THE PENNATUL.E. 



121 



resemble in outward appearance, these stone-corals grow by 

 germination, so that each polypary consists of a series of gene- 

 rations, constantly increasing and multiplying without ever 

 separating from the parent stock. A necessary consequence of 

 this mode of propagation is the intimate union of all the mem- 

 bers of these vast communities. Each polyp has its 



own 



Red Coral (Gorgonia Nobilis). A small detached portion magnified. 



tentacles, mouth, and stomach ; each is capable of shrinking 

 within its cell, or of seizing its prey; but here its individuality 

 ceases, as it communicates by membranes and vessels with its 

 neighbours, and the juices which it elaborates are -made to con- 

 tribute to the nutrition of the whole community. 



Thus we see in these humble associations the realisation of 

 an Utopian republic, in which all the citizens have their equal 

 share of the common property, and all equally labour for the 



