524 



ANTIPATHES, OR BLACK CORAL. RED CORAL. 



1096. The structure of the Antipathes is by no means unlike 

 that of the Gorgonia. The axis is still more firm, presenting 

 when dry a smooth polished surface, which, joined to its dark 

 colour, has caused it to receive the designation of Black Coral. 

 The calcareous deposition in the integument, also, is still more 

 abundant ; so that the crust, when dry, is sometimes even thicker 

 than the stem. The solidifying matter having thus entirely left 

 the flesh, we find it extremely soft ; so soft, indeed, that when 

 brought up from the depths of the sea, this substance runs off 

 almost entirely, leaving the integument adhering to the axis. 

 In the Corallium rubrum, or Red Coral, the solidification of the 

 axis has proceeded still further ; for it contains not only horny 

 animal matter, but a large quantity of calcareous particles, so 

 closely deposited in every part, as to give great solidity to the 

 stem, and to enable it to receive a fine polish when cut into 

 fragments. This is a 

 valuable article of com- 

 merce, and is principally 

 obtained from the Medi- 

 terranean, where it is 

 brought up from consi- 

 derable depths. No ves- 

 tige of polype-cells can 

 be detected upon the 

 surface of the axis. 

 These are confined to 

 the flesh and its integu- 

 ment, which are both 

 very soft ; the latter 

 does not contain enough 

 calcareous matter to 

 make it perceptible as 

 a crust when dried upon 

 the axis. The density 

 of the Red Coral renders 

 it very brittle ; and, did 

 it not grow in a somewhat stunted form, it would be liable to 



FIG. 623. RFC CORAL. 



