168 UPPER, OR FLINTY CHALK. 



but this appeared to diflfer so essentially both in form and structure, from 

 the funnel-shaped flints above mentioned, that their relation was not sus- 

 pected. Notwithstanding the investigation was continued with but little 

 intermission, nearly two years elapsed before any additional light w^as 

 thrown upon the subject ; when the fortunate discovery of the fossils re- 

 presented in Tab. xi. (in which the inferior portion of the zoophyte is en- 

 veloped in flint, and the upper part displayed on the surface of the chalk) 

 proved most decidedly the identity of the chalk, and flint specimens. 



In the year 1814, I presented a brief description of these fossils 

 (accompanied with explanatory drawings) to the Linnean Society, 

 which was honoured with a place in the 11th volume of its Transac- 

 tions. In that paper the name of alcyonium choiioides, (funnel-shaped 

 alcyonium) was proposed as a temporary distinction, " tiU future dis- 

 coveries shoidd point out more precisely its situation in the scale of ani- 

 mated nature*." Numerous examples have subsequently been discovered, 

 which not only confirm the opinions therein advanced concerning the 

 probable structure of the original, but also demonstrate the existence of 

 characters sufficiently remarkable to be assumed as generic distinctions. 

 The propriety of forming the present genus, it is therefore presumed, will 

 be readily admitted. 



18. Ventricuhtes radiatus-\. Tab. x. xi. xii, xiii. xiv. 



Gen. Char. Body inversely conical, concave, capable of contraction 

 and expansion : original substance spongeous ? or gelatinous ? external 

 surface reticulated ; internal surface covered with openings or perforated 

 papillae; base imperforate, prolonged into a stirps, and attached to other 

 bodies. 



Spec. Char. Infundibuliform ; external integument composed of cy- 

 lindrical, anastomosing fibres, radiating from the centre to the circum- 

 ference; inner surface covered with perforated papillae, formed by the 



* Linnean Transactions, Vol. XI. p. 401. 



•f- In my geological correspondence, I have been accustomed to distinguish this species by 

 the specific name of choniformis, but as the funnel-like form is common to the whole genus, the 

 term is manifestly improper ; that of radiatus is here substituted, the radiating manner in which 

 the fibres of the external integument are disposed, appearing to be peculiar. 



