178 A L C Y O N I U M. 



epidermis, exa&ly covers them, as in the magnified figure 

 at C. Phil. Tranf. Vol. 49. tab. 14. 



It appears from Dr. Borlafe's account, that though 

 there were fibres fuppofed to move in the great hole in the 

 center, yet that the holes on the broad part of the rays 

 were the mouths of the animal. From Dr. SchlofTer'a 

 defcription it appears as if there were little fibres moving 

 both in the holes on the broad part of the rays, which 

 holes he likewife takes to be the mouths of the animal, 

 and alfo fibres in the great opening of the epidermis in the 

 center, which opening he obferved to expand and con- 

 trad: at particular times with great alertnefs and velocity. 



The number of rays in thefe ftars is from five to twelve; 

 eight is the moft common number. 



From the obfervations which I have already made on 

 this fubftance in the Philofophical Tranfactions, Vol. 49. 

 pag. 454. they don't appear to me to be polypes extend- 

 ing from ftarry openings on the furface, and confequently 

 not to anfwer the character of an Alcyonium, but 

 to be formed at different times with additional rays,, 

 which we may perceive endeavouring to thruft their 

 pointed part towards the opening of the epidermis in the 

 center, and unite with the reft ; befides, the whole in- 

 termediate flefhy part is full of roundifh bodies adhering 

 to fibres, which as they approach the furface appear more 

 pear-fhaped, but lower down they are fmaller and of a 

 globular form : thefe all feem to be the young begin- 

 nings of future rays. In order to examine this fubftance 

 more particularly, I have lately difiected feveral of thefe 

 obtufe rays, which viewed fideways and feparately, have 

 the appearance of a ftomach. In the infide of thefe, 

 which was full of (ruga?) wrinkles, I perceived fmall eggs 

 and a loofe fubftance, as if the food digefted. There is 



fome thing 



