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DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

SOCI3SX'Y.
PRESENTED BY

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v^MrT

POPULAR HISTO

OF

BRITISH ZOOPHYTES,

OE

CORALLINES.

BY THE

Rev. D. LANDSBOROUGH, D.D., A.L.S., etc.,

AUTHOR OF

' A POPULAE HISTOEY OF BEITISH SEAWEEDS,' AND OF
' EXCUESIONS TO THE ISLE OF AEEAN.'

LONDON :
REE YE AND CO., HENRIETTA STREET^ COYENT GARDEN.

1852.

G

JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, PRINTER,
LITTLE QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN PIELDF.

TO

JOHN FLEMINa, D.D.,

PEOFESSOE OP NATITEAI; SCIENCE, NEW COLLEGE, EDINBURGH,

AND

aEOEGE JOHNSTON, M.D., LL.D.,

FELLOW OF THE EOYAL COLLEGE OF SUEGEONS OF EDINBTJEGH,

E])iQ Hittle Voluvxz

IS

WITH GEEAT ESTEEM AND AFFECTION

DEDICATED

BY THEIE GEATEFTJL FEIEND,

.^- -THE AUTHOE.

PREFACE.

Were I to say, ^' this is a very interesting little book/'
many would conclude that I was nearly allied to a well-
known bird, whose mouth is so often filled with the praise
of its own beauty. And yet T might say so without the
slightest vanity; for I shine by borrowed light, and for
nearly all that is interesting in the book I am indebted to
my talented scientific friends and precursors. I have been
like the bee — not making, but gathering honey. Like
the bee, I have formed the cells, and had I been able to
equal her in skill, I might well have been pleased with my
workmanship. But though inferior in skill, I have not,
during the progress of the work, been inferior to her in

VI PREFACE.

industry. Having the prospect of leaving home for a few
months, I wished to have it in the hands of the printer
before the end of March, and therefore during the winter,
while I was all day, and every day, occupied with my pro-
fessional duties, in the dark morning hours, and in the
darker hours of night, when even in summer the bee A\ould
have been sound asleep, I was "aye write — writing;" so
that by dint of perseverance in working double tides, ere
March was over my labours had come to a close.

Though carried on both late and early, the labours were
far from being unpleasant. Admiring the beautiful crea-
tures and their exquisite workmansliip, a person is almost
unavoidably led to think of Him who works in them, by
them, for them, — and to say. If he cares for these almost
invisible entities, which cannot, except by the happiness
tiiey exhibit, acknowledge His kindness, how much more
will He care for us, if we seek to know Him, and put our
trust in Him as our reconciled God !

I was cheered on also by the aid so readily given to mc
by many kind-hearted friends, to whom I am under great

PREFACE. Vll

obligations. To my much-esteemed friend, Dr. John Flem-
ing, Professor of Natural Science in the New College of
Edinburgh, I owe much, not only for what instruction I
have derived from his well-known publications, but for in-
formation which I have received from his kind correspond-
ence, without which I probably should never have entered
on this department of study. To Dr. George Johnston,
another much-valued friend, I need not say that I am spe-
cially indebted, for almost every page of my book proclaims
my obligations ; and I hope it may prove a stepping-stone
to his admirable volumes. To George Busk, Esq., of
Greenwich, I return my grateful thanks, for not only giving
me information and drawings, but for kindly superintend-
ing the arrangement of the illustrations, and thus contri-
buting much to the usefulness of the work. To the Rev.
Thomas Hincks, of Exeter, I am truly thankful for favour-
ing me with a list of Devonshire Zoophytes, with specimens
of the rarest of them, and for kindly permitting me to use
his articles in the ^Annals of Natural History' respecting
interesting Zoophytes which he has added to the British

Vlll PREFACE.

Fauna. I return my kind thanks also to Richard Q. Couch,
Esq., for the benefit I have derived from his ' Cornish Fauna/
and for other pubHcations he kindly sent to me. For aid
given me by the loan of books, by furnishing me with
specimens, and in various other ways, I have been much
indebted to Mr. Ralfs, of Penzance; to Mr. Tudor, of
Bootle ; to Mr. Bean, of Scarborough ; to Mr. Tumanowicz,
of Hastings; to Mr, Wigliam, of Norwich; to Dr. E. Th.
Greville, of Edinburgh ; to Dr. Scouler, of Dublin ; to Mr.
W. Gourlie, Mr. W. Keddie, and Mr. E. Gray, of Glasgow ;
as also to ^Major Alexander Martin, of Ardrossan ; and to
all of them I now return my grateful thanks.

With still higher pleasure I acknowledge my obligations
to many scientific ladies. Mrs. Griffiths, ever ready to in-
struct and oblige, favoured me with many specimens, Avhen
I had the pleasure of visiting her at Torquay. Many spe-
cimens I received from Miss Cutler, of Budleigh Salterton ;
Mrs. Gulson, of Exmouth; and Miss S. Beever, of Coniston.
Many thanks are due to Mrs. Spode, of Armitage Park, for
a tasteful drawing of a beautiful Zetland Zoophyte, lieiepora

PREFACE. It

Beaniana, kindly lent for that purpose by Mr. Barlee. I
am exceedingly indebted to Mrs. Gatty, of Ecclesfield Yi-
carage, for rare specimens, for much information, and for
all the beautiful drawings in Plate XVIII., except the ex-
quisite figure of Lej^raMa Gattyce by Dr. E. Th. Greville.

I am glad that some of our Scottish scientific ladies have
kindly come to my aid. I return Lady Emma Campbell, of
Argyle, my respectful thanks for some interesting Zoo-
phytes sent to me from Lochfine, and from the island of
Islay. To Lady Keith Murray, also, I am greatly indebted
for several rare Zoophytes, and for a list of those collected
by her on the east coast of Scotland, near Stonehaven. To
Miss C. AUardyce, of Cromarty, I return my grateful ac-
knowledgments for some of the rarer Zoophytes collected
on that classic coast ; and to Mrs. Blair, of Blair, I render
my best thanks for the aid she has kindly given me.

With such a phalanx of able auxiliaries, I certainly
ought to have produced a book that was readable. I have
done what I could. The enterprising Publishers and the
talented Artist have nobly done their part, and if the book

X PREFACE.

should prove popular, to them much of the meed of praise
is due. I have written chiefly for the young ; and \Ahile 1
have wished to smooth for them the entrance into this de-
lightful field of Natural Science, I have sought to give a
good moral tone to the book, that they may look " througli
Nature up to Nature^s God,"*^ remembering that the God
of Nature is also the God of Grace. He has given us the
" book of books" to make us wise unto salvation ; but He
has given us also the book of Nature, making it accessible
to all ; and in many a delightful page of it does He plainly
say, " Come, see the works of my hand, so full of wonders,
and so well- fitted to show forth my praise."

" Every leaf in every nook,
Every wave in every brook,
Every Polype from its cell
In sea-rock pool or crystal well,
Chanting with a solemn voice,
Minds us of our better choice."

Keble.

Gihraltar, Jwie 22, 1852.

LIST OF PLATES.

Plate I.

Fig. Page

1 Hydractinia echinata. . . 104

2 Coryne pusilla 105

3 Tnbularia indivisa 114

Plate II.

4 Tubiilaria larynx 117

5 Eudendrimn rameuni . . 108

6 Sertularia tamarisca ... 129

Plate III.

7 Haleciimi haleciuum . . . 121

8 Beanii 121

9 muricatum 122

Plate IV.

10 Sertularia polyzonias. . . 123

11 rugosa 124

12 rosacea 125

13 puinila 125

Plate V.

14 Sertmlaria abietina 130

15 argentea 135

16 operculata 133

17 mioula 132

Plate VI.

Fig. Page

18 Thuiaria thuia 139

19 articulata 139

Plate VII.
20 Antennularia antennina 141
21 ramosa 142

Plate VIII.

22 Plumularia falcata 144

23 cristata 145

24 pennatula 147

25 pinnata 147

Plate IX.

26 Plmnularia setacea ... 150

27 Catbarina 151

28 myriopbyllimi . . . 152

29 frutescens 156

Plate X.
30 Laomedea dichotoma. . . 158

31 geniculata 160

32 gelatinosa 161

33 Campanul. verticillata 167

Plate XI.

34 Laomedea obliqua 162

Xll

LIST OF PLATES.

Fig.

35 CamjDaniilaria diimosa

36 volubilis

37 sjTmga

iutegi'a

38-

Plate XII.

39 Hydra viridis

40 Yirgularia mirabilis . .

41 PenDatiila phospliorea

42 Gorgonia rerrucosa . .

Plate XIII.

43 Adamsia palliata

44 Actinia Diantlius

45 Mesembryantli. . . .

Plate XIY.

46 Actinia crassicornis . . .

47 Iluantlios Scoticns

48 Luceruaria fascicularis
49 auricula

Plate XV.
5() Tubulipora flabcUaris. . .

51 Crisidia cornuta

52 Crisia eburnea

53 Eucratea chelata

54 Hippothoa catenularia .
55 divaricata

Plate XYI.
56 Anguinaria spatbulata .
57 truncata

Page

. 168
. 163
. 166
. 165

. ]88
197

. 194
205

228
254
242

251

260
261
262

274
284
281
286
292
293

287
288

Fig.

58 Gemellaria loriculata..

59 GemiceUaria Bursaria

60 Alecto major

Plate XVII.

61 Cellipora ramulosa

62 CeHularia ciliata

63 Plustra foliacea

64 truncata

65 Membraniporapilosa..

Plate XVIII.

66 Lepralia ciliata

G7 pcdiostoma

68 annulata

69 grauifera

70 mclolontba

71 Gattyre

Plate XIX.

72 Cellularia avicularia . . .

73 Kctepora Beaniana

74 Salicorn. farciminoides

75 Beania mirabilis

7Q Serialaria lendigera

Plate XX.

77 A^'esicularia spinosa , . .

78 Valkeria Cuscuta

79 FarrcUa producta

80 MimoseUa gi'acilis

Page

. 296

. 297
. 279

300
337
346
348
328

323
316
313
309
319
326

341
361
362
369
367

368
370
374
376

POPULAU

HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

" The treasures of Nature are inexhaustible. Here is employment enough
for the vastest parts, the most indefatigable industries, the happiest opportu-
nities, the most prolix and undisturbed vacancies ; and for our encouragement
in this study observe what the Psalmist saith : ' The works of the Lord are
great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.' " — Ray.

" How sweet to muse upon the skill display'd
(Infinite skill !) in aU that He hath made.
To trace in Nature's most minute design
The signature and stamp of power divine." — Cowper.

According to a well-known axiom of Liunseus^ " stones
groWj vegetables grow and live, animals grow, live^ and feel."
In writing a former little volume on Seaweeds, much as I
admired these ocean-flowers, I felt that they wanted one
charm : for though in one sense, according to Linnseus, they

B

2 HISTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

might be said to live, thej were not sentient beings, — tliey
did not feel. A true lover of nature, however, treats them
with kindliness, as if they enjoyed life. We have known
amiable enthusiasts, who, without holding it as a fixed prin-
ciple, acted as if the plants they admired and loved really
had sentient life. The late Mr. James Smith, of Monk-
woodgrove in Ayrshire, was a person of this description.
They tell that when he was constrained to cut down a tree
that was overshadowing other plants in his garden, he blind-
folded himself that he might not see the wounds which the
axe inflicted. When he was showing the beauties of his
greenhouse one day to two ladies, friends of mine, one of
them said to him, " Mr. Smith, what is that in the flower-
pot ? it is very like a nettle/' His answer was, " Indeed,
ma'am, it is just a nettle, but it grew up sae bonnily, puir
thing, that I could not think to pn' it.'' Though we may
not go the length of sparing the nettle in our mercy, who
would wantonly injure a flower ? AYere we to see a young
lady tearing the petals of a lovely rose, she would immeth-
ately appear less loveable in our eyes, for it would prove that
she was dead to the charms of one of the most beautiful
works of God. She has torn and cast to the ground what
the fairest fingers and the greatest human skill could never

INTRODUCTION. 3

have formed ; and whether we look at the green leaves^ the
mossy caljx, the beautifully arranged crimson petals of the
corolla, or are refreshed by its fragrant perfume, sweet as Sa-
bean odours, there must be a lack of taste if we do not admire
it, and a want of something better than taste if we do not
acknowledge it as a kind gift of God to man. He drove us
from Paradise when it was polluted by sin, but he has per-
mitted some of the sweets of Eden to follow us ; and by
giving us the true Rose of Sharon and Lily of the Yalley,
he seeks to melt our hard hearts, and to win us back to a
heavenly Paradise, where the flowers never wither, and where
the sun of glory and blessedness never goes down.

Beautiful as seaweeds are, we felt, as we have said, in
studying and describing them, that they were less interesting
because they were destitute of sentient life. We are glad
that we have now mounted a step higher in the order of
nature, and that we are now to treat of creatures that grow,
and live, and feel. The name Zoo^jhjte, however, would
seem to imply that it is only one remove, or rather, only
half-removed from inanimate nature, the Greek words from
which the term is derived signifying a living plant. But
this name was given to it when its nature was imperfectly
understood ; and it still retains the name, though it is now

4 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

allowed that there is nothing in its growth similar to the
growth of plants. The polype, that is, the animal part,
grows, and increases in size like other animals ; the polypi-
dom, hoAvever, the house or covering of the polypes, though
it grows, has nothing vegetable in its growth, but is caused
to increase in size somewhat in the way that a shell is en-
larged to suit the increasing size of its inhabitant.

Were we writing the biographical account of any distin-
guished person, or the history of any remarkable family,
we should be disposed to trace their pedigree as far back
as we could, especially if there A^ere anything illustrious
in the origin ; nor would we fail to mention tlie existing
relatives of the individual, and the various branches of the
family, though widely spread throughout foreign lands, pro-
vided they reflected honour on the person, or were creditable
to the family we had undertaken to describe. The families
of which we are about to treat, can, at all events, boast of
their antiquity, for they are at least as ancient as the period
of the flood. We know of no individuals, however, who
have risen to extraordinarv distinction, from low betnnnincrs
growing in excellence, and rising to high renown. There
has been no such wonderful development. The Sertularia;
that wave their plumes in the sea in the present day, are

INTRODUCTION.

not ill tlie least more skilful than those that lived imme-
diately after the deluge. But they can boast of kindred
who were great before the flood, which have for ever passed
away, though their existence is proved by their wonderful
remains buried in the rocks in every place of our land.
And they can more proudly boast of kindred yet alive in
foreign climes, numerous almost as the sand on the sea-
shore, which have abeady achieved, what human power
could never have accomplished; and which with unwearied
assiduity are still carr3dng on works, which the united
eiforts of myriads of millions of mankind would in vain
attempt to effect. It will easily be understood that we are
speakiug of the coral-forming zoophytes of foreign seas.
They have wrought wonders in the deep in ages that are
past. According to my ingenious friend Mr. Eitchie^s dyna-
mical theory of the formation of the earth, zoophytes aud
other apulmonic creatures were the only animals that existed
in the preadamitic seas, when darkness brooded over the
face of the deep, and ere God had yet said, " Let there be
light, and there was light ;" — that during countless ages
they were working the work assigned to them by their
Creator, gradually forming the crust of the earth. At
whatever period the work was done, most evident is it that

6 HISTORY OF BEITISH ZOOPHYTES.

zoophytes must have greatly abounded in the primitive seas,
and that then, as now, theii' constant employment was to
separate the carbonate of lime from the waters, thus forming
a habitation for themselves, but at the same time uncon-
sciously raising in the deep what was afterwards to be
the residence of men, and what was to furnish materials for
constructing the cottages of the poor and the palaces of the
rich. Most certain it is that the mountain limestone, wliich
abounds throughout our land, so useful in agriculture, in
architecture, and in the manufacture of iron the most use ful
of metals, was prepared at the bottom of the sea to answer
all these important purposes. In breaking up the limestone
found in our quarries there is abundant proof of its marine
origin, for the organic remains, in general so plentifully
found in it, are evidently those of molluscous creatures, and
of zooph}i;es and other animals known to be denizens of the
deep. AYell do I remember the delight I experienced many
years ago at finding in a little fertile field in my glebe at
Stevenston, to which I had recently given a top-dressing of
lime from Hullerhirst, in the same Ayrshire parish, the
pretty entire remains of a Cassis, or helmet-shell, similar in
some degree to those from foreign lands, wliich are so often
placed as ornaments on our mantel-pieces. Though it had

INTRODUCTION. 7

passed thi'ough the lime-kiln, it still retained not only its
form, but also some traces of its original colouring. It was
sent to the Natural History Museum of the University of
Edinburgh, where, I doubt not, it remains to this day. In
the same limestone quarry I have gathered various Frodiccti,
Terebratidce, Nucula, Sjoirifers, &c. Asaplius caudatiis has
occasionally been found, and a star -fish of the Ophiura
family. Encrinites are also there, and at times pretty
Flustra-YikQ zoophytes, as fresh on the rock as if their
lacy web had been woven yesterday. The richness of this
fossil deposit was first discovered by my lamented friend
George Gardner, Esq., whose sudden death in Ceylon gave
so mucli grief when he was rising to so great eminence in
the scientific world. In one of our muscological expedi-
tions he had separated from us for a little and wandered
into the quarry. On returning to us he held up exultingly
some Terehratula and a Trilohite, and to our eager inquiry
whether there were any more of them, he replied, " Abun-
dance, they are just Jiotching." A knowledge of Scotch is
necessary to see the force and drollery of this expression.
Our polished jambs and chimney mantel-pieces of our native
marbles, owe much of their beauty to the remains of more
magnificent zoophytes than are now to be found in our

8 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

British seas, showing that, under Providence, they had played
no inferior part in the olden times in the preparation of what
was to gratify the taste and to contribute to the comfort and
happiness of the inhabitants of our land in the present day.
But their place in our seas is now occupied by those tinier
tribes which we are to attempt to describe ; zoophytes, as
respectable in size and as indefatigable and efficient as the
antique, are even now carrying on their mighty operations in
the great Pacific Ocean. Our recent British zoophytes have
even now, in the Mediterranean Sea, many kindred tribes,
wliich afford employment to some thousands of active seamen
in collecting their beautiful works, as well as scope for the
taste and industry of many neat-handed artificers ashore, by
forming the coral into toys for children, as well as beautiful
ornaments for the gay and affluent. Mediterranean corals
constitute an article of commerce, and are diligently sought
for by persons who fit out vessels for the purpose. They
are generally branched in the form of shrubs, and they are
broken off from the rocks to which they adhere by long
hooked poles. When a crop of corals has been obtained
from a habitat, they who are engaged in the trade do not
visit the same place again for about a dozen years, treating
the corals as they would the wood of a forest by land.

