LABECHIDJE. 337 



ings of some kind have been detected, or till some sort of 

 explanation can be given as to their absence, it appears 

 impossible to come to any definite conclusion as to the affi- 

 nities and zoological position of Labechia^ since surface-open- 

 ings are as essential to our conception of a coralligenous 

 Hydrozoon as to that of an Actinozoon. At the same time, 

 the resemblances which I have pointed out between Labechia 

 and certain of the Fistuliporce should not be lost sight of, and, 

 pending more complete investigations, I am disposed at pres- 

 ent to consider that we have in these points of likeness the 

 real clue to the true relationships of the former. 



As to its geological range, the only described species of 

 Labechia is the L. conferta, E. and H., of the Upper Silu- 

 rian, which is a familiar fossil in the Wenlock Limestone 

 of Britain and the Continent of Europe. I have never seen 

 any example of the genus in the corresponding formation 

 (Niagara Limestone) in North America ; but I possess a 

 specimen of Labechia from the Cincinnati group of Ohio, 

 thus extending the range of the genus to the Lower Silu- 

 rian ; though I have not yet determined whether or not 

 this ancient form is specifically identical with the L. conferta 

 of Europe. 



