156 



PALiEONTOLOGT OF NEW-YORK. 



Genus STRIATOPORA {nov. gen.). 



Ramose, coralla solid ; stems composed of angular cells ; apertures of the cells opening upon 

 the surface into expanded angular cup-like depressions ; interior of the cell rayed or striated, 

 strise extending beyond the aperture of the cell. 



The corals composing this genus are very peculiar in their characters, and establish a distinct 

 genus. Two species are already known to me ; one occuring in the Niagara, and the other in 

 the Hamilton group. Both are found in soft calcareous shale, associated chiefly with Bryozoa 

 and Brachiopoda. In the Hamilton group species, the aperture is surrounded by a thin ex- 

 panded calicle, and worn specimens only have the appearance of the Niagara species. The 

 character of the cells, and the extension of the stride beyond the cells are very characteristic 

 and distinctive features in the two species. 



550. 1. STRIATOPORA FLEXUOSA (n. sp.). 



Pl. XL B. Fig. 1 a-e. 



Coral composed of bifurcating or irregularly ramose stems ; branches terete ; cells large, 

 angular below, and opening in a circular striated aperture ; strise extending beyond the cell, 

 particularly in an upward direction ; cells arranged in an irregularly alternating series ; calicles 

 labellate or expanded on the lower side, and uniting above in angular ridges separating the 

 cells ; apertures very unequal in size. 



This species is readily distinguished by the form and arrangement of its cells, which are of 

 much larger proportional size than any of the ramose corals of the group. The apertures are 

 round, but open into an angular depression, which is limited on the lower side by the calicle, 

 but extends upwards to unequal distances depending upon the arrangement of the cells. The 

 striae which are visible in the circular cell extend beyond into this angular space, and are very 

 distinct in well preserved specimens. The influence of wearing, combined with some slight 

 original differences, has sometimes produced great changes in the character of the coral, though 

 I have been unable to recognize any specific distinction. It usually occurs in small fragments, 

 and is a very fragile species. 



Fig. 1 a. A bifurcating stem, showing the spreading branches to be lax or fiexuous. 



Fig. \ b. A fragment showing some differences in form of apertures and enclosing spaces. 



Fig. 1 c. A fragment showing irregular branching. 



Fig. 1 d. Several apertures with the enclosing angular spaces enlarged. 



Fig. 1 e. A transverse section enlarged, showing the form of cells internally. 



Position and locality. In the shale of this group at Lockport. (State Collection.) 



