426 THE AQUARIAN NATURALIST. 



mals ; whilst in the older, or central ones, the original 

 occupants have perished. Each polypidom, therefore, 

 presents a long series of generations affixed laterally 

 to each other ; and in any portion of the series the 

 relative ages of the individuals are indicated by the 

 position which they occupy, each new-developed rank 

 maintaining faithfully the pattern stamped upon its 

 predecessors, and coinciding in the general arrange- 

 ment of the preconstructed cells so perfectly as to 

 transmit the characteristic form of their polypidom 

 unchanging and unchangeable. Ceaselessly the la- 

 bouring millions work, 



" And still fulfil, immutably, eternal Nature's law ; 

 Each with undeviating aim, in eloquent silence." 



As to obtaining specimens of these Polyzoa, adapted 

 to the purposes of the aquarium, the naturalist, pro- 

 vided with ordinary perseverance, will find no diffi- 

 culty; they are to be met with in a great variety of 

 shapes on every coast ; their range, indeed, is almost 

 universal ; all waters seem alike to swarm with their 

 innumerable legions ; in creeks and quiet bays along 

 our southern coasts, 



" Or where the Northern ocean in vast whirls 

 Boils round the naked, melancholy isles 



J 



Of furthest Thule, and the Atlantic surge 

 Pours in among the stormy Hebrides," 



they are found almost equally abundant ; so that no 

 sea-side visitors, however short their stay, but may 

 procure for themselves a rich treat in witnessing the 

 gorgeous spectacle which we have so feebly endea- 

 voured to recommend to their notice. 



