102 
jecture, as to the use of these fibres, is well founded. In cutting with 
a pair of scissars a recent alcyonium, which in many respects resem- 
bled the present fossil, and which he calls the Sea Orange, (Alcyonium 
bursa, Linn.) he remarks that he perceived a motion in every part of 
it as if it were alive.* On tracing these filaments, many of them may 
be seen passing to the surface, on which, after ramifying, they are so 
disposed as to embrace the whole mass. 
The fossil zoophytes we shall next examine appear to be of a diffe- 
rent species from those last described : the difference chiefly existing 
in the retiform disposition of the filaments surrounding the alcyonic 
mass. Like those of the former species, these fossils are formed entirely 
of silicious matter, and appear to have been found in gravel. It is evi- 
dently to one of these bodies that the following description from Dr. 
Woodward applies : 
“ C. 252. A greyish brown flint of an obtuse conic figure ; an inch 
in diameter at the base, and about three-fourths of an inch in height. 
In the middle of the base is a round flat, about four-tenths of an inch 
over, and somewhat raised above tbe rest of the base. The whole 
surface besides is very rough, being thick set with very small pores, 
excepting certain smooth ridges that run into one another, so as to 
constitute an elegant reticulated work upon it. Found near Rumford, 
in Essex.” -j- 
On inspecting the fossil figured Plate IX. Fig. 9, it will be found to 
correspond so exactly with the foregoing description, as to require no 
other. The figure, here given, serves to furnish a tolerably correct idea 
of the external appearance which this species of fossil in general pre- 
sents. 
From the appearance yielded by the section of this fossil, as shewn 
* Histoire Physique de la Mer. P. 80. 
t An Attempt towards a Natural History of the Fossils of England, by J. Woodward, 
M.D. Vol. I. Parti. P.51. 
