7 التحتي 6 Specimens of the most common genera of corals found in coral reefs. 1. Extremity of branch of Madrepora muricata. 2. Corallium rubrum. 3. Magnified branch of do. 4. Caryophyllia fastigiata. 5. Oculina hirtella. 6. Meandrina labyrinthica. 7. Porites clavaria. 8. Astrea dipsacea. J. W. Robbins, THE To Mrs. C. B. Petrie, EMBELLISHED WITH NUMEROUS FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS, ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK, BY THE BEST ARTISTS. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOLUME I. Third American Edition. BOSTON: CALEB WRIGHT, 68 CORNHILL. SOLD BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1857 BY CALEB WRIGHT, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. PREFACE. THESE Volumes, containing a description of some of the most interesting and remarkable of Nature's works as seen within the earth and upon its surface, in the atmosphere and in the regions of infinite space, have been prepared with the hope of awakening a spirit of inquiry and investigation which would lead to more extensive study, not only of the many valuable publications upon the subjects of which they treat, but also of the great volume of Nature. Should this object be obtained, good, not merely scientific, but moral and religious, must result; for the more we become acquainted with Nature's works, the greater will be our reverence for their Author; and the more fully his revelations of himself in his word and in his works are examined, the more beautifully will they be found to harmonize with and illustrate each other. |