VERMIOLOGY. 



tation of the green ulva, the result of being stained or partially coated 

 with other marine vegetables of that colour. In the depauperated 

 state the colour is dirty white, inclining to cinereous. 



The coral reefs in the West Indies are very often seen profusely 

 overmantled with the flexible pendant groups of this species of 

 Coralline, and when diversified with colours, more especially those 

 which partake of the various shades and hues of green, it assumes a 

 moss-like appearance of singular beauty, that is oftentimes mistaken 

 at a little distance for moss itself. The filamentous ramifications that 

 pass through the main tubes of the joints, and connect the whole, are 

 perfectly flexible and capable of yielding to the motion of the waters, 

 while from their great tenacity they resist theforce of the restless waves, 

 except in storms or commotions of unusual violence. The base of 

 the main stem is furnished with a tuft of those tenacious filaments^ 

 by means of which it affixes itself to the rocks, or coral reefs, and 

 various extraneous bodies. 



VOL. IV. 



