54 



In the fossils next to be examined, a different and more 

 distinct kind of organisation is discoverable : tubes here 

 exist also in considerable number, and are connected by 

 transverse intercurrent tubules. The organisation existing 

 in these animals seems to authorise their being placed in a 

 distinct genus ; and it is presumed that the designation 

 which is here assumed for it will not be disapproved. 



Mantellia. — An animal with a fusiform or ramose, root- 

 like pedicle, a stem and body formed of tubuli, anasto- 

 mosing in a basket-like texture, with openings on the 

 internal surface. 



The most common species of this genus is the fossil 

 which has been described by Mr. Mantell, as a species of 

 Alcyonium*. But whilst removing this fossil from the 

 genus under which Mr. Mantell had placed it, it must be 

 observed, in justice to this gentleman, that it had been 

 stated by the present writer, that " although I shall in 

 general speak of these bodies as alcyonia, I am aware that> 

 when their histories have been elucidated by the inspection 

 of more illustrative specimens, several of them may claim 

 other designationsf ." In conformity with this opinion, Mr. 

 Mantell chose to speak of this body as an alcyonium ; his 

 judgment, at the same time, directing him to do it with due 

 reserve ; he also " wishing it to be allowed only a temporary 

 admission into this situation, till future discoveries shall 

 point out more precisely its situation in the scale of ani- 

 mated nature." 



The specimen PI. I, fig. 9, reduced from vol. ii. PL 11, 

 fig. 1, of Organic Remains, belongs to a species of this 

 genus, and appears to have been part of a stem. In this 



* Description of a fossil alcyonium from the chalk strata, near 

 Lewes. Transactions of the Linnsean Society, vol. xi, 1815, Part 2, 

 page 401. 



t Organic Remains of a former World, vol. ii, page 89. 



