Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1879-09-06


sometimes greatly contorted and
elongated. OF this character is the
common Serpula, of which we find
quite number of fine specimens.
Amphitrite is also of this class. Sew
eral objects attract our attention by
their unprepossessing appearance,
seeming to be string-like aggrega-
tions fsand, sea-weed, little bivalve
shells, etc. They were obtained
from Sullivan's Island, near Charles
ton, South Carolina. These strings
are pierced by a canal running
through the entire length this is
the residence of the worm which
has, strangely indeed, collected and
cemented these heterogeneous ma
terials into the form before us. Its
name is Terebella ConchiIega.
Here too, are number of speei-
mems of Balanus (Barnacles), large
and small handsome Coronula /;
'i.'; :: :,ella Coma Pentelasnais,
etc., belonging to the obscure divis-
ion Lepades, which is said to par
take of the character of Annelids,
Crustacea, and MolIusca.
TO the Radiates, belong not only
the Echinoids, here represented by
a Cidaris from the Pacific; Echini,
Scutelle and other representatives
from the Atlantic coast; Asteroids,
etc.-but also the large division of
CORALs. OF these we have many
varieties, some very rare; especially
numerous are the representatives OF
the Fungia, Madrepore, and Mean
drina. Several very large speci-
mems of the beautiful vegetable-like
Gorgonia or sea-fan, sclero-basic
Coral, should be noticed.
Here too, are representatives OF
the Protozoan sub-kingdom-the
Sponges large cup-shaped speci-
mems long straight cylindricalspec-
imens-and look! a most exquisite
silicious skeleton of q sponge-the
Euplectella, or glass sponge. 1t is
like the most delicately spun glass
its form that of a gradually widen
ing and gracefully constructed cor
nucopia. 1t cannot be satisfactorily
described-it must be seen to be APP
preciated. This choice specimen
was most highly valued, and most
jealousy guarded and most proudly
exhibited by Prof. Stewart.
Thus have we passed, in rapid
survey, through the various depart
ments of this superb collection, TAX
ing advantage of the more salient
points presented, and endeavOring
/ thereon, to affiX such general or spe-
cific information as might be most
interesting and advantageous to the
reader. How we have succeeded,
the reader alone can judge. We
have been urged to this self-im-
posed task, by the desire to present
! to our people. some idea of the OPP
portunities in their very midst, to
suggest the using of these opportu-
mites, and to stimulate to the more
general and enlarged pursuit of
these studies OF NdtlTe--studies which
combine to SO great a degree, attract
iveness and practical utility.
One word more, to the friends of
the University, in GAINESVILLE, and
throughout the Southwest. All of
them may advance the interests of
the Institution and of Science, by
their efforts to enlarge this already
extensive collection. If every one
would take the pains to collect the
fossils, rocks, archaeological curiosi-
ties, ETC., of his immediate neigh
bOrhOod, and forward them to the
University, he would be doing a
great service. Let the Geology of
each of the five States in our bounds
be individually illustrated and
this can easily be done, by the eff
forts of friends who are scattered
throughout this wide region. A
mutual sympathy will thus be es-
tablished, which will be a mutual
benefit. We trust an intelligent CO.
operation will inaugurate and
rapidly advance this desirable re-
suit.
We would, in. conclusion, urge
upon the citizens of GAINESVILLE, and
those who may from time to time
visit our city, to inspect and study
as far as practicable, the Cabinets of
the Southwestern Presbyterian
University. We can assure them
of hearty welcome, together with
the sight of innumerable objects of
curiosity, of interest and of beauty,
which will enlarge their conceptions
of Nature, and give them loftier
views of Him who ''is before all
things, and by whom all things
consist"