SYSTKMATIC ZOOLOGY FOR TEACHERS. 



267 



hollow tentacles water is drawn into the chambers between the partitions, 

 (see fig. 133 b) and there serve a double purpose ; first, it oxydizes the body 

 by having the enclosed air taken up by the surrounding surface : second, it 

 serves as a kind of circulatory medium for conveying the digested food to 

 various parts ot the body. Anemonies possess dart cells and feed miuh as 

 explained under the hydras. 



Reproduction is by eggs which are produced in the ovaries, which lie 

 within the base of the body. See fig. 133. 



Some species of anemonies possess eye specks and most of the specks 

 are exceedingly sensitive, percehing the approach of danger quite readily. 



Fig. 138. 



A, Plate, B, Branching, C, Elliptical Coral. 



Anemonies may be found clieging to bridge piers, rocks, stones and 

 shells and are exceedingly common objects all along the coast ficm New 

 England southward. 



ORDER VI. CORALS. 



Coral polyps are practically anemonies which secrete a stony base which 

 serves as a support for them and a place into which they can retreat in time 

 of danger. Owing to this protection, coral polyps can exist in heavy sea 

 ways where anemonies would be dashed in pieces. 



Coral polyps propagate in three ways; by buds, by division, and by 

 eggs. A good example of the budding may be seen in the branching coial. 



