CLASSIFICATIONS OF ZOOPHYTES. 67 



In the outline this system is not very materially different from 

 that of Cuvier, the deviations being sometimes for the better 

 and sometimes for the worse. If the Polypi ciliati are to be 

 numbered amongst proper zoophytes it is for the better to have 

 them placed in a separate order ; but Zoantha is badly associat- 

 ed with the Hydra, Coryne and the spurious Pedicellaria. The 

 Polypi vayinati, considered as an order, is a most heterogene- 

 ous collection ; and the manner in which it is subdivided into 

 sections, although in general excellent and worthy of commen- 

 dation, is yet far from unexceptionable ; and these exceptions 

 are very obvious in the first, sixth and seventh sections, in which 

 apolvpous, or it may be vegetable productions, are mingled with 

 real zoophytes. The characters which divide the Polypi tuhiferi 

 from the natantes are not of sufficient importance to be consider- 

 ed ordinal, (it would have been preferable to have made them fa- 

 milies in one order) ; and the location of the Encrinus in the latter 

 is the result of a most unlucky conjecture.* As a systematist, how- 

 ever, Lamarck has few equals, and probably, with the exception 

 of Linnaeus, not a superior : there is no vagueness nor ambiguity 

 about him, — all is clear, well arranged and ordered, and his 

 characters, which are usually well chosen, are defined in expres- 

 sive words and in a felicitous manner. These advantages have 

 given his System great currency, and though the favour shewn to 

 it has somewhat abated, it still holds its place, and is in frequent 

 use, with those who are engaged in arranging local catalogues and 

 museums. 



Dr Fleming is the only British naturalist who has attempted 



* According to Lamarck Nature could not have done othei-wise than she has 

 done, and we are repeatedly assured that his System is a naked exposition of her 

 necessitated steps in calling organized beings into existence ! After announcing 

 with an almost ludicrous degree of confidence and complacency, that this ficti- 

 tious Power can only complicate animal organizations in successive gradation, he 

 adds, — " La connaissance de cette v^rite me suffit ; je reconnais le veritable rang 

 des polypes, comme celui des infusoires ; j'aper9ois les rapports quiles lient les 

 uns aux autres, ainsi que ceux qui lient les families entr'elles ; enfin, je con9ois 

 les limites que la nature n'a pu franchir dans la composition de I'organization de 

 ces animaux, d'apres celles que je decouvre dans ceux des classes superieures. 

 Je puis done dire positivement, a I'egard des polypes, comme a celui de bien 

 d'autres, ce que la nature n'a pas pu faire." Anim. s. Vert. ii. 8 — What a hu- 

 miliating commentary and lesson have the discoveries of a few short years af- 

 forded on this passage ! 



