CORALS 169 



hundreds of thousands are produced from a single 

 polyp. 



The living mass may now be several feet in extent. 

 It is evident that in all such compound groups a living 

 connection between all the members of the same 

 colony must exist which is of the most intimate 

 character. 



The respective polyps of the colony have separate 

 mouths and tentacles and digestive cavities, but 

 beyond this there is no separate estate. ' They are 

 one by intervening tissues, and there is a free circu- 

 lation of fluids through innumerable pores. The 

 colony is like a living sheet of animal matter, fed and 

 nourished by numerous mouths and as many stomachs.' 

 If any individual refuses to search for food it dies, and 

 the colony simply loses one of its many members. 

 But searching for food cannot be a very laborious 

 undertaking, inasmuch as it is brought to their very 

 mouths by tidal action and currents perpetually 

 passing along, laden not only with food but with 

 carbonate of lime, and where requisite various kinds 

 of colouring matter for their beautiful skeletons. 



'All 



Life's needful functions, food, exertion, rest, 

 By nice economy of Providence 

 Were overruled to carry on the process 

 Which out of water brought forth solid rock/ 



