GORGONINE, 221 
sustains the first, and is called the axis. This axis presents a horny 
appearance, and was formerly believed to possess chemical characters 
analogous to the horns and hoofs of some of the vertebrated animals. 
It has recently been asserted that the tissues of these corals consist 
Fig. 79.—Fan Gorgon, magnified, 
essentially of a particular substance which resembles horn, but which 
is called Corneine. A little carbonate of lime is sometimes found 
united with this substance, but never in a sufficient quantity to give 
it a stony consistence. The outer covering developes itself in con- 
centric layers, between the portion of the axis previously formed and 
the internal surface of the basic covering. 
