GENERAL CHARACTERS OF RADIATA. 437 



division of the body ; and at the extremity of each ray (in the 

 species possessed of visual organs) an eye of equal size exists. 

 But in the Echinus (Fig. 604), with an equally symmetrical 

 exterior, we have a somewhat irregular distribution of the con- 

 tained digestive viscera. And in the Holothuria (Fig. 608) 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. Not ^infrequently it happens 

 that the Radiated form is so completely departed from in parti- 

 cular instances, that we should hesitate in referring the animals 

 to this group, if we were not able to trace the links which con- 

 nect them with forms unequivocally belonging to it. 



989. 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. 



990. There is one very aberrant group, however, which, if 

 received into the Animal Kingdom at all, must be associated with 

 the Radiata, unless we create a new subdivision expressly for it. 



