193 
The primary orifice in the Zoecia of the different genera 
range from semi-circular to semi-elliptical, and sub-orbicular to 
sub-quadrangular and horse-shoe-shaped. 
The erect habit of growth is common in this family, in 
which there are no less than 10 genera. 
The Escharide may be divided into three chief sections. 
I.—Species with a simple primary orifice only, Lepralia 
and Umbonella. . 
II.—The genera Porella, Hscharoides, Smithia and Phylactella 
possess second orifices, differing in form from the primary. 
I1.—Mucronella, Palmicellaria and Rhynchopora possess a 
mucronate elevation of the peristome. 
Genus LEPRALIA. (Johnston.) Possesses a simple 
primary orifice only. 
Generic Cuar.—Zoecia: ovate, orifice more or less horse- 
shoe shaped, which is arched above and slightly contracted at 
the sides; the lower margin entire and slightly curved outwards. 
Zoarium : incrusting, or ultimately rising are produced into 
foliated expansions, which are composed of one or two (in this 
specyes) layers of cells. 
Species LEPRALIA foliacea. (Hillis and Solander). 
Millepora sh re 
< Eschara gy (Lamark).. 
Sprcirico Cxar.—Zoarium: (mass) foliaceous, membrano- 
caleareous, composed of thin expanded plates, with an entire 
margin, and variously contorted. 
Zoecia: disposed in two layers, back to back, and arranged 
quincuncially. Surface of cells or Zoecia punctured, often 
nodulose, lower margins nearly straight, below which occurs a 
prominent central avicularum. 
Occur in Colonies forming large foliated and chambered 
masses, of brittle texture, and when dead (as in our specimen) 
of a brownish colour. 
This species, with its broad, foliated, and contorted expan- 
sions, (chambers) freely anastomose, forming large cavernous 
masses, often of great size. 
This specimen is probably one of the finest ever obtained 
oe 29 
