THE POLYPIERS. 103 
The polypes are minute silent workers, active and indefatigable. 
Their task is to separate chemical ingredients from the waters of 
the ocean, and secrete and organise the solid structure which 
bears their cells. Their marvellous industry well may be a cease- 
less object of admiration! They are an unassuming people, worthy 
of the highest eulogiums, moderate in that which they consume, 
A POLYPIER BRYOZOA: ITS EGG-SAC AND POLYPE-CELLS, MAGNIFIED. 
(Plumularia pluma.) 
magnificent in that which they produce! They thrive best in the 
warmer regions of the ocean; in colder climes their fabrics are 
small. In temperate latitudes, they are found forming a sward 
of submarine life which carpets the rocks; producing animated 
stalactites, great shrubs, or whole forests of small trees. Portions 
of the submarine cable which unites Sardinia to Genoa, taken 
up for repairs, was so encrusted with them, that in some places 
it was the thickness of a small barrel. — 
