NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 115 



Tliis species is pure white when alive, but in drying usually 

 assumes a dark brown colour approaching to black. The tips of 

 the pinntB first change to a blood-red or reddish brown, which 

 gradually spreads downwards, and the whole soon afterwards 

 becomes brownish black. 



S.fallaXj like some of its congeners, throws out tendrils, or 

 long curved processes at the ends of the pinnae for the purpose of 

 clasping the stems of other zoophytes for support. The tendril, 

 laying hold of an adjoining stem, generally turns about onco 

 round it, and then, cementing itself firmly to the support, runs a 

 short way along the stem and gives off a fresh branch. In this 

 way specimens are frequently found adhering at many points to 

 Plumularia falcata. 



A variety of this species is occasionally found much more 

 slender than usual, and with the pinnee longer and more branched. 

 A fine specimen of this description, obligingly presented to me 

 by Mrs. Naters, has much the aspect of a distinct species. It 

 was obtained from the fishermen at CuUercoats. Plate XI,, fig. 1 , 

 of " British Zoophytes" appears rather to represent this variety 

 than S, rosacea. 



0. S. TAMARiscA, Linn. 



Johns. Brit. Zooph., 74, t. xiii., f. 2—4. 

 On an old fishing line; CuUercoats, June, 1850. — J. Cop- 

 pin, Esq. Wliitburn. — Miss Dale. Deep-water boats. — 

 J. A. 



10. S. ABiETiNA, Linn. 



Johns. Brit. Zooph., 75, t. xiii., f. 1, 1*. 

 On shells and stones in deep water ; common. 



11. S. FiLicuLA, JEllis and Solander. 



Johns. Brit. Zooph., 76, t. xiv., f. 1, 1 * 

 On shells, &c., from deepish water; frequent. 

 Tubular fibres sometimes run out from the ends of the piiiiift? 

 in this species to a great length, apparently for the jjurpose of 



