BY REV. J. E. TENISON-WOODS, P.L.S. 295 



New Caledonia, and I find that in a large number of instances 

 the coral is compound. There arc two distinct calices often 

 widely separated, but 1 have every gradation, from the oval calice 



passing to the figure of 8 outline until it is finally separated by 

 fissiparity. 



If we refer to the synopsis of the Eupsammina as established 

 by Messrs. Edwards and Haime, we find that they Lave placed 

 Seteropsammta amongst the first great sub-division established 

 for simple forms. The second section includes those with an 

 epitheca (Astroidcs only), and those without, which embraces 

 Dendrophyllia, (now made also to include Camopsammia) which 

 increases by buds, Lolopsammia fissiparous, and Stereopsammia, 

 in which the columella is rudimentary or none. 



The question now is whether the genus Heteropsammw can be 

 maintained. Naturally there is nothing to distinguish it from 

 Lobopsammia. This genus was established to receive the fissiparous 

 compound JEupsammiiKB. Only two species are known, and these 

 are both Eocene fossils. Messrs. Edwards and Haime make the 

 following observations on Lobopsammia. Coral compound. 

 Multiplication by successive fissiparity. Edge of calice irregular. 

 Always four complete and well developed cycles. In all other 

 respects like DendrophylMa. They remark that the genus entirely 

 depends upon the mode of growth, which in Dendrophyllia is 

 always by buds, but in this case by the successive division of the 

 calicies which are thus divided into nearly equal portions. The 

 only two known species are then described. 



Though there is still a considerable distinction between the 

 fossil genus Lobopsammia and Heteropsammia, yet I do not see how 

 the latter can be kept distinct, if the former is to include all the 

 fissiparous Eupsammince. I therefore suggest that the coral of 

 Messrs. Edwards, Haime and Gray, be classified hereafter as 

 Lobopsammia MicheUnii. It is found in the Chinese Seas, in the 

 Indian Archipelago, on the Barrier Beef, and throughout the 