INTRODUCTION. 9

After ten or twelve years of repose the branches have become
a foot or sixteen inches long, and are again ready for the
market. They vary much in price, according to the fineness
of their tints and the compactness of their structure, — the
finest bringing ten guineas an ounce, and the inferior ones
not above a shilling a pound.

These Mediterranean corals hold as it were a middle
place betwixt our own tiny zoophytes, and the magnificent
corals of the great Pacific Ocean. The rate at which the
latter grow or increase in size has not yet been accurately
ascertained, though it is a matter which bears on questions
of considerable scientific importance. Some say that the
reefs on which their operations are carried on do not grow
above six inches in a hundred years ; others again say that
from their own observation they are convinced that they
grow a foot in a few years. The truth, it is probable, lies
between these statements. The rate of growth, as we have
said, of Mediterranean corals, has been ascertained with
considerable accuracy — not by scientific naturalists, but by
rough sailors, who find it their interest to know how often
their coral groves yield a fi*esh crop. Though the rate of
growth of our native zoophytes is in many cases matter of
uncertainty, yet as we find some of them a foot in height

10 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

growing on Alg?e probably not more than two years old,
the growth of the zoophyte must be pretty rapid. The
growth of Fhistra foUacea is often very considerable on
LaminaricB e\idently only a year old. We have seen the
silvery web overspreading the frond of a Lamhiaria several
feet in extent, though the plant was not in all likelihood
more than two years old. Though the growth, then, of
corals in the Pacific may not be so rapid as even the Me-
diterranean corals, yet from analogy we are disposed to
conclude that their growth is by no means so slow as some
imagine.

But slow or not slow, as coral reefs and coral islands are
chiefly the work of marine artificers which are nearly allied
in their nature to our British Zoophytes, which we mean
to describe, and as their operations are carried on much in
the same manner, we are paving the way for the study of
the less, when we turn our attention for a little to the
greater. It is like applying the magnifying glass to what is
minute when we become better acquainted with the larger
sized relatives. And certainly there is scarcely anything in
the whole range of Natural History more deser\ang of our
attention, or better fitted to fill us with wonder and admira-
tion, than when we see that the great Creator can, by means

INTRODUCTION. 11

that might seem to us the feeblest, work out the most
astonishing results. Great advantage would redound to us
from this study of Natural History,, were we more diligently
to cultivate the habit of seeing the goodness and wisdom
and power of God in the works of his hands. It is not
enough that we admire beauty and exquisite workmanship,
and astonisliing results : we should seek habitually to behold
not only the wisdom and power of God in these beautiful
works, but the great kindness of our Heavenly Father in
evidently caring so much for the happiness of the various
creatures he has formed.

WilHams, in his 'Missionary Enterprises,' when about
to give an account of some of the coral reefs and islands of
the South Seas, says: — "The great object for whioh all
knowledge should be sought, and for which it ought to be
employed, is to illustrate the wisdom or goodness of the
great and beneficent Creator. And if we come to the study
of natural phenomena with minds uncliilled by scepticism
or infidelity, we shall be led to sublime religious contempla-
tions ; and whether we examine the little coral insect of the
ocean, or gaze upon the gigantic beast of the forest ; whether
we study the httle glow-worm which twinkles upon the
bank, or the celestial luminaries performing their appointed

12 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

revolutions in majestic silence amidst the vast expanse of
infinity, Avitli an ancient and scientific king we shall be led
to exclaim, 'How manifold, O God, are all Thy works; in
wisdom hast Thou made them all/

"In all our prying researches after knowledge, it is
necessary that the mind be firmly established upon two
great points — the belief in a Divine creative agency, and in
the Divine authenticity of the Sacred Scriptures ; having a
thorough conviction of the truth of the facts recorded, and
of the correctness of the principles laid down. "Without
these our minds will be led into a dark mysterious void,
instead of having our thoughts carried up to the Father of
light and of life.

" With these principles as our ballast, we may launch uur
bark, without any apprehension, upon the broad ocean of
science, explore its coasts, and fathom its depths ; but desti-
tute of them our vessel will be in perpetual storm amidst
rocks and shoals, without a rudder, a compass, or a chart.

" Thus equipped, you may accompany the geologist into
the bowels of the earth, and examine its wondrous structure ;
and you will return with an overwhelming conviction that
the ' Eternal God made the earth by his power, that tlie
pillars of it are his, and that he has set the world upon

INTUODUCTION. 13

them/ With the astronomer you may ascend the skies,
contemplate with ecstasy the movements of the heavenly
bodies, and with the scientific Psalmist you will exclaim,
' The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament
showeth his handiwork/ With the voyager you may visit
distant climes, and viewing man in all his multiplied and
varied characters, you will be convinced that ' God hath
made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the
earth/ Thus it is that in every age the evidences of re-
vealed rehgion have advanced with the progress of sound
knowledge. Indeed, it cannot be otherwise; for the God
of Nature, whose operations it is the province of science to
explore, is the God of the Bible; and, as the God of truth,
he cannot set forth in his word principles at variance with
those which, as the God of Nature, he has established in
the material world. Both systems of knowledge, thus ema-
nating from the same source, must harmonize with each
other ; for the Bible is something like a new edition of the
book of nature, with a splendid appendix, which makes
known the wonderful scheme of human redemption. If
there is any apparent discrepancy in these editions of this
same great work, it arises from our> inability rightly to de-
cipher the characters employed."

14 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

" If His word once teach us, shoot a ray-
Through all the heart's dark chambers, and reveal
Tniths undiscerued but by that holy light.
Then all is plain. Philosophy baptized
In the pui'c fountain of eternal love.
Has eyes indeed : and, viewing all she sees
As meant to indicate a God to man,
Gives Him his praise, and forfeits not her own." — Cowper.

The smallest fragment of coral is an object of interest.
It is covered with perforations, but these punctures are not
intended merely to add to its beauty. Every one of these
little holes, or cells as they are called, was the habitation
of an industrious polype. During its whole life it was
building up its beautiful abode, and that without any pain-
ful effort on the part of the inmate, wliich was all the while
enjoying itself amidst the eastern waves, spreading out its
numerous tentacula in search of food abounding in the
waters ; or if tlireatened wdth being made the prey of some
rapacious neighbour, ready on the slightest warning to re-
treat into its coral cave, where it was safe as amidst the
munition of rocks.

\Vhen we admire a specimen of coral on our mantel-
piece or in the cabinet of the curious, few are aware that
we see not half its beauty. We have before us a portion of

INTRODUCTION. 15

a beautifully built city ; but where are its gay and active in-
habitants? When in its native position in the deep, the
numerous inhabitants appeared in bright array at the portals
of their houses, like a happy assemblage of living flowers,
not inferior in beauty to the flowers which adorn our gar-
dens. Many of our sailors, who bring home to their
friends beautiful fragments of coral^ are not aware that they
were once inhabited; for as they were collected when left
uncovered by the tide, the inmates were unseen, having
retreated into their moist cells till the waves should revisit
them. A ship-master told me that on his first voyage to
the South Seas, being dehghted with the beautiful corals
which abounded on the shore, he resolved to bring home
presents to his friends in Scotland, and laid in a good sup-
ply ; but he had not been many days at sea when his col-
lection became so unsavoury that he was glad to throw the
whole into the deep. On a secolid voyage he profited by
past experience, and having enclosed his corals in a net he
plunged them into the sea, and fastening the net by a rope
to the stern, he allowed it to be dragged in the wake of the
vessel for several days. When hauled up at the end of this
time, the corals were found to be s>veet and pure. The
little scavengers of the deep had entered the minutest cell^

16 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

and had eaten up what, in consequence of putrefaction,
would soon, as on a former occasion, have sent forth an
offensive odour.

How little do we think of the constant care of God for
the comfort and happiness of his creatures. He gives even
the minutest of them their food in due season, and very
often, in furnishing a table for them, he is, through their
instrumentality, removing what would not only have led
to the discomfort, but would have proved injurious to the
health of his rational creatures. Were the miUions of
animals that are constantly dying allowed to lie till they
were utterly decomposed, they would pollute the waters and
spread infection in the air. There are, however, on land,
beetles that are grave-diggers, and worms that drag into
their holes in the earth dead animal and vegetable matter.
If a naturalist wishes to have a well-cleaned skeleton of
bird or fish, he has only to place it in a pond filled with
tadpoles; or if he be in Eastern lands, let him expose it
for a night to a colony of white ants, and every particle of
flesh or fish will be eaten away, and the beautifully-cleaned
skeleton alone will remain. How delightfully refreshing is
it to walk on the sea-shore, where a person feels as if he
were drinking in health to both body and mind ; — and yet

INTRODUCTION. 1 7

the shore would be far from being either pleasant or whole-
some if all the rejectamenta of the deep were allowed to
remain. But man has discovered that what the ancients
accounted wortliless seaweed^ is a precious gift from the
sea to the land, and it is consequently carted away, often
miles inland, that it may impart a richer verdure to the
pasture-fields, and greater fertility to what is under the
plough. There are also innumerable httle creatures on the
shore ready to feast on the dead animals brought to them
by the tide. The very mice from the adjoining sand-hills
know the time of low water, and though they do not ven-
ture forth in broad daylight, they may often be seen foraging
among the seaweeds in the evening. Tlocks of sea-birds,
however, carry on their operations by day; and even land-
birds know the turn of the tide, and flock down to cater on
the strand. Eooks fail not to visit the shore, that thev
may feast on the shell-fish forsaken by the tide. The saga-
city they exhibit in reaching the contents of those bivalves
that are closed, and which their strong bills could neither
break nor open, is deserving of notice. They carry them
up to a considerable height, and, allowing them to drop on
the rocks, find on their descent that they are broken, and
that the feast of shells is ready spread for them ; or, if not

c

18 HISTOUY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

broken by the first fall, tliey carry tliem up to a greater
height, that they may descend with increased impetus.
Such are some of the various ways in which an all- wise God
beneficently acts unseen, overruling for good so many of the
actions of his creatures.

To return to our corals, however. If the smallest frag-
ment of coral is an object of interest, what bounds sliall
we set to our admiration when we consider that there are
thousands of islands, many of them of great extent, the
materials of which are chiefly formed by the coral-working
creatures ; — that in the Pacific Ocean, and amidst the South
Sea Islands, there are coral reefs extending hundreds of
miles, which have all the appearance of being the work of
these little marine artificers ! We may state that there is
a considerable diversity of opinion as to the extent of the
operation of coral polypes in the formation of these islands
and reefs, some arguing that only the upper portion can be
the work of the polypes, as it has been proved that they can-
not live at a greater depth than 30 or 50 fathoms. Even
granting that only 50 fathoms, or 300 feet, of the upper
part of the reef is their workmanshij), how prodigious even
then would be the accumulated amount of their 02)erations !
How much even then would they cast into the shade the

INTRODUCTION. 19

mightiest operations of man ! In a remote age the Egyp-
tian kingSj with a great nation at their command^ built the
pyramids which are still the wonder of the world ; but the
pyramids are but like children's baubles compared with
those reefs and islands, to the formation of which these tiny
worms have even on the lowest estimate so essentially con-
tributed.

As the formation of coral reefs is one of the most wonder-
ful tilings to which the eye of the naturalist can be tm'ned,
and as it is allowed by all that zoophytes contribute much
to the mighty work,, we are tempted to dwell a little on the
subject, and to give a brief account of some of the \dews
that have been taken of the matter.

It was for some time an opinion entertained by many
that as zoophytes cannot live at any great depth, they select
for the commencement of their operations some favourable
situation, such as the summit of submarine mountains;
and as many of the reefs are of a circular or an oval form,
this was accounted for by supposing that the little creatures
take as the foundation of the reef the crater of a submerged
volcano. It will scarcely be thought that this is a very
tenable supposition when we consider that the circum-
ference of many of the reefs would measure from fifty to

20 HISTOKY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

a hundred miles. These would indeed have been the craters
of tremendous volcanoes ! Instead of enumerating the
various theories, we shall merely give a short account of
one which has been much countenanced, and which cer-
tainly seems the most plausible and satisfactory of any with
which we are acquainted, AA"e refer to the theory of the
philoso])hical-minded Darwin, first, we believe, brought for-
ward in his interesting journal of the Voyages of the Bea-
gle, and afterwards more fully brought out in a separate
publication. He divides reefs into three classes : first,
fringing reefs; second, barrier reefs; third, atolls. The
fringing reef is that which is near to the shore, and along
the shore of an island or of a continent. The barrier reef
is along the shore of a continent or around an island, but
at the distance it may be of many miles from continent or
island. The barrier reef encloses an island, with some
miles of sea betwixt the reef and the island. The atoll
encloses only water, and the enclosed space is often called a
lagoon. In order to understand Mr. Darwin's theory it is
necessary to remember his tlu-ee kinds of reefs, though the
fringing reef, the barrier reef, and the atoll are only dif-
ferent phases of the same thing. We are to bear also in
mind that though the sea is proverbially changeable, the

INTRODUCTION. 21

stable earth, as we usually call it, is more changeable even
than the sea. We speak of the everlasting hills, but we
know that there was a time when the mountains had not
been brought forth, — that many of our own mountains bear
the strongest internal evidence that they have been upheaved
from the depths of the sea; and we know also that the
same power that thus brought them forth could again easily
submerge them in the watery deep. On a small scale,
there was an exemplification of this not long ago in the
Mediterranean, where what was called Graham^ s Island
arose in the sea, but after being visited by many as a new
island, again hid itself in the dark profound. On the coast
of South America, some thirty years ago it is well known
that the shore for several miles was considerably elevated,
leaving the seaweeds to wither and the fish to perish on dry
land ; while on other places of the coast there were depres-
sions, the sea gaining upon the land. Many of the peaked
islands in the Pacific are evidently of volcanic origin; and
it is on this interchange of upheaval and depression, but
more especially of gradual and long-continued submer-
gence, that Darwin's theory proceeds.

