284 THE WORtTA 



blue color, attached to the rocks by a broad expansion of its base. 



In the figure, the fleshy substance is removed at the extremities 

 to exhibit the stony axis. It is seldom found more than a foot in 

 length, and is well known, being used for various ornamental 

 purposes, and is obtained by dredging in various parts of the- 

 Mediterranean and Eastern seas. Another species of red coral; 



the organ-pipe, or tnbipora, is shown in the abore wood-cut,, 

 this derives its name from its tubular appearance, being com- 

 posed of parallel tubes united by lateral plates or transverse 

 partitions placed at regular distances. The polypi of this coral are 

 of a beautiful green color. This species occurs on the coast of 

 New South Wales, and in the islands of the Molucca group, in 

 hemispherical masses of from one to two feet in circumference, 

 which first appear as small specks, adhering to the rock, these 

 gradually increase, and the tubes shoot forth like little rays; other 

 tubes spring from the transverse plates, finally constituting a uni- 

 form tubular mass, the surface being covered with a green fleshy 

 substance, beset with stellar animalcules. 



The geographical distribution of corals is very extended. The 

 Pacific, throughout a space comprehended between the 30th 

 parallel of latitude, on each side of the equator is very productive-, 

 and also the Persian and Arabian Gidfs. They are very abundant 



