82 
TOMES : MESOZOIC CORALS OF THE COUNTY OF YORK. 
Protoseris Waltoni Edwards and Haime. 
Protoseris Waltoni Edw. and Haime, Brit. Fos. Cor., p. 103, 
pL XX., fig. 1. 1851. 
Protoseris, as a genus, was first characterised by M^M. ^Milne 
Edwards and Haime in 1851"^ in the following words: — 
"Polypier fixe, en lames foliacees, lobees et pliees en cornet; 
les faces exterieures nues et presentants des stries costales fines, 
et les interieures des calices superficiels a cloisons fiexueuses et 
confluentes qui ne sont jamais separees par des collines ou cretes; 
columelle papilleuse." 
A single specimen only from the Corallien near AVeymouth 
had been examined by the original describers and furnished the 
above particulars, but subsequently a good many more have been 
obtained from the same locality, some of which exhibit consider- 
able variation in general form, but correspond w-ith great exactness 
in some very important characters. All are attached by a narrow 
foot, generally a mere point, and all are equally destitute of even 
a trace of epitheca on the outer wall, which is very distinctly 
costulated. Also the calicular details are constantly as in the 
type. The following will give some idea of the variation in 
external form of Protoseris Waltoni from specimens taken from 
the type locality : — 
1. Subcrateriform, more or less lobate, and " invaginated 
generally having one side higher than the other, and 
the point of attachment at the lower side. 
2. Irregularly saucer-shaped, lobate, and the point of attach- 
ment ex-central. 
3. In the form of a thin, irregular disc, wdth a very thin 
and lobate margin, slightly curled upwards. 
The examination of a considerable number of specimens 
leads to the conclusion that in general outline the type specimen 
does not correspond Avith the greater number, but has a more 
elevated form than is usual. 
Polyp. Foss. Palseoz., p. 129. 
