CORALS FROM THE UPPER CHALK. 51 
Those of the second order are nearly as large as those of the first set, and thus produce the 
appearance of twelve tertiary systems. Height, from one to two inches; diameter of the 
calice five lines ; its depth, two lines. 
This species is easily distinguished from all the other Parasmilia by the great develop- 
ment of its columella, which occupies nearly half the diameter of the calice, and by the 
spongy structure of this organ. It most resembles P. centralis, from which, however, it 
differs also by its thick form and the greater development of the tertiary coste towards 
its basis. The breadth and delicate granulations of the costa may equally serve to dis- 
tinguish it from P. Gravesiana, P. elongata, P. cylindrica, and P. Mantelli. It differs 
from P. serpentina by having an additional cyclum of septa, and by its basis not being 
smooth, as is the case in the latter. 
This fossil is found in the upper chalk of Norwich, and exists in the collections of the 
Geological Society, of the Geological Survey, and of the Museum at Paris. It appears 
probable that it has often been confounded with P. ceztralis, and that some of the figures 
referred to that species may in reality belong to it; but the engravings here alluded to are 
not correct enough to enable us to decide this question. 
5. PARASMILIA (?) SERPENTINA. ‘Tab. VIII, fig. 3, 3a, 34. 
It is not without some doubts that we place this fossil in the genus Parasmilia, for in 
the unique specimen that has come under our observation, the calice was in so bad a state 
of preservation that it was impossible to decide whether the papillae seen near the centre of 
that part were fractured septa or remains of pali, or even trabicule belonging to the 
columella. However, the first hypothesis appears most probable, and the general appear- 
ance of the corallum is also very similar to that of all the other Parasmilia. 
This fossil is almost cylmdrical, slender, much elongated, and bent; it presents some 
strongly marked circular constrictions, indicative as usual of a certain intermittence in 
the progress of its growth. The coste are narrow, straight, rather unequal alternately, 
scarcely distinct near the basis, but more prominent towards the upper part of each inflated 
ring and near the calice ; the ca/ice is circular. The septe form three complete cycla and 
are rather closely set, exsert, and somewhat dilated exteriorly. The columella is well 
developed. Length, one inch, seven lines. Diameter of the calice, two lines and a half. 
This coral, belonging to Mr. Bowerbank’s collection, was found in the upper chalk at 
Bromley, in Kent. 
It is the only species of Parasmilia in which the fourth cyclum of septa does not exist ; 
it is also characterised by its basis not being costulated. 
