HYDRAIDA. 169 
height, irregularly branched, and formed of parallel tubes. 
The other variety makes little show as it creeps along the 
stem of other corallines, giving off on all sides its trumpet- 
shaped, nearly sessile cells, forming a kind of brown beard 
on the object to which it clings. Dr. Johnston remarks 
that the little polype is shy, and will remain for days in a 
contracted state at the bottom of its cell. Professor Reid 
says it is sluggish; and Professor EH. Forbes describes it as 
the most active polype of its tribe he ever saw, starting up 
and down its cell like one of the Ascidoids. 
““ Whom Nature’s works can charm, with God himself 
Hold converse; grow familiar day by day 
With His conceptions, act upon His plan, 
And form to His, the relish of their souls,” —Akenside. 
Tribe 8. HYDRINA. 
Famity HYDRAID/. 
“Tt is difficult for a thoughtful mind to decide whether 
admiration is more deservedly challenged by the vast or the 
minute forms of living existence around us; but the adap- 
tation of both to fulfil the purposes of their being, and the 
varieties which intervene between the two extremes, cannot 
