THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 59 



for instance, t\iQ Neptune's Glove; and there are some which 

 are known by the name of sea-imiffs and sea-tapers, on 

 account of their form. 



A closely-alUed variety produces regular sponge monu- 

 ments, which grow from one to two metres high (three feet 

 three inches to six feet and a half) on the submarine rocks. 

 They have a narrow stalk, which at a certain height expands 

 considerably, and gives the structure the look of a cup, 

 symmetrically hollowed out and exactly like an immense 

 drinking goblet. To such a colossal vase the imagination 

 of the sailor could only give one name, that of the re- 

 doubtable god of the sea; this living vase is the Ciq) of 

 Neptune! 



I never see one of these gigantic sponges without hum- 

 bling myself before the wisdom of Providence. This truly 

 monumental w^ork is erected solely by myriads of Polypi, 

 fragile animals shrunk within their holes, and oiily half 

 issuing in order to plunge their imperceptible arms into 

 the waves. And who directs and guides the invisible hands 

 of these Polypi, separated from one another, and often a 

 metre (a yard) apart, so as to give their works such harmo- 

 nious symmetry? Who, when the narrow stalk is finished, 

 tells its population that from henceforth they must widen 

 it? Who tells them when the time is come for hollowing 

 the vase, and when it is the season for thinning its edges 

 and adorning the exterior with elegant ribs? And lastly, 

 what supreme inspiration teaches a multitude of workmen, 

 so scattered and all caged in their little cells, that they 

 must mould the cup in all its artistic proportions ! 



I can understand the bee building her cell; I can un- 

 derstand her foresight, and how a ^vork can be arranged 

 where all the workmen can see, communicate with, and 

 comprehend each other; but I admit that all seems to me 



