COEALS. 133 



The fleshy part of the animal is seldom evenly spread over 

 tlie circular surface of the disc ; for it will sometimes leave 

 the plates apparently bare at one end while it hangs out 

 in a mass from the other end. Sometimes it will retreat 

 altogether^ so as to be scarcely seen between the plates, and 

 the red centre contracted into the small star at the bottom 

 of the hollow, only showing a thread-like slit indicating the 

 mouth ; like the SeqmlcB and other Annelides, it retreats 

 into- its shelly cave almost instantaneously when touched or 

 startled. 



I have not been fortunate enough to see the fleshy part 

 of the CaryGphjllea extended, as is sometimes described, 

 very considerably above the edges of the plates; and, in 

 fact, on looking at a specimen living in its usual quiet con- 

 dition, you would hardly suppose it natural for it to assume 

 so distended a state. As the Anemone, when placed in 

 unnatural circumstances, will sometimes turn its stomach, 

 as it were, inside-out, may it not be that the Coral, when 

 so observed, is dissatisfied with its position, as when in 

 captivity, or unexpectedly left by the spring tides without 

 moisture ? 



The soft parts of this Madrepore, viewed externally, con- 

 sist of, first, a thin film investing the plates on their edges 



