8.  If we simply read the words of Scripture we find only a few short syllables.  “Let the waters bring forth fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven,” but if we enquire into the meaning of these words, then the great wonder of the wisdom of the Creator appears.  What a difference He has foreseen among winged creatures!  How He has divided them by kinds!  How He has characterized each one of them by distinct qualities!  But the day will not suffice me to recount the wonders of the air.  Earth is calling me to describe wild beasts, reptiles and cattle, ready to show us in her turn sights rivalling those of plants, fish, and birds.  “Let the earth bring forth the living soul” of domestic animals, of wild beasts, and of reptiles after their kind.  What have you to say, you who do not believe in the change that Paul promises you in the resurrection, when you see so many metamorphoses among creatures of the air?  What are we not told of the horned worm of India!  First it changes into a caterpillar, This word is curiously rendered by Eustathius verucæ, and by Ambrose caulis.  Garnier (Præf. in Bas. 28) thinks that the latter perhaps found in some corrupt ms. κράμβην for κάμπην. then becomes a buzzing insect, and not content with this form, it clothes itself, instead of wings, with loose, broad plates.  Thus, O women, when you are seated busy with your weaving, I mean of the silk which is sent you by the Chinese to make your delicate dresses, Arist., H.A. v. 19. remember the metamorphoses of this creature, conceive a clear idea of the resurrection, and do not refuse to believe in the change that Paul announces for all men.