THE OBSERVING EYE; OR LETTERS TO CHILDREN ON THE Chree Lowest Divisions of Auimal Life. THE RADIATED, ARTICULATED, & MOLLUSCOUS. THE RADIATED ANIMALS. Sponges, Corals, Star Fishes, &c. By the Author of " Passover Feasts and Scripture Sacrifices." "And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was Genesis i. 20, 31. LONDON: JARROLD AND SONS, 47, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD' 1857. 189, C. 117. PREFACE. Most of the following Letters on the Lowest Races of Animals were addressed to a young family, in consequence of questions started by an intelligent boy of about eight years of age, whilst rambling one morning amongst wooded grounds interspersed with streams of water. During the correspondence that followed this ramble, the works of Cuvier, Roget, Kirby, and many other writers were consulted, and their modes of expression frequently borrowed; but no idea being entertained of publishing the letters, marks of reference were seldom given. This neglect the writer is now unable to remedy; although every reader acquainted with the above authors, will frequently detect in the following pages the print of their footsteps. The study of natural history is found to possess a great moral influence over children, supplying them with cheerful motives for active employment and intelligent research; whilst the constant display of wisdom and power, found in nature, tends to elevate the mind in admiration of the great Creator, and fill the heart with praise. This refining tendency was practically understood by a schoolmaster residing in the neighbourhood of London, when he promptly remarked, "Of all the boys committed to my care, I find those lads the least disposed to stray into vicious habits, who delight in the study of living creatures." Buxton, January, 1851. X. The Jelly Fishes, or Sea Nettles XII. The Sea Hedgehogs |