12 DANDY BOOK OF 



sented in distant seas by a single species. Naturalists 

 further observe that such plants as seem indigenous 

 throughout the waters of the southern temperate regions, as 

 well as those of the Antarctic, possess each a representative 

 of genera belonging to analogous climates in the opposite 

 hemisphere, but that very few of the species are identical, 

 unless belonging to families of universal diffusion. 



Were it possible to stand on the margin of some bold coast, 

 and look down through the ocean, when spreading like a 

 mirror in its beauty and serenity, what magnificent subjects 

 for contemplation would be everywhere discerned. Take, 

 for instance, the German Ocean, traversed by an enormous 

 bank, which occupies a central position, and extends from 

 the Frith of Forth in a north-easterly direction, to at least 

 one hundred miles ; while other banks or ridges stretch from 

 Denmark and Jutland towards the north-west, and the 

 Dogger-bank lifts its rugged surface, Alp-like, with deep 

 ravines, covered by an aquatic flora. 

 ■ The bed of ocean everywhere presents an equal variety of 

 rocks and hollows, yet varying in their character and pro- 

 ductions. Alga?, emulating in height the most stately forest 

 trees, overshadow the watery valleys of the vast Pacific. 

 Where the sea is calm, beautiful sea-weeds of the most 

 delicate hue and colour grow luxuriantly like meadow-grass ; 

 where, on the contrary, the shores are rocky, and covered 

 with impetuous waves, their natural productions are often 

 parasitic, and fix themselves among the stones with a 

 tenacious grasp. 



To an eye that could embrace the abyss of ocean, scarcely 

 might the vicissitudes of day and night, the motion of 

 the stars, the glorious sun, or milder moon, seem more 

 worthy of regard than the order that prevails beneath the 

 world of waters. There the coral insect works her wonders, 

 subservient to laws that never change, and having pre- 

 scribed limits over which she may not pass ; and mighty 

 rivers rushing from their channels to the sea, pour oyer 



