492 STONY CORALS; CARYOPHYLLEA, DENDROPHYLLIA. 



chambers, and, like them, radiating from the centre towards the 

 circumference of the cell. These radiating lamellae are, in fact, 

 characteristic of all the Coral structures formed by the group of 

 Helianthoid Polypes ; being present, more or less evidently, in 

 every one known to be the work of these animals. The 

 cells are not by any means constantly circular ; but still the 

 laminated plates project inwards from their circumference, so 

 as to occupy a corresponding position. The Madrepores and 

 their allies have thence been designated lamelliform corals ; 

 a term which is very expressive of their character, and has 

 the advantage of relating to the structure of the animals which 

 produce them. 



1136. Some species of Caryophyllea build up their cells in a 

 cylindrical form, to a considerable height (Fig. 713). As the 

 upper edge is extended by the gra- 

 dual consolidation of the soft structure, 

 which is the continuation of it, the 

 lower part is strengthened by new de- 

 posits, which are added to the bottom of 

 the cell ; so that a stony column is thus 

 formed, which may almost be described 

 as solid through nearly its whole extent. 

 It is not uncommon to meet with several 

 of these, clustered in one mass ; and 



FIG. 713.-CARYOPHYLLEA. tnus we cjm understand the production 

 of those arborescent (tree-like) forms, 



to which the name Dendrophyllia has been given. In these, 

 the stem sends out branches, instead of remaining simply 

 columnar ; and these branches again subdivide ; in all instances, 

 however, the cells terminate the branches, which increase in 

 length by the progressive consolidation of their bases, just as in 

 the solitary species. The whole structure is covered with a gela- 

 tinous flesh of some consistence, which seems to be continuous 

 with the outer membrane of the Polypes inhabiting the cells. This 

 flesh appears to have the same functions with the pith of the Ser- 

 tularian Polypes ( 1177). It seems, in fact, to constitute the 



