55 
better represented by Fig. 11, Plate XVIII. of Volkmann’s Silesia 
Subterranea, than by Fig. 4 of the same Plate, which has been selected 
by Gmelin for the illustration of this fossil. In that representation 
the peculiar bifurcated form of the perpendicular plates of the coral 
are easily discoverable; the figures of Volkmann, though coarsely 
executed, generally yielding a tolerable idea of the peculiar characters 
of the fossil presented to the eye. 
It is evidently from this coral that the beautiful, light brown marble 
of Switzerland derives the pleasing figures with which it is enriched. 
Plate VI. Fig. 10, is a polished slice of this marble, in which may be 
traced a close agreement with the following description of it, as given 
by Da Costa. 
“ Marmoroides fuscoflaviis stdlatus^ s. astroites fusco jiavus. This is of 
a dull, brownish, fleshy yellow colour ; of a fine, glittering, compact, 
uniform texture ; not heavy, and moderately hard. This kind is thick set 
with large stars, which generally are of the size of silver pennies. They 
are not tubes, but are composed of loose or naked thick longitudinal 
plates which are disposed from their centre to their circumference. 
These plates or rays are not equally produced from the centre of the 
stars, but are of very different lengths ; nor are they regularly disposed 
in regard to their starry radiii for often two rays join at the centre and 
bifurcate at the extremities. The number of rays or plates to each star 
or coralloid body, also differs very much ; some having twelve, others 
thirteen, and others all the intermediate numbers to twenty ; but none 
have less than twelve. These plates are lodged quite perpendicularly 
with respect to the surfaces of the mass, and are not intersected, as in 
the madrepores in general, by any transverse septa or diaphragms. They 
are of a pale yellowish colour, and are composed of a coarse, glittering 
opaque spar. The whole mass is capable of a good surface though 
of but a middling polish ; and notwithstanding the curious appearance 
of the stars, which are large and fine, yet on account of its dulness 
