32 
WEST WING. 
isolated individuals, or of colonies of creatures allied to the well- 
known sea-anemones of our coasts. Opposite to cases 8 and 10 
which contain the Madrepore Corals, is placed a large fragment 
of a reef, entirely formed by a small kind of Madrepore. These 
reefs when raised above the surface of the water constitute the 
base of thousands of islands in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Of the 
host of other forms, only the precious coral {Coralliurri), usually 
of a bright red colour, found in the Mediterranean and so largely 
used for ornamental purposes, and the crimson Organ-pipe Coral 
(^Tuhiporct) in case 13, can be mentioned here. 
The wall-case at the western end of the gallery contains the 
PoLYZOA, a group of small animals which, like corals, are supported 
by a calcareous or horny plant-like growth, but in their internal 
structure are more nearly related to the Mollusca, a class 
exhibited in the adjoining gallery. 
Approached through the Coral Gallery, and running backwards- 
at right angles with it, are a number of galleries containing other 
portions of the zoological collections. 
In the corridor which leads from the Bird Gallery into the 
Fish Gallery a large table-case is placed, containing a selection 
of the most important forms of Batrachians, which are divided 
into such as possess a tail — Salamanders and Kewts, and inta 
those without tails — Frogs and Toads. These animals live 
during some period of their existence in the water, and breathe- 
by gills, and are therefore very closely allied to fishes. 
I. The Fish Gallery, which is nearest to the Central Hall^ 
contains the exhibited portion of the collection of Fishes, the 
greater number of which, preserved in spirit, are placed for 
safety in a detached building behind the Museum, where they 
are available for study under suitable regulations. The gallery- 
contains stuffed examples and skeletons of all the most remark- 
able members of the class, the peculiarities of which will be 
pointed out in a special guide-book which will shortly be 
jjublished. 
The wall-cases on the west side of the room (right on entering) 
and at its end contain the fishes with completely osseous 
skeletons, a division to which belong by far the greater part of 
the species now inhabiting the waters of the globe. Large and 
remarkable examples are placed in separate cases opposite to 
