110 
fossil. The figure of this alcyonium, as given by the Count, is such as 
would lead any one to say that it bore a nearer resemblance to a 
cucumber than to any thing else. At its inferior termination are several 
projecting parts, which the Count describes as branches, but which, 
as is shewn by the figure given by the Count, do not deserve such an 
appellation ; since, from their extending so trifling a distance from the 
general surface, they can only be considered as protuberances, of 
which many are to be found over the rest of the surface, having a 
depression in their centre. Its interior part was hollow, the substance 
consisting only of a coriaceous bark or shell, of an ashen grey, 
mixed with a straw colour. W^hen first taken out of the sea, it was 
not filled with sea-water, as the Count found was the case with the 
sea oranges, but only contained a small portion of a glutinous matter. 
To preserve the specimen in his cabinet, the Count filled all the cavity 
with cotton.* 
By comparing the account of the recent alcyonium with that which 
I have given of the fossil, I trust that in their form, structure, and 
colour, the resemblance will appear to be sufficient to authorize the 
belief of their relationship. 
In some of my earliest researches in the gravel-pits in the neigh- 
bourhood of the metropolis, my attention had repeatedly been attracted 
by a certain species of pebbles, which, from their general uniformity 
of character, I was convinced, must have owed their form to either 
vegetable or animal organization. I therefore collected a considerable 
number of them, hoping that, by frequently repeated examination 
and comparison, I might be enabled to form some probable opinion 
respecting their origin: my endeavours, however, were by no means 
productive of that satisfaction which I wished. 
These pebbles, Plate X. Fig. 14, 15, l6, in general approach to a 
rounded conical form, one termination being wider than the other. 
* Histoire Physique de la Mer. Page 86, P. 15. n. 76, 77, 78. 
