66 ECHINUS, OR SEA-HEDGEHOG. 



numbing it, and then devouring it before it is recover- 

 ed. Mr. Hunter has shown, that the organs produc- 

 tive of this wonderful accumulation of electric matter 

 are so divided by membranes as to compose a very 

 extensive surface, and are supplied with many pairs of 

 nerves, larger than any other nerves of the body. 



The torpedo enjoys a similar power in a less de- 

 gree ; and some other fishes likewise. 



Here is a mode of defence of a very peculiar kind ; 

 a proof, amongst many others, that Nature uses a va- 

 riety of means to effect the same purpose. The echi- 

 nus, or sea-hedgehog, is differently armed, with move- 

 able spines, resembling those of the land animal of the 

 same name. Some sea-fish are defended by the pro- 

 tuberances on their shells, which serve them for a for- 

 tification. The instincts of the echinus teach it to 

 foresee tempestuous weather, and it is furnished with 

 the means of resisting its effects. It fastens itself 

 firmly to plants or other substances, at a great depth, 

 by means of tendrils that resemble the horns of snails. 

 Twelve hundred of these cords have been counted in 

 one animal. When afloat, they are contracted be- 

 tween the bases of their spines. 



The sea-blubber, or sea-nettle, would be a most 

 defenceless animal, being little more than a lump of 

 transparent jelly, and very slow in its motions, were 

 it not for a caustic quality, that blisters the flesh of 



