72 THE WORLD OF THE SEA. 
fountains which never seem to cease. The poor creatures receive 
their nourishment from the wave which washes past them; they 
inhale and respire the bitter waters all their lives; and are insen- 
sible to that which is only one-hundredth part of an inch from 
their mouths. 
NEPTUNE’S GLOVE. 
In the months of April and May these animalcules engender 
germs, round bodies, yellow and white, from which proceed 
ovoid granular embryos, furnished at their largest extremity with 
vibratile cils. These embryos are thrown out by the currents 
which come from the stomach, and they form swarms of larve 
round the polypier. These larve swim with that part which is 
expanded foremost, like the larve of the coral. They move with a 
gliding wavy motion. After remaining some time in the water 
they generally come to the surface; but they are frequently swept 
away by the currents. For two or three days they appear to 
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