THE EUDENDEIUM. 757 



no such power resides in these organs. The stem is of a rather soft consistency, 

 strengthened by a bony centre, which reaches nearly to its tip. 



Close to the Sea-pen may be seen an object of somewhat similar form, but con- 

 siderably elongated, and with the pinnae proportionately shorter. This is the SEA-RUSH, 

 an animal belonging to a genus that can easily be distinguished from the preceding by 

 several peculiarities. The pinnae are short, deeply scooped above, and, with their bases, 

 partly surround the central stem. The polypes are set only upon the edges of the pinnae. 

 There is an allied species belonging to the same family, called by the name of Pavonaria. 

 In this remarkable genus, the general shape of the lengthened mass is four-sided, and 

 the polypes are arranged in a somewhat spiral form on the stem, but only one side of its 

 latter half. In our own seas, the Sea-rushes do not grow to any great length ; but under 

 a tropical sun they reach great dimensions, some of them measuring more than a yard 

 in length. 



THE last figure represents a very curious inhabitant of our seas, which is in the habit of 

 encrusting all kinds of marine bodies, such as shells, stones, and stems of the large algae. Its 

 general mass runs out into lobes, and is of a soft spongy consistence, pierced with little holes, 

 from which the polypes make their appearance when in health. When closely examined, 

 the little holes or pores are seen to be formed of eight rays, in a kind of star-like pattern, 

 and corresponding to the tentacles of the polypes which inhabit them. These little cells 

 are placed at the ends of canals, which permeate the whole mass, and serve to unite into 

 one common body the vast number of polypes which are thus aggregated together. When 

 examined by the microscope, the substance of the polypidon is found to be 'filled with 

 tiny particles of chalky matter, which serve to give consistency to the fabric, and add to 

 its elasticity. 



WE now arrive at the Hydroida, which are known by the internal cavity being 

 simple, and the creature increasing by buds thrown out from the sides. 



The left-hand figure represents an example of the family Tubulariadae, in which the 

 buds grow from the base of the tentacles, and break off their attachment as soon as they 

 have attained maturity. The buds, or young, are naked. The animals are sometimes 

 naked, but are often inclosed in a horny, tubular covering, which we will term the 

 polypidon. The first family is represented by its typical genus. The polypidon of this 

 genus does not throw out branches, and the tentacles are delicate, thread-like, and 

 arranged in two circles. The germs, or buds, are set on very short footstalks, and 

 are gathered upon the bases of the lower tentacles. This being is represented of the 

 natural size. 



Before leaving this interesting family of zoophytes, we must pause awhile, -to cast a 

 cursory glance. at one or two of the more prominent British examples. 



The CLUB-ZOOPHYTE (Clava multicornis) has a large and rounded extremity, something 

 like the head of a bludgeon, upon which are placed irregularly a number of thread-like 

 tentacles. 



The various species belonging to the genus Coryne are also worthy of notice. These 

 conspicuous, though minute zoophytes are found on our own shores, and may be 

 recognised by the globular tips of the tentacles. Sometimes the creatures are naked, and 

 sometimes they are inclosed in a rude sort of tube. The word " Coryne " is Greek, and 

 signifies a club. The head of each tentacle is most elaborately constructed, and adorned 

 with very minute tentacles, each being furnished with a small bristle at its tip. These 

 tentacles can be moved with tolerable rapidity, and are held in various attitudes, 

 sometimes stretching out at right angles from the stem, but often bending upwards, with 

 their heads directed towards a common centre, and have been happily compared to the 

 bars of a turnstile or the weighted arms of a screw press. 



Another genus is that which is appropriately named Eudendrium, from two Greek 

 words, signifying a beautiful tree. As may be presumed from its name, it has a decidedly 

 tree-like form, each twig terminating in a polype whose flower-like tentacles add in no 

 slight degree to its beauty. It is found that, when in captivity, the Eudendrium is sadly 



