THE HAND.

CHAPTER I.

THE SENSE OF TOUCH VARIOUS EXAMPLES OF IT IN INFERIOR CREATURES-THE PROBOSCIS OF THE ELEPHANT.

THE resources of the Divine Being are infinite. Hence the amazing variety of the natural world, which excites admiration just in proportion as it is devoutly observed and studied. It presents before us not only a vast diversity of objects, but also of means by which the same end is secured, in different circumstances. We have an interesting case in point, in the sense of touch, the examination of which will amply

reward the attention it demands.

The little creature, which can only be brought under inspection by the power of the microscope, has unquestionably this power; while it is more observable in

other tenants of the waters.

In a walk on the shores of the ocean, when the

THE SEA ANEMONE.

heat of midday is past, and the refreshing sea-breeze invigorates the exhausted frame, many objects of interest claim our attention. When, for instance, the retiring tide has left bare a cluster of weed-covered rocks, with little pools between, we are sure of finding something worthy of our scrutiny. What an interesting object is the sea anemone, or the sea sun-flower, as

it is sometimes called! The mouth is surrounded by several rows of arms, which are capable of being expanded or contracted, or moved about, as may be required. When they are fully expanded, the appearance of the creature is very beautiful; and the effect is

THE BARNACLE.

increased by the fine colours which these arms often assume, and which vary in different individuals.

These curious animals are endowed with the highest sensibility, contracting not only when touched, however delicately, but even when a dark cloud passes over the sky, as if apprehensive of impending danger from the light being suddenly obscured. The sea anemone waits for its prey with expanded arms, its instruments of touch being ready to grapple it at the moment of contact. In clear water it may be watched thus engaged, and it is curious to see how the wandering crab, brought within its grasp, is seized, and how firmly it is held.

In the mollusks, or soft-bodied creatures, we detect a similar provision. For example, from the body of the barnacle proceed two rows of stems, six in each and each of these stems supports two-jointed arms, with hair-like appendages springing from each joint, and forming a fringe along each fibril.

row,

The barnacle can protrude or retract these organs at pleasure, and move them about with great facility. It is by their means that the seizure of food is effected. The delicacy of touch possessed by them is extreme. They feel the contact of the smallest bodies, and enfold them in their grasp.