PLATE CLXIV. 



The I sis Hippuris, the species of Coral now submitted to the 

 reader, is intended to constitute an appropriate sequel to the des- 

 cription and figure of Isis Ochracea, the subject of plate 153 of the 

 present work, where the species has been adverted to, and a promise 

 made of its future introduction. 



This elegant coral is n ot uncommon in the Indian seas, and 

 specimens of it, divested of its flesh, are very usual in cabinets ; 

 with the flesh on, it is, however, rare, for in the dried state it is 

 extremely friable ; and in spirits, the only state of preparation in 

 which it can be distinctly understood, unless we could observe them 

 in a living state, examples are very rare. In the annexed plate will 

 be found the delineation of a very elegant branch of this beautiful 

 and truly interesting object, having some of its limbs clothed with 

 the flesh, and others denudated and displaying the articulated bony 

 process, which constitutes the true skeleton of this extraordinary 

 multiple animal fabrication. The coral, devoid of flesh, being of a 

 white colour, and connected by means of black joints, has obtained 

 for this curious object the familiar name of the " Magpie Coral 

 the flesh, when recent, is of a fine orange externally, and pale, 

 inclining to reddish within ; the animal inhabitants are of the Polype 

 tribe, they are, as usual in that family, beings furnished with eight 

 arms or feelers, and reside within the flesh, with which the bone of 

 this anomalous structure is covered. Each of those polypes occupy 

 a little independant cellular receptacle, whose opening is at the surface, 

 from whence they are seen, when immersed in their native element 

 the sea, protruding and expanding their limbs with great activity in 

 quest of the host of aquatic beings with which in Indian climates 

 that element abounds. Th esituation of those cells is easily discovered 

 in the dried specimens by the pore or cell remaining unclosed. 



