C 261 ) 



On Oceanic Infusoria, Living and Fossil. 

 (Concluded from p. 160.) 



But, perhaps, the most remarkable fact observed, is the re- 

 sult of soundings continued for 400 miles along the Victoria Bar- 

 rier, where the existence of a bank, of unknown thickness, but, 

 at least, of the extent of surface stated, was found, composed 

 almost wholly of skeletons of these microscopic vegetables. No- 

 thino- else come up with the lead. Here, then, was a submarine 

 deposit in process of formation, equalling, in extent, any similar 

 deposit of the eai'lier world. Such strata are doubtless in course 

 of accumulation in most parts of the ocean, and may be observed 

 on our own shores ; but this antarctic bank is the grandest ex- 

 ample of the kind which has been carefully investigated by an able 

 artist. But it is not only the sea and the land which yield the relics 

 of these plants; the Diatomacese perform long journeys through the 

 air. This remarkable fact rests on the authority of the accurate 

 Darwin, who collected, at sea, small dust, which ftll from the atmo- 

 sphere on the planks and rigging of the ship, which dust, when ex- 

 amined with the microscope, was found composed of Diatomacece. 

 These were on their flight from America to Africa. From their si- 

 liceous nature, they resist even the strong heat of volcanoes, and 

 their remains are found thrown up in the pumice and dust from the 

 crater. In fact, it is difficult to name a nook on the face of the 

 earth, or in the depths of the sea, where they are wholly absent, 

 either in a dead or living state ; and their office, in the general eco- 

 nomy, besides aff'ording food for the humble members of the animal 

 kingdom, seems to be the preparation of a soil for a higher class of 

 vegetables. This they eff'ect by the minute division of the siliceous 

 particles laid up in their tissues, and probably make this nearly in- 

 soluble earth moi'e fit for assimilation by other plants. We must also 

 suppose them endowed, like other vegetables, with the power of de- 

 composing carbonic acid, and liberating oxygen ; and thus, in their 

 countless myriads, exercising no mean place in the household of Na- 

 ture. Like their mistress, these, her humblest servants, work in 

 secret. We know not what wo owe them. But, continued as their 

 existence is through all time, and dispei'sed as they are through 

 every part of the world, — even where the ice-bound sea is peopled by 

 nothing else, — we may rest assured that they do perform some work 

 which renders them worthy the care of a Providence who creates no- 

 thing superfluous. I have spoken of the Diatomacece as vegetables. 

 Ehrcnberg and many other writers regard them as infusorial animals ; 

 and, indeed, they have been bandied about from the animal to the 

 vegetable kingdom at various times, according to the views of different 

 naturalists. Latterly, the evidence seems to have preponderated on 



