264 ZOOPHYTES. 



tion, by the obscurities hovering over the theme, naturalists seem almost 

 with common consent to have shrunk from it ; for the most part merely 

 skirting the boundaries — seldom advancing farther, with few exceptions, 

 than simply specifying such external characters as are most obvious to the 

 view, and often content with hasty inspection of some mutilated or de- 

 pauperated specimen. 



Thence much was left undone, and until recent years, a great prepon- 

 derance of results deduced from such subjects as were never seen alive, in 

 a perfect state, or amidst their native element. 



It cannot be surprising, therefore, that erroneous or indefinite senti- 

 ments should have been entertained, and do still prevail, regarding the 

 form, and peculiar habits of these creatures. 



But this is not to be corrected otherwise than by minute, protracted, 

 and accurate study on an extensive scale ; for some stand so widely asun- 

 der, that assuming one* or even many, as a guide to others, would involve 

 insuperable fallacies. 



The aspect of every species must be viewed in all the transitions 

 whereof it is susceptible, as the earlier may not be recognised from the 

 later appearance. No reciprocal analogies are found in the various stages 

 of existence. 



All the Scotish Zoophytes, and probably those of the universe, are 

 aquatic : most of them dwell in the sea, either in deep water or within 

 the limits of the flowing tide. Some, but in small proportion, inhabit the 

 fresh-waters ; none are known to originate from the air. 



As plants require a certain soil and climate, where they flourish best, 

 so do such conditions belong to zoophytes. But the greater uniformity of 

 aquatic than of atmospheric temperature, renders peculiar exigencies less 

 obvious. Yet profounder depths are more congenial to many, for they are 

 thence withdrawn in greater luxuriance than from shallower parts ap- 

 proaching banks, or which are in the vicinity of the shore. 



The form and proportions of zoophytes are subject to such extraordi- 

 nary modifications, as might almost excite a question whether they are 

 governed by the same absolute principles regulating the structure of the 

 more perfect animals. In these the number, and the use of many of the 