Let us take, then, one of these ^peaked volcanic islands,
that has been elevated to the height of 6000 feet above

22 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

the level of the sea, and let its diameter at the base be
twenty miles. Let us suppose that it has reached its ulti-
matum of upheaval, that all for a time is stable. Around
its shores our little active polypes will begin their opera-
tions, and in the course of time will form around the island
a fringing coral reef, the breadth of wliich will be consi-
derable if the shore, instead of being precipitous, is of a
shelving nature. Let us suppose, that when the fringing
reef is formed, the island begins to be depressed, to sink
again into the deep, and that this submergence for a
a lengthened period slowly but gradually goes on. The
fringing reef, however, goes down along with it ; and were
the polypes to raise their reef no higher they would soon
perish, for it has been ascertained that they cannot live
in a great depth of water. But it is their delight to
work, and their instinct to carry on their operations up-
wards; so that while the island is descending into the
depths, their reef is ascending. Let us suppose that the
island is conical, and that its diameter, which was twenty
miles at the base, is only ten miles half-way to the summit ;
and let us further suppose that the submergence has pro-
ceeded till the island, which was originally 0000 feet in
height, is only 3000, and its diameter at the water's edge

INTRODUCTION. 23

now reduced by a half also^ so as to be only ten miles.
Where now is the reef? It has not perished; its active
artificers have been incessantly employed in rearing it up,
and it is now at the surface of the water; but it is no
longer a fringing reef, but far out at sea ; for though close
to the shore when the diameter of the island at the water's
edge was twenty miles, it is far from the shore now, when the
diameter of the island at the water's edge is only ten miles.
The sea now occupies the intervening space, so that on all
sides the reef, which is now called a barrier reef, is five
miles from the island. Let the sinking of the island gra-
dually go on, and let the little polypes not slacken their
operations, and in process of time the island will wholly
disappear, and the reef, which the indefatigable marine
builders have raised to the sui-face, will be the only monu-
ment to show that there ever was an island within the
enclosing circle, which is no longer a barrier reef, but is
known by its Indian name — an atoll; and the lagoon of
placid waters, surrounded by the reef, is now twenty miles
in diameter, being the diameter of the island when the
original fringing reef was formed around its shores.

So long as the island was sinking the polypes wrought
upwards, but when the sinking ceased and the reef had

24 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

been raised to tlie sui'face^ the pel}' pes could raise it no
higher, for all their materials were found in tlie waters, and
they could not live out of the sea. The sea, for a time,
would roll over it, but when it reached the surface, sea-
weeds and branches of trees, and fragments of wrecked
vessels, and many other things floating in the deep, would
be entangled among the branching corals, and as they
became decomposed, soil would thereby be formed. The
reef, in general, is observed to be the highest to the wind-
ward, for though the hurricane might break off large frag-
ments they would often be heaped upon the reef; and under
water the polypes would soon repair the damage. Coral-
sand and shells broken by the storm would often be tossed
up and deposited on the reef. Penguins and other guano
birds would find it a resting-place, and would enrich it by
their droppings before it was a safe place for their nests.
The sea would bring the seeds of various plants ; cocoa-nuts
from adjoining islands would often be wafted by the waves,
and, as soon as any soil was formed, would vegetate and spring
up. Flowers, in course of time, would be intermingled,
and, ere long, the reef would become a beautiful garden,
abounding in all the shrubs, and trees, and flowers, and fruits,
which grow in such beauty and luxuriance in southern climes

INTRODUCTION. 25

Now, while this is the way in which the theory accounts
for the formation of barrier reefs surrounding islands, and
of atolls where no island remains, it is equally applicable
to barrier reefs extending longitudinally for many miles
along the coast of a continent at a considerable distance from
the shore, for at first there were fringing reefs close to the
land, but when by upheaval the shore became a raised beach,
the reefs, when built up by the polypes, were far out at sea.

The theory accounts satisfactorily also for those gaps or
gateways, one or more of wliich are found in every barrier
reef or atoll. The existence of such gaps might at first
seem fatal to the theory, for it might be said, had the po-
lypes reared the reef from the foundation, they would have
carried on their work uniformly, and would have left no
gaps; and yet had there been no gaps no vessel could ever
have fled for refuge into these lagoons of broad, peaceful,
sheltered waters. Wherever there is a high-peaked island,
the clouds, attracted and caught by the peaks, are condensed
into water ; the water forms rills, and the converging rills
in many cases become rivulets flowing into the sea. In an
island of considerable size we may well suppose two or three
of these mountain streams at different places will enter the
deep. Wherever a stream enters there is no fringing reef

26 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

formed^ for fresh-water kills the little marine polypes. This
accounts for the commencement of the gap, and it is not
difficult to account for the continuance of it. It might be
urged, that when the fringing reef has become a barrier
reef, and is so far removed from land that the stream in its
fresh state cannot reach it, then the polypes would resume
their operations, and would soon fill up the gap. This
would, doubtless, be the case had there been only the
influence of the fresh-water as a preventative, but the tide,
in its constant ebbiugs and flowings through the gap, would
always deposit mud and sand, which would be as injurious to
the polypes as the fresh- water, so that the gap begun by the
stream continues after the stream has lost its freshness, as
the rush of the tide and the filth that it carries along with
it is injurious to the life, and consequently to the work, of
the polypes. Hence it is that wherever there is a gap in
a barrier reef, it has been observed that it is opposite to a
place in the land where a stream enters the sea.

We trust we may be excused for dwelKng so long on the
mighty works of zoophytes in the Pacific Ocean, as they
are the kindred of those that inhabit our own seas. Our
most distinguished naturalists delight to write of them.
" Every one,^^ says my excellent friend Dr. Johnston, in his

INTRODUCTION. 27

' History of British Zoophytes/ — '' every one has read of
the coral islands of the tropical seas — how they grow from
the fathomless profound, and how they rise to-day by the
operations of puny insects, which, in countless numbers,
and in untold generations, effectuate changes on our globe,
superior, perhaps, to what all other animals united do,
and to which the greatest achievements of intellectual man
sink to insignificance/' Still stronger is the language
of Dr. Macculloch, in his ' History of the Western Islands/
''Their plants,'" says he, "are made of stone, and they
build dwellings. Dwellings ! they construct islands and
continents for the habitation of man. The labours of a
worm which man can hardly see, form mountains like the
Apennines, and regions to which Britain is as nothing. The
invisible, insensible toil of an ephemeral point, conspiring
with others in one great design — working unseen, unheard,
but for ever guided by one great volition, — by that one voli-
tion which cannot err, — converts the liquid water into the
solid rock, the deep ocean into dry land, and extends the
dominions of man — who sees it not, and knows it not, —
over regions which even his ships had scarcely traversed.
This is the great Pacific Ocean, destifled at some future pe-
riod to be a world. That same power which has thus wrought

28 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

by means which bHiid man would have despised as inade-
quate — by means wliich he has just discovered — here too
sliows the versatiUty, the contrast of its resources. In one
liour it lets loose the raging engines, not of its wrath, but
of its benevolence, and the volcano and the earthquake lift
up to the clouds the prop and the foundation of new worlds,
that from those clouds they may draw down the sources
of the rivers, the waters of fertility and 2)lenty."

" Millions of millions thus from age to age,
\N'ith simplest skill and toil unweariable,
No moment and no movement unemployed.
Laid line on line, on terrace terrace spread.
To swell the heightening, brightening, gradual mound,
By marvellous structure climbing towards the day.
Each wrought alone, yet altogether wrought
Unconscious, not unworthv instruments
By which a hand innsible was rearing
A new creation in the secret deep.
Omnipotence wrought in them, with them, by them ;
Heuce what Omnipotence alone could do
Worms did. I saw the liviug pile ascend,
The mausoleum of its architects.
Still dying upwards as their labours closed.
Slime the material, but the slime was turned
To adamant by their petrific touch :
Frail were their frames, ephemeral their lives,
Their masonry imperishable." — •/. Montgomery.

INTRODUCTION. 29

HISTORY OF ZOOPHYTOLOGY.

" Mankind must necessarily be diversified by various tastes, since life affords
and requires such multii^licity of employments, and a nation of naturalists is
neither to be hoped or desired ; but it is surely not improper to point out a
fresh amusement to those who languish in health, and repine in plenty for
want of some source of diversion that may be less easily exhausted ; and to in-
form the multitudes of both sexes who are burdened with every new day, that
there are many shows which they have not seen." — Br. Samuel Johnson.

Dr. Samuel Johnson, from whom tlie above is taken, with
all his talent and with all his rich stores of knowledge,
was not a naturalist, and few comparatively in liis day
had paid any attention to natural science. Yery few in
Great Britain had at that time any acquaintance with Zoo-
phytology. It is little more than a centm-y since it began
to be regarded as a distinct department of natural science.
Before entering on the History of British Zoophytes, it
may be interesting and useful to give some general his-
tory of the science, and a brief account of some of the
naturalists to whom the science has chiefly been indebted.
It was customary of old in Scotland to raise cairns as
monumental remembrances of departed chieftains who had
distinguished themselves in their day and generation, and

30 HISTOHY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

every one who had a respect for the memory of the de-
ceased brought a stone to add to the heap. Yery willingly
then would we, as a humble member of the Zoophytic
clan, add our stone to the cairn of the chieftains that have
gone before us, and if in our poverty we have nothing fresh
to contribute, we will lift the stone Avhich our masters have
added, and having held it up and looked at it with reverence,
we shall respectfully return it to the venerable cairn. In
this brief sketch, as in almost everything else in this Httle
work, I shall chiefly draw from my respected friend Dr. George
Jolmston, whose admirable work on British Zoophytes is so
well known and so much valued in the scientific world.

Those natural productions to which our attention is to be
directed were called zoophytes, it is probable, at a time when
it was thought by many that they were a connecting link
betwixt the animal and the vegetable kingdoms ; that though
it could no longer be denied that they contained animals,
yet that they were indebted for their growth to an inherent
principle of vegetation. The name, though no longer re-
garded as ai)propriate in this sense, may still be retained as
suitable for some of them at least, as having the outward
appearance of sea-plants, but being in reality formed by the
little polypes inhabiting their numerous tubes or cells.

INTRODUCTION. 31

Long had they been regarded as within the domain of the
botanist. He laid claim to them as his subjects on various
grounds. They often had the external appearance of little
shrubs ; — they did not^like animals^ move from place to place,
but remained permanently in the same situation, attached to
other objects by fibres much resembling roots of sea-plants.
Some, from their hard and stony nature, were disposed to
place them in the mineral kingdom, alleging that they either
were crystallizations formed from calcareous sediment, or by
some natural incrustation of seaweeds. In support of these
theories more might have been adduced than at that time
they were able to do. It is now found that what were called
lithophytes, nullipores, and corallines, do really belong to
the vegetable kingdom, — such as Jania ruhens, Corcdlina
officinalis, and the various Melohesim ; and as such they are
figured and described in Harvey^s magnificent ' Phycologia.^
How they contrive to clothe themselves in these stony habi-
liments, is one of the secrets of Nature known only to Him
who can mix flint with the green integument of Equisetum,
and iron in the stems of some of our cereal grasses. Tliat
Jania ruhens and the other nullipores, however, are of vege-
table growth is no longer matter of conjecture, for on the
application of a powerful acid their calcareous clothing is

82 HISTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

removed, and they stand forth in their nakedness as true
vegetables, — so that the mineralogists must give them up.

Nor would those who favoured the theory of crystalliza-
tion have less to say ; for certainly there are crystalHzations
which have every appearance of belonging to the vegetable
kingdom. There are agates which go under the name of
moss-agates, and there are the pretty native mocha-stones,
Bome of which I have collected in the north of Ireland,
which contain what have all the appearance of beautiful
mosses, though it is now well known that they are mineral
crystallizations. In a limestone quarry at Moneymore, in
Ireland, I gathered nodules which, on the purely white
calcareous ground, had, in dark colours, drawn by the
inimitable pencil of Nature, figures which one miglit have
taken for impressions of some of tne finest specimens of
muscology in the antediluvian world. At the lead-mines
at Carsphairn, in Galloway, I got a dendritic crystallization
of manganese, one of the finest I had ever seen. The stone
was greywacke, but, as if to prepare the canvas for the
intensely black pencilling of manganese, there was on the
stone a white calcareous coating on which the figure was
laid in a branching way, three inches in length and two in
breadth, like a little shrub, or rather like a marine plant.

INTRODUCTION. 33

such as a Delesseria alata. Beautiful as this was^ it was
equalled, if not surpassed, by specimens given me by a
friend who gathered them at Tintock, a well-known hill in
Lanarkshire. The stone was fine reddish felspar, and on
this delicate ground the dark crystallizations arose some
inches in height, much resembling a miniature grove of
elegant pine-trees. And these specimens, worthy of a place
in any cabinet, could be gathered in abundance, being
broken down for road-metal, soon to be trodden by the foot
of man and horse, or to be triturated by the crushing
wheels of aristocratic carriages or of heavy ignoble wains.

It is rather curious that a few hours after I had written
the description of these beautiful crystalKzations, I inci-
dentally got some insight into the way in which they are
formed in the great laboratory of JN^atui'e. The process, in
all hkelihood, is known to many; but as it was a pleasant
little discovery to me, I shall mention it for the instruction
and amusement of some of my young friends — who may be
as ignorant of the matter as I was myself. Having some
iodine in a hermetically sealed phial, I had occasionally
amused myself and others by heating the phial at the fire,
or at a candle or gas flame, and seeing it immediately filled
with most beautiful violet-coloiu'ed vapour. Wishing to

34 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

gratify some ladies who were fond of natural science, I put
a little iodine into a small pliial, and having corked it, I
thought, before giving it to the ladies, that I would try
whether it answered my expectations ; so, holding it in the
flame of the fire, I soon had the pleasure of seeing the
little bottle filled with the violet"^ fumes. The vapour dis-
appeared so soon as the phial cooled. This I expected :
but obser\ing that there was a deposit on the glass inside,
I applied a pretty powerful pocket-lens to it, and was de-
lighted to find that the deposit which dimmed the glass
consisted of beautiful dendritic crystallizations very much
resembling those moss-like figures which I had admired on
the Irish limestone. This is an experiment which, with the
same enclosed particles of iodine, may be repeated as often
as you choose ; and on every repetition there will be a new
set and arrangement of figures, like the numberless changes
that take place on shaking a kaleidoscope.

"When theories are plausible, they often keep their ground
for a considerable time in the minds of many, even after
accurate observers have become acquainted with the truth,
and have ventured to pubHsh it. The light of truth on
this subject began to dawn about the close of the sixteenth

* lodiue takes its name from the Greek word for a violet.

INTRODUCTION. 35

century. Imperato, a j^'eapolitaii, seems to have been the
first to state, as the result of his own observation, that
corals and madrepores were the work of living creatures
who dwelt in them. What reception his pubHcation met
with from the naturalists of that day we have not been able
to learn. Though this work was illustrated by figures, a
second edition of it did not appear till seventy- one years
afterwards (1672), when the author, I doubt not, had
passed away from the land of the living. Even then it
seems to have been little read, for when Peysonnel, more
than half a century afterwards, communicated the same dis-
coveries to the Academy of Sciences in Paris, they deemed
it quite new to them, and they appear to have treated the
discoverer with scorn as a fanciful dreamer, or as a presum-
ing upstart, who wished to be wiser than his neighbours.

There were several things that contributed to the unfa-
vourable reception which PeyssonneFs discoveries met with.
Some time before. Count Marsigh, a scientific Italian, had
written on the subject, and though he described the animals
he had seen in the corals, he had represented them as the
flowers of the corals. It was too venturesome for a young
man but little known to enter the field against a learned
Count, and with that modesty that generally accompanies

36 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

true worth, he entrusted the statement of his opinions to
Reaumur, who was to conceal his name. Even in this choice
he was unfortunate, though probably at the time he could
not have selected a better. Reaumur stated his opinions,
but so far was he from supporting them that he wrote an
essay, with objections to what he considered a new theory, and
gave a preference to the theory which regarded them as vege-
table productions.

