144 SHIELDS OP ANIMALCULES. 



miles in extent, and many hundred feet thick ; and 

 these are also composed of the shells of infusorial 

 animalcules. Many of the enormous beds of lime- 

 stone with which we are familiar result also from 

 the accumulation of countless millions of these 

 minute beings. Swarming as they do, in salt and 

 fresh waters, and secreting from the lime which is 

 held there in solution the necessary materials for 

 their shields and calcareous skeletons, they form in 

 process of time, by their enormous aggregation, 

 the vast piles compared with which the pyramids 

 of Egypt shrink into abject insignificance. From 

 the creature we turn again to the Creator, whose 

 power is thus marvellously displayed. With Him, 

 there is neither great nor little ; his hand formed, 

 and his eye sees, every minute animalcule, as well 

 as all other living things ; every atom of matter, as 

 well as worlds, suns, or systems. 



