of Keratophyta. 63- 



/, are the Holes from whence the Polypes extend theni- 

 felves. 



Fip-. /, is the lower End cut Hoping ofF, to fnew the Ca- 

 vities of the Tubes and Cells. 



In the Centre of the Sedion is the End of the compreffed 

 horny Tube. The fmall reticulated Branches of this Kerato- 

 phytoji are much compreffed ; and when we view them in 

 Fronr, their thin Edge flands towards us. 



Fig. K^ is the horizontal Seflion of this great Branch, 

 fliewing the feveral circular Layers of contraded Tubes,, 

 which now look like the annular Circles of Wood. 



In the fame Kcratophytoii, or Sea-Fan, is another remark- 

 able Inftance of the Animals forming the horny Part of the 

 Branches. 



This Specimen appears to have the Progrefs of its Growth 

 ftopt by fome impending Rock, or other Accident ; Part of 

 its upper Branches appearing as if cut off in a Line horizon- 

 tally. Fig. c. This we obferve has diverted the Courfe ot 

 the Animals back the Way they came, fo that we find many 

 of the late formed Cells covered over, and confufed with an 

 irregular Appearance of the calcarious Matter. This we can 

 perceive, as far as we can trace the Animals back in their Re- 

 treat ; and, upon taking off the calcarious Matter, we find, 

 that the horny Subftance, which they have depofited fince 

 their Return, had filled up moft of the vacant Places, in that 

 Pait of the Reticulation, 



Befides the horny and woody Subftance of the Stem and' 

 Branches of thefe Keratophyta^ I have lately met with one 

 from South Carolina^ in the CoUedlion of Mr. Peter Colli?jfo?ty. 

 E. R. S. whofe inward Parts are intirely of a fpongy Tex- 

 ture,, 



