PLATE CXXVII. 



This curious species of the Coral tribe is an inhabitant generally 

 of the Indian seas, where it occurs in clusters^ sometimes of con- 

 siderable magnitude ; that which we have represented is a small 

 specimen, but which is amply sufficient in this respect to exemplify 

 the peculiar character. It need be scarcely added, that although 

 this species is found most commonly in small groups, it constitutes 

 one of those numerous coralloid bodies, which by their aggregation 

 form the submarine coral reefs or islands in the Indian seas so often 

 the cause of shipwrecks, by emerging unexpectedly towards the 

 surface ; and the growth of which is frequently so rapid and extensive 

 as to prove fatal to the best informed. The animal is a kind of 

 polypiferous creature, and is furnished with eight plumose tentacula 

 or feelers. 



