48 
this point, and regular diminution of the thickness of the longer 
lamellae until they have attained the central point, give a peculiar elegance 
of appearance to the star of this coral. 
This fossil, which has I believe been only yet obtained from Sweden, 
is described and figured by Fougt,* who has also annexed the sketch, 
Plate V. c, which shews more plainly the mode in which the newly 
formed parts are attached to, and proceed from their respective bases. 
This is, however, very evident in the representation at Plate V. Fig. 2, 
in which the general characters of the fossil are well preserved. It is 
also figured by Bromel in Tab. 39 and 40, and by Volkmann in his 
Silesia Subterranea, Tab. XIX. Fig. 3, a, b. The fossil which is here 
represented, is calcareous, and appears to have formed part of a bluish 
lime-stone. 
Madrepora stellaris, is a zoophyte, the examination of which is ren- 
dered very interesting by its curious mode of increase, which is similar, 
in a great measure, with that of the former madrepore, and with that 
which takes place in prolifercJus flowers. As the newly formed parts 
proceed, in the former instance, from the radiated disk, so here, from the 
centre of the stars, which are united at their margin, proceed single 
joints, which assume a similar form wfith the joints from which they 
proceeded, and possess, like them, the power of producing a similar joint 
from the centre of each of their disks. Each joint of this madrepore, like 
those of the preceding, bears somewhat of the form of a drinking glass ; 
becoming narrower downwards, but a little enlarged at its base : upwards 
it terminates in a wide, thin margin, marked externally with very 
numerous, faint, longitudinal striae, intersected by transverse rugae, so 
slight as hardly to be perceptible. The stars are flattish, and formed of 
numerous rays, generally about sixty, which proceed from the edge 
quite to the centre. J 
* Araoenit. Acad. Tom. I. Tab. IV. Fig. XI. 4. 
