a. is the natural fize of aclufter, as itfprung from the ftone, 
A. a fingle branch magnified. 
B. the tubercles, like polifhed fhagreen. 
CC. the openings of communication betwixt the cells. 
DD. horny Ihining fpiculae, which defend the cells, like wreaths of tranfparC flt 
thorn. 
« 
Had it not been too daring an appellation, this might have made it be cafl c( ^ 
The Crown of Thorns Coralline. In other views, the united fpiculae, encircling 
cells, look like clear white palm-branches fpread about them j and, as every f uC 
beautiful individual of the amazing race merits a particular defignation, Mr. C° r ' 
■diner has prefumed fo far into the province of arrangement, as to call this hither 0 
undelineated fpecies. Palm Branch Coralline. 
N° 3. Is a drawing of it, by a good fingle glafs of an aquatic microfcope ; whi^ 1 
fhews the elegant difpofition of the cells. ^ 
N° a. By one of a higher power ; where the tranfparent films are feen, out 0 
which the polype flowers ftrerch forth and fpread. ^ 
N° 1. With the animals difplaying their tentacula, as feen under the hig^ e 
powers of a very fine double microfcope. 
One fcarce can avoid commenting on the admirable difpofition and ftru<fi l,rC 
of thefe fo richly ornamented cells : how well adapted to prote£t and guard th c 
living flowers that bloflom within, and come forth at pleafure to take paftime^f 
the water, and drink in fuftenance, to encreafe and extend the myriads of their 0 
fpring, and their beautiful habitations. 
To fay that fuch is the ceconomy and aftonifhing contrivance of Nature, lS ^ 
language which cannot be underftood : it can have no meaning, but with referee ^ 
to that infinite and divine Intelligence which prefides in the creation and prefer^ 
lion of all parts of the fyftem. 
Even from thefe, one lifts up an eye of awe to the great and glorious Artifi cer ’ 
adopting, with facred exultation, the addrefs of a devout admirer of His works J 
* 0 / DECS arapla tua } quam funt miracula dextra* 
* Pfalm civ. 24, 
* 
