56 



ANTHOZOA. 



have their framework entirely composed of liorny sub- 

 stance, which is black, and coated with flesh of a bright 

 yellow colour, or sometimes purple. From the ramifi- 

 cations being very numerous and uniting with each other 

 at short intervals, this species is a very beautiful one ; 

 and when bespangled with its living flowers, presents a 

 charming siDCctacle. 



The Sea-pens {Pennatulce) * (Fig. 38, 2) constitute a 

 very remarkable family, specimens of which are frequently 

 brought uj) in the nets of fishermen upon our own coasts. 

 The species represented in our engraving (Pennatida 

 phosphorea) very closely resembles a broad feather from 

 two to four inches in length, and of a purplish colour, 

 the lower part, which represents the barrel of the quill, is 

 tipped with orange. Above this the stem is fringed on 

 each side \^ith flat appendages that represent the plume, 

 along the upper edge of which are j^laced the cells 

 wherein the Polypes lodge. Some authors have afl&rmed 

 that the Sea-pen swims freely in the sea ; but modern 

 observation tends to throw discredit on this statement. 



Fig. 38 



SE^-FAX. 



It is usually foimd with its stem inserted into the mud at 



the bottom, and those that have been kept for observation 



* Pennatula, « little feather. 



