living in the red seaweed along the shores of Australia. It looks quite similar to the sea-horse. The sea dragon is a poor swimmer and would be devoured quickly by larger fish except that the Creator has given it an interesting disguise. Not only is it helped by its red color, but it has been given weed-like growths all over its oddly-shaped body, including its head, chin, back and stomach. This makes it look like a sea plant with new leaves sprouting on it.

In South America and the Philippines there are also several small fish that both look and act like leaves of the mangrove tree that grows there. One fish, almost as thin as a leaf, swims on its side near the surface and moves about as slowly as a drifting leaf, as it finds morsels of food here and there.

The Nile catfish is the only known fish that swims upside down, just the opposite of other fish. Their backs are light-colored and bodies are dark-thus they are safely camouflaged.

Flounders, that are common around North American and European shores, can change color to match the bottom of the bay as they slowly swim along the bottom. The same is true of several fish which live around Bermuda. They can change color almost instantly when swimming over different colored parts of the ocean floor.

Sponge crabs look ordinary enough, but cover themselves with a sea sponge, which they cut with their claws to make a coat over their backs. As the crab grows, the sponge does the same. Or, if the sponge dies, the crab just gets rid of it and cuts another one to fit.

Another variety, the decorator crab, will often cover itself with bits of coral or limestone, as well as certain sea plants. To other sea creatures it just looks like seaweed drifting by.

None of these amazing creatures arranged for its unusual camouflage, nor did it happen gradually over a long time. No, the Bible (which always tells the truth) says, "And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life" (Gen. 1:20). Another verse, speaking of God, says: "He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength.... [He] doeth great things past finding out" (Job 9:4,10).

It is good to read the Bible every day, and when you do ask the Lord Jesus to make it all plain and helpful to you. He will be pleased to have you do this.

Fooling the Enemy

"Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings, from the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies" (Psa. 17:8-9).

There are many creatures who wouldn't have a chance of fighting back or escaping from their enemies, which often would devour them with one bite, if the Creator hadn't provided a means of protection.

For instance, several small beetles are colored bright red, orange or yellow, others are plain-colored, and still others are a combination of the two. Each of these beetles is either poisonous, tastes terrible, or smells bad. As a result, many creatures have learned to avoid them as well as those with similar color combinations, as they are not able to distinguish one from the other.

There is a wide variety of insects, caterpillars, wasps, bees, flies and even small birds that have been given distinctive markings of various kinds. These creatures are protected from harm because they don't look like they are edible. Some resemble stones, sticks and blades of grass. There are some caterpillars that cover their backs every day with flower buds, leaves or grass. An unusual variety of beetle plasters its back with mud each day. Another, making its home on chalk-white cliffs, powders its entire body with fresh white dust, which makes it practically invisible to its enemies.

One of the most amazing insects is an orange and black fly by the name of zonose. Its wings, spread out while resting, are transparent but have black, matched markings on both sides that look exactly like a jumping spider's legs, as well as other black spots on its body-all contributing to its disguise.

In the oceans in many parts of the world, large fish will gobble down smaller ones, but one called the cuttlefish can change its color in less than a second to blend perfectly with its surroundings. In fact, there are a great many fish that can do the same thing. When they see an enemy approaching, they seem to sense that their coloring hides them, so they just remain perfectly still while the enemy swims by without even being aware they are there.

These are just a few examples of helpless creatures being protected from cruel enemies by means of fooling them or being invisible to them, through the remarkable way the Creator has provided protection for them. Of course, they are not aware of His care, but He kindly looks after them just the same.

Those who know the Lord Jesus as their Savior are often aware of Satan, our enemy, who never tires of trying to discourage or harm us by evil teachings. The Bible verse above should be our constant prayer, guide and encouragement. Do you know the Lord Jesus as your very own Savior?

Meat-Eating Plants

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever" (Isa. 40:8).

In a previous volume we reviewed a few unusual plants—the yellow pitcher, the red sundew, and the warty butterwort. Each of these plants traps and eats insects by dissolving them into a juice which feeds the plant's fibers.

Another meat-eating plant is the bladderwort, which grows in swampy areas. Its stems, rooted in the muddy bottom, produce leaves and flowers that float on the surface. This plant appeals to the underwater bugs, some of which can't resist taking a nibble of the bladder-like swellings on its underwater stems. But the moment they touch it a "door" flies open, and they are sucked inside. The door closes behind them, and they turn into food for the bladderwort.

A similar water plant, the Venus's-flytrap, grows in shallow ocean waters along the coasts of North and South Carolina. A small white flower grows on top of the plant, nestled in a tuft of leaves which have short, stiff hairs on their edges. When a small object touches one of these hairs, the leaf snaps shut, capturing it. If it is a chip or pebble the leaf promptly releases it, but if it's an insect, then the leaf immediately begins to digest it, and the plant is nourished that way.

