the lythophytes and sponges. 411 



which contains an animal endowed with every princi- 

 ple of life, and it is probable that the substance of 

 coral is produced in the same manner as the shell is 

 formed round the snail. These reptiles are each pos- 

 sessed of a slimy matter which covers its body, and this 

 hardening, as in the snail, becomes a habitation ex- 

 actly fitted to the size of the body that it is destined 

 to contain. Several of these habitations being joined 

 together, naturally form a considerable mass ; and as 

 most animals are productive in proportion to their mi- 

 nuteness, so these, multiplying in a surprising degree, 

 at length form those extensive forests that absolutely 

 cover the bottom of the deep. Sponges were likewise 

 supposed to be a vegetable production ; but they are 

 now known to be formed by the animal race. 



FINIS. 



.„ . 



Printed at the Union Printing-Office, St. John's Square, by IV. Wilson. 



