56 



ADVENTURES OF A PARTICLE OF WATER. 



ally engaged in thus robbing the sea water of its 

 lime; shells are formed in a similar manner : so that 



BRANCH OF RED CORAL WITH THE POLYPS IN. 



A, branch of coral ; a, the stony stem ; b, ves- 

 sels spreading ; c, vessels going in straight lines ; 

 B, a germ set free ; c, a full-grown polyp. 



our particle soon finds itself in company with in- 

 numerable other particles of water in a like destitute 

 condition. It rises to the surface. Here the sun, 

 as if to compensate it for the loss of its lime, be- 

 stows upon it an unusual amount pf heat; and the 

 surrounding particles, not to be out-done, make it 

 almost unlimited presents of salt. Full to overflow 

 with the gifts of its new companions, it hastens to 

 bestow of its superabundance on less favoured 



