POPULAR 

 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



" The treasures of Nature are inexhaustible. Here is employment enough 

 for the vastest parts, the most indefatigable industries, the happiest opportu- 

 nities, the most prolix and undisturbed vacancies ; and for our encouragement 

 in this study observe what the Psalmist saith : ' The works of the Lord are 

 great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.' " Eay. 



" How sweet to muse upon the skill display'd 

 (Infinite skill !) in all that He hath made, 

 To trace in Nature's most minute design 

 The signature and stamp of power divine." Cowper. 



ACCORDING to a well-known axiom of Linnaeus, " stones 

 grow, vegetables grow and live, animals grow, live, and feel." 

 In writing a former little volume on Seaweeds, much as I 

 admired these ocean-flowers, I felt that they wanted one 

 charm : for though in one sense, according to Linnaeus, they 



