Various tribes and species of marine vermes are here meant: that which so nearly resembles a vegetable in its form, and perhaps, in some degree, manner of growth, is the coralline called by naturalists Sertularia, of which there are many species in almost every part of the coast. The animal protrudes its many claws (apparently in search of prey) from certain pellucid vesicles which proceed from a horny, tenacious, branchy stem.
[60] Note 3, page 368, line 101.
Myriads of living points; th' unaided eye
Can but the fire and not the form descry.
These are said to be a minute kind of animal of the same class; when it does not shine, it is invisible to the naked eye.
[61] Note 4, page 369, line 110.
On weeds that sparkle, and on waves that blaze.
For the cause or causes of this phenomenon, which is sometimes, though rarely, observed on our coasts, I must refer the reader to the writers on natural philosophy and natural history.
[62] Note 5, page 371, line 192.
Content would