G. PRIMNOA. 223 



the Antipathes are but just discernible, which in the 

 Gorgonias are decidedly apparent, and still more 

 evident in the Plexauras, which in the Euniceas 

 rise above the rind, — appear as if they would in- 

 sulate, and detach themselves from each other, in 

 the Primnoas ; thus commencing the order of ra- 

 diated and unconfined animals. Still, however, the 

 essential character of the Gorgonian order exists 

 in full force, and we find in the Primnoas the two 

 very distinct substances of the axe and rind. The 

 first appears calcareous and stony in the stem 

 and larger branches ; its hardness diminishes in 

 proportion as the branches become smaller ; and in 

 the smallest it is nearly horny. The rind, not so 

 thick as in the Euniceas or Plexauras, still presents 

 an organisation analogous to that of those Polypi- 

 doms. All these circumstances unite the Primnoa 

 to the Gorgonian order. 



Their colour is an earthy white, with a tinge of 

 yellow. 



Their height seldom exceeds three decimetres. 



The P. Lepadifera, described in the above ac- 

 count of the characters of the genus, is found in the 

 North seas, particularly on the coast of Norway. 



