258 AN HOUR AMONG THE TORBAY SPONGES. 



varies, for while some specimens are of a fine red- 

 purple hue, others are lilac, and others fading to al- 

 most white. As we look at our specimen through the 

 magnifying lens, we fancy that the eye roams over an 

 undulating country studded with pointed hills. But 

 a peculiarity which at once strikes the observer, and 

 to which there was nothing parallel in the former case, 

 is, that the whole surface of this mountainous region 

 is studded with tall and slender poles projecting from 

 the ground, at various angles with the horizon, and 

 frequently set in little groups. These poles or rods 

 are drawn to a point, transparent, and seem made of 

 glass. 



More unaccountable still, we see a web of exceed- 

 ing delicacy, far more delicate than the finest cambric, 

 transparent and colourless, thrown over the entire 

 hilly region. It appears to have been spread after the 

 rods had been inserted, or else these have protruded 

 from below, under the investing web ; for though here 

 and there the points have pierced through it, yet they 

 have lifted it from the surface, and carried it partially 

 with them, so that it hangs in crescentic veils from 

 group to group. 



Is the region we are looking at, then, sown with 

 precious seeds, or bearing some very rare and valued 

 fruit ? And is this a web of netting thrown over the 

 whole, and supported by poles, in order to protect the 

 crop from the ravages of greedy and intrusive birds ? 

 Not at all. Take away the magnifying lens, and the 

 object in an instant shrinks to its true dimensions and 



