ENTALOPHOllA. 455 



Genus ENTALOPHOKA, Lamouroux. 



Der. Named from the supposed resemblance of the zooecium to the shell 



of Dentalium entale. 



Entalopiiora, Lamx. (1821): D'Orbigiiy: Smitt, Flor. Bryoz. 

 PusTLLOPORA (part.), Blainville (183-i): M.-Edwards : Lamk. : Busk: &c. 

 PusTULiPOEA, Blainyille : Johnston : Gray. 



Generic Character. — Zoarium erect and ramose, rising 

 from a more or less expanded base, composed of decumbent 

 tubes; branches cylindrical. Zocecia tubular, opening on 

 all sides of the branches. 



Entalophora is nearly related to the section of the genus 

 Stomatopora in which the hranches have a tendency to grow- 

 upwards at certain points. In its young state it consists 

 of an adnate tubular crust. 



A question arises as to the name for this genus, though 

 one might think a glance at the dates as given in the syno- 

 nymy should settle it. Busk seems to admit that in strict 

 propriety Lamouroux^s designation is entitled to prece- 

 dence ; but he thinks that to restore it under the circum- 

 stances would savour of pedantry (Crag Polyzoa, p. 107). 

 I confess it seems to me that the fewer departures from 

 the established rule the better. The accidental prevalence 

 of a much later name does not appear to be a reason for 

 retaining it. On the contrary, it may be a salutary vindi- 

 cation of the authority of the law to reject it after such 

 usurpation. The best cure for the disorders of our no- 

 menclature seems to be a rigorous application of the 

 principles which are generally accepted for its government. 

 Lamouroux^s genus is characterized in a well-known work ; 

 and both diagnosis and figure are sufficient for identifica- 

 tion : its claim seems to be complete. I shall therefore 

 follow D^Orbigny and Smitt in reinstating his name. 



