CORALLINE. 



231 



communication with the polyps. The alimentary fluids elaborated 

 by the polyps pass into the branches of the secondarj^ and irregular 

 network system, in order to reach the great parallel tubes which 

 extend from one extremity of the organism to the other, serving the 

 same purpose to the whole community. 



Fig. 88. — Circulating Apparatu,s for the nutritive fluids in the Coral (Lacaze-Duthiers). 



When the extremity of a branch of living coral is torn or broken, 

 a white liquid immediately flows from the wound, which mingles 

 with water, and presents all the appearance of milk. This is the 

 fluid aliment which has escaped from the vessel containing it, charged 

 with the debris of the organism. 



What occurs when the bud produces new polyps.'* It is only 



