E C H I N U S. 
j'HE profufion of vital array wherewith the Echini are clothed, is a fubjeet of 
much admiration. Every obfervation which unfolds that fdent wonder, 
e re\yith we furvey the exquifite defigns of nature in the texture of organized 
°dies, has its importance in the fcale of philofophic enquiry. Men, in pioportion 
their feveral capacities, their warmth of affection, and ftrengda of underftanding, 
111 e ver view, with more or lefs pleafure, the various energies of life wherewith the 
^eatio n abounds. To perfons of much fenffbility no part of nature is indi crent. 
1 a, |i mated being, whofe ufe it lies beyond human penetration to defcry, when we 
etceive evident excellence of form, and organs wonderfully adapted to their 
^mfort and prefervation in the little fphere of exiftence which they are called forth 
c Qrri Nothing to enjoy, it evinces an attention to their well-being in the all-directing 
3re of Providence, which it would be extreme infenfibiiity in us to overlook. 
a '* Wherefore, if God .fo clothe the grafs of the field,” implies the fineft argument, 
the nobleft inference, that ever were drawn from the contemplation of the 
* 0i ^s of nature. 
ftron S ^pm es > a, A, wherewith the Echinus*, B, is furnifhed, and fo 
^ ° r ° u ghly furrounded, are not fo much its inftruments of motion, as the apparatus of 
ture f or j-fi e cJefence and protection of a very numerous race of delicate organs, 
lc h ihare its life, and adminifter to its nourifhment. 
Lang Ua g e p eems y et deficient in power to exprefs their nature, and our knowledge 
Cq ° c ° n fined to afcertain their importance. ’Tis a thoroughly active and animated 
’ffmunity, which hold their exiftence by one common tenure. 
D ^ thoufand of thefe delicate organs, difpofed in triple rows, and of var ious for m r 
fi CciI Pying the {paces between the fpines, are ever, with unceafmg energy of expref- 
'W gaping about in the flood, and feemingly grafping at atoms which the human 
j/ e c annot difcern. That myriad of heads, engaged in Supplying means, of life to one 
animal, is fcarcely to be viewed without awe. 
re Thr ee different fpecies of thefe can be diftinftly afcertainedj and magnified 
cementations of them are given at bb, cc, and ddd. Whether thefe laft be all of 
, e kind, their ever- varying appearance fcarcely admits of expreffing with precifion j 
a '■heir general character is that of a trefoil, vdiich fpreads and (huts alteinaixl), 
(j. , G ^ tCn with rapid movements •, and in many the blades are prettily markeci with 
ea ks of different colours. 
* Lin. Syjt, 1102. Br, Zool, vol. IV. plate xxxvi-, 
6 
Tire 
