468 



CORAL-PKODUCING ZOOPHYTES. 



begun in so unpretending a manner. Sometimes, layer- 

 after layer, or ring after ring, of calcareous cells surround 

 one another, like the concentric circles in the trunk of an 

 aged oak ; sometimes, layer is built upon layer, like 

 courses of masonry ; sometimes, the coral assumes the 



BRANCHES OF CORAL. 



ramified aspect of a tree ; sometimes it expands into the 

 shape of a floral calyx. But always the structure is 

 fanciful and elegant, and always the workmanship is con- 

 summate. 



Numerous species are included in the interesting divi- 

 sion of corallines, or coral-producing zoophytes ; most of 

 which have been distributed by naturalists in the order 

 Zoantharia, and the families Antipathidce and Hyalone- 

 madce. 



With respect to the modes in which the composite 

 corals are produced, we may offer the following remarks, 

 founded upon Professor Greene's elaborate examination of 

 the subject. 