It is recorded of Galileo, when he rose from his knees
after making the humbling recantation of his novel and then
heretical doctrine of the revolutions of the earth, that he
said, sotio voce, " It still moves ;" — so we doubt Peyssonnel,
in spite of the taunts and sneers of the Academicians, would
persist in saying they are neither flowers nor crystallizations,
but living creatures. He had all the world against liim till
1741, when, — owing to the discoveries of M. Trcmbley, re-
specting the animality of the fresh-water Ilj/dra, and the Plu-
hatella, which excited such wonder, — the tide fairly turned.
Bernard de Jussieu and some otlier distingaished naturalists
were led to examine the marine corals and corallines, and
soon found that Peyssonners doctrine was the true one, and
extended to many more zoophytes than he had examined.
Even Reaumur was convinced, and did justice at last to

INTRODUCTION, 37

^eyssonnel by becoming the hearty advocate of opinions
which lie had formerly sought to refute. Peyssonnel was
still alive and no doubt would hear with much satisfaction
the change which had taken place, and, encouraged by it,
he sent in 1752, to the Eoyal Society of London, a treatise
on coral and other marine productions, the result of his own
observations for thirty years. At first it was favourably re-
ceived, but unfortunately for Peyssonnel, Dr. Parsons, a
naturalist of some reputation and of great influence in the
Eoyal Society, undertook to refute the statements made by
Peyssonnel ; and at a period when few of the members of the
society had tested the matter by personal observation, the
plausible blustering of Parsons seems for a time to have
overborne the truth. He considered the animals in the
corals as mere accidental settlers, totally inadequate to the
great works ascribed to them. " And indeed it would seem
to me," says Parsons, " much more difficult to conceive that
so fine an arrangement of parts, such masses as these bodies
consist of, and such regular ramifications in some, and such
well-contrived organs to serve for vegetation in others,
should be the operations of little, poor, helpless, jelly-like
animals, rather than the work of more sure vegetation,
which carries on the growth of the tallest and largest trees

38 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

with the same natural ease and influence as the minutest*
plant/'

At the same time also, Henrv Baker, who had \mtten on
the 'Employment of the Microscope,' dischari^'cd his last
arrow in defence of the mineral tlieory. In using the mi-
croscope, he had no doubt observed the beautiful and regu-
lar crystallizations which salts and earths and metals assume,
and he stoutly argued that the seeming sea-plants were no-
thing more than crystallizations. '^ The rocks in the sea,''
he says, " on wdiich these corals are produced, are undoubt-
edly replete with mineral salts, some whereof near their sur-
face, being dissolved by sea-water, must consequently satu-
rate with their saline particles the water round them to a
small distance, where blending with the stony matter with
which sea-water always abounds, little masses will be consti-
tuted here and there and affixed to the rocks. Such adher-
ing masses may be termed roots: which roots attracting the
saline and stony particles, according to certain laws in na-
ture, may produce branched or other figures, and increase
gradually by an apposition of particles, becoming thicker
near the bottom where the saline matter is more abounding,
but tapering or diminishing toward the extremities where
the mineral salts must be fewer in proportion to their

INTRODUCTION. 39

distance from the rocks whence they originally proceed."
Where the truth is not known, how plausibly can error be
dressed up, so as to satisfy many, and keep them from search-
ing for the truth !

But though error in various forms was more acceptable
to many than truth, the glimpses of truth that had been
obtained revived discussion, and set men to think and to
observe. So long as there is no actual observation the war
of words and of opinions may be carried on and victory
claimed by the several disputants, though not one of them
may be entitled to bear away the palm. In this instance,
however, it w^as soon to be won by a member of the
Eoyal Society, who though he could not fail to hear of the
statements made by MM. Peyssonnel, Trembley, and others,
does not seem to have been influenced by them, as he brings
forward his own most important statements as the result of
his own observations made when engaged in botanical pur-
suits. The person to whom I refer was John Ellis, a Lon-
don merchant, who from seeing the pol3^pes in some of our
British zoophytes, caught a convincing glimpse of the true
state of the matter, and prosecuted the study with such
ardent zeal that in ]755 he published a work entitled 'An
Essay towards a Natural History of Corallines and other

40 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

marine productions of the same kind, commonly fonud on
the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland \ — " A work/^ says
Dr. George Johnston, a most competent judge, ^' so com-
plete and accui'ate, that it remains an unscarred monument
of his well-earned reputation as a philosophical inquirer,
and is even to this day the principal source of our know-
ledge in this department of natural history.^'

As a proof of the rapid spread of the reputation of this
work, we may mention that, before a year clajised, a trans-
lation of it into the French language was published at the
Hague, dedicated by M. Hondt, the translator, to her ma-
jesty the Queen of Sweden. I have a copy of that work
published in 1756, with illustrations from the same plates
that were em])loyed in the original work. And yet, precious
as the work is, even in a translation, it is mortifying to find
that it has never been read, for it has remained uncut. This
would say little for the popularity of the treatise, did we not
conjecture that it must have fallen into the hands of per-
sons unacquainted with the French language, and therefore
ignorant of the value of the treasure in their possession.

It is very interesting to learn from the relation which
Ellis himself gives, the way in which the light broke in upon
him. About the close of the year 1751 (and one hundred

INTRODUCTION. 41

years ago)^ having received a curious collection of marine
plants and corallines, some of them from the Isle of An-
glesey in North Wales, and others from Dublin, and wish-
ing to preserve the rarest and most beautifully coloured of
them, he spread them on paper in water, laying out with
care their ramifications and fine filaments, according to the
method of M. Buttner, a celebrated botanist of Berlin, to
whom, he says, he was indebted for many other very useful
practices in botany, so that we see that this mode of pre-
paring seaweeds, so common now, was new to this country
a century ago, though from what follows he does not seem
to have pressed them so as to cause them to adhere to the
paper, which is now the general practice, but kept them free,
as some still do, when the weeds are meant for fancy-work.
After the plants were dried, he fastened them on boards
covered with white paper, in such a manner as that they
formed a kind of landscape. His friend Dr. Hales, having
one day seen his pictures thus formed, was so delighted with
them, that he wished him to prepare some of a similar kind
for her Eoyal Highness the Princess Dowager of Wales, in
order that the young princesses, her daughters, might amuse
themselves in trying to imitate them"; and that the marine
paintings might be as perfect as possible, he besought him

42 HISTORY OP BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

to collect all the different kinds of sea-plants found on our
shores. He complied with the request, and being aided
in his search by Mr. Shelvocke, secretary of the General
Post Office, and by some friends in Ireland, he prepared the
landscapes and had the honour of presenting them to her
Royal Highness, by whom they were graciously received ;
and we may add, that these very pictures, which were pre-
pared for the amusement of tlie young princesses, have long
survived the royal damsels, and are still to be seen carefully
preserved in the British Museum in London.

The great variety of plants that Mr. Ellis received at
this time led him to set about arranging them according to
their several classes, and genera, and species, taking as his
guide Eaj^'s ' Synopsis of British Plants.'' That he might
do this more accurately, he employed the microscope ; and,
by tlie aid of this instrument, he discovered that some of
them were so different in their nature, that he was more in-
clined to rank them in tlie animal than in the vegetable
kingdom. Having arranged them according to his mind,
he presented them to the Royal Society, along with a dis-
sertation explaining Ids views with respect to their nature ;
but as he still had doubts as to some of them, he went, in
August, 1752, to the Isle of Sheppey, near the coast of

INTEODUCTION. 43

Kent, that he might examine these marine productions in
their native locality, more especially those respecting which
he was doubtful, taking with him his microscope, and a
skilful artist to prepare figures of the objects examined.
On examining them in sea- water, very soon were his doubts
dissipated, and he became thoroughly convinced that what
had been regarded as plants were nothing else than the
nests of animals, which he saw alive and which protruded
from the cells in which they were enclosed, organs like
little branches or filaments.

In June, 1754, Mr. Ellis went to the coast of Sussex,
taking with him Mr. Ehret, to sketch figures of whatever
the microscope enabled them to discover. He sent an ac-
count of this excursion, along with the figures, to the Eoyal
Society, who honoured the whole with their approbation.
In plate 9, for instance, he gives a very good figure, of the
natural size, of Antennularia antenninaj and also one of its
branches magnified such as they saw it in the water by the
aid of the microscope; and in this are seen the polypes,
sending from their cells their tentacula in the form of Httle
star-fish. In plate 29, also, there is a figure of Flustra
foUacea of the natural size, with one of the polypes magni-
fied. It was then also tliat he discovered the true nature and

44 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

use of the vesicles which arc seen abundantly in many of
the zoophytes. Some who had observed them thought that
they were merely air-vessels to aid in floating the corallines,
like the air-vessels which answer that purpose so well in
many marine plants. So long as corallines were thought
to belong to the vegetable kingdom, these vesicles had
been regarded as the seed-vessels, and Ellis himself had
at first been disposed to regard them as such. lie now
discovered, however, that these vesicles were the habitations
of the young polypes, — that they might be regarded as cor-
responding to the buds proceeding from the bodies of fresh-
water polypes, only that, like the parent, they were defended
by a calcareous covering, and that when they approached
maturity they drop])ed off, to become independent animals,
of the same kind as those from which they sprang.

Not only did Ellis fully satisfy himself that what had
formerly been considered vegetable productions were the
habitations of little animals, by which they were formed,
but he succeeded in rendering these little creatures per-
manently visible, so that they could at any time be shown
to those who were still sceptical as to their existence. Hi-
therto he had been able to exhibit, when he returned to
town, only the dried specimens, and as the polypes, on

INTRODUCTION. 45

being withdrawn from their native element^ shrank into their
cells, where they were dried, and unseen, it might be ques-
tioned by some whether they ever existed. By more than
one way, which he describes, he succeeded in causing such
instantaneous death, that the little polypes had not time to
withdraw into their cells, but remained in the exposed state
in which they were found when the sudden catastrophe
came upon them, so that, by being put in this condition
into spirits of wine, they could be preserved for any
length of time to afPord ocular demonstration that they had
really existed. Alas ! should not this sudden death of the
polypes remind us, that the King of Terrors may come
upon us as a thief in the night, at such an hour as we think
not ? At whatever time deatli comes on the little polypes,
it finds them always actively employed in answering the
poi'poses for which they were created ; — they have enjoyed
life, and have no account to render. Is it so with man ?
He must render an account. Is he always ready to render
it with joy ? How dreadful to be suddenly cut down in a
state of rebellion against Him to whom he is responsible,
and who is to be his righteous Judge. We remember
reading that when the ruins of H^rculaneum were first
opened up, the position in which the skeletons were found

46 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

showed how suddenly the catastrophe had come upon the
inhabitants, and that one skeleton was thought to be that
of a slave arrested by death in the very act of stealing a
bag of money from his master. What a lesson to us, to
have our loins girt about and our lamps burning, and to
be of them who are waiting and 'watching, and ready for
the coming of their Lord.

Though the doctrine taught by Ellis was the same that
had been maintained by Peyssonnel, Trembley, and latterly
by Eeaumur, he so fully illustrated that matter, that he
may be said to have estabHshed its truth, effecting a revo-
lution in the opinions of the generality of scientific men.
He showed in those zoophytes of a compound nature, that
though a single animal inhabited each cell, yet they were
united, " by a tender thready line to the fleshy part that
occupies the middle of the whole coralline; — that the
polypes were organically connected with the cells, and could
not remove from them; — and that that which seemed a
plant, was the covering, whether horny or calcareous, of the
livdra, and was as much an animal structure as the nails
of a man, the horns of a bullock, or the shell of a tortoise."

It is not necessary that we should further trace the his-
tory of Zoophytology ; we may merely mention some of

INTRODUCTION. 47

the authors who have adopted Ellis's views and followed
them out with great success. Por a long time, however,
naturalists seemed to have rested satisfied with what had
been done. The standard work of Ellis was published in
1752 ; and that century was allowed to close, and more than
a fourth of the present century to pass away, before we had
another work on British zoophytes. In 1828, however, my
distinguished friend Dr. John Pleming, now Professor of
Natural Science in New College, Edinburgh, published his
' History of British Animals,^ and at the close of the volume
our little zoophytes pass in array before us; and within
small compass he gives an excellent description of them, as
the result of liis diligent research and most accurate obser-
vation. This admirable book, along with its still more
learned forerunner, ^ The Philosophy of Zoology,"* gave new
life to natural history, and laid the scientific world under
great obligations. " To his labours and writing," says Dr.
George Johnston, "1 am inclined to ascribe a very con-
siderable share in diffusing that taste for natural history
which is now abroad."

In 1838, ten years after the publication of the ^British
Animals,' Dr. George Johnston, previously well known as
the author of several works on natural history, published, in

48 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Edinburgh, his interesting ^vo^k, tlie 'History of British
Zoophytes/ already referred to. Tliis was hailed as a most
valuable production, and being favourably received, a second
edition of it, in two volumes, was published by Van Voorst,
in London. The second volume consists of plates from the
felicitous pencil of his accomplished lady; and many of
them were also engraved by lier. These illustrations greatly
enhance the value of this treatise, which is the standard
work on this subject.

"\Te might have greatly extended this history, but we
have limited ourselves to short notices of those works that
have taken in the whole field of British zoophytology. Our
object, however, has been answered by showing how matters
now stand. The animality of zoophytes has been fully
established; and how much has that widened the range
for the contemplative naturalist, to adore the goodness of
God. The microscope shows us that there are myriads of
myriads of his creatures enjoying happiness, and by their
works and by their very happiness proclainn'ng his praise,
where formerly nothing but the sportiveness of crystaUiza-
tion, or at best the unconscious workings of vegetation,
were beheld. The happiness of these little creatures, espe-
cially when we take their numbers numberless into account.

INTE,ODUCTION. 49

gives additional force to a beautiful passage in Paley's
' Natural Theology/ proving the goodness of God from the
happiness of such multitudes of the inferior animals made
to enjoy life. " It is a happy world after all. The air, the
earth, the water teem with delighted existence. In a spring
noon, or summer evening, on whatever side I turn my eyes
myriads of happy beings crowd upon my view. ' Tlie insect
youth are on the wing.' Swarms of new-born Jlies are
trying their pinions in the air. Their sportive motions,
their wanton mazes, their gratuitous activity, their continual
change of place without use or purpose, testify their joy,
and the exultation they feel in their lately discovered facul-
ties. A dee amongst the flowers in spring, is one of the
most cheerful objects that can be looked on. Its life ap-
pears to be all enjoyment : so busy and so pleased : yet it
is only a specimen of instinct life, with which, by reason of
the animal being half-domesticated, we happen to be better
acquainted than we are with that of others. The w/iole
winged insect tribe, it is probable, are equally intent upon
their proper employments, and, under every variety of con-
stitution, gratified, and perhaps equally gratified, by the
offices which the Author of their nature has assigned to
them. But the atmosphere is not the only scene of enjoy-

E

50 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

ment for the iiisect race. Plants are covered with aphides,
greedily sucking their juices, and constantly, as it would
seem, in the act of sucking. It cannot be doubted but
that this is a state of gratification. What else should fix
them so close to the operation, and so long ? Other species
are running about, with an alacrity in their motions which
carries with it every mark of pleasure. Large patches of
ground are sometimes half-covered with these brisk and
sprightly natures. If we look to what the tvaters produce,
shoals of the fry of fish frequent the margins of rivers, of
lakes, and of the sea itself. These are so happy that they
know not what to do with themselves. Their attitudes,
their vivacity, their leaps out of the water, their frolics in it
(which I have noticed a thousand times with equal attention
and amusement), all conduce to show their excess of spirits,
and are simply the effects of that excess. Walking by the
sea-side in a calm evening, upon a sandy shore, and with
an ebbing tide, I have frequently remarked the appearance
of a dark cloud, or rather very thick mist, hanging over the
edge of the water, to the height perhaps of half a yard, and
of the breadth of two or three yards, stretching along the
coast as far as the eye can reach, and always retiring with
the water. When this cloud came to be examined, it proved

INTRODUCTION. 51

to be nothing else than so much space, filled with young
shrimps, in the act of bounding into the air, from the
shallow margin of the water, or from the wet sand. If any
motion of a mute animal could express delight, it was this :
if they had meant to make signs of their happiness, they
could not have done it more intelligibly. Suppose then,
what I have no doubt of, each individual of this number
to be in a state of positive enjoyment, what a sum, collec-
tively, of gratification and pleasure have we here, before our
view V*

In a delightful excursion which I greatly enjoyed many
years ago in the yacht of Mr. Smith of Jordanhills, along
with that gi'eat and good and most loveable man, the late
Dr. Chalmers, who was so alive to the beauties of nature, I
remember that looking around on a grand and beautiful
scene at the junction of Loch Long and Loch-goil, he said,
with deep emotion, " How wonderful that the Lord should
make this sinful world so exceedingly beautiful !" I think
it must have been the feeling that they were so worthy of
being admired, that led our forefathers to people many beau-
tiful secluded spots with fairies, as the ancient Greeks and
Eomans made their Dryads the inmates of the woods, and
their Naiads, of the glens and streams. Well do I remember.

