Horgonia flabeUum,. 

 Tubipora syriiiga. 



Cordlli'tim fecunduni,. 

 Corallium ndbile. 



The colour, too, is very pleasing, being a delicate pink, so that even the empty and 

 lifeless corallium forms a really beautiful object. When living, however, it may fairly lay 

 claim to the title of magnificent, for each tube is clothed, formed, and vivified by a light 

 green polype, whose colour contrasts beautifully with that of the structure which is raised 

 by that soft and feeble body. 



The branched objects on the right hand of the illustration are two species of true coral, 

 such as are used so largely in the manufacture of ornaments. 



This beautiful zoophyte seems to be found only in the Mediterranean, where regular 

 fisheries are established and the coral dragged from its recesses. The appliances, however, 

 are very rude ; and it is likely that more elaborate machinery would reap a rich harvest, 

 by permitting some selection to be made and by enabling the fishers to regulate the 

 dimensions of the groups of coral branches. Although the stony centre is so thick and 

 solid, the substance of the animal is quito delicate and membranous, enveloping the 

 corallium like wetted gold-beater's skin. 



The fan-like object on the left hand of the illustration is popularly called from its 

 shape, the SEA FAN, and well deserves that title. In this genus the branching arms are 

 united by a number of transparent pieces, which are, in fact, developments of the 

 branches, are covered in a similar manner by the investing membrane, and bear the 

 living polypes on their surface. The whole structure easily dries, and may be found in 

 most curiosity shops, or in the dwelling-houses of mariners, who have brought home these 

 remarkable objects as presents to their wives. 



An allied species belonging to the same family (Ists hippuris) is formed in a very 



3c2 



