DEBHIS OF THE tNFVSntitM. 2 J a 



If we reflect that the sand of the seas is often 

 almost entirely composed of these little shells, so 

 variously and elegantly formed ; if we remember 

 that they have been accumulated by the action of 

 marine currents in regions where their force is re- 

 laxed, that their debris meets with conditions favour- 

 able to their preservation in the calm deeps of ocean, 

 who will not marvel at the enormous influence they 

 exercise upon the distribution of the waters upon 

 the surface of the globe ? Yet we may state, on the 

 authority of M. Alcide d'Orbigny, that many of 

 these creatures do not exceed one-half or one-sixth 

 of a millimetre in dimensions. The same authority 

 states that he has found 30,000 individuals in halt* 

 an ounce of fine sand brought from the Antilles, or 

 thirty millions in a kilogramme. Another learned 

 naturalist, Plancus, has counted about 200,000 in 

 a pound of sand from the Adriatic. 



The creative power is more wonderfully manifested 

 in these small beings than in tlie great. The com- 

 plicated organs and the harmonious richness of the 

 most powerful mechanical appliances impress us in 

 the giants of creation. Our astonishment is greater 

 still, perhaps, in face of the pigmies. The sea, in 

 fact, is full of surprises. We imagine ail that is 

 mysterious beneath its waters. The furious tempests 

 which disturb its surface and lash the air seem to 