52 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

in a nutting excursion in my early boyish days, when, wan-
dering from my noisy companions, I came to a glade of sur-
passing beauty, watered by a tiny limpid rill, when I looked
at the green sward, and the mossy hillocks, and the wild
flowers, and the encircling copse of hazel intermingled with
oak and ash, the autumnal tints of whose foliage was
gilded by the beams of the afternoon sun, my admiration of
the beautiful gave place to awe ; for I thought surely this
lovely spot must be the playground of fairies, who may be
here though unseen. Fleeing, and yet trying not to seem
to flee, I steered towards the edge of the copse, casting at
times a sidelong glance lest some of the green-coated little
folk ^ should be at my heels ; and guided by the sound of
my youthful companions I was truly glad when I reached
them in safety. Oh that, in riper years, I oftener felt the
presence of Him who is invisible, and that whether in the
fleld, in the family, in the sanctuary, or in the closet, I
were oftener constrained to say, " Surely the Lord is in this
place and I knew it not ; this is none other than the house

* The fairy-folk being one of the names by which these little fays were
spoken of, explains the origin of the name of one of our stateliest native
flowers— Foi-glove, e. £-. Folk's-glove. Our Scotch name, hi oodij fingers, '\%
a kind of translation of Digitalis purpurea.

INTRODUCTION. 53

of God and the gate of Heaven ! It is a delightful thing
to learn to see God in his works, and to admire them as
his. He would then be present with us as our instructor ;
and though our eyes might be holden that we should not
know Him, we should feel his influence, and we should say
afterwards, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he
talked with us by the way ?" It is possible to taste the
blessedness of the travellers towards Emmaus. " I am bet-
ter acquainted with Jesus,'' said a departed saint lately taken
away in his prime, — " I am better acquainted with Jesus
than I am with my dearest and most intimate friend.""
" Enoch walked with God and was not, for God took him,"
and he wiU take us also if we walk with him — not indeed
without tasting of death, but dispelling our doubts and
fears, and making death our friend.

" Oh ! could we make our doubts remove.

These gloomy doubts that rise,
And see the Canaau that we love

"With unbeclouded eyes !
Could we but climb where Moses stood,

And view the landscape o'er,
Not Jordan's stream, nor death's cold flood,

Should fright us from the shore."

One advantage that the study of Zoology has over that of

54 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Botany, however delightful and instructive, is, that it shows
us more of the goodness of God. Flowers are like the stars
of the earth, that show forth his glory ; they are also the
beautiful garniture of the earth as our habitation, and they
proclaim also the coming of all manner of pleasant fruits.
In the words of the Song of Songs we may say, " Come,
my beloved, let us go forth into the fields ; let us get up
early to the vineyards, let us see if the vine flourish, whether
the tender grapes appear, whether the pomegranates bud
forth, and the mandrakes give a smell.''' But in the very
lowest department of Zoology we deal with things that have
life. The dexterous hand of man can form flowers so hke
to nature, that many would not discover that they are arti-
ficial. Mignionette was so natural-looking in the Great
Exhibition, that we were told that a noble duke caused
the shade to be removed, to be convinced by its want of
fragrance, that it was not in truth the Frenchman's darling.
But who of earthly mould could give life and voluntary
motion to the smallest creature ? Tliis is God's doing, and
it is marvellous in our eyes. We would not say, as some
have done, tliat God is maximiis in minimis — greatest in
the smallest things ; — for without controversy He is greatest
in the great mystery of godliness — in the greatest of all

INTRODUCTION. 55

his great works. But we may truly say, that he is great in
the formation of the smallest of his creatures. He is great
in the formation of even the least of the little zoophytes
that inhabit the waters, and he is in them seen to be good as
he is great. Look at a large frond of Laminaria saccharinu
six feet in length and perhaps a foot in breadth, and in
many cases you will see it pretty thickly covered with round
silvery spots. These are Lepralm of different species.
Examine them with a lens, and you will find that they are
of exquisite workmanship. Had they not thus been
"sought out" by you they might have perished, — their
beauty unseen. But though unseen by man, the goodness
of God would not have been unfelt. Every one of the
silvery spots with which it was studded was a colony of
living creatures taught by God to construct the beautiful
habitations in which they lived. Their name was Legion,
for they were very many; but they were not a legion of
wicked spirits doing evil, and consequently miserable, but a
legion of God^s creatures doing good, actively employed in
doing his will, and consequently happy. Though they had
never been seen by man, God would not have lost*his praise,
for he gave them life, and rendered that life uninterruptedly
happy. " Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom

56 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

hast thou made them all ; the earth is full of thy riches ; so
is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping
innumerable, both small and great beasts. There go the
ships; there is that leviathan whom thou hast made to
play therein. These wait all upon thee, that thou mayest
give them their meat in due season. That thou givest
them they gather; thou openest thy hand and they are
tilled with good." It is the remembrance of tliis goodness
and of the happiness imparted to creatures that cannot be
numbered for multitude, wliich gives an additional charm
to the study of Zoophytology. If one frond is the habita-
tion of a million of happy creatures, how great must be the
amount of happiness which God is giving every moment
to the utterly uncountable myriads of his creatures that in-
habit the deep.

By studying the nature and habits, and contemplating
the happiness of these little denizens of the deep, we see
the kind haiid of God where our forefathers never thought
of looking for it, and where it is probable we should never
have seen it had it not been for the invention of the micro-
scope. And this reminds us of the striking jiassage in
which the lamented Dr. Chalmers compares the microscope
and the telescope. "The one,'' said he, "led me to see a

INTRODUCTION. 57

system in every star ; the other leads me to see a world in
every atom. The one taught me that this mighty globe,
with the whole burden of its people and of its creatures, is
but a grain of sand on the high field of immensity. The
other teaches me that every grain of sand may harbour
within it the tribes and families of a busy population.
The one told me of the insignificance of the world I tread
upon. The otliers redeems it from all insignificance ; for
it tells me that in the leaves of every forest, and in the
flowers of every garden, and in the waters of every rivulet,
there are worlds teeming with life, and numberless as are
the glories of the firmament."

We read with wonder of upwards a hundred thousand
human beings congregated in one Crystal Palace, and yet
we think not that in a single di'op of water taken from a
pond, we may have, could our eyes behold them, a still
greater number of Code's Uving creatures, freely disporting
as in a crystal palace, finding also their aquatic habitation
stored with all that is necessary for the support of their
happy lives. And so prolific are these little creatures, tliat
Ehrenberg, the liighest authority in such matters, calculates
that in a few days a single individiial may increase to a
million, and that in a few days more the increase may be

58 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

numbered by billions^ trillions, and quadrillions. These are
numbers that we can pronounce very glibly with the tongue,
without attaching to the words any adequate idea of the
immense multitudes of living creatures we are at the time
speaking of. A friend of mine, on hearing his son, who
had got some lessons in arithmetic, go very trippingly over
his enumeration table, said to him, " George, you deal in
mighty numbers; have you any idea of the meaning of
these high-sounding words you are pronouncing ? You
seem quite familiar with quadrillions : for how much will
you count for me a quadrillion of these peas, which I am
now sowing in the garden ?" " I will do it," said George,
who was an off-hand lad, and thought he was making a
good bargain with his father, — " V\\ do it for twopence."
George was safe had he known it ; for he had only to make
the reasonable demand that the materiel on wliich his
arithmetical labours were to be exercised, should be pro-
duced, and his father must have owned that he could not
furnish it; but George was glad to back out from the
bargain, on being shown that though he were to live a hun-
dred years, and spend every moment of this long life in
the monotonous work, death would overtake the aged pulse-
counter, when the ill-paid reckoning was scarcely begun.

INTRODUCTION. 59

We have already shown, that, as many of these little
creatures live on dead animal matter, they are of immense
service in keeping the waters pure by removing what would
soon have rendered them loathsome and deadly. But they
are not only useful in removing what is corrupt and cor-
rupting, but they emit what contributes to the salubrious-
ness of the waters. It is one of the remarkable discoveries
of science that the functions of animal life are reversed in
infusorial animalcules, and that, instead of evolving carbonic
acid gas, as other animals, by breathing, do, they evolve
pure oxygen. The air-bubbles given out by water, in
which these living "minims'" abound, contain such pure
oxygen, that a small bit of deal matchwood, on which a
flame has just been extinguished, will burst into a flame
again on being immersed in these bubbles. The truth of
this rests on no less authority than that of Liebig, the
celebrated German chemist, who tells us that he had him-
self ascertained it by experiment.

Gosse, in speaking of coralline, says, " Beyond its beauty,
I know not that this little creature has any obvious claim
on our consideration, except that, in common with other
sea-plants, it gives out oxygen, and tluis maintains water
in which it grows in a state fit for the support of animal

60 HISTORY OP BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

life. And here so wisely is the balance kept up between
the animals which absorb oxygen^ and the plants which
evolve it, that, perhaps, the world could not afford to lose
a single species of either, without derangement of the ex-
isting order which would be followed by manifest incon-
venience.^^

As corallines, or nullipores, have now been ascertained to
belong to the vegetable world, though they are oxygen-yield-
ing, we are not entitled at once to conclude that zoophytes are
so also. TTe are not aware that the experiment has been tried
with them; but how easy would it be to place a polypidom ad-
hering to stone in pure sea-water in a glass where they might
live and be treated in the same manner as Liebig did the
animalcules, and the result would soon determine the matter.
Our men of science are evidently disposed to think that they
are water-purifiers, as appears from the following passage from
Kirb/s Bridgewater Treatise. " AVhat particular function
or ofhce has been devolved by the all-wise Creator upon
these zoophytes, which are produced so rapidly and in such
numbers on the bed of the ocean and rocks, has not been
ascertained. As in the case of a vast variety of other ma-
rine animals, they probably derive their nourishment from
the contents of the water absorbed by their tubes ; they may

INTRODUCTION. 61

contribute their part to the depuration of the oceanic wa-
ters, and to the maintenance of the equilibrium amongst
their inhabitants, however minute, which is necessary to their
general welfare."

From the contemplation, then, even of these minute crea-
tures of God, salutary instruction may be derived. '^All
His works praise Him," and it is our duty to help to pro-
claim His praise. '^ The praise of God^s wisdom and
power," says an old writer, " lies asleep and dead in every
creature antil man actuate and enliven it. I cannot, there-
fore, conceive it altogether unworthy of the greatest mortals
to contemplate the miracles of nature, and that as they are
more visible in the smallest and almost contemptible crea-
tures ; for there, most lively, do they express the infinite
power and wisdom of the great Creator, and erect and draw
the minds of the most intelligent to the first and prime cause
of all things, teaching them as the power so the presence of
the Deity in the smallest insects." From God's care of the
tiniest of his creatures, may we not learn to put implicit
trust in His kind and ever-watchful Providence if we com-
mit ourselves to Him in well-doing, in dependence on the
merits of his Son ? If he clothe with such beauty the sub-
merged rocks and caverns of the sea, and feed with unceas-

62 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

ing liberality the myriads of almost invisible living minims
of nature that have their dwelling-place there, how much
more will he feed and clothe and protect those who are the
adopted children of his own family, and the ransomed heri-
tage of his own Son !

" I tell thee that those living things,
To whom the fragile blade of grass,
That springeth in the morn
And perisheth ere noon,
Is an unbounded world ; —
I teU thee that those viewless beings,
"Whose mansion is the smallest particle
Of the impassive atmosphere,
Enjoy and live like man ;
And the minutest throb
That through their fi'ame diffuses
The slightest, faintest motion, /

Is fixed and indispensable
As the majestic laws
That rule yon rolling orbs." — Shelley.

63

CHAPTEE II.

CLASSIFICATION OE BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

" With God let us begin, nor from him rove ;
Him let us praise ; Him ever serve and love ;
The earth is His, and His the wide-spread sea,
And every living thing that therein be.
God's presence fills all space, upholds this ball ;
All need His aid ; His power sustains us all.
For we his offspring are, and He in love
Points out to man the way to Heaven above." — Araius* .

The word Zoophyte, as already said, was at first employed
to designate various kinds of creatures that were thought to
hold a middle place between animals and vegetables. With
continental naturalists it is stiU used in this extensive sense,

* We have taken the liberty of making some changes in this passage from
Aratus, a Cilician poet, probably of Tarsus, who lived about 300 years before
the birth of Christ. We have given it a place at the beginning of this chap-
ter chiefly because the words in Italics were quoted by Paul of Tarsus in ad-
dressing the Athenians.

64 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

SO that they comprehend under the term Zoophyte,, star-
fishes, sea-urchins, sea-jellies, etc. By British naturalists it
is employed in a much more limited sense. At first, as we
have already said, it was employed as the name for creatures
wliicli from their form were thought to be the connecting
link betmxt the animal and vegetable kingdoms, and to par-
take of the nature of both. The name was still retained
after it had been ascertained that the creatures were de-
cidedly animal, and partook in no degree of a vegetable na-
ture. The name, no doubt, originated in the great resem-
blance which many of them bear to shrubs, mosses, lichens,
and seaweeds, but it includes many where there is no such
resemblance, hinging upon their being polypiferous. And
it now excludes many included by early writers, such as
corallines, lithophytes, and nuUipores, first, because they
were not inhabited by polypes, and now, because they are
known to be vegetables. Sponges also are excluded, for
though the ancients thought they were sensitive creatures,
and modern naturalists are beginning to allow that they are
endowed with life, yet as nothing like pol}q^)es has been seen
inhabiting them, they are not ranked under the name of
Zoophytes. " Zoophytes,^' says Dr. Johnston, " are all aqua-
tic, avertebrate, inarticulate, soft, irritable, and contractile,

CLASSIFICATION. 65

without a vascular or separate respiratory or nervous system.
The alimentary canal is very variable, but the aperture to it
is always superior, circular, edentulous, and surrounded by
tubular, or more commonly, by filiform tentacula. Many
are asexual, and it is doubtful whether any species has dis-
tinct sexes. The individuals (polypes) of a few families are
separate, and perfect in themselves, but the great majority
of zoophytes are compound animals, viz., each zoophyte
consists of an indefinite number of individuals or polypes
organically connected, and placed in calcareous, horny, or
membranous cases or cells, forming, by their aggregation,
corals or plant-like polypi doms."*^

There is also a tribe of beautiful little creatures some-
times called ciliated polypes, which I wish, in passing,
briefly to notice ; for though they do not strictly fall within
our province, we gladly recognize them as relatives, not
very far removed from our rightly accredited zoophytes,
which all rejoice in being furnished with tentacula. As my
object is to inspire my young friends with the love of na-
ture, and with the love of Him who, while he gives to
nature so many charms, should be much more endeared to
us as the God of grace, I am not unwilling, at any time, to
step aside from the strictly systematic path, to ponder for a

F

66 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

little on any kindred object which, while it delights the eye,
may improve the heart. Had not the telescope been in-
vented, the milky way might still have been thought a
white fleecy cloud spread over a portion of the heavens, in-
stead of bright worlds, not placed in close proximity, but
farther removed from each other than our sun is from our
earth, and yet as numerous as the sand on the sea-shore.
And had not the microscope been invented, our little cili-
ated polypes might have lived and died till time was no
more, without one human being ever dreaming that they
were Kving creatures, or, at all events, without one human
eye living capable of seeing a structure which, when seen
by lenticular aid, constrains us to exclaim. How beautiful !
how wonderful !

There are various kinds of ciliated polypes ; but we mean
to confine our attention to that section of them to which
Lamarck has given the name of VorHcella, and only to a
few of these, for he has described no less than twenty-eight
species. According to his description, they are very minute,
gelatinous, and transparent, having no tentacula, but having
around the mouth cilia, which do not lay hold of their
prey, but which, by an oscillating or rotatory motion of
inexpressible rapidity, cause the water containing the ani-

CLASSIFICATION. 67

malcules on which they feed to enter their mouth as a
httle whirlpool or vortex, and hence the diminutive term,
rorticella.

