304 DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES 
ing to the surface. These tubes are, Uke the stems and 
branches, destitute of joints. Each cell is short, scarcely 
the diameter of the stem which supports it, with a hori- 
zontal or slightly oblique mouth, and destitute of lateral 
or inferior processes. In all the cells I observed portions 
of a thin membrane connected or continuous with the mar- 
gin, and more or less cup-shaped, which appeared to be the 
remains of vesicles, similar to those which give rise to the 
branches. Their nature was likewise pointed out by the 
remains of the tubular radicles still in connection with some 
of the largest portions. To some of the cells cylindrical 
bodies were attached, which, after maceration, appeared of 
the consistence of the body of the polypi of several Sertu- 
larise ; but, instead of terminating in a tentacular head, be- 
came contracted, and gave rise to branches, bearing cells. 
In some cases, two contiguous cells supported each a vesicle 
bearing a branch. 
The preceding description will suffice to shew, that this 
coralline differs from all those described by Ellis, among 
his Vesiculated CoralUnes ; by Lamauck, in his genus Plu- 
mularia; or by Lamouroux, in h s genus Agiaophenia. 
But the mutilated condition of the specimen leaves much 
to be desired in the characters of the species. I have ob- 
served in other vesiculated corallines * a capability, when 
placed in circumstances unfavourable for ordinary growth, 
of converting the polypi in the cells, into branches bearing 
cells. The anomalous appearances of this species seem to 
indicate that it had recently been placed in a condition 
where the exertion of similar energies was requisite in con- 
verting both polypi and ovaria into branches, thereby ex- 
hibidng a curious example of viviparous reproduction or 
extension. 
• See Edin, Phil. Jour. vol. ii. p. 86. 
