80 ZOOPHYTES. 



§ 3. Cellepora.— Plate XXVI. Figs. 3-14.— The uncertainty of 

 the real condition of the calcareous zoophytes when recovered, the dif- 

 ficulty of preserving them alive, the unknown circumstances tending to 

 their welfare, added to the mutilated state wherein they are usually found, 

 all conspire to render this branch of our enquiry as obscure as the last. 



Both in association and in description a certain latitude of conven- 

 tional expressions must be allowed, for we are neither so familiar with the 

 nature of the subject, nor is language as yet sufficiently copious to convey 

 what is required to be understood regarding it. 



The name Cellepora, like the appellative Cellularia, is of too in- 

 definite a character, could we find a proper substitute, for in truth nothing 

 is explained by either. They carry no distinct signification along with 

 them. 



However, overpassing such an imperfection, and leaving it to future 

 rectification, I shall, from necessity, offer little on the subject, unless the 

 representation of a few species, along with some very general observations. 



(1.) Cellepora cingens.— Plate XXVI. Figs. 3, 4.— The nature of 

 this species is obscure. It always invests small and delicate substances, 

 in-owing somewhat cylindrically around them, but thicker in the middle, 

 which perhaps indicates more than a single stratum at the place. Thus 

 it may be called a broad, greyish, circular belt, the surface wholly composed 

 of cells, which tend to a ventricose form, being wider at the middle than 



the orifice. 



The cell is occupied by a very minute light grey ascidian hydra, with 

 about 14 ciliated tentacula, broadening slightly towards the extremities, 

 but little recurved. The cilia are of difficult detection. 



Only a small portion of the animal protrudes from the cell. It is 

 extremely flexible, turning freely from side to side, and exhibiting the 

 usual habits of its race. 



Many of the animals are often displayed at once. 



Plate XXVI. Fig. 3. Cellepora cingens. 



4. Portion of the surface with hydrse, enlarged. 



