PHOSPHORESCENT ZOOPHYTES. 81 



In their centre is the mouth, which sometimes 

 assumes the shape of a rounded projecting tubercle, 

 at others of a narrow column, and sometimes of a 

 broad flat disc with a stricture under it, simulating 

 a neck. It leads directly to the stomachal cavity, 

 which is large and undivided, and I have occasionally 

 witnessed within it currents of a fluid filled with 

 minute granules, that has been more fully noticed by 

 Mr. Lister and Dr. Fleming." 



How exquisite are these marvellous arrangements 

 of Infinite Wisdom ! In microscopic beings, we 

 discover a variety of essential and important parts 

 and movements, the organs of which we have as yet 

 no power to trace. Still it is truly said 



" The minutest throb 

 That through their frame diffuses 



The slightest, faintest motion, 

 Is fix'd and indispensable 



As the majestic laws 

 That rule yon rolling orbs." 



As many zoophytes are phosphorescent, they may 

 well be described as 



" Spangling the wave with lights as vain, 

 As pleasures in this vale of pain, 

 That dazzle as they fade." 



Dr. Johnstone says, " Every member of one 

 family is luminous, at will, perhaps, although they 

 light up their tiny lamps apparently when under 

 the influence of some painful irritation ; will-o'-the- 

 wisps of the sea, put out to frighten feeble assailants." 



