The Coral Polypes. 153 
A polype floats alone on the current of the sea—an offshoot 
from some long-established city—until it rests on some rocky 
ledge, which is suitable for the work of coral building. The 
‘spot, to be so qualified, must be within twenty fathoms of the 
surface, and must be free from shifting mud or sand. When 
settled, the coat of the polype begins to harden. By some 
mysterious power, the calcareous particles diffused in the sea- 
water are attracted towards it, and quickly enclose the animal 
in a coat of lime. Then it produces young polypes, perhaps 
two or three, and dies. Its body then decays, but its tomb re- 
mains—a centre and foundation-stone for the work of its rapidly 
increasing descendants. It is noticeable that these creatures 
not only make their own dwellings, but each sends in a contri- 
bution of horny substance to strengthen the supporting stem, 
so that as the family tree grows upward, the stem grows thicker 
and is enabled to bear the increasing weight. Taking a piece 
of branching coral, the cells are easily seen, and it will be ob- 
served that when one branch is apt to interfere with the growth 
of another, the weaker one ceases to advance, and allows the 
stronger one to grow onward without interruption, even as 
some branches of a tree give way to others, never com- 
ing to a maturity which would interfere with the growth of 
more prosperous neighbouring branches. 
These coral cities are model commonwealths, governed by 
God’s own laws of political economy. Each individual builds 
its own house—supports itself—sends in a contribution for the 
good of the community at large, and propagates new individuals 
for the carrying on of the work. There are no quarrels here, 
no strifes, nor oppressions. No rich lazy polypes, getting but 
not giving ; no poor ones, begging from their neighbours while 
they will not work. All do their part, and do it well, and no 
doubt die as contentedly as they lived. 
When I look at these insignificant little morsels, and then at 
