G. PRIMNOA, 
223 
the Antipathes are but just discernible, which in the 
Gorgonias are decidedly apparent, and still more 
evident in the Plexauras, which in the Euniceas 
rise above the rind, — appear as if they would in- 
sulate, and detach themselves from each other, in 
the Primnoas ; thus commencing the order of ra- 
diated and unconfined animals. Still, however, the 
essential character of the Gorgonian order exists 
in full force, and we find in the Primnoas the two 
very distinct substances of the axe and rind. The 
first appears calcareous and stony in the stem 
and larger branches ; its hardness diminishes in 
proportion as the branches become smaller ; and in 
the smallest it is nearly horny. The rind, not so 
thick as in the Euniceas or Plexauras, still presents 
an organisation analogous to that of those Polypi- 
doms. All these circumstances unite the Primnoa 
to the Gorgonian order. 
Their colour is an earthy white, with a tinge of 
yellow. 
Their height seldom exceeds three decimetres. 
The P. Lepadifera, described in the above ac- 
count of the characters of the genus, is found in the 
North seas, particularly on the coast of Norway, 
