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but in all probability connected with them, are observable on the 
fractured part of the pedicle, and the whole surface is so closely be- 
set with openings, as small as the smallest pins’ heads, as to give it 
very much of a spongy appearance. The only information I can ob- 
tain respecting the locality of this fossil, is from its being designated an 
English long fungus. 
Possessing two other fossils of this species, and one of these being 
formed of a tolerably transparent calcedony, I have been able, by its 
section, both longitudinally and transversely, to obtain some know- 
ledge respecting its structure. The form of the fossil subjected to this 
examination seems to have approached very nearly to that which has 
been just described. Its substance has evidently been of a spongy 
nature, as is shewn by an inspection of the polished calcedonic sur- 
face with a magnifying lens. This substance, however, appears to have 
been not more than one-fourth of the thickness of the alcyonium in 
the central part, but in the inferior part has been thicker, and the 
superior part seems to have been filled by it. Through this supe- 
rior spongeous part, a great number of openings are observable, which 
appear to have opened into the large central cavity, where, as has been 
already observed, there was a deficiency of the spongy matter. Into 
this cavity innumerable openings, which are on its surface, also 
seem to have penetrated ; and several tubes, which arose from the 
inferior part, pass through it, and have their openings at the upper 
surface of the superior spongy part. To attempt to explain any 
particulars respecting the offices of these respective parts, would be 
vain it may, however, not be amiss to remark that every necessary 
arrangement seems to have been here made, for the ingress and egress 
of the fluid, in which the nutriment proper to these animal bodies is 
contained. 
Still less successful must be the attempt to form any conjecture, re- 
specting the habits or the peculiar nature, of the living being or beings, 
whose existence was connected with the animal substance which formed 