The first that I ever observed was one of the most beau-
tiful and most conspicuous of them — the arborescent Vorti-
cella. I had brought from a pond a handfuU of aquatic
plants, and having put them into a vase with fresh-water, I
soon found, as I expected, that I had made several green
Hydras prisoners. While I was watching their movements,
I observed a sudden jerk in something that Iiad been too
small to attract my attention so long as it remained motion-
less. Eixing my eye on it, it increased in size, and having
remained motionless for a little, by another sudden jerk it
became so small that it was almost invisible. Having
watched these changes for some time, I saw that it had life,
and bringing it near to the side of the glass, and employing
a pretty powerful lens, I saw that what to the naked eye
had seemed a little transparent haze, was a beautiful little
creature, unlike anythiTig I had ever observed before. It
was in the form of a little crystal slu-ub, the branches of
which were dichotomously divided, every branch terminating
in what resembled a little bell-shaped flower. Further ob-
servations led me to know that the sudden changes of size

68 HISTOEY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

were effected by a beautiful peculiarity of organization, —
that the stem and the branches, finer than the thread of a
spider's web, were not straight, but spiral, like the springs
formed of spiral wires ; that it could coil and uncoil these
elastic springs at pleasure; that it rose to its full dimen-
sions when seeking its food ; and that when the rough wave
conveying some rougher substance was passing over it, I
conjectured that it might be consulting its safety by shrink-
ing almost into nothing, as brave soldiers show their wis-
dom by falling flat on the battle-field when cannon-balls
and grape-shot are passing over them, that when the enemy
have wasted their strength, they may rise and rush upon
them.

We have already mentioned that the lips of the little
cups which adorn the Vorticella are furnished with cilia,
which by a rapid rotatory motion cause currents full of ani-
malcules to enter the cup, which proves to them the cup of
death. Alas ! for these little entities ! but their day is
over ; they enjoyed life while it lasted ; they have answered
the ends of their being; their sufi'erings are momentary.
Alas ! there is a more dreadful gidf which rational crea-
tures are commanded to shun. The currents around it
have a most absorbing influence, and it never returns what

CLASSIFICATION. 69

it has once swallowed up, " Avoid it, pass not by it, turn
from it, and pass away/' The crystal cup of the Vorticella
is not the only cup of death. It kills but the body : there
is another cup that kills both body and soul. " Look not
on the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the
cup, when it moveth itself aright : at the last it biteth like
a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.'''

The next that came under my notice was also in fresh-
water — Vorticella stentoria. This is quite a giant among
this pigmy race, for when fully developed it measures — not
half a fathom, nor half a foot, nor half an inch, — but half
a line, which is the twenty-fourth part of an inch. This,
as well as some others, has been separated from the Vorti-
cella by generic name, and there is good ground for the
distinction, for it is not fixed by a stem like the Vorticella
proper, but is without a stem, and in shape resembles a
trumpet or horn, not unlike the figure of a cornucopia.
Though generally seen in a state of attachment, it can dis-
engage itself and launch into the deep, and swim with con-
siderable rapidity, for the numerous cilia that adorn its
ample mouth act as so many paddles. When swimming,
the sharp point of attachment is drawn up, so that instead
of resembling a horn it is like a round-bottomed bag. The

70 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

ciliated band round the mouth is somewhat spiral, giving
additional elegance to its appearance ; and it may be useful
as well as elegant, acting probably as a purse-string; and
woe to the little monads on whom that devouring purse
closes, — there is no escape. The Sientors are of different
colours, some red, others green or blue, and some of them
have the body as well as the mouth garnished with cilia,
doubtless to increase their powers of locomotion.

The Vorticella that next came under my notice was a very
minute, but I am persuaded, a very common one, though
from its diminutive size verv seldom observed. In the
month of October 1 placed a tumbler of sea-water, in which
there were some Xudibranchs, in a dark closet, not by way
of punishment as naughty children, but because, being in
the habit of living under stones, they cannot long bear the
full light of day. Having made the observations I wished
on the Nudibranchs, I returned them to the deep, and set
the tumbler with the water in it on the mantel- piece. After
some time I observed little dim specks on the inside of the
glass, and applying to them a powerful lens, to my surprise
I found that these almost invisible dots were replete with
life and beauty. From the centre from twelve to twenty
crystalline filaments arose with a srraceful bend, each termi-

CLASSIFICATION. 71

nating in a ciliated cup_, thus forming an elegant little
branched Vorticella. It differed from the one I first men-
tioned, not only by being much more minute and more fas-
tigiate, the first being rather dichotomous and the terminat-
ing cells placed at different heights, but also as being less
lively, not having the habit of suddenly collapsing, but con-
tinuing in an unfolded state. " Vorticellce, in general, can
bend and turn and twist in all directions ; they can almost
cast a knot on their tender and delicate stems. Microscopic
shrubs composed of similar animals, hundreds of campanu-
late Hydr<2 terminating their extremities, while at their
highest enjoyment of full expansion in some favourable posi-
tion, will suddenly collapse on a momentary alarm, crouching
close down to its root in absolute quiescence. Then, as if
relieved from the apprehension of danger, they rise again to
display their beautiful proportions. '^

What struck me as remarkable in this " minim,'' was,
that it seemed indifferent as to its element, whether fresh or
salt water; for having kept fresh-water in a tumbler for
some weeks, I was surprised to find the Vorticellce as nume-
rous in it as in the sea-water. To all appearance they were
the same species, and yet had they been examined with a
microscope of higher power, a difference might have been

72 HISTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

evident. Or had I, by way of experiment, changed the water,
it mig-ht to them have been fatal, for fresh-water might have
been death to the child of the briny waves, and sea-water
]night have poisoned the offspring of the fountains of water.
Since I wrote the above, my doubts have been removed by
my chancing to light on a passage in the valuable work of
the late Sir J. Graham Dalyell, who, by a long-continued
course of experiments and observations, w-as so remarkably
well acquainted with the nature and habits of our Scottish
polyj)es. He says, " Purity of the element in which zoo-
phytes dwell, seems more essential than sustenance. Sliglit
contamination is frequently fatal after the briefest interval.
Neither can fresh or salted water he substituted for each other
with impunity!' From this we may conclude that the Vor-
ticellce in the fresh and the salt water were different species,
though by the aid of a Codington lens I could not detect
the minute distinctions.

The same author says, "Tentaculated zoophytes are ani-
mated products, simple or compound, resembling the form
and the efflorescence of plants. They constitute an immense
proportion of the organic world, that which has received the
smallest sliare of notice, and which is, perhaps, the least un-
derstood. It is only now that a ray of light begins to break

CLASSIFICATION. 73

upon them, disclosing their admirable beauty,, their strange
peculiarities, and unexampled properties, all calculated to
astonish mankind with yet another work flowing from the
stupendous design of the universe. As if appalled by the
difficulty of the task, by the nicety of investigation, by the
obscurities hovering over their theme, naturalists seem, with
almost common consent, to have shrunk from it ; for the
most part merely skirting the boundaries — seldom advanc-
ing further, with few exceptions, than simply specifying such
external characters as are most obvious to the view, and
often content with hasty inspection of some mutilated or
depauperated specimen. Thence much was left undone, and,
till recent years, a great preponderance of results deduced
from such subjects as were never seen alive, in a perfect
state, or amidst their native element.'^ And again, " To bring
the vast multitude the nearer human comprehension, we en-
deavour to concentrate certain portions within a narrower
circle by such subdivisions as to our faculties include those
individuals allied by external or internal form and habits. '''
In systematic arrangements external resemblance was long
too much regarded. In conchology, similarity of the shells
was chiefly attended, while the inhabitants of the shells
were greatly overlooked. So also in Zoophytes, by many

74 IIISTOTIY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

in former times the living subjects were seldom studied, or
even beheld, while dried specimens, showing only the skele-
ton, were allowed too much to influence the arrangement.
The inorganic parts were made the basis of definition, while
the figure and properties of the dead and shrivelled occupants
were scarcely thought of. \Ye find Dr. John Fleming la-
menting this and doing much to correct it. And in refer-
ence to that branch of natural science to which our atten-
tion is at present turned. Sir J. Graham Dalyell also says,
'•^Dr. George Johnston, in a comprehensive and excellent
work on the subject, has gone far to rectify this defect by
arranging the zoophytes with due attention to the nature
of the animals belonging to them. That author is entitled
to the greater merit from the labour and difficulty of ac-
complishing such a task, for it has exacted equal skill and
industry.''''

To Dr. Fleming and Dr. Johnston I am chiefly indebted
for any knowledge I have of zoophytes. The latter of these
gentlemen has written more recently, and I shall adopt his
arrangement.

Zoophytes, Dr. Johnston states, are referable to two of
the primary divisions of the animal kingdom — the Kadiate,
and the Molluscan, — and consequently constitute two classes

CLASSIFICATION. 75

distinguished by a very remarkable dissimilarity of organi-
zation. These classes have been named Anthozoa and
PoLizoA, and may shortly characterized thus : —
Class I. Anthozoa. — Body tending to globular, contractile
in every part, symmetrical : mouth and vent one : gem-
miparous, and oviparous.
Class II. PoLYZOA. — Body elongate, syphonal, non-contrac-
tile, and unsymmetrical : mouth and anus separate :
oviparous.

Class Anthozoa, Ehrenberg.

The Anthozoa are divisible into the following orders : —

I. Hydroida. — Pol2/pes compound, rarely single and naked

the mouth encircled with roughish filiform tentacula
stomach without proper parietes ; intestine 0. ; anus
reproductive gemmules pullulating from the body and
naked, or contained in external vesicles. Polj/pidoms
horny, fistular, more or less phytoidal, external.

II. AsTEROiDA. — Polypes compound, the mouth encircled

with eight fringed tentacula; stomach membranous,
with dependent intestinal appendages ; intestine ;
anus ; ovules produced interiorly. Folype-mass vari-
able in form, free or permanently attached, carnose,

76 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

generally strengthened with a horny or calcareous axis,
enveloped with tlie gelatinous or creto-gelatinous crust,
in which the polypes are immersed, and wliich open on
the surface in a starred fashion with eight rays.
III. Heliaxthoida. — Polypes single, free, or permanently
attached, fleshy, naked, or encrusted with a calcareous
poli/pidom, the upper surface of which is crossed with
radiating lamella?; mouth encircled with tubulous
tentacula; stomach membranous, plaited ; intestine ;
anus ; oviparous ; the ovaries internal.

77

CHAPTEE III.
ANTHOZOA HYDUOIDA.

" The ocean with its brightness, its blue-green,
Its ships, its rocks, its cares, its hopes, its fears.
Its voice mysterious, which whoso hears
Must think on what will be, or what has been."

" Type of the Infinite ! I look away
Over thy billows, and I cannot stay
My thought upon a resting-place, or make
A shore beyond my vision where they break ;
But on my spirit stretches till 'tis pain
To think ; then rests, and then puts forth again :
Thou hold'st me by a spell ; and on thy beach
I feel all soul ; and thoughts unmeasured reach
Far back beyond all date."

Dr. Johnston arranges the British species of Anthozoa
Hydhoida under the following tribes, families, and genera: —

■^" Ovisacs or bulbules naked, bud-like, pullulating from the
bases of the tentacula. Tubularina.

78 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

FtOinilj I. Polypes naked, or with oulj a rudimentary po-
lypidoni. Corynid^e.
t Polypes naked.

The tentacula scattered. Clava.
The tentacula in one row. Hydractinia.
tt Polypes with a horny cuticle.

The tentacula with globose tips. Cory'ne.
The tentacula filiform. Cordylophora.
Family II. Polypidom fistular ; the tentacula whorled.
Tubulariad^e.
t The tentacula in a single whorl. Eudendrium.
tt The tentacula in a double whorl.
Polypidom rooted. Tubularia.
Polypidom unrooted. Corymorpha.
■^■^ Ovisacs in the form of horny capsules or vesicles scat-
tered on the polypidoms, and deciduous. Sertula-
RINA, Ehrenherg.
Family III. Cells of the polypes sessile. Sertulariad/e.
t Cells biserial.

Cells alternate, tubular. Halecium.
Cells vasiform, everted. Sertularia.
Cells conico-tubular, appressed. Thuiarta.
tt Cells uniserial.

ANTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 79

The branclilets plumose or pectinate. Plumu-

LAEIA.

The branchlets whorled. Antennularia.
Family IV. Polype-cells on ringed stalks. Campanu-

LARIADiE.

Cells alternate, campanulate. Laomedea.
Cells irregular or whorled. Campanulaeia.
•X")Hf Polypes propagating by buds and ova, which develope
themselves on and in the body of the parent. Hydrina,
Ehrenherg.
Family V. HYDRAiDiE.
One genus only — Hydra.

" Involved in sea-^vrack, here you find a race
\Yliicli Science, doubting, kuows not where to place ;
On shell or stone is dropp'd the embryo seed,
And quickly vegetates a vital breed."

Crabbe seems to have observed these little marine animals
with the eye, not only of a poet, but also of a naturalist.
Before entering on the description of the individuals, it may
not be improper to give some preliminary remarks on hydroid
zoophytes in general. They differ much in size according

80 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

to their species, some being a few lines and others one or
two feet in height. They differ considerably also in appear-
ance, bnt they are exceedingly beautiful in all their various
forms ; some, as they spread over the surface of a rock or a
seaweed, resembling miniature marine forests, and others at-
tached, it may be to a shell, and gracefully waving Hke ele-
gant feathers. With a single exception, afterwards to be
mentioned, they are all inhabitants of the sea, growing on
rocks, shells, seaweeds, crabs, corallines, etc. Several of
them that are of considerable height grow erect, but they
are so flexible that they sustain no injury from being tossed
and agitated by the waves. The oak which will not bend
may be uprooted by the storm : the feathery grass may be
laid level with the earth, but it rises when the blast is over.
The flexible zoophyte not only outlives the buffeting of the
billows, but by its graceful convolutions seems to wanton in
the storm. How great the wisdom in suiting the structure
to the frequent commotions of the watery element ! IIow
great the mercy when by the inworking of grace the Chris-
tian can say, " God is our refuge and strength, a very pre-
sent help in trouble ; therefore ^nll not we fear, though the
earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea ; though the waters thereof roar

ANTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 81

and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swell-
ing thereof/^ "Troubled on every side, yet not distressed ;
perplexed, but not in despair ; persecuted, but not forsaken ;
cast down, but not destroyed."

Some of those zoophytes which, when matured, success-
fully combat the waves, cling to the rock when they are
young and tender, creeping along its surface. He who
made them teaches them thus instinctively to consult their
safety. And He who cares for the infant zoophytes, much
more cares for the lambs of his flock, gathering them with
his arm, and carrying them in his bosom. Oh ! let them
cleave to him in the season of youth, and then, being rooted
and grounded and stablished in the faith, should days of
darkness and of danger come, he will either hide them in the
hollow of his hand, or should he call them to the hottest of
the fight in the high places of the field, he will fit them for
the conflict, and make them even more than conquerors.

Some of the hydroid zoophytes are unclothed, but most
of them have their bodies invested in a horny sheath, which
is called the polypidom, i.e. the house of the polypes. They
differ much in form, but there is great beauty in all the
varieties of their structure as well asi of the sculpture of
cells and vesicles. They are generally branched and jointed,

G

82 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

but the joints are without hinges. The stem and branches
are of the same material. Along the sides or at the upper
extremities of the branches we find the cup-like cells of
the polypes. Intermingled with the cells there are other
vessels, called vesicles, formed of the same material as the
cells, but ^^dely distinguished from them by their larger
size and by their different shape. Those vesicles contain
the ovules from which another generation of polypes is to
spring.

The polypidoms, when dried, are generally of a yellowish-
horny colour. The substance of which they are formed
seems analogous to horn. In a young state it adheres in
some degree to the pulpy substance of the animal, but it
afterwards become detached in consequence of its shrivelling,
and also in consequence of the movements of the animal
that it contains. Some distinguished naturalists argue that
this horny sheath is vascular and organized, and conclude
from this that the polypidom has u growth of its own inde-
pendent of the animal that inhabits it. But other natu-
ralists, no less distinguished, maintain, and apparently with
greater truth, that there is but one life and one plan of de-
velopment in the whole mass, and that this depends, not on
the polypi, which often fall off, as in Tuhularia, but on the

ANTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 83

general fleshy substance of the body. The growth of the
polypidom is dependent on the growth of the pulp, or rather
they grow together, as the feathers, beak, and claws increase
in size on a young growing bird.

