142 



PEOF. P. MAETII^ DrNCAN's REVISION OP THE 



synapticula, which form, with tlie sides of the septa, cauals lead- 

 ing to the base, and sometimes communicating with the outside 

 through the basal openings. Costse on the bases of the septa, and 

 united by synapticula, which constitute a false basal wall. Young 

 corals adherent, subturbinate and pedicellate. 



Distribution. — Becent and Sub-fossil. Pacific, Eed Sea, Indian 

 seas, Pacific coast of America. 



The genus is a large one, and may be rather artificially divided 

 into groups of species as follows : — 



Grroup 1. Ftmgice lacer antes. PungisB with spiniform septal 

 teeth. 



„ 2. Fungicd subintegroe. Fungise with very small 

 dentations. 



„ 3. FungicB lobiferce. Fungise with the septa termi- 

 nating above in angular lobes. 



The genus Haliglossa, Ehrenberg, may be considered a sub- 

 genus of Fungia, and it includes elongate forms with a dis- 

 continuous axial space, and links the Fungice on to the genus 

 Herpolitha. 



G-enus Diapungia, Buncaii, Journ. Linn. Soc.j Zool. 1884, 

 vol. xvii. p. 417. 



Oorallum discoid, free, without trace o£ adhesion, not quite 

 circular in outline, much broader than high. Base with a primary 

 triangular piece extending beyond the centre, slightly projecting 

 downwards, the rest of the coral grouping from its nodes and 

 apex, so that there is an appearance of former fracture and sub- 

 sequent growth. Calice unsymmetrical from the prolongation of 

 the larger septa of the primary piece beyond the centre, and from 

 the radiation of septa from the sides and apex of the primary piece 

 to the edge of the disk or the margin. 



Columella absent. Septa numerous, order confused, many join 

 others near and remote from the margin. Larger septa exsert, 

 arched near the margin, from which they rise perpendicularly, 

 and low near the septa of the primary piece. Septa dentate and 

 strongly granular near their free edge, solid and stout. 



CostsD broad, unequal, often bifurcating, variously directed. 

 At the margin each costa gives ofP a branch on either side to 

 form, with the corresponding ofi'shoot of the next costa, a septum. 

 Hence the septa correspond with the intercostal spaces. Inter- 



