105 



other. An instance of this kind is observable in this specimen, where 

 this small hemispheric, stellated alcyonium is seen connected into one 

 substance with another alcyonium, which is of a flat and tabular form. 



The fossil alcyonium, represented Plate X. Fig. 7> differs from the 

 former, in its central cavity terminating in a regular circular opening ; 

 but the openings on the rest of its surface have the stellated form, 

 which so plainly denotes their having been the residence of polypous 

 hydra. A similar circular opening terminates the central cavity in 

 the superior part of the oblong alcyonium, Plate X. Fig. 9. The pe- 

 dicle by which it had been attached to some other body is very dis- 

 tinctly to be seen. 



The triquetral pyramidal alcyonium, Plate X. Fig. 10, has been 

 raised on a pedicle, the remains of which are very distinct. It has no 

 central opening, but is closely beset, all over its surface, with very 

 minute circular pores, only discoverable by a strong magnifier. These 

 pores give to its surface that resemblance to shagreen skin, which, as 

 .Mr. Waleh observes, so generally characterises the fossil alcyonia. 





VOL. II. 



