174 CORALS 



to tlic life of tlu'se creatures, but that it is so favourable to 

 tlie growth of others of similar habits tliat they seem to be 

 lost in tlie crowd. 



Two examples of large numbers of a calcareous Polyzoon 

 occurring in a tropical locality which have attracted the 

 attention of the author of this volume in recent years, may 

 be referred to in order to emphasise the point that such 

 localities are not necessarily unfavourable for the study of 

 the group. 



Lagenipora. — In a sample obtained by Mr. Townsend 

 of a shelly sea-bottom from a depth of 156 fathoms at the 

 mouth of the Persian Gulf, large numbers of specimens of 



a Chcilostomatous Polyzoon were 

 found which belong apparently to 

 the genus Lagenipora. They con- 

 sist of little dome-shaped colonies 

 about 5 mm. in diameter formed 

 b\- 50-100 flask -shaped zooecia 

 arranged radiallv from the centre 

 (Fig. 85). 



There are two curious points 

 for consideration about the occur- 

 FiG. 85.— Lagenipora. From rence of Lagenipora in this spot, 

 the Persian Gulf, 156 fathoms, j^^ ^^le first place the geuus has 



X lodiams. _ ^ o ^ 



hitherto been found only in the 

 glacial Arctic region and on the British coast. It seems 

 strange, therefore, that it should be discovered in a locality 

 where the surface waters are probably as hot as they are 

 anywhere in the world and at such a long distance from 

 their other habitats In the present state of our knowledge 

 it might be premature to say that this is a case of discon- 

 tinuous distribution, but it is, at least, an interesting example 

 of many that are found in the same group of a wide geo- 

 graphical distribution of a genus. In the second place, all 

 the specimens are free. There is no evidence to be found of 

 any basal plate of attachment or of any supporting substance, 

 and none of the great variety of shells with which it was 

 found were suitable in character to give them a permanent 

 upright position. 



