Corallines ^^ melobesia. 283 



merely amorphous states of the common CoraUina officinalis. 

 This latter is the view of the subject advocated by Dr. 

 Johnston^ whose opinion — founded on observation, and as 

 the opinion of an accomplished naturalist who has paid 

 much attention to the lower tribes of animals, and is fami- 

 liar with variations in form among sponges, nearly as wild 

 as this would be — must not be hastily condemned." Though 

 he does not feel warranted to give a direct negative, he is 

 not disposed to agree with Dr. Johnston's views on this 

 point, and he assigns his reasons. 



" The Ocean heaves resistlessly 



And pours his glittering treasure forth ; 

 His waves, the priesthood of the sea, 



Kneel on the shell-gemmed earth. 

 And there emit a hollow sound 



As if they murmur'd praise and prayer ; 

 On every side 'tis holy ground — 



All nature worships there ! " — Tedder, 



