CELLULARIA. 237 



each, have been taken : that absolute identity of features, in fact, does not 

 exist ; or remains to be unfolded. All this must conspire to embarrass one 

 observer, when in quest of what has been described by another, to say no- 

 thing of the difficulty of distinguishing accidental from natural vegeta- 

 tion, the influence of the seasons ; and especially as we have yet to learn 

 those periods of the year when, in preference to others, our enquiries 

 regarding particular points — such as the multiplication of individual species, 

 may be profitably directed. 



Unless in instances comparatively few, I cannot but conclude that we 

 are still insufficiently acquainted with numerous important facts and dis- 

 tinctions, those to be the basis of undeviating authority. Thus, instead of 

 pronouncing the identity of species, which no doubt would simplify our 

 treatise, it is, meantime, better to keep them apart until obliterating equi- 

 vocal by positive characteristics. Should this be practicable, the present 

 zoophyte can be easily conjoined with the subject of the fifth paragraph, 

 as the fourth is purposely interposed. 



This species has been denominated a Scrfiilaria, a Flustra, and a 

 Cclhdaria, by different authors. It rises two inches or more in height, by 

 a short stem, sustaining a bushy and somewhat globular head. Several 

 principal boughs subdivide into branches, which multiply in subordinate 

 parts. The older portion is of an umber colour, the extremities being 

 lighter, and, if new, they are white. A fine and entire specimen bears 

 much resemblance to an aged tree in miniature, whereof there is a slight 

 convergence above and an expansion from below. — PL XL VI. fig. 1. 



The structure of this product, in detail, approaches the dichotomous 

 formation, or cleaving of the principal into two subordinate parts. But it 

 is somewhat irregular in respect to different portions, as will be seen from 

 fig. 2 to 7, inclusive. 



Cells are ranged on one, and occasionally on both sides of the subor- 

 dinate parts ; but here also without uniformity. — Figs. 3, 4. A large 

 cylindrical or slightly tapering spinous process prolongs the exterior edge 

 of the cell, whose presence may denote perfection : thougli it is absent in 

 some specimens apparently entire. 



The parts are irregularly articulated, but no precise relation is to be 



