AMPHITRITE. 217 



Let a tall and ample crystal jar, containing an Amphitrite, be 

 emptied of its contents, and speedily replenished with sea-water, the ani- 

 mal, if in view, has retreated during the short interval ; the orifice of the 

 tube is closed, all is at rest. But soon after replenishment, it rises to 

 display its branchial plume still more vigorously than before, and re- 

 mains stationary, as if enjoying the freshness of the renovated element, 

 always so grateful, the harbinger of health and strength to those whose 

 dwelling is there. The passing spectator would conclude that he now 

 beholds only a beautiful flower, completely expanded, inclining towards 

 the light, like some of those ornaments of nature decorating our gardens. 

 He pauses in admiration. But if a drop of liquid mud falls amidst the 

 element from above, disturbing its purity, then, while the plume unfolds 

 to its utmost capacity, does the animal commence a slow revolution, the 

 body also passing around within the tube. Now are the thousands of 

 cilia fringing the ribs of the branchiae discovered to be in vigorous acti- 

 vity, and their office to be wondrous. A loose muddy mass is soon after- 

 wards visibly accumulating in the bottom of the funnel ; meantime the 

 neck or first segment of the body, rising unusually high above the ori- 

 fice of the tube, exhibits two trowels, fig. 4, beating down the thin edge 

 as they fold and clasp over the margin, like our fingers pressing a flatten- 

 ed cake against the palm of the hand. During these operations, the 

 muddy collections are seen descending between the roots of the fans to- 

 wards the trowels, while another organ, perhaps the mouth, is also occu- 

 pied, it may be, in compounding the preparation with adhesive matter. 

 Still does the partial or complete revolution of the plume above, and of 

 the body within the tube continue ; the bulk of the muddy mass dimi- 

 nishes, activity abates ; it is succeeded by repose, when^the tube is found 

 to have received evident prolongation. 



The whole presents a scene of uncommon interest, one of many 

 well adapted to elevate the philosophic mind in contemplating the har- 

 monies of the universe, and the wonderful mode pursued for the fulfil- 

 ment of ultimate designs. Mankind discourse of symmetry and beauty 

 as grateful when offered to the eye ; they boldly condemn that which in 

 their judgment is defective or superfluous organization ; they arrogantly 



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