448 GENERAL CHARACTERS OF RADIATA. 



an equally symmetrical exterior, we have a somewhat irregular 

 distribution of the contained digestive viscera. And in the 

 HolothuricB (Fig. 710) we observe that the general form of the 

 body is approaching that of an Articulated animal ; although the 

 radiated disposition of parts is still evident around the mouth. 



1083. In these remarkable aberrant forms we perceive indi- 

 cations of a presiding Unity of Design, even more remarkable 

 than those furnished by the beings whose regularity of structure 

 is more apparent. It would seem but a comparatively simple 

 matter to devise certain types of conformation, and to sketch out 

 a number of forms presenting slight deviations from these types. 

 But to combine forms essentially dissimilar, and to modify the 

 organs respectively peculiar to them, so that their functions may 

 go on with that perfect harmony which is essential to the con- 

 tinuance of their existence, appears (to our human apprehension 

 at least) a more striking display of Creative power ; and the 

 regularity of the original design becomes still more wonderful, 

 when it is traced by the eye of the Philosophic Naturalist, 

 through the apparent irregularity of its results. In this respect 

 we may compare the Organised Creation with the Solar System ; 

 and we may fearlessly ask, whether the mind capable of enjoying 

 such contemplations, does not derive a far higher satisfaction from 

 considering the principle of mutual attraction as the cause, not 

 only of the regular movements of the planets round the sun, but 

 of those perturbations which are balanced against each other 

 with so astonishing a precision than it would receive from the 

 mere view of any unconnected series of motions, perfectly regu- 

 lar in themselves, and destitute of influence on each other. 



1084. If we ascend from the lowest to the highest RADIATA, 

 we may observe a progressive removal from the Plant-like con- 

 dition, in which the simplest of these beings exist. This eleva- 

 tion is manifested in two ways ; in the gradual complication of 

 the nutritive system ; and in the evolution of those powers of 

 sensation and independent motion, which differ from any facul- 

 ties exhibited by vegetables. We shall notice that the lowest 

 Polypes, although furnished with a regular stomach, and with 

 prehensile appendages for conveying into it solid nutriment on 



