I 



508 ALCYONIUM. 



external coating of the Polypes themselves. From the integu- 

 ment the buds are produced, which originate in the spongy 

 structure itself, and are, in fact, prolongations of it. These are 

 traversed by canals, that branch off from those of the parent 

 mass ; and resemble pieces of Sponge in every important par- 

 ticular. It is not until the Polypes are developed at the ter- 

 minations of these canals, that the real character of the mass 

 can be positively stated. This is another example, in addition to 

 the number we have already seen, of the progressive development 

 of the higher forms of organised beings ; and of the correspond- 

 ence between its several phases, and the forms which remain 

 permanent in the lower parts of the scale. 



1155. The form and dimensions of the various species of 

 Alcyonia differ as much, as do those of the Sponges, to which they 

 bear so great an external resemblance. The Alcyonium digita- 

 tum creeps along the surface of loose stones and shells, forming a 

 thin fleshy crust, which rises up in irregular lobes or projections. 

 This small species is so abundant on some parts of our own 

 coasts, that scarcely a stone or shell can be dredged up from deep 

 water, which does not serve as a support to one or more specimens 

 of it. The particular form it presents, varies according to the 

 nature of the surface on which it grows. Sometimes it spreads 

 out into finger-like projections ; and hence has received from the 

 fishermen the name of Dead-man 's-hand. Other species attach 

 themselves to rocks, and grow like Sponges, hanging down from 

 the upper surface of submarine hollows in the face of overhang- 

 ing cliffs. Others of still firmer texture stand erect beneath the 

 shallow waters of the shore. Of this land one of the most 

 remarkable species, probably the largest Alcyonium at present 

 existing, is the A. poculum, or Neptune's cup, which was dis- 

 covered by Sir Stamford Raffles upon the Coral reefs that sur- 

 round the Island of Sumatra. Many specimens, brought from 

 the neighbourhood of Singapore, now exist in the Museums of 

 this country ; and among these, some have attained the dimen- 

 sions of nearly three feet in height, and eighteen inches in 

 diameter. Their affinity with the Sponges is drawn yet closer, 



