72 NATURAL HISTOEY OF 



T. calamaris {Pal, Ehr.), ? T. gigantea {Lamx.), 

 Tubulaire chalumeau (De B.). 



Hab. : Common. Height 6 — 12 in. Stems clus- 

 tered, straight, smooth, brown-coloured, Polypites 

 pale pink to crimson or scarlet. Proximal tentacles 

 white, 20 — 30 in a single verticil. Distal tentacles 

 white, short, and numbering about 40. Peduncles of 

 gonop bores scarlet. 



This species is described by Ellis {" Corallines,'^ 31) 

 as the " tubular coralline, like oaten pipes." He 

 describes it as " the largest of the tribe of British 

 tubulous corallines. It arises from small worm-like 

 figures, many of which grow together and look like 

 the guts of small animals. From this state they rise 

 into distinct tubes of 5 and 6 inches long. On the top 

 of these the polyps appear with plumed crests. These 

 tubes in the dried specimens have the resemblance of 

 oaten pipes, that is, part of an oat straw with the 

 joints cut off.'" 



The difference between this species when living, 

 each tube bearing its ruddy flower, and when dead and 

 its tubes tenantless, is very great. 



In some districts it is very luxuriant. Mr. Hincks 

 states that he received a bucketful from the landing- 

 stage at Liverpool, and Mr. C. L. Jackson informs me 

 that they are found in profusion upon the supports of 

 tlie Southport pier. 



The tubes are often very numerous, as many as 150 

 being sometimes crowded together. Sir J. G. Dalyell 

 observes, that " if the florist enjoys the bloom of those 

 resplendent gems which, void of evident sensation and 

 motion, yet stud the verdant fields or decorate his 

 gardens, so much the higher should we prize these 



