44 Mr Dana on the Geographical Distribution of Zoophf/tas. 



cause referred to is that proceeding froin original sites or 

 centres of distribution. There is sufficient evidence that 

 sucli centres of distribution, as regards zoophytes, are to be 

 recognised. The species of corals in the West Indies are, in 

 many respects, peculiar, and not one can with certainty be 

 identified with any of the East Indies. The central parts of 

 the Pacific Ocean appear to be almost as peculiar in the 

 corals they afford. But few from the Feejees have been 

 found to be identical with those of tlie Indian Ocean. A 

 more complete acquaintance with the corals of these different 

 seas, will undoubtedly multiply the number of identical spe- 

 cies ; but observations thus far made, seem sufficient to esta- 

 blish as a fact, that a large part of zoophytes are confined to 

 a small longitudinal range. This will be seen from the fol- 

 lowing table, exhibiting, in a general manner, as far as 

 known, their geographical distribution. Each column gives 

 the number peculiar to the region specified at top : — 



* The rocilloporfe, Sideroporae, ]"iIillcpora3, Favositcs, and other genera of 

 Madreporacea, in which the ceils are internally divided hy horizontal sejjta. 

 f Fart of the Foritcs of authors, the species having shallow cells closed at 



