But beside stars of various magnitudes, revealed by the telescope, there are other objects, called _nebulæ_, from their cloud-like appearance. These are of various sizes and forms, some being without defined shape, some being circular, some long and pointed, and one bearing a resemblance to a dumb bell. The engraving at the head of this article will give some idea of the appearance of these mysterious bodies, which are seen, many millions of miles off in the far regions of space. The idea has been suggested, and with good reason, that these _nebulæ_ are particles of matter, thin almost as air, which are in the process of being condensed and formed into worlds. We know that a detached drop of water forms itself, at once, into a little globe, by that principle which pervades all matter――called gravitation; and we may suppose that these different particles forming the nebulæ, being attracted to each other, will gradually assume a spherical form, and that, in the rush of these particles toward each other, currents will be created, which will give the globe a revolving motion. Such are the curious speculations of the astronomers, and there is some reason to think them correct. What a vast conception does this view of things unfold――for it seems that not only are there countless millions of worlds already formed, all around us, but that, in the distance, the Almighty is still carrying on the stupendous process of manufacturing other worlds! Far――far beyond the reach of the naked eye――far beyond the reach of the searching telescope――far beyond even the daring stretch of the imagination, into the unfathomed night of space――there, there, is the Almighty lighting up the regions of nothingness with existence, bidding new suns to shine in the chambers of silence and death――and thus extending his dominions and spreading abroad the rays of his glory. If the angels and good spirits are permitted to look upon these things――to accompany the Creator in his mighty movements to look upon his proceedings――to fathom, in some degree, his designs――to participate in his works――to co-operate in his views――and to do all this in that blissful harmony which love to God creates――O, how glorious must be that happiness which they enjoy! [Illustration] The Lotus. The Lotus, or lily of the Nile, is a plant of great beauty and celebrity. There is one kind which is dried and made into loaves, and eaten for bread. The root, which is round and of the size of an apple, is also eaten.