I"" 



THE SEA FAN. 



755 



The color, 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 color 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, how- 

 ever, 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 



Gorg6nia.fiabtUum, 

 T-ubipora syringa. 



Corallium fecundum. 

 Corallium n6bile. 



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

 and solid, the substance of the animal is quite 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 (Isis hippuris} is found in a very 



