That a better idea still may be formed of this zoophyte, let the following diagrams be added: 1 is the body or bulbous head of the pear-encrinite, curiously laminated, and geometrically divided; 2 is a stem the natural size, and 3 a section, or one of the articulations, in which its entrochal and radiated character will appear.
Below is a root of the pear-encrinite (1); this will give some idea how rudely the graceful stems were broken off by the mud sea that came upon them, and how firm a hold the roots of these beautiful zoophytes took of the ocean bottom; many of these roots are covered with serpulæ and coral, that only reveal their beauty under the lens. In the root before us, a little coral insect has begun to reticulate his tiny links of network; these may be seen in 3, magnified, and by comparison with 2, which is a piece of Jamaica coral, found plenteously on the seashore of the north side of the island, the similarity in structure and symmetry will be immediately detected.
We have already spoken of the Ammonite, but we give here a specimen of a rare kind, preserved in the fine clay near Chippenham. The form of this ammonite is more remarkable than that of any other; its delicate nautilus shell has been sadly compressed, and some of its external protuberances have been broken off, and are here restored by dotted lines; but, more striking still, the delicate horn-like structure that terminated its mouth or aperture has been perfectly embalmed by Nature’s kindly hand.
AM. JASON, OR AM. ELIZABETHÆ. Oolite.
We have no ammonites afloat now: its twin brother, the nautilus, survives still in sunny climes on the tropic seas; and, perhaps, when a “new heaven and a new earth” shall usher in another act in the great drama of creation, the nautilus may be superseded by other forms of molluscous life, to show forth the exhaustless resources of His skill and wisdom, who is “wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.” Thus sings a poet and a geologist:—
“The nautilus and the ammonite
Were launch’d in storm and strife;