105 
other. An instance of this kind is observable in this specimen, where 
this small hemispheric, stellated alcyonium is seen connected into one 
substance with another alcyonium, which is of a flat and tabular form. 
The fossil alcyonium, represented Plate X. Fig. 7, differs from the 
former, in its central cavity terminating in a regular circular opening ; 
but the openings on the rest of its surface have the stellated form, 
which so plainly denotes their having been the residence of polypous 
hydra. A similar circular opening terminates the central cavity in 
the superior part of the oblong alcyonium, Plate X. Fig. 9* The pe- 
dicle by which it had been attached to some other body is very dis- 
tinctly to be seen. 
The triquetral pyramidal alcyonium, Plate X. Fig. 10, has been raised 
on a pedicle, the remains of which are very distinct. It has no central 
opening, but is closely beset, all over its surface, with very minute 
circular pores, only discoverable by a strong magnifier. These pores 
give to its surface that resemblance to shagreen skin, which, as Mr. Walch 
observes, so generally characterizes the fossil alcyonia. 
VOL. II. 
P 
