56 



ANTHOZOA. 



have their framework entirely composed of Horny sub- 

 stance, which is black, and coated with flesh of a bright 

 yellow colour, or sometimes purple. From the ramifi- 

 cations being very numerous and uniting with each other 

 at short intervals, this species is a very beautiful one ; 

 and when bespangled with its living flowers, presents a 

 charming spectacle. 



The Sea-pens (Pennatulce)* (Fig. 38, 2) constitute a 

 very remarkable family, specimens of which are frequently 

 brought up in the nets of fishermen upon our own coasts, 

 The species represented in our engraving (Pennatula 

 phosphorea) very closely resembles a broad feather from 

 two to four inches in length, and of a purplish colour, 

 the lower part, which represents the barrel of the quill, is 

 tipped with orange. Above this the stem is fringed on 

 each side with flat appendages that represent the plume, 

 along the upper edge of which are placed the cells 

 wherein the Polypes lodge. Some authors have affirmed 

 that the Sea-pen swims freely in the sea; but modern 

 observation tends to throw discredit on this statement, 



FlG. 38. 1. SEA-FAN. 2. SEA-PEN. 



It is usually found with its stem inserted into the mud ai 



the bottom, and those that have been kept for observation 



* Pennatula, a little feather. 



