Objects for the Microscope. 197 



covered ; when we learn that these little shells are increasing 

 so fast as to block up navigable channels, obstruct gulfs, 

 and fill up harbours, we feel how little we can know of that 

 Infinite Mind who has so ordered the multiplicity, and so 

 elaborately worked these foraminated shells. 



ORBITOLITES 



are circular fossil shells, varying in size from a sixpence to 

 very minute species, found in all foraminiferous sand. It 

 is the habitation of a composite animal, often found alive 

 on sea-weed, but more abundant in the fossil state. The 

 chambers or cells are arranged in circles the shell not 

 sculptured. The animal is ot a less high order than the 

 true Foraminifera. Perforations in the shell are doubtless 

 for the Pseudopia ; their habits and mode of propagation 

 are not known. 



NDMMULITES. 



These are a species of Foraminifera, but only in the fossil 

 state ; they are much larger, too, varying in size from a 

 fourpenny-piece to half-a-crown ; they are the habitations 

 of a composite animal, and the structure of the shell is very 

 complicate ; the chambers are arranged in spirals round the 

 centre in great numbers. They abound in the United 

 States, where a mountain 300 feet high seems to be entirely 

 formed of these shells. The crystalline marble of the 

 Pyrenees and the limestone ranges of the Adriatic Sea are 

 wholly composed of small Nummulites. The Great Pyramid 

 of Egypt is built upon blocks of limestone consisting of 

 these foraminated shells habitations of beings who lived 

 long before the age of man, and were, amongst others, God's 

 instruments for preparing the earth for the perfection of 

 his creation. 



