108 



but in all probability connected with them, are observable on the x 

 fractured part of the pedicle, and the whole surface is so closely be- 

 $et with openings, as small as the smallest pins' heads, as to give it 

 very much of a spongy appearance. The only information I can ob- 

 tain respecting the locality of this fossil, is from its being designated 

 an English long fungus. 



Possessing two other fossils of this species, and one of these being 

 formed of a tolerably transparent calcedony, I have been able, by its 

 section, both longitudinally and transversely, to obtain some know- 

 ledge respecting its structure. The form of the fossil subjected to this 

 examination seems to have approached very nearly to that which has 

 been just described. Its substance has evidently been of a spongy 

 nature, as is shewn by an inspection of the polished calcedonic SUF- 

 face with a magnifying lens. This substance, however, appears to have 

 been not more than one-fourth of the thickness of the alcyonium in 

 the central part, but in the inferior part has been thicker, and the 

 superior part seems to have been filled by it. Through this supe- 

 rior spongeous part, a great number of openings are observable, which 

 appear to have opened into the large central cavity, where, as has been 

 already observed, there was a deficiency of the spongy matter. Into 

 this cavity innumerable openings, which are on its surface, also 

 seem to have penetrated ; and several tubes, which arose from the 

 inferior part, pass through it, and have their openings at the upper 

 surface of the superior spongy part. To attempt to explain any 

 particulars, respecting the offices of these respective parts, would be 

 vain; it may, however, not be amiss to remark, that every necessary 

 arrangement seems to have been here made, for the ingress and egress 

 of the fluid, in which the nutriment proper ta these animal bodies is 

 contained. 



Still less successful must be the attempt to form any conjecture, re- 

 specting the habits or the peculiar nature of the living being or beings, 

 whose existence was connected with the animal substance which formed 