Careful observations have been made on the polypidom,
with its included pulpy matter, and the result is as follows.
The ovule, when matured, drops from the vesicle, and fixes
on some rock, or seaweed, or shell, or sometimes even on
some other marine animal, such as an Ascidia. Minute
fibres, proceeding from its under side, cause it to adhere,
while from the upper side the commencement of the stem
springs up. The structure of this shoot is at first homo-
geneous : gradually, however, the pulp is formed in the
inner part, and the shoot, having assumed a bulbous form at
the summit, condenses and expands, and so does the horny
covering, till one or more closed cells are formed. By and
by, little knobs protrude from the cells, and increase till
they become tentacula, when the cell opens and tl;e ani-
mal begins to catch its prey; and from that moment it
is as large as ever it is at any subsequent period. But
though the polypes increase not in size, they increase in
number ; for, as the newly-formed one is constantly obtain-
ing nourishment, the central pulp increases and shoots

84 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

upwards, forming . additional cells^ till the polypidom has
attained its usual size.

The polypes, with the exception of the Tubularina, can
retreat within their cells, hiding themselves from danger.
Their body is very contractile, and can change rapidly from
a cyHndrical to a globular, or from a globular to a cylindri-
cal form. The tentacula, w'hich are irregular in number,
can be extended to a great length, or can instantly contract
into little knobs, shrinking within the cell. In the centre
of the circle formed bv the tentacula is the mouth of the
polype, pouting upwards, and ready to receive whatever prey
the prehensile tentacula from time to time bring to it.

The hydroid zoophytes increase by buds or eggs. AYlien
the increase is by buds, it may be said to be a perpetuation
of the same individual animal, as a plant perpetuated by a
layer. When it is by eggs, new individual animals of the
same species are produced. Every species begins its exist-
ence by a single polype, wliich grows up to a polypidom,
containing, it may be, hundreds of polypes. Darwin, in
his ' Temple of Nature,' thus sings : —

" New buds and bulbs the living fibre shoots
On lengthening branches and protruding roots ;
Or, on the father's side, from bursting glands
The adherin;; young its nascent form expauds ;

ANTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 85

In branching lines tlie parent trunk adorns,

And parts ere long like plumage, hairs, or horns."

There are several kinds of eggs from which young animals
spring. There are what have been called motive buds pro-
duced in the ovisacs. These are found in the Tvhulanna like
little clusters of grapes, growing from the bases of the ten-
tacula. Sir J. G. Balyell,, in the 'Edinburgh New Philo-
sophical Journal/ in his observations on Tuhularia indivim,
states, that as soon as the bulb had fallen from its crested
head, slight prominences, enlarged at the tips, pullulate
from the under surface, and the " nascent animal,^'' elevating
itself on these rudiments of the tentacula, as on so many
feet, enjoys the faculty of locomotion. "Apparently se-
lecting a site, it reverses itself to the natural position, with
the tentacula upwards, and is then rooted permanently by a
prominence, wliich is the incipient stalk, originating from
the under part of the head. Gradual elevation of the stalk
afterwards continues to raise the head, and the formation of
the zoophyte is perfected.''^ In writing respecting Lamne-
dea dicJiotoma, he says that the vesicles, which are seldom
produced, contain from twenty to thirty greyish corpuscula,
with a dark central nucleus. At first, all are immature and
quiescent, but motion at length commences : the corpuscula

86 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

become more distinct ; several slender arms protrude from the
orifice of the vesicle, which are seen in vehement action ; and
after many struggles, an animated being escapes. But this
has no relation either to ilieplamcla of the Sertularia or the
corpusciihim of the Fludra, Alci/onium, or Actinia. It might
be rather associated with the 3Iednsaria. Before ascertaining
its origin, I had named it Animalciilum tinfinnahuhwiy from
its general resemblance to a common hand-bell, for the pur-
pose of recognition. This creature is whitish, tending to
transparency, about half a line in diameter; the body is like
a deep watch-glass, surmounted by a crest rising from the
centre, and fringed by about twenty-three tentacula pendent
from the lip below. These are of muricate structure, or
rough, and connected to the lip by a ball twice their own
diameter. The summit of the crest unfolds occasionally
mto four leaves, and four organs prominent on the con-
vexity of the body aj^pear at the base. When free, the
animal swims by jerks or leaps through the water, or drops
gently downwards ; it is incited to move by the light, and
it has survived at least eight days. Then it disappears;
at least, I have not been able to pursue its history longer.
No other product has ever issued from the vesicles of the
Sertularia dichoto})ia."

ANTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 87

Sir J. G. Dalyell, in his most valuable work on " the rare
and remarkable animals of Scotland/^ follows out at greater
length his observations recorded in the ' New Philosophical
Journal/ " Nothing/'' he observes, '' can be more remark-
able to the spectator than finding the progeny free while
the parent is immoveably fixed — sufficient evidence that
there is nothing of vegetable nature in such zoophytes. It
is as strictly an animal product as an Alcyonium or an Asci-
dia, whose oiigmdX corpiisculum,planula, spinula, larva (by
whatever name it may be called), which by nature becomes
riveted to some solid sustaining foundation. The nascent
Tubulana thus formed, and capable of selecting its position,
loses that faculty never to be regained, and is rooted at an
indefinite period — sometimes in the course of one day, some-
times on the lapse of two. But quiescence is essential here.
Should frequent disturbance alter its place, the adhesive
power seems to be impaired, or the creature rendered incapa-
ble of its exercise. The movement of those that are rooted in
early age is commonly much more rapid than that of others.
Specimens discharged from the cyst on the 1st of January,
and affixing speedily, were about four lines high in seven
days. Those whose adhesion had not ensued were infinitely
smaller. With the latter it is not improbable that, instead of

88 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

the softer extremities vegetating downwards, and remaining
susceptible of adhesion, it becomes invested by exposure with
an imperceptible epidermis. All nascent Tuhidarice are of
tlie palest grey ; and for the first fortnight the length of the
t<^ntacula, and general dimensions of the hydra, are propor-
tionally greater than in adults. But the stem is seldom
straight ; sometimes also irregularities are seen near the
root, which has no radicles. The head of the nascent Tn-
hularia falls after an indefinite period, just as with the adult.
But life is so feeble here, that the first is rarely replaced by
a successor." After several other interesting observations,
which our limited space will not allow us to quote, he adds
— '^ We collect from the preceding detail that an external
ovarium is situated among the other parts composing the
hydra or head of the Tahularia huliviso ; — that the unusual
curvature of the tentacula, their irregularity, and symptoms
of approaching decay, augment in proportion to its advanc-
ing maturity, while the aspect of the stomach also indicates
that its functions are required no longer. It is impossible
to overlook the correspondence of these conspicuous facts
with that uniform principle of nature, obviously testifying a
warmer solicitude for perpetuation of the progeny than for
the permanence of the parent. How {^^ are the effectual

ANTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 89

provisions for warding off a mortal blow from the strongest-
or the weakest of animated beings ! How numerous the
cares and precautions that others shall exist ! How infi-
nite are the means of destroying life ! The elements them-
selves seem to conspire against it. Myriads which have
lived perish in a moment; while this lapse of time is de-
manded for their evolution and maturity ; — yet Nature for-
bids extirpation of their race. Whence utter destruction
is counteracted, and inevitable fate compensated by mul-
tiplication.^^ Still further, the veteran naturalist sub-
joins — "Throughout animal nature there is not a subject
better adapted for profound contemplation, or which can
excite greater admiration, than the enclosure of a germ,
susceptible of life and evolution as a perfect being, in an
egg. What device alike suitable could have been con-
trived as adapting a point, — that wJiich has no parts and no
magnitude^ — to carry on successive generations, accompany-
ing the infinite course of time ! Let the mind wander over
the boundless extent of the animal kingdom ; — let our sight
behold the varied, the endless, the indescribable forms com-
prising life — as if exhausting every combination of matter ;
astonishment bewilders our conceptions of the transcendent
Power which could fashion them into definite shapes. It

90 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

seems as if some ancient world were shivered, that breath
might be infused into every fragment."

The power that hydroid zoophytes, as well as not a few
other marine animals, have of emitting phosphorescent light,
is a very remarkable property. It has now been observed
by many, and is well deserving of even more attention than
it has yet received.

" The luminous life
That makes the dark nocturnal ocean bright
With constellated clusters pf rare things
Group'd or apart ; seeming in lustrous grace,
Fantastic wreaths of many-coloured gems
Instinct \nth living fire : — or here and there
Glittering in golden glory : — flashing forth
Metallic white — or tremulous silver cinqued
By ambient tints of sapphire, pink, and blue ;
As if some opulent spirit of the sea
Had from his treasury of precious stones,
Flung up his choicest treasures on the waves
To bathe their beauties in the meek moonshine."

This comprehends the various luminous bodies that en-
lighten the dark deep sea. Crabbers Muse, in her evening
walks by the sea-shore, had not failed to observe these
beautiful marine creatures, as we may see from the follow-
ing passage from ' The Borough,' which we shall quote, as it

AI^THOZOA HYDROIDA. 91

seems to refer more particularly to the phosphorescence of
zoophytes.

" While thus with pleasing wonder you inspect
Treasures the vulgar in their scorn reject,
See as they float along th' entangled weeds
Slowly approach upborne on bladdery heads ;
Wait till they land, and you shall then behold
The fiery sparks those tangled fronds enfold—
Myriads of living points ; th' unaided eye
Can but the fire, not the form descry."

It has been questioned whether this phosphorescent
fluid is a secretion of life and health, or the result of some
partial decay and decomposition. Dr. Johnston thinks that
this has not yet been ascertained,, but seems rather disposed
to favour the latter opinion. '^ No species/^ he says, " has
been seen luminous in its natal site, and when undisturbed;
but after being torn from their attachments, or tossed
ashore or trodden upon, or carried away to the home of
the experimenter, and variously irritated, then the tiny
lamps shine forth momentarily, die away again, and are not
relit unless some new shock or injury is given.''^ Prom any
experiments that I have made, I would say that the livelier
and fresher they were, the more capable they were of lumi-
nosity. The Sea-pen is of the Asteroida, but I found it as

92 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

luminous as those of the TJydroida. I had not the oppor-
tunity, indeed, of trying the experiment on it in the sea,
but wlien quite ahve in a vase of sea-water, I found that it
emitted, wlien smartly touched, a flash of phosphorescent
light. When I brought hydroid zoophytes from the sea
in a close vasculum, the sea-water adhering to the seaweeds
kept them as much alive during the transit, occup}ing less
than half an hour, as if they had remained on the rocks on
which the seaweeds grew, and where many of them, during
every ebb-tide, are quite deserted by the sea. Taking them
into a darkened room half an hour after they were removed
from the rocks, I found the phosphorescent light, when they
were shaken, quite brilliant. The experience of Mr. William
Thompson, of Belfast, an accurate observer, seems to have
been the same. He remarks, '^ I do not think it probable
that the luminosity of zoophytes is caused by partial decay
and decomposition, as I have, especially in the month of
January, 1834, and frequently since, observed many species
to put forth their lights vigorously a very few hours — cer-
tainly within three — after I had dredged them from the
bottom of the sea. They were not sooner looked at, because
it was not dark till about that time after their capture.
Tom from their attachments these certainly were, but they

AKTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 93

were treated tenderly, and placed in a huge vasculum, and
in it conveyed to our quarters. The zoophytes parasitic on
Algse^ brought home in the same way, made their positions
known by exhibiting their tender and beautiful lights/'
My friend, Mr. Hassall, has the following interesting re-
marks, in the ' Annals of Natural History,' and there states
that he had ascertained that all the transparent zoophytes
possess highly luminous properties. ^' This fact," he sub-
joins, " I first discovered in a specimen of Laomedea gela-
tinosa, and subsequently in a great variety of other species.
If a portion of it, adhering to the seaweed to wdiich it is
attached, be taken from the water and agitated, a great
number of bright phosphorescent sparks will be emitted;
these sparks proceed from each of the denticles of the
coralline containing polypi, and the phenomenon is equally
apparent whether the specimen be in or out of water. I
lately had an opportunity of beholding this novel and
interesting sight of the phosphorescence of zoophytes to
great advantage, when on board one of the Devonshire
trawling-boats, which frequent this coast. The trawl was
raised at midnight, and great quantities of corallines were
entangled in the meshes of the network, all shining like
myriads of the brightest diamonds.'' A still more striking

94 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

passage I extract from another paper by the same author,
in the * Annals of Natural History/ "Numerous friends
can bear witness to the exceeding brilliancy of the phosphor-
escent light emitted by a great variety of species, which I
was frequently in the habit of exhibiting to them. Once a
week I received from the master of a trawling-vessel on the
Dublin coast, a large hamper of zoophytes in a recent state ;
in the evening these were taken into a darkened room, and
the spectators assembled ; I then used to gather up with
my hands as much of the contents of the hamper as I could
manage, and tossing them about in all directions, thousands
of little stars shone out brightly from the obscurity, exhibiting
a spectacle, the beauty of w'hich to be appreciated must be
seen, and one ^Yhicll it has been the lot of but few persons
yet to look upon. Entangled among the corallines were
also numerous minute luminous annelides, which added
their tiny fires to the general exhibition."

Without knowing that Mr^ Hassall had written on the
subject, I sent a paper to the ^Annals of Natural History'
about the same time, detailing some observations I had
made, though I afterwards found that tliis phosphorescence
of zoophytes was known to many more than either Mr.
Hassall or I was aware of. Dr. John Fleming knew it.

ANTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 95

The late truly amiable Dr. Neill knew it. He told me
that more than twenty years before that period, having laid
some zoophytes out of his vasculum in the lobby till he
had time to make some experiments with them, one of his
maid-servants, after it was dark, having come across them
roughly, was almost frightened out of her wits by the sudden
flashes, thinking that Will-o'-the-wisp had sprung up among
her fingers.

As I find that I generally write more con amore on a
subject when it is new to me, and when, in my ignorance,
I may think that perchance it is not very familiar to others,
I may, perhaps, be pardoned for transcribing a portion of
what I wrote for a periodical more than ten years ago.
''Having brought from the shore, in a vasculum, some
zoophytes, I laid them aside till I should have leisure to
examine them. When the evening came I was beginning
in the dark to take them out of the vasculum, when, to my
surprise and dehght, they began to sparkle. Eecollecting
what T had read in Dr. Johnston's 'History of British
Zoophytes' respecting the phosphorescence of Sertularia
pumila, I gave them, as I removed them from the vasculum,
a hearty shake, and they instantly became quite brilliant,
like strings of Httle stars or precious diamonds. To ascer-

96 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

tain wkicli were the kinds that sparkled, it was necessary
to make the selection by candle-light, and then removing
the light to make the experiment. The first I tried was the
pretty Valkeria cuscuta, and with it I succeeded in striking
light. Prom Seriidana polyzonias and Cellidaria rejptcms
little light arose. With Laomedea geniculata I was very
successful : on this and on other occasions, it not only,
when shaken, became very sparkling, but also emitted a
strong smell of phosphorus. Membranipora pilosaj var.
stellulata, which spreads itself on a flat frond in a star-like
form, became doubly entitled to the name of stellated, as
every polype in its little cell lighted up its tiny star, so
that for a short time the polypidom became a bright con-
stellation. I tried a specimen of Sertularia pumila, re-
specting which Stewart, as quoted by Dr. Johnston, says,
" If a leaf of Fucus serratus, with the Sertularia upon it,
receive a smart stroke with a stick in the dark, the whole
coralline is most beautifully illuminated, every denticle
seeming to be on fire/' but as my specimen had lain too
long on the shore, it did not shine, the polypes, I suppose,
being dead in their cells. Fliistra memhranacea, however,
was very beautiful. When the seaweed on which, like
silver-lace, it had spread, was shaken or bent, — as the cells

ANTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 97

were closely arranged, it was instantly in a blaze, and became
for a little like a sheet of fire.

