64 



DESIGN IN NATURE 



outstanding and very illustrative example is found in Isastra'a ohlonga. In this the hexagonal and radiating 

 arrangements are beautifully preserved. The hexagonal arrangement also occurs in the fossil fruit of Podocarya 

 Bucklandi and in the shell of the fossil Echinoderm [Ananchytes ovatus). 



Two other fossil corals may be cited in this connection, namely Lithostrotion basaltiforme and Lonsdaleia 

 floriformis. These fossil corals are met with in the mountain Kmestone, and have a very wide range ; extending as 

 they do from the eastern borders of Russia to the British Isles, and being found everywhere in both countries. They 

 show a columnar hexagonal arrangement, and also a radiating and concentric arrangement frequently met with 

 in inorganic masses and in crystals. 



The radiating and concentric arrangement is seen to advantage in transverse sections of the Palfeozoic and 

 Neozoic types of lamelliferous cup-shaped corals and in transverse section of the fossil tooth of the iguanodon 

 (Iguanodon maniellii). The columnar hexagonal arrangement is also seen in Favosites gothlandica, where the partitions 

 in the tubes greatly resemble the walls of the honeycomb of the bee. 



The columnar, radiating, concentric, segmented, and branching arrangements in corals and echinoderms are 

 seen to advantage in the annexed Figs. (17 to 22 inclusive). 



Fig. 17. — A. Coral known as Lithostrotion baaaltiforme (Lilliostro- 

 tion striatum, Fleming). Occurs in England, Ireland, Kussin, Iowa, 

 and westward of the Mississippi, United States. Shows columnar 

 hexagonal arrangement of tubules of coral resembling the cells of 

 the honeycomb and the basaltic columns met with at Staffa in 

 Scotland and the Giant's Causeway, Ireland. Compare with Fig. 19 

 (after D. D. Owen — interpreted by the Author). 



B. Cyatliocrinus caryocrinoides. Pelvis or body of crinoid ; called 

 also calyx or cup. 



0. One of the pelvic plales. 



D. Surface of one of the joints of the stem (after McCoy). 



Fin. 17. 



FxG. 18. — Other Corals. Favosites gotklandira, Lam. (Dudley). 



A. Portion of a large mass of coral ; less than natural size. 



B. Magnified portion of A, to show the pores and the partitions in the tubes. Illustrates 

 hexagonal and segmented arrangements. Compare with Fie. 3. 



C. Omphi/riut, turbinatum, Linn. sp. (Cyathophyllum° Goldf.). Wenlock limestone, 

 Shrop.shire. Shows longitudinal and transverse markings with radiation and branching 

 (after Lyell — interpreted by the Author). 



Fig. 18. 



Fig. 19.— Columnar columns artificially produced by the evaporation and drying of 

 hydrated starch. These columns consist of five and six-sided prisms resembling similar 

 columns of igneous origin occurring at Staffa, Scotland, and the Giant's Causewayrireland 

 Iheir general outluie corresponds with that of the tubes of many corals, and with the cells 

 of the honeycomb, &o. 



A. Mass of starch cohiuin,s, for the most part six-sided. 



B. Mass of starch columns with five sides. 



C. Very perfect hexagonal column slightly twisted upon itself. 



The hexagonal columns formed by the action of fire and by evaporation and shrinkage 

 are solid ; those formed by tlie coral and the bee are hollow (the Author). 



