THE RED COKAL. 



367 



about the isles of Majorca and Minorca, on the south of Sicily, 

 and on the coast of Africa. It grows on rocky bottoms, and 

 frequently in an inverted position, or downwards from theundei 

 surface of stones, generally at a depth of several hundred feet. 



When alive, the soft rind which invests the valuable central 

 stony axis is studded with snow-white polyps. The fishery is 



Gorgonia nobilis. 



Ued Coral. 

 (A. small detached portion magnified.) 



still carried on in the same way as it was described by Marsigli 

 150 years ago. The net is composed of two strong rafters of 

 wood tied crosswise, with leads fixed to them; to these they 

 fasten a quantity of hemp twisted loosely round and inter- 

 mingled with some loose netting. This apparatus is let down, 

 and while the boat is sailing or being rowed along, alternately 

 raised and dropped so as to sweep a certain extent of the bottom 



