THE RED CORAL. | 367 
about the isles of Majorca and Minorca, on the south of Sicily, 
and on the coast of Africa. It grows on rocky bottoms, and 
frequently in an inverted position, or downwards from the unde) 
surface of stones, generally at a depth of several hundred feet. 
When alive, the soft rind which invests the valuable central 
stony axis is studded with snow-white polyps. The fishery is 
Red Coral. 
Gorgonia nobilis. (A small detached portion magnified.) 
still carried on in the same way as it was described by Marsigli 
150 years ago. The net is composed of two strong rafters of 
wood tied crosswise, with leads fixed to them; to these they 
fasten a quantity of hemp twisted loosely round and inter- 
mingled with some loose netting. This apparatus is let down, 
and while the boat is sailing or being rowed along, alternately 
raised and dropped so as to sweep a certain extent of the bottom 
