ANIMALS. 41 



however, of the Lamarckian genus is the first-described species, the Millepora 

 reticulata of Linnaeus, an irregvilarly-reticulated frondiferous Coral, having its inner or 

 upper surface exceedingly verrucose through the irregular prominency of its tubes. 

 Lamouroux and Blainville, observing the striking difference between the Retepora 

 reticulata, as it may now be termed, and the next species which Lamarck noticed, 

 namely, the Millejiora cellulosa of Linnaeus, took the opportunity of placing the latter 

 as the type of Retepora, making, at the same time, a new genus for the former — 

 Lamouroux calling it Krusemternia , and Blainville, Frondipora. This is a proceeding 

 which cannot be too much discountenanced, as it involves scientific nomenclature in the 

 greatest possible confusion, and without any prospect of its being ended. It is chiefly 

 to a similar proceeding on the part of other writers, that so many difficulties beset the 

 study of most of the genera of Palaeozoic Corals. The plan which I purpose adhering 

 to throughout this Monograph is to consider the first species described under the head 

 of any genus to be the type of it, unless otherwise stated ; as I feel persuaded that 

 this will enable me to treat authors with every fairness due to them, and at the same 

 time it will dispose of many such difficulties as those complained of. 



It may now be allowed me to transcribe a portion of what I have already published 

 in connexion with the genus founded on the Millepora cellulosa. 



"i^(2w«7y Elasmoporid^, King, 1849. 



" This group agrees with EscJuiridce in the structure of its polypidoms or cellules, 

 but differs therefrom in being uni-lamello-celluliferous, and reticulated. Only tlie 

 following genus is known to the writer. 



"Genus Elasmopora, King, 1849. 



'' Dia(/nosis. — The typical Elasmoporidia, consisting of infundibuliform, folded, 

 perforated fronds or foliaceous expansions, which are entirely celluliferous ; the 

 cellules opening on their inner or upper surface. Cellules arranged alternately, and 

 running more or less parallel to the plane of the fronds ; their front and dorsal walls 

 forming the tw^o faces of the fronds. Cellule-apertures approximating more or less to 

 a position at right angles to the plane of the fronds, and furnished with tubular and 

 other processes on their inferior or projecting margin. Gemmuliferous vesicles overlying 

 the cellule-apertures. Both surfaces of the fronds foraminated. Outer or wider surface 

 (f the fronds marked with distant waved lines, forming the boundaries of the cellules. 



" Type, Millepora cellulosa, Linnaeus, a species occurring in the Mediterranean. 

 An allied species {Elasmopora Beaniana, King) inhabits the British sea^."^ 



' Annals and Magazine of Natural History, 2d series, vol. iii. p. 390. 



/ 



