PLATE CXXXVIII. 



and in sliapes and clusters the most grotesque and varied that it is 

 possible for the imagination to conceive. The nature of this Coral 

 is to form a kind of incrustation over other substances, and by 

 that means to affix itself in the most secure manner to pieces of 

 rocks and other substances under water, where it is least liable to 

 injury, for it is of a brittle nature and easily broken. When situated 

 in secure places, such as the deep waters under shelter of the rocks, and 

 safe from the injury of the waves, it grov/s to a large size. The 

 branches not uncommonly assuming a furcated appearance, that may 

 be aptly compared to the antlers of the Elk, has obtained this species 

 the trivial appellation of the Elk's- Horn Coral. 



The colour of this kind of Coral varies from a pale yellow to 

 while ; when the white predominates, it is, lioweA^er, an indication 

 of a depauperated specimen, for in the living state the colour is more 

 or less yellov/ibh . 



