AMPHITRITE. 217 
Let a tall and ample crystal jar, containing an Amphitrite, be 
emptied of its contents, and speedily replenished with sea-water, the ani- 
mal, if in view, has retreated during the short interval ; the orifice of the 
tube is closed, all is at rest. But soon after replenishment, it rises to 
display its branchial plume still more vigorously than before, and re- 
mains stationary, as if enjoying the freshness of the renovated element, 
always so grateful,—the harbinger of health and strength to those whose 
dwelling is there. The passing spectator would conclude that he now 
beholds only a beautiful flower, completely expanded, inclining towards 
the light, like some of those ornaments of nature decorating our gardens. 
He pauses in admiration. But if a drop of liquid mud falls amidst the 
element from above, disturbing its purity, then, while the plume unfolds 
to its utmost capacity, does the animal commence a slow revolution, the 
body also passing around within the tube. Now are the thousands of 
cilia frmging the ribs of the branchiz discovered to be in vigorous acti- 
vity, and their office to be wondrous. A loose muddy mass is soon after- 
wards visibly accumulating in the bottom of the funnel ; meantime the 
neck or first segment of the body, rising unusually high above the ori- 
fice of the tube, exhibits two trowels, fig. 4, beating down the thin edge 
as they fold and clasp over the margin, like our fingers pressing a flatten- 
ed cake against the palm of the hand. During these operations, the 
muddy collections are seen descending between the roots of the fans to- 
wards the trowels, while another organ, perhaps the mouth, is also occu- 
pied, it may be, in compounding the preparation with adhesive matter. 
Still does the partial or complete revolution of the plume above, and of 
the body within the tube continue ; the bulk of the muddy mass dimi- 
nishes, activity abates ; it is succeeded by repose, when'the tube is found 
to have received evident prolongation. 
The whole presents a scene of uncommon interest, one of many 
well adapted to elevate the philosophic mind in contemplating the har- 
monies of the universe, and the wonderful mode pursued for the fulfil- 
ment of ultimate designs. Mankind discourse of symmetry and beauty 
as grateful when offered to the eye ; they boldly condemn that which in 
their judgment is defective or superfluous organization ; they arrogantly 
2E 
