ZOOPHYTES. 



Those blossoms are then distinctly perceived to be the organs of living 

 beings, nor is it further doubtful that their food consists of the 

 myriad race of minor creatures which inhabit the same briny 

 element as itself, and which it ensnares and seizes on by the 

 assistance of those organs. 



In a quiescent state, the situation of the Polypes can be dis- 

 covered only by the numerous pores or openings already mentioned, 

 and which are symmetrically arranged over the whole surface, but 

 when the Polypes are proceeding to exert themselves, they are 

 observed protruding their limbs through the openings, and as each 

 resides in a distinct cell, they are pretty equally distributed over 

 the surface. Those Polypes appear to act independently of each 

 other, some being in motion whilst others lie dormant, or concealed. 

 When first protruded from their cell, they each resemble the bud of 

 a flower, and, not perceiving any danger, the blossoms gradually 

 expand ; these become at length a complete animal flower, and in 

 this state the briskness of their motions, in seizing the animalcules 

 that swim near them, is very conspicuous. The approach of any 

 larger animal, or of other danger or annoyance, is at once perceived 

 by the Gorgoniae, and the polypiferous flowers are immediately 

 withdrawn within the aperture. 



We have thus far spoken in general terms of this curious tribe 

 of animated shrubs, the species of which are numerous, and of 

 which some kinds are found in every known sea. The species 

 which is the immediate object of our present observation, is a native 

 of the Bahama Islands and other parts of the West Indies, and is 

 the Gorgonia Ceratophyta of Linnaeus. It grows in tufts about 

 VOL. IV. D 



