426 THE AQUARIAN NATURALIST. 



mals ; whilst in the older, or central ones, the original 

 occupants have perished. Each polypidom, therefore, 

 presents a long series of generations affixed laterally 

 to each other ; and in any portion of the series the 

 relative ages of the individuals are indicated by the 

 position which they occupy, each new-developed rank 

 maintaining faithfully the pattern stamped upon its 

 predecessors, and coinciding in the general arrange- 

 ment of the preconstructed cells so perfectly as to 

 transmit the characteristic form of their polypidom 

 unchanging and unchangeable. Ceaselessly the la- 

 bouring millions work, 



" And still fulfil, immutably, eternal Nature's law ; 

 Each with undeviating aim, in eloquent silence." 



As to obtaining specimens of these Polyzoa, adapted 

 to the purposes of the aquarium, the naturalist, pro- 

 vided with ordinary perseverance, will find no diffi- 

 culty ; they are to be met with in a great variety of 

 shapes on every coast ; their range, indeed, is almost 

 universal ; all waters seem alike to swarm with their 

 innumerable legions ; in creeks and quiet bays along 

 our southern coasts, 



" Or where the Northern ocean in vast whirls 

 Boils round the naked, melancholy isles 

 Of furthest Thule, and the Atlantic surge 

 Pours in among the stormy Hebrides," 



they are found almost equally abundant ; so that no 

 sea-side visitors, however short their stay, but may 

 procure for themselves a rich treat in witnessing the 

 gorgeous spectacle which we have so feebly endea- 

 voured to recommend to their notice. 



