256 THE ATLANTIC. [CHAP. Iv. 
lamina of coral tissue produced from the margin of each calicle 
on one side projects in front of the mouth of the calicle, and 
forms a kind of shield or operculum. M.de Pourtales has de- 
scribed a series of specimens of Cryptohelia obtained in 270 
fathoms water off Bahia, under the name of C. Pzercez ; but after 
an examination of M. de Pourtales’ specimens and of the more 
Fia. 65.—Cryptohelia pudica, M1tnE-Epwarps. Twice the natural size. (No. 24.) 
abundant material obtained by the Challenger, Mr. Moseley en- 
tertains little doubt that his and our specimens belong to the 
same species, again identical with C. pudica of Milne-Edwards. 
The specimens vary greatly in size and in the amount of devel- 
opment of the characteristic opercular fold. The specimen fig- 
ured is the largest and most fully developed which we obtained, 
