DESCRIPTION OF CORALS. 147 
junction of two cones an intermingling was noticed in a few cases. The outer 
edge was often rounded or smooth near the apex, but where perfect, it was studded 
with minute tubercles ; the sides also were occasionally coated with similar points, 
the rudiments of the transverse layers or bars in the substructure. So far as 
could be ascertained, no direct connexion existed between these plates and the 
lamelle within the stars, though in a few cases there was an apparent union. 
In composition the dissimilarity was very great, and in the number of each an 
important discrepancy. Thus, the plates were very numerous, and they had 
great relative and persistent thickness, as well as apparent strength ; while the 
lamellze, limited to twelve, were of unequal substance, and for the greater part 
thin and fragile. The centre of the mounds consisted of a reticulated and fora- 
minated nucleus, though the apex, probably from friction, generally indicated a 
nearly solid axis. 
With respect to the mode of producing additional stars within the surface-area 
of a specimen, fig. 6c. gives an illustrative example of one of the earlier stages. 
A small hollow is shown, raised above the surrounding level, and formed by the 
union, nearly to the summit, of mounds belonging to four stellular cavities. On 
the outer side of the hollow the conical plates were boldly exhibited, but on the 
inner they were nearly wanting; or, as it was inferred, were concealed by the 
lining of the polype-receptacle having been commenced. No structure, except a 
few thin rudiments or broken edges of lamin, occupying, however, the situation 
of true lamellee, was detected within the area. That the hollow exhibited an early 
state of a star, no doubt could be entertained ; nor that it was an interpolation, 
its position being above the general level, and its periphery being defined by the 
union of mounds belonging to four adjacent mature stars. The large specimen 
represented by fig. 6. exhibited other instances of small-starred cavities above 
the ordinary surface lined with true lamella, and sometimes so associated with 
others of maturer growth as to indicate that the whole group had been pro- 
duced in a similar manner ; but the mounds and other associated structures were 
not so fully preserved as in the specimen just noticed. 
Stylophora emarciata. (Tab. IX. fig. 25.) 
Incrusting, polymorphous ; stars polygonal, sides generally unequal; true 
Jamellze not exceeding twelve, breadth variable, broadest, usually eight in num- 
ber, united to the axis, sides beset with minute points ; intermediate transverse 
laminz few ; axis small; lateral walls of adjacent stars for the greater part in 
