2 ZOOPHYTES. 



Nevertheless, as if by a fatality incident to the race, that single being 

 which lays the foundation of an entire colony, is doomed to perish, that 

 posterity may be reared beyond it. 



Our observations, however, on such subjects, must of necessity be 

 more imperfect than when directed to corresponding products. They are 

 conducted with less facility than on the Tvhidariee and the Scrtularice, 

 bearing the kindred of simple hydrse. All the animals combined with the 

 foliaceous genera, are of infinitely higher organization, thence, less trac- 

 table by experiment than those which stand l6wer in the scale. 



Neither has any means been hitherto devised of distinguishing pro- 

 ductions of this kind by general nomenclature, sufficiently characteristic of 

 their properties, farther than comparison of their appearance to mosses, 

 as generated by nature, or portions of matting interwoven by human art. 

 But, here are discovered the most curious textures, far transcending 

 imitation : an order, an arrangement, a total configuration, which no sublu- 

 nary faculties could attempt to execute. Their origin, their progress and 

 perfection, all presented before us, are admirable to behold. Here are 

 innumerable edifices, crowded in the closest approximation, while afford- 

 insr the most convenient accommodation in each for the tenant's abode. 



We may draw a parallel between their utilities and those of our own 

 works, for we too must be sheltered by dwellings. But such edifices as I 

 shall try to describe, have been planned and constructed by a higher 

 power than man. 



Persons frequenting the sea-shore cannot fail to have remarked the 

 whitish, brown, or yellow fragments, resembling the finest network of 

 meshes, almost invisible, often strewing the beach after tempests. There- 

 in is seen an agreeable series of numerous distinct specks, opening as so 

 many orifices to cellular cavities within. All these fragments are por- 

 tions of the foliaceous zoophytes, whose structure is better exposed from 

 having lost their animated tenants and from decay, than when they grew 



in full vigour. 



Fewer varieties occur, however, in this particular genus than in the 

 Sertularia, at least in our northern climate. They are rarely to be ob- 

 tained in a strong and healthy condition ; and all seem liable to perish 



