LYTHOPHYTES AND SPONGES. 197 



infinite number of reptiles of the polypus kind, 

 whose united labours were thus capable of filling 

 whole tracts of the ocean with those embarrass- 

 ing tokens of their industry. 



If, in our researches after the nature of these 

 plants, we should be induced to break off a branch 

 of the coraline substance, and observe it carefully, 

 we shall perceive its whole surface, which is very 

 rugged and irregular, covered with a mucous 

 fluid, and almost in every part studded with little 

 jelly-like drops, which, when closely examined, 

 will be found to be no other than reptiles of the 

 polypus kind. These have their motions, their 

 arms, their appetites, exactly resembling those 

 described in the last chapter ; but they soon ex- 

 pire when taken out of the sea, and our curiosity 

 is at once stopped in its career, by the animals 

 ceasing to give any mark of their industry : re- 

 course therefore has been had to other expedients, 

 in order to determine the nature of the inhabi- 

 tants, as well as the habitation. 



If a coraline plant be strictly observed while 

 still growing in the sea, and the animals upon its 

 surface be not disturbed, either by the agitation 

 of the waters or the touch of the observer, the 

 little polypi will then be seen in infinite numbers, 

 each issuing from its cell, and in some kinds, the 

 head covered with a little shell resembling an um- 

 brella, the arms spread abroad in order to seize 

 its prey, while the hinder part still remains attach- 

 ed to its habitation, from whence it never wholly 

 removes. By this time it is perceived that the 

 number of inhabitants is infinitely greater than 



