74 PALJIONTOLOGY OF NEW-YORK. 



perfectly preserved, we are able to decide that they differ from Eschara and Flustra, with 

 which they seem to be closely allied, as well as with Ceriopora in some instances.* We 

 are able to characterize several species, depending for their distinction partly on their mode 

 of growth, and partially upon the arrangement of the cellules upon the surface. 



113. 5. STICTOPORA? ACUTA. 



Pl. XXVI. Figs. 3 a, b. 

 Compare Eschara ? scalpcllum. Lonsdale in Silurian System, pag. 619, pl. 15, fig. 2-5, 25 a. 



Branches numerous, bifurcating, celluliferous on both sides ; cells oval, nearly opposite 

 on the (wo sides ; outer rows of cells sometimes smaller and less distinct ; margins of the 

 coral solid, smooth and sharp on the edges. 



The branches are marked by from seven to nine rows of oval cells, which, when perfect, 

 are surrounded by an elevated border. The coral is usually so much worn that the edges 

 of the apertures do not rise above the surface of the branches. 



In general form and appearance, this species resembles the S. ramosa of the Black-river 

 limestone ; but on a careful examination, it proves clearly distinct. The number of rows 

 of cells is fewer, and the cells larger ; the edges of the branches are solid, smooth and sharp, 

 while in that species the cells extend entirely to the margin. The most essential difference, 

 however, is the apparent absence of an axis in this species ; while the S. ramosa, as the 

 other species of the genus, is separable into a thin celluliferous crust from each side, 

 between which is a thin flat axis. 



This species is placed provisionally under the Genus Stictopora, from its general analogy 

 of form and mode of growth ; but a further examination may make it necessary to remove 

 it to the Genus Escharopora, from the structure of the axis, which appears to be inseparable 

 from the celluliferous crust. 



* Mr. D.\NA, to whom I have submitted tlie examination of some of these species, suggests that S. ramosa is rather 

 nearer Cellepora than Flustra. He thinks that the open cell is owing (as in Membranipora) to the exterior not 

 having been calcareous {Letter to the Author, Aug. 19, 1S40 ). The broail foliaceous expansions of 5. labyrinthica 

 bear some resemblance to Membranipora, but the cells are not narrowed below. 



The Genus Ceriopora of Goldf-uss includes some forms ( pag. 217, pl. 05, figs. 11, 12 & 13), which are very 

 analogous to our corals ; but this genus is composed of heterogeneous materials, as is clearly proved by a reference to 

 his figures and descriptions. A large number of the species given by Goldfdss under this genus are distributed by 

 other authors under Alveolites, Chrysaore, Heteropora, Pustulipora and Sfinipora; leaving, among others 

 under Ceriopora, several species very analogous, in the form and arrangement of cellules, to those I have placed 

 under the i)roposed genus Stictopora. These, however, depart so widely from the type of the genus, according to 

 the description of the author, that it appears preferable to arrange them under another term, by which, at least among 

 the paliEozoic fossils of the United States, it is believed that tliey can be readily recognized. 



The essential difference between this genus and Escharopora, and which induces me to separate the two, lies in 

 the existence of a thin foliaceous axis separating the bases of the cells in Stictopora, as shown on Plate iv. fig. 4, 

 and Plate xxvi. fig. 4 rf &./, and which does not exist in the ty|)ical species of Escharopora; the cells, as in ramose 

 forms of Favosites and other similar corals, radiating from an imaginary axis. 



