DESCRIPTION OF THE FRONTISPIECE, 
The fossil animal body which is here represented is of the genus 
Alcyonium. Bodies of a similar form and structure are found in 
various parts, but no where in greater quantities than in the neigh- 
bourhood of Touraine, in France, and in Wiltshire. It was at first 
supposed that this fossil had been obtained from the latter of these 
places ; but on comparison with the Wiltshire alcyonites, it appears 
that, although of the same original structure with them ; yet the 
changes which it has undergone are such as rather point out its being 
a French fossil. The original animal fibres are now entirely silicious ; 
and the interstices are filled with carbonate of lime. At its inferior 
part are the remains of its footstalk ; on the surface the fibrous 
structure appears ; and on the left side, and at the superior part, a 
portion of the original investing or cortical part may be seen. — 
Vide p. 125. 
