78 VESICLES OF CORALLINES. 



stem of the future zoophyte. The rays first formed 

 are the fleshy central substance of the roots, and the 

 portion of that substance which grows perpen- 

 dicularly, forms the fleshy part of the stem. 



What surprising metamorphoses do we witness in 

 the animal kingdom ! In one part of it we hear a 

 voice directing us to trace the course of " the help- 

 less crawling caterpillar," 



" Which to the tomb a willing guest descends. 

 But when revolving months have won their way, 

 When smile the woods, and when the zephyrs play, 

 When laughs the vivid world in summer's bloom, 

 He bursts, and flies triumphant from the tomb ; 

 And while his new-born beauties he displays, 

 With conscious joy his alter'd form surveys." 



Well might the poet add : 



" And deems weak man the future promise vain, 

 When worms can die, and, glorious, rise again ?" 



But in the history of these corallines we see germs 

 provided with cilia in constant rotatory motion, by 

 which their birth seems to be facilitated; and when 

 at liberty in the water, moving and swimming about 

 as if they were guided by volition and sense, 

 whirling at the same time on their own axis. This 

 freedom of motion may continue for several hours, 

 or even for two or three days, before a proper site 

 for permanent stay and future growth is found. Yet 

 this being determined, they become fixed corallines, 

 and begin to shoot up into those beautiful forms, 

 which the Supreme Being has ordained in accord- 

 ance with their particular species. 



