36 
FISH GALLERY. 
in the case shows a magnified view of the polypes of this species 
as they appear in life. In case 13 are specimens and drawings 
of the Ked Coral {Cor allium rubrum), so largely used for orna- 
mental purposes, and also of the crimson Organ-pipe Coral 
(Tuhipora). Arranged on shelves on the south wall of the western 
end of this gallery is a series of Pennatulidce (sea-pens, sea-rushes, 
or sea-ropes) preserved in spirit. These zoophytes live at the 
bottom of the sea, with their lower end fixed in the sand and 
mud ; and their skeleton is never more than a straight internal 
axial rod. 
Approached through the Coral Gallery, and running backwards 
at right angles with it, are various galleries containing other 
portions of the zoological collections. 
Fish Gallery. I. The Ksh Gallery, which is nearest to the Central Hall, 
contains the exhibited portion of the collection of Fishes. The 
greater number of specimens, preserved in spirit, are, however, 
placed for safety in a detached building behind the Museum, 
where they are available for study under special regulations. The 
gallery contains stuffed examples and skeletons of all the most 
remarkable members of the class, the peculiarities of which 
are pointed out in a special guide-book.* 
The wall-cases on the west side of the room (right on entering) 
and at its end contain the fishes with completely osseous 
skeletons ; to which division 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 
the wall-cases. As the colours of fishes are very fugitive, and 
disappear more or less completely after death, some of the stuffed 
examples have been painted from life, to show the brilliancy 
of many of the tropical kinds ; and it is in contemplation to 
extend and develop this mode of exhibition. The fishes allied 
to the Perch (case 1), Gurnard (case 8), Mackerel (case 10), 
S word-Fish (case 13), Wrasse (case 15), Cod and Plaice (case 
17), Catfish (case 18), Salmon (case 21), Pike (case 22), and Eel 
(case 23), are represented by numerous examples. Speciaily 
noticeable, so far as external form is concerned, is the Sunfish 
or Orthayoriscus (fig. 8). 
* 'Guide to the Eeptiles and Fishes.* Price sixpence. 
