CORAL 951 



tho whole to pressure for about a quarter of an hour. I then take fire other prepared 

 sheets in a damp state, and having laid the original upon them, press them together 

 for about two minutes, then replace the original by throe other prepared and damped 

 sheets, and press the whole together for about a quarter of an hour. Tho extract of 

 logwood so acts upon the neutral chromato of potash that I thus obtain twenty good 

 clear fac-similes of the original matter or design.' 



They have also produced an Indian ink on the same principle, which, when used 

 in the preparation of architectural plans, maps, &c., will give one or more clear copies 

 of even the finest lines. The only point to be observed in the taking of such copies, 

 is that as they are taken to a scale, they must bo kept pressed in close contact with 

 the original, till they are perfectly dry, because if not, they will shrink in drying, and 

 the scale will be spoilt. 



The most complete information on this subject, and that of inks generally, is to be 

 found in a memoir published in the ' Journal of the Society of Arts' by Mr. J. Underwood. 



COQVZIiliA NUTS. These nuts are produced in the Brazils by the Attalea 

 funifera. They are suitable for a great variety of small ornamental works, and are 

 manufactured into the knobs of umbrellas and parasols. Tho same palm which yields 

 coquilla nuts also furnishes the Piassaba fibre, or monkey-grass. 



CORAH. An Indian pattern silk handkerchief. 



CORAXi (Corail, Fr. ; Koralle, Ger.) is a calcareous substance, formed a species 

 of marine polype, which constructs in concert immense ramified habitations, consisting 

 of an assemblage of small cells, each the abode of an animal. The coral is, therefore, 

 a real polypary, which resembles a tree stripped of its leaves. It has no roots, but a 

 foot not unlike a hemispherical skull-cap, which applies closely to every point of the 

 surface upon which it stands, and is therefore difficult to detach. It merely serves as 

 a basis or support to the coral, but contributes in no manner to its growth, like the 

 root of an ordinary tree, for detached pieces have often been found at the bottom of 

 the sea in a state of increase and reproduction. From the above base a stem, usually 

 single, proceeds, which seldom surpasses an inch in diameter, and from it a small 

 number of branches ramify in very irregular directions, which are studded over with 

 cells, each containing a polype. These polypes when they extend their arms, feelers, 

 or tentacula, resemble flowers, whence, as well as from tho form of the coral, they 

 were formerly classed among vegetable productions. They are now termed zoophytes 

 by many writers upon Natural History. 



The polype which yields tho ordinary red coral of commerce is known to naturalists 

 as the Corallium ruhrum, and is placed in the family of the Gorgonida, or Sea -shrubs, 

 a group of the order Akyonaria. This red coral, therefore, occupies a different 

 systematic position from that of the common corals which, by the accumulation of 

 their solid parts, form the rocky masses known as coral islands, and which are referred 

 to the order Zoantharia. As much misconception prevails with respect to the true 

 nature of the corattium or hard parts, in these two kinds of polype, it may be useful 

 to point out their essential difference. In the common corals, the solid calcareous 

 structure is formed within the body of the polype, whilst in the red coral it is secreted 

 by the outer surface of the organism, notwithstanding its position as a branched axis 

 supporting the soft parts of the body. Both types of coral belong to the Actinoza : a 

 class of the great division of tho Animal Kingdom termed the Calenterata. It is the 

 red coral which is described in this article. 



The finest red coral is found in the Mediterranean. It is fished for on the coasts 

 of Provence, and constitutes a considerable branch of the trade at Marseilles. The 

 coral is attached to the submarine rocks, as a tree is by the roots ; but the branches, 

 instead of growing upwards, shoot downwards towards the bottom of the sea: a con- 

 formation favourable to breaking them off and brining them up. For this kind of 

 fishing, eight men, who are excellent divers, equip a felucca or small boat called 

 commonly a coralline. They carry with them a large wooden cross, with strong, equal, 

 and long arms, each bearing a stout bag-net. They attach a strong rope to the middle 

 of the cross, and let it down horizontally into the sea, having loaded its centre with a 

 weight sufficient to sink it. The diver follows the cross, pushes one arm of it after 

 another into the hollows of tho rocks, so as to entangle the coral in the nets; then his 

 comrades in the boat pull up the cross and its accompaniments. 



Coral fishing is nearly as dangerous as pearl fishing, on account of the number of 

 sharks which frequent the seas where it is carried on. One would think the diving- 

 bell in its now very practicable state might be employed with great advantage for 

 both purposes. 



Coral is mostly of a fine red colour, but occasionally it is flesh-coloured, yellow, or 

 white. The red is preferred for making necklaces, crosses, and other female orna- 

 ments. It is worked up like precious stones. See LAPIDABY. 



Coral beads have ever boon fashionable ornaments. Dr, Gilchrisfc states ;--' Coral 



