ALCYONE^. 73 



does the sea return to their level than they retract them- 

 selveSj their bodies become plump and pellucid by the ab- 

 sorption of the sea-water into their system of aqueducts, and 

 the numerous little pits that had appeared on the surface 

 swell and protrude into transparent star-like polypes_, render- 

 ing the aspect of the whole as beautiful as it was before 

 repulsive." [Gosse, Tenb?/.) 



Alcyonidium hirsutum. 



"All round the margins and smooth sides of the basin, 

 under water, grow numerous specimens of the Stag's-horn 

 Sponge-polype. These are so characteristic of the pool, and 

 so remarkable, as at once to claim attention. They have 

 much the aspect of a Sponge, being downy, growing in 

 irregular rounded masses, and of a subpellucid yellowish- 

 olive hue ; but to the feel the substance is more solid and 

 fleshy, something between jelly and cartilage. It is fre- 

 quently three or four inches in length, springing from a 

 minute point of attachment, and much branched or lobed, 

 resembling a deer^s horn.''^ [Gosse, Tenhi/.) 



Plate Y. represents Alcyonmm digitatum with two young 

 lobes, a single polype magnified, and some of the spicula. 



