14 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES. 
** Tf His word once teach us, shoot a ray 
Through all the heart’s dark chambers, and reveal 
Truths undiscerned but by that holy light, 
Then all is plain. Philosophy baptized 
In the pure fountain of eternal love, 
Has eyes indeed: and, viewing all she sees 
As meant to indicate a God to man, 
Gives Him his praise, and forfeits not her own.”—Cowyper. 
The smallest fragment of coral is an object of interest. 
It is covered with perforations, but these punctures are not 
intended merely to add to its beauty. Every one of these 
little holes, or cells as they are called, was the habitation 
of an industrious polype. During its whole life it was 
building up its beautiful abode, and that without any pain- 
ful effort on the part of the inmate, which was all the while 
enjoying itself amidst the eastern waves, spreading out its 
numerous tentacula in search of food abounding in the 
waters; or if threatened with being made the prey of some 
rapacious neighbour, ready on the slightest warning to re- 
treat into its coral cave, where it was safe as amidst the 
munition of rocks. 
When we admire a specimen of coral on our mantel- 
piece or in the cabinet of the curious, few are aware that 
we see not half its beauty. We have before us a portion of 
a 
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