A plant that does not actually eat insects is the beautifully flowered passion vine of South America. It attracts insects that find its leaves and sweet nectar appealing, but which damage the plant when they get to the flowers. So the Creator provided guardian ants that love the nectar that drips from the blossoms, and they will not allow others to climb to it. However, the ants can't do anything about birds and insects that fly to the plant, wanting to get at the pollen deep in each blossom. To safeguard the important pollen, each plant has been given a stiff, collar-like opening that can only be entered by the specially designed, long, curved beak the Creator has given to an unusual hummingbird that He has arranged to live close by.

Another vine also in South America, the passifiora, has delicate and fragrant blue flowers and relies on bees to pollinate it. But other creatures, such as fire ants and various crawling bugs, find that when they chew its leaves a poison is given off that makes them very uncomfortable. Most of them seem to sense this and leave the passifiora alone.

It is interesting to hear of these and other amazing wonders of God's creation, but we know they will not last forever. He tells us in the Bible that all will be destroyed in a coming time when God is going to bring the world into judgment. But there is one thing that will last forever. Read again the beginning verse to find out what it is.

Do you obey it?

Some Amazing Fish

"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is" (Ex. 20:11).

There are over 20,000 species of fish in the world, and new ones are being discovered all the time. All have been designed by the Creator for the particular part of the ocean, river or lake in which they live, so that they may find food and resist their enemies.

Among these are some 60 to 80 kinds of South and Central American freshwater fish that have built-in electricity. Some of these that live in deep and dark waters can turn headlights and taillights on and off as they swim. Others, contacting an enemy fish or one they want for food, turn on a powerful electric current and stun or kill it.

Still others in this group, swimming about in waters too dark to see through, send out electric signals (like radar) and find their way without any trouble. Some of them talk to each other through this means. One, a little three-incher, has the appropriate name of flashlight fish. When chased by an enemy it swims in a zigzag pattern, turning on a light located near its eye while "zigging" and turning it off when "zagging." This completely baffles the enemy which doesn't know where it will show up next, and it eventually gives up the chase.

One of the strangest of all fish is the orange sea dragon, related to the sea horse. The sea dragon is well named. Seen from the side it has a horny head with bulging eyes. Its narrow, wavy body twists into odd shapes as it swims. Then it has growths all along its long, snake like tail with similar growths along the top and bottom of its body. This whole combination makes it look like a dragon or piece of seaweed drifting in the current. When the female lays eggs, she drops them on a sticky part of the male. He carries them around for many days before they hatch and leave him. Neither mother nor father fish pays any attention to them after that.

The 9- to 12-inch batfish walks and sits like a toad and almost looks like one as it crawls along the ocean floor, covered with what looks like bony warts all over its skin. Resting, it uses its flippers like elbows, its head lifted up and supported by them.

Many of these fish would appear to be completely hidden in the dark, deep homes they occupy. But a Bible verse asks these questions: "Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth?" (Jer. 23:24). Another verse speaks more plainly about the people of the earth: "For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings" (Job 34:21). When we think of this, it should make us try to please Him in all that we do.

The Crab That Is Not a Crab

“O Lord, how manifold are Thy works ... the earth is full of Thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable” (Psa. 104:24-25)

The horseshoe or king crab is not a true crab but is more closely related to spiders and scorpions. Because it looks like a crab and lives in salt water, most people think of it as one of the crab species, failing to notice that it doesn't have the visible claws of true crabs.

Its name comes from the fact that when seen from the top its shell looks like a horse's hoof, and when seen from the bottom it looks like a horseshoe. The whole body is covered by the shell, with its mouth and claw-like legs up front and other parts narrowing down to a sharp, stiff tail about six inches long. (Indians used these tails in bygone days for spear points.) This tail is a help both in moving along the ocean bottom and in turning right side up when a wave or obstruction turns the crab upside down.

Every year its shell that has grown too tight is discarded and a new one grows in its place. A big shell can be more than a foot across. Four eyes appear atop the dome-shaped front of the shell-one on each side and a pair up front in the middle.

The back pair of legs (also under the shell) push the "crab" along the sand or mud and have stiff flaps to keep the crab from sinking into the sand. It moves rather quickly along the bottom in a "bobbing" manner, first raising up a little, then its legs and tail dig into the sand to push it along.

Its food includes sea snails, worms, mussels, oysters and clams. It is understandable that oyster and clam fishermen kill these crabs whenever they have opportunity, but there are always millions more to replace them.

Horseshoe crabs leave their winter homes in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea in early summer, migrating north to islands off the Atlantic coast of America. There they work their way up the beaches to the high-water mark to scoop shallow, basin-like holes in the sand or mud. They lay from two to three hundred eggs in them, covering them over before returning to the sea. In a little over a month's time these eggs hatch out in great quantities, that is, any eggs that are not eaten. Hordes of birds have an instinct given by the Creator to know each year just when the migrating crabs have laid their eggs and are on hand to enjoy a great feast.

What a contrast was the response of David, the Psalmist, when he thought (as shown in the opening verse) about the wonders of God's creation, compared with those of whom the Bible speaks in Rom. 1:21, "When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful." How happy it is to know the love of God and thank Him for His Son, the Savior of sinners. Are you a thankful one?

