RARE AND REMARKABLE ANIMALS. 



ZOOPHYTES, OR ANIMALS RESEMBLING PLANTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



The waters of the world teem with organic life : the depths of the 

 ocean harbour the most beautiful, rare, and remarkable productions ; 

 marshes, rivers, lakes, and fountains swarm with an host of animated 

 beings, whose varied forms and isolated habits unfold another universe, 

 pregnant with inexhaustible sources of enjoyment to the contemplative 

 mind. 



On surveying the legions thus dispersed, we are absorbed in admira- 

 tion of the profound, the grand and uniform design which obviously 

 regulates their existence. Each has its appointed time and place. No 

 deficiencies restrain the action of those, but so many simple atoms to 

 our imperfect senses, void of external or subordinate parts. No embar- 

 rassments confuse the exercise of what to us seem useless, unmanageable, 

 or redundant organs : nothing precludes the operation of such functions 

 as are essential for self-preservation, and the continuance of their race. 

 Each has that perfection which is necessary for it individually, while 



VOL. I. A 



