CORALLINES. 123 



than in cold or even temperate climates. Some of these corals 

 scarcely attain the twelfth of an inch in height, while others rise to 

 the height of several feet. 



Fig. 44. Gorgonia verticellata (Pallas). 



Formed in the hosom of the ocean, it is only necessary to hehold 

 these singular creations in order to admire the brilliant colours which 

 decorate their semi-membranaceous branches. The brilliancy of their 

 robes are singularly diminished, have almost entirely disappeared, 



