LOBULARIA. 177 



correctly, it' seems that no just opinions have been formed regarding it; 

 neither can we affirm that the quality of the vernacular names is at all 

 inferior to those by which it is characterised in the Systema Natures. 



If the latest be adopted here, it is not from conviction of its right to 

 preference. 



The Lobidaria is of extremely varied form, parts, proportions, and 

 dimensions. In its more simple state, it may be compared to a short cylin- 

 der, entirely covered with a profusion of hydra?, by which it is rendered a 

 very interesting object. In its older and more complete state, it may 

 be compared to several cylinders, connected with a common basis, alike 

 covered by hydrse, and presenting the rudest resemblance to the human 

 hand. All the fingers, as they may be called, are very obtuse ; they are 

 seldom nearly of equal length or thickness ; and the growth of the subject 

 seems to be irregular in proportion to the number of its parts. 



The whole product consists of a solid, compact foundation below, 

 serving as a basis, from which the single or greater number of fingers are 

 prolonged, rising three, four, or five inches high. 



While inactive, the surface of the higher parts is-studded by a multi- 

 tude of distinct, minute stars : the lower part, foundation, or basis, is 

 smooth, and of fleshy consistence ; it spreads a little beyond the ordinary 

 diameter of the rest, and adheres so firmly to the subjacent substance, that 

 it can be seldom detached without laceration. 



Thus all is quiescent, motionless, apparently devoid of life, affixed to 

 a shell or a stone. 



But as symptoms of animation, and of that action capable of being 

 shewn in a stationary subject commence, the numerous stars barely indi- 

 cating a diversity of the aspect of the superficies become gradually pro- 

 longed into so many beautiful asteroidal hydree. I call them by this 

 name, assuming the same license of characteristic expressions as applied to 

 the tenants of other zoophytic genera. 



Rising from their retreat, the hydrse are dispersed in ornamental array 

 over the surface of the specimen. The body of each extending as a cylin- 

 der, dilates above into eight pectinate triangular rays, with the mouth in 



VOL. II. z 



