ZOOPHYTES. 175 



explain that Zoophytes are, with one exception, marine 

 animals, varying in size from the little microscopic creatures 

 mounted here, to the large tree-like Gorgonias, and the 

 huge Madrepores and Corals of the tropical seas. They 

 are plant-like animals, often mistaken for sea-weeds, 

 requiring minute attention and microscopic study to un- 

 derstand ; but even the careful observation of those speci- 

 mens on our lists will open a wide field of interest, and help 

 the young student considerably in his first researches. 



The. number of British Zoophytes amounts to about 

 35 genera, and 240 species. These are divided into two 

 great divisions, and hold very different ranks in the scale 

 of creation ; for the Zoophytes called Polyzoa, being much 

 more highly organized than those called Anthozoa, they 

 are placed with the Tunicate Molluscs (Ascidians, &c., &c.), 

 and above the Radiata (Starfish and Echini) ; whereas the 

 Anthozoa are only just above the Infusoria, or lowest form 

 of animal life. 



These slides contain specimens of both these orders, 

 which will be further explained when under the microscope. 



Those of the Anthozoa are 



Sertularia. 



Plumularia. 



Laomedea Campanularia. 



Tubularia. 



Coryne. 

 Halecium. 

 Thuiaria. 

 Antennularia. 



Their bodies are globular, contractile in every part, 

 symmetrical, mouth and vent one, gemmiparous and 

 oviparous. 



The Polyzoa are 



Gemellaria. 



Cellularia. 



Crisea. 



Elustra. 



Pustulipora. 



Lepralia. 



If we describe the Sertularia as an example of Anthozoa, 

 and Gemellaria as one of the Polyzoa, the student will 

 understand each of the others, and when at the sea-side 

 will have ' Harvey's Sea-side Companion/ or ' Landes- 

 borough on Zoophytes/ to teach the variety of the species 

 and direct to their particular habitat. 



