602 



Radiata. 



and carpet the sterile soil with a luxuriant covering. 

 As these decay, vegetable mould is gradually deposited ; 

 cocoa-nuts, or some floating seeds, flung on shore by the 

 impetuosity of the waves, take root, and soon begin to 

 grow ; land-birds, attracted by the verdant appearance of 

 the bank, fly thither in quest of provisions, and deposit 

 the seeds of shrubs and trees ; every high tide and every 

 gale adds some new treasure : the appearance of an island 

 is gradually assumed, and at length man comes to take 

 possession. 



CORAL POLYPI, MAGNIFIED. 



1. Coral of the Astrea annanas. 4. Animal and dwelling of the Cellepora 



2. Animal of the Caryophyllia solitaria. hyalina. 



3. Animal of the Tubipora musica. 5. Animal and central axis of (he Gorgonia 



patula. 



