POLTPIFERA. 



215 



exquisite markings to the fossil Choanite * and other Spon- 

 giaria which they contain. 



In addition to these, the Ventriculites^ from the chalk 

 (fig. 149), the SipJionia'l. from the green sand, and the variety 

 and beauty of the different Spongiaria from the same stratum, 

 near Farringdon, in Berkshire, are familiar examples of the 

 fossil remains of this class. 



POLYPIFEBA. The elegant plant-like zoophytes, that con- 

 vert the bed of the ocean into a garden of animal forms, 



FIG. 151. Corallium rubrnm, and Magnified Branch. 



adorned with the most rich and varied hues, but for ever 



* Pict. Atlas, pi. xlii. + PI. xli. J PI. xlii. PI. xliii., xliv., xlv. 



