6*o6 
ZOOPHYTES. 
CORALLINES. 
The corallines of our coasts are chiefly of a horny 
consistence, and in their appearance very much re- 
semble plants. They grow, as we have already re- 
marked, in different forms, and from thence have 
been distinguished by different specific names. The 
Serlularia abietina , or sea-fir coralline, is one of 
the most common, and will serve to illustrate what 
has been advanced respecting their animal nature 
in a very satisfactory manner. It is found attached 
to various shells, and grows to the height of three 
or four inches. It may be readily distinguished by 
its fir-like appearance and alternate branches, which 
are set with little denticles, somewhat of a conical 
shape. If a small portion of this coralline, soon 
after it has been dredged from the sea, be put on 
the stage of a single microscope (in a drop of sea- 
water), the polypes will presently be seen stretching 
out their arms in search of food. This is a very 
pleasing object, and highly calculated to excite the 
astonishment of those who are unaccustomed to exa- 
mine Nature on so small a scale. Many who spend 
a certain portion of every year on the different 
coasts of this kingdom, will find themselves amply 
repaid for the trouble of searching out these things, 
by the amusement they will afford them : for their 
information we shall subjoin the methods which 
Mr. Ellis recommends, for preserving the polypes 
in an expanded state, so that they may be sent to 
