218 
CLASS HI.— ORDER II. 
markable for their form: this character is peculiar; 
for although [some of the Gorgonias equally present 
polypous projecting cells* they are in those Polypi- 
doms always reflected towards the stem and branches* 
and frequently the lower branches have only simple 
tubercles, or else their surface is completely smooth ; 
whilst in the Euniceas the papillous cells are al- 
ways straight, and of the same length through the 
whole extent of the Polypidom ; moreover, their sub- 
stance, as well asdheir appearance, differ so materially, 
that it is impossible to mistake the Gorgonia for the 
Eunicea. 
The rind of these Polypidoms appears organised 
like that of the Plexauras ; it resembles their envelope 
in its thickness, its consistence, and the very apparent 
Intermediate membrane between the axe and the'fleshy 
exterior, as well as in the colour. As far, however, as 
we can form any judgment from beings no longer in 
existence, a long time dried, and frequently defaced, 
the polypi seem to be different. It appears as if, 
their body being less retractile, the deficiency w 7 ere 
supplied by tentacula of greater length than those 
belonging to the Gorgonia ; and it seems as if the ani- 
mal itself must be of considerable extent to fill up that 
cavity in the rind which we have always imagined to 
be a cell ; none of the Gorgonias exhibit such an extent. 
The tentacula of the polypi belonging to the Eu- 
niceas, of a cylindrical form and pointed in the 
state of desiccation, seem to be numerous, and wrap 
over each other apparently without regularity, but 
cannot wholly enter the interior of the cell. 
The Euniceas vary little in their form ; they are 