The Crab That Is Not a Crab "O Lord, how manifold are Thy works... the earth is full of Thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable" (Psa. 104:24-25).

Bluffing Its Way Through

"For the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts" (1 Chron. 28:9).

We all know what it is to "pretend." This goes on with many wild creatures of the world every day-usually when they are frightened and hope to scare a threatening enemy away.

The hognose snake is one of these, sometimes called a puff adder. It may play dead when frightened, just like an opossum does. At other times it inhales more and more air into itself, until its body is about twice as big around as usual. Either of these tricks usually works and causes an enemy to give up the idea of attacking it.

The coral snake has combinations of white, yellow, black and red bands around it. It is very poisonous, but there are other snakes that look like the coral snake but are not poisonous. If one of these is threatened by an animal or another snake, it puts on a show and acts just like the coral snake, to frighten its enemy away.

A five-inch long caterpillar, called hickory horned devil, has been provided with vicious-looking but soft horns on the top of its head. It also has bulges around its mouth that look like big sharp teeth. When frightened it raises the front of its body straight up and moves its head around, as though it will either take a bite out of whatever threatens it or stab it with its fierce-looking horns. The bird or small animal that was hoping for a good meal "escapes" as quickly as possible.

You have perhaps heard of another very odd desert-dweller, the filled lizard of Australia and New Guinea. It has been provided with four sturdy legs and a large fold of loose skin that normally lies flat against its body like a collar. But when threatened this lizard immediately rises on its strong legs and puffs out its huge collar which makes it look more than twice its usual size. When its mouth is wide open and a row of sharp little teeth are showing, while it makes very fearsome sounds, its attacker usually changes its mind and makes a quick getaway.

If space permitted we could explore many more interesting examples of the provision of the Creator for defenseless animals, fish and birds.

Sad to say, there are some people who are also pretenders and claim to be wiser than God. Some teach that there is no God, or that the Bible is not true, or that we will get to heaven just by "being good." Many of them teach that the world and all in it were not created by God, but just "happened to come about."

Turn away from such evil teachings and do as David the Psalmist did when people told him false things. He said, "I esteem all [God's] precepts [teachings] concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way" (Psa. 119:128).

Courtesy of BibleTruthPublishers.com. Most likely this text has not been proofread. Any suggestions for spelling or punctuation corrections would be warmly received. Please email them to: BTPmail@bibletruthpublishers.com.

Wonders of God's Creation: Volume 4

The Wonders of God's Creation [Paperback]

Table of Contents

Preface

Sky, Land and Sea: Chapter 1

Gazing Skyward

An Exciting Sight

Beauty in a Snowflake

Roots Are Important

The World's Oldest Living Things

The Grand Saguaro - a Desert Giant

Desert Wild Flowers

Hardy Olive Trees

Bald Cypress Trees

Robber From Trees

The Importance of Oxygen

Nitrogen Is All Around You

Carbon Dioxide and You

A Glass of Water, Please

Glaciers and Icebergs: Part 1

Glaciers and Icebergs: Part 2

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 1

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 2

Marvels of the Body: Chapter 2

Your Amazing Body: Part 1

Your Amazing Body: Part 2

Your Amazing Body: Part 3

Breathing and Eating

The Mouth Does More Than Talk

The Throat's Part in Our Lives

Fingernails, Toenails and Hair

Summing up Your Wonderful Body

Birds Are Everywhere: Chapter 3

Lovely Sun Bitterns

The Interesting Least Tern

Red-Tailed Hawks

Enchanting Hummingbirds: Part 1

Enchanting Hummingbirds: Part 2

Enchanting Hummingbirds: Part 3

Swamp-Loving Bitterns

Gorgeous Toucans

The White Pelican

The Osprey and Its Prey

Rockhoppers Are Tough!: Part 1

Rockhoppers Are Tough!: Part 2

Water-Loving Ibis

The Lovely Avocet

Talking Birds: Part 1

Talking Birds: Part 2

Crazy as a Loon?

The Cock-of-the-Rock

Charming Sandpipers: Part 1

Charming Sandpipers: Part 2

Kestrels and Peregrines: Part 1

Kestrels and Peregrines: Part 2

The Great Blue Heron

The Lovely Manakins

The Cheerful Cardinal

The Bird With a Big Bill: Part 1

The Birds With a Big Bill: Part 2

The Strange Hoatzin

Long-Legged Stilts and Avocets

The Year-Round Ptarmigan

A Spectacular Beauty

Animals on Display: Chapter 4

The Oryx, a Desert Resident

Man's Good Friend, the Dog: Part 1

Man's Good Friend, the Dog: Part 2

Wildcats Are Interesting

The Seldom-Seen Desman

Wild Pigs - Ugh!

The American Brown Bear

Fierce Tigers: Part 1

Fierce Tigers: Part 2

The Warthog

How the Aye-Aye Got Its Name

The Meerkat

Tamaeins in Danger

The Prickly Hedgehog

The Agouti of Central America