PENNATULIDE. 241 
but tapering at each extremity to a fine point. The polyps, which 
are fleshy and white, are provided with eight long retractile tentacula, 
beautifully ciliated on their inner edge with two series of short 
processes strengthened with crystalline spicula. The mouth in the 
centre of the tentacula is somewhat angular, bounded by a white 
band, a process from which seems to encircle the base of each 
tentaculum, which thus seems to issue from an aperture. The ova 
lie between the membranes of the pinne; they are globular, of a 
yellowish colour, and by a little pressure can be made to pass through 
the mouth. The polyps are distributed with more or less regularity 
in such a manner that one of the extremities of the common axis is 
always naked : this part has been compared to the tubulous part of a 
feather. The stem, common to the colony, is a solid central axis, 
more or less developed, which is covered with a fleshy fibrous 
substance, susceptible of dilatation and contraction. 
The Pennatulide comprehend, according to Dr. Jehnston, three 
genera ; namely, those with the polyps or bipinnate wings, having 
Polypidoms plumose, in ‘ i : Pennatula. 
Polypidoms virgate, or wand-shaped A Virgularia. 
Polypi, unilateral and sessile . ‘i Pavoni: 
Polypidom, linear-elongate 
In the genus Pennatula, the polyps are disposed in transverse 
rows upon the outer and inner edge, in a series of prolongations in 
the form of a feather. These winged species of polypidom are 
somewhat scythe-shaped, well-developed, and furnished with a great 
quantity of pointed spiculz, which are constituted of bundles at the 
base of the calyx of each polyp. The space between the two rows of 
appendages is sometimes scaly, sometimes granulous. Of the Penna- 
tula, at least five species are known, and all of them appear to be 
endowed with phosphorescent properties. We may note among these 
species Pennatula spinosa (Fig. 97), which inhabits the Mediterranean, 
and takes its name from its colour; Pennatula phosphorea, which 
abound in most European seas, being found in great plenty, clinging 
to the fishermen’s lines round our own northern shores, more 
especially when they are baited with mussels. 
P. phosphorea is of a reddish purple, the base of the smooth stalk 
pale; the raches roughened with close-set papilla, and furrowed 
down the middle ; pinnz close ; polyp cilia uniserial, tubular, with 
spinous apertures. (Sibbald). ; a 
‘Bohadsch ‘says the Pennatule swim by means of their pinne, 
which they use as fishes do, their fins. Ellis says, “ It is.an animal 
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