Some time afterwards, I repeated the experiment with
several other zoophytes. I got some specimens of the ele-
gant feather-like Plumularia cristata, but they had lain too
long exposed to the ungenial influences of a November sky,
so that only a few of the polypes lighted up their tiny lamps,
and their light was feeble and of a darker red than any I had
seen exhibited. Having got a compound Ascidia attached
to a seaweed, when I shook it roughly in the dark, I had
the satisfaction of seeing that it was as much disposed as
any of the zoophytes to resent the insult. Though beauti-
fully marked with star-like figures, it sent not forth a spark-
ling light as might have been expected from these rows of
stars, but the whole massy body of the creature became at
once in a glow, shining, however, with a more lurid and
sullen-looking fire.

We are naturally led to inquire why the benign Creator,
who does nothing in vain, has granted to so many of the
feeble inhabitants of the deep, the power, in certain circum-
stances, of becoming luminous. As He made all things for
His own glory, and as His inanimate and irrational creatures
glorify Him, by furnishing to His rational and intelligent

H

98 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

creatures topics of devout contemplation, fitted to fill them
with wonder, and to lead them to show forth His glory and
praise, we doubt not that the luminosity of these marine
'' minims'^ was intended to be one of those topics of con-
templation. " Praise him, ye dragons and all deeps," says
the Psalmist, — or, '' all inhabitants of the deeps." The ele-
gant zoophytes, and the jelly-like MeduscBj which abound so
much in the deep, are well calculated to show forth His
praise during the day ; and should not our pious admiration
be increased, when the former, on being handled during the
night, become more brilliant than rubies ; and when the lat-
ter, though often, from their pellucidity, invisible through
the day, render, in the darkness, every troubled portion
of the deep a splendid whirlpool of innocuous fire ?

But shoidd not we still more adore his wonder-working
hand, if Ave find that what is beautiful in our eyes is highly
beneficial to the floating torch-bearers themselves ? May
not tliis garment of fire be their armour of defence, — their
panoply of protection? They have their enemies amidst
the waves ; and may not this sudden flash of fire in the dark-
ness of the deep be intended to alarm the foes by wdiich they
are assailed? The Lord was to his people of old a pillar
of fire by night, and a pillar of cloud by day. By fire and

AT^THOZOA HYDEOIDA. 99

cloud he may deign to protect his irrational creatures in the
present day. When the cuttle-fish is pursued by its enemies,
it can eject an inky fluid from a bag with which it is fur-
nished, so that, involved in a murky cloud of atramentous
water, it is concealed from the grasp of its voracious foes.
The Ascidia which we mentioned, seems inert and defence-
less, and would be a very savoury mouthfuU to a prowHng
haddock; but if, when the gourmand begins to nibble its
prey, it on a sudden became like a live coal, we suspect that
the boldest haddock would stand aghast. If He thus defend
with a robe of fire this helpless inhabitant of the deep, how
much more will He, according to His promise, be " a wall
of fire around his people and the glory in the midst of them."
And when is it that these tiny dwellers in the deep appear
in greatest splendour? It is in troublous times — in the
darksome hour of danger. And is it not under the cloud
of affliction and in the dark night of distress that God^s
chosen people most sweetly shine? Is not the brightest
page of their history that which tells how '' they wandered
about in mountains, and dens, and caves of the earth, not
„ accepting dehverance, that they might obtain a better resur-
rection"? And if they shone in that hour of darkness, it w^as
as the moon when she looks on the orb of day, — it was be-

100 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

cause from tlic midnight gloom iu which they were involved,
they looked up to the Sun of Righteousness, and shone with
reflected radiance, when cheered by his gladdening rays !"

Afloat upon the deep at midnight hour,

"When sleep has sealed the eyes of all aboard ;

AVhen even the helmsman, trusting to the calm,

Over the rudder sleeps ; when not a sound.

Save at long intervals the heavy clank

Of the dark wave, is heard against the keel —

Thy pensive mind inclines to ruminate;

And 'midst thy ponderings perchance thou'lt say,

' All nature sleeps ! Hail, solitude sublime !'

But sleepeth nature ? Sleep these twinkling orbs ?

And rcigneth solitude ? Art thou forsooth alone ?

Hover no cherubim on noiseless wing

Ai'ound thy head ? Dead is the silent sea ?

Smite but with sudden stroke the darkened prow,

And flash refulgent from the gloomy deep

"Will tell that myriads of the finny tribes,

In silver shoals, are wantoning around.

Dip but an oar into the briny main.

And straight the oar drops diamonds, and the sea.

Though, when unwoundcd and untroubled, dark.

Now shines like furnace full of molten gold.

'Tis with vast multitudes of living things

That thus the deep is buruish'd. Undisturb'd,

No light they give, and would unseen remain,

Though the bright sun shone on the peopled wave.

But in the gloom of night, if the rough wind,

ANTHOZOA HYDEOIDA. 101

Or ruder hand of man, turmoil excite
Throughout their briny realm, then brightly shine
These ocean gems, these glow-worms of the deep. — D. L.

I shall now close these preliminary observations with an
extract from a letter from my kind friend Mr. Wigham, of
Norwich, received at the very time I was writing them,
though he knew not that I was so engaged.

" In September we had a prodigious quantity of Flustra
tnembranacea and Laomedea geniculata on the Norfolk coast,
and, probably, on aU the east coast, as I saw remains of them
in Essex in the latter end of the month. The Flustra I had
never gathered before. There were waggon-loads of it, chiefly
on Fucus vesiculosiis and Fuciis nodosiis. The Laomedea
was on everything, — old branches of trees, cuttings of fir-
deals, chips, etc. ; and a piece of very hard cinder as big as
my fist was quite covered with it, and so beautifully phos-
phorescent, that long after it was dark I was strolling about
the beach at Cromer, stirring them up, and admiring their
surpassing beauty. The sea was beautifully luminous that
evening also, and I certainly thought that the zoophytes
being so very numerous would very well account for it, as
there must have been many billions of them in the water.'''

" Hail to thv face and odours, cjlorious Sea !
'Twere thauklcssness in me to bless thee notj
Great being ! in whose breath and smile
My heart beats calmer, and my very mind
Inhales salubrious thoughts. How welcomer
Thy murmurs than the murmurs of the world !
Though like the world thou fluctuatest, thy din
To me is peace, thy restlessness repose.
E'en gladly I exchange yon spring-green lanes
"With all the darling field-flowers in their prime,
And gardens haunted by the nightingale's
Long trills, and gushing ecstasies of song,
For these ^^'ild headlands, and the sea-mew's clang.

" The spirit of the universe in thee
Is %T[siblc, thou hast in thee the life —
The eternal, graceful, and majestic life
Of natui'e : and the natural human heart
Is therefore bound to thee with holy love." — Campbell.

ANTHOZOA HYDROIDA. 103

Class I. ANTHOZOA.

" The study of Natural History is witMn the reach of every one ; and he
who is engaged in it, is presented at every step in his progress with some-
thing capable of awakening pleasing emotions. The whole earth is to him a
vast museum, in which are crowded beautiful and sublime objects, animate and
inanimate, in almost endless variety, all combining to amuse the understand-
ing and gladden the heart."

I. ANTHOZOA HYDEOIDA.
Tribe I. TUBULARINA.

Family COEYNID^.

Character. Polypes rooted, fleshy, or sheathed in a horny skin,
simple or ramose, the upper part dilated into a clavated head
anned with tentacula, which are either irregular or sub-biserial,
and are variable in number ; mouth terminal ; oviform capsules
pullulating in clusters from the bases of the tentacula, and
naked.

Genus I. CLAY A, Gmelin.

Generic CJiaracter. Polypes single, fleshy, more or less club-
headed, but contractile, and mutable in form ; the tentacula
scattered, smooth, filiform, varying in number ; mouth terminal
and naked. The name is from clava, a club. — Johnston.

104 HISTORY OP BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

1. Claya multicornis, p. S. Pallas^.

Hab. Parasitical on seaweeds, corallines, etc., between
tide-marks ; Harwich, Pallas. Not uncommon. The po-
lypes are gregarious, about half an inch in height, with a
knobbed, rose-coloured, fleshy head, with scattered fihforin
tentacula, which the creature can elongate at ^nll, though
not so much as the Hydra. Dr. Coldstream says, that after
being kept in sea-water for some hours, some of the animals
protrude the inner surface of the mouth so as to present a
convex disc, with the tentacula ranged round it.

Genus II. HYDRACTINTA, Van Beneden.

Gen. Char. Polypes naked, gregarious, united on a common
crustaceous base ; tentacula in one subalternating circle ; eggs
or bulbules sessile, clustered on untentaculated individuals. —
Johnston.

1, Hydractinia echinata, G. Montagu. (Plate I. fig. 1.)
Hab. On old univalve shells, from deep water. Not un-
common.

* The name affixed to the specific character by Dr. Johnston, is that of
the person who, so far as he could ascertain the fact, has added the species
to the British fauna. Pallas ^Yas born iu Jicrlin.

^i.^ . 1 . Hydra ctuiia enhuia-ta
Fig^. 2 . TuMaria in 3i visa
Pig". 3. Coryne pusiJla . .

ArliiUeslith .

I.TLeeve.iTM

CORYNE. 105

This is not unfreqiiently found cast asliore on the Apshire
coast, and I have dredged it in Arran. It was first known
to me under the name of Alcyonium echinatum. The shells
on which it is generally found by us are, Buccinum unclatuyn,
FusMS corneus, Natica glaucina, and Nassa reticulata. It
has been stated by several naturalists, that the shells it
infests are inhabited by hermit crabs, and some of them
have observed, as we also have done, that the rim of the
aperture of the shell is extended by the growth of the
zoophyte in the form of a horny membrane, by which the
dimensions of the crab^s domicile is greatly enlarged, having
thus a kind of verandah, without an intervening wall.

Genus III. CORYNE, Gartner.

Gen. Char. Polypes sheathed in a thin horny membrane or
tube, branched and subphytoidal, the apices of the branches
polypous, clubbed, and furnished with short tentacula with
globular tips, and arranged without order ; mouth terminal ;
ovules separate, very shortly pedicled. — Jolimton. — This name
is the same in meaning as that of Genus I., clava being the
Latin, and coryne the Greek, for a club.-^ ^

1. CoTiYNE PUSiLLA, Gartner'^' (Plate I. fig.^)

* Joseph Gsertner, M.D., born in "Wirtemberg, 1732.

106 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Hab. On seaweeds, and stones between tide-marks.

This little zoophyte is not often met wdth on the Ayrsliire
coast, but being minute it may at times escape notice. It
creeps along the surface of the object to which it adheres,
seldom more than an inch in height, tubular, horny, sub-
pellucid, wrinkled, and more or less ringed. The head is
of a reddish colour. It can bend its head, or give to any
tentaculum a distinct motion and direction, though its
motions are slow. I have specimens of it from Mrs. Grif-
fiths, Torquay ; Miss Cutler, Budleigh Salterton ; Mr. Tu-
manowicz, Hastings; and Mrs. Gatty, from the Yorkshire
coast.

Small as this creature is, it is one respecting which there
is much difference of opinion among naturalists. Four
varieties of it are described by Dr. Johnston.

Genus IV. COEDYLOPHOEA, Allman,

Gen. Char. Polypidom horny, branched, rooted by a creeping
tubular fibre, branches tubular. Polypes developed at the ex-
tremities of the branches, ovoid, bearing the mouth at the
distal extremity, and furnished with scattered filiform tentacida.
— Allman. — The name is from two Greek words, the one signi-
fying a waier-newty and the other a burden.

EUDENDRIUM. 107

1. CoRDYLOPHOiiA LACusTRis, G. J. Allman^.
Hab. Dock of the Grand Canal, Dublin, Allman,
The dock is free from any admixture of sea-water, and
the Professor kept it alive for a fortnight in fresh-water, not
taken from the dock. It was found on the bottom of an
old canal-boat. It is horny; branches cylindrical. Polypes
at the end of the branches, ovoid, and prolonged into a
conical projection with the mouth at the extremity; the
body of the polype being covered with scattered, filiform
tentacula.

Pamily TUBULAEIAD^.

Character. Polypidom plant-hke, horny, rooted by fibres,
rarely free, simple or branched, tubular, filled with a semifluid
organic pulp. Polypes naked, protruded from the ends of the
tubes, and not retractile, fleshy and red, armed with one or two
circles of smooth filiform tentacula. Bulbules pullulating from
the bases of the tentacula, soft and naked. Embryo medusiform.
— Johnston.

Genus V. EUDENDEIUM, Ehrenberg,
Gen. Char. Polypidom rooted by creeping fibres, erect and

* The distinguislied Professor of Botauy, Trinity College, Dublin.

108 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

variously branched, the fibres cylindrical, tubular, filled with a
soft pulp. Polypes hanging from the extremity of every branchlet,
non-retractile, roundish, somewhat pcdicled, naked and fleshy,
the body encircled with a zone of filiform tentacula ; the mouth
central and subtubular. — Johnston, — Name from two Greek words
signifying well^ and a tree.

1. EUDENDRIUM RAMEUM. (Plate II. fig. 5.)

Hab. On shells and stones, deep water. Shetland and
Leith, Dr. Coldstream; Bay of Whitburn, Miss Dale;
Northumberland and Berwickshire, frequent, Dr. Johnston ;
Scarborough, Mr. Bean ; Whitehaven, Mr. W. Thompson ;
Dubhn Bay, Mr. Hassall ; Cornw^all, Mr. Couch ; Aberdeen-
shire, Mr. Macgilli\Tay ; near Liverpool, Mr. Eylands.

Dr. Johnston very truly says, "This animal production
so perfectly resembles a tree in miniature deprived of its
leaves, that persons unacquainted with the nature of zoo-
phytes cannot be persuaded that it is not of a vegetable
nature.^' It is from three to six inches liigh. It is irre-
gularly divided into many compound branches. The po-
l}^es are of a reddish colour, the tentacula whitish and
numerous.

This zoophyte has not been found on the Ayrshire coast.
AVe have fine specimens from Mr. Tudor, Bootle. It is well

EUDENDRIUM. 109

figured in Dr. Johnston^s excellent work, in plate v. 1, 2,
and also at p. 407. It seems to have been a special fa-
vourite of the late Sir J. G. Daly ell, and he gives splendid
figures of it in his great work, in plate vi. and plate vii.
It is a pleasure, also, to quote part of his enthusiastic de-
scription. ^' This is a splendid animal production, — one of
the most singular, beautiful, and interesting among the
boundless works of Nature. Sometimes it resembles an
aged tree, blighted amidst the war of the elements, or
withered by the deep corrosions of time : sometimes it re-
sembles a vigorous flowering sln*ub in miniature, rising with
a dark brown stem, and diverging into numerous boughs,
branches, and twigs, terminating in so many hydrse, wherein
red and yellow intermixed afford a fine contrast to the
whole.''

"The glowing colours of the one, and the venerable
aspect of the other, — their intricate parts often laden with
prolific fruit, and their numberless tenants, all highly pic-
turesque, are equally calculated to attract our admiration to
the creative power displayed throughout the universe; and
to sanction the character of this product, as one of uncom-
mon interest and beauty,

" A very fine specimen of the Tuhidaria ramea [Euden-

no HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

drium rameum) was recovered from among the rocks of a
cavity in the bottom of the Firth of Forth, at about 150
feet from the surface. It had vegetated in such a direction
that it was detached quite entire. — Being transferred to a
capacious vessel of sea-water, I found it rising seven and a
half inches in height, by a stem about nine lines in diameter
near the root, then subdividing into several massy boughs,
besides many lesser branches. Numberless twigs, termi-
nated by thousands of minute hydrse of the palest carna-
tion, clothed the extremities, which were ten inches apart.

"The root itseK diffused irregularly, by a multitude of
mossy- Hke fibres, which might be circumscribed by a circle
of two inches diameter. It is to be observed that the stem,
and the higher rigid portions, consisted of irregular bundles
of tubes ; but about two inches of the highest were in ver-
ticillate arrangement. Though composed of bundles of
tubes below, the absolute extremities, bearing the hydrse,
resolve into single tubes, each with its animal.

" Many parasites invested this splendid specimen. Masses
of the pure white and deep orange Alcyonium digitatum
hung from the bouglis ; SertularicBy sponges, and algaj were
profusely interspersed, all proving, by their obvious succes-
sive generations, the great antiquity of the Eudend/rium.

EUDENDEIUM. Ill

" Other specimens have occurred of similar aspect and
conformation, chiefly from four to six inches high, but none
above nine. One beautiful and luxuriant specimen, four
inches high, and diverging four inches, might have been
circumscribed by an elHpse two inches and a quarter across.
By gross computation, 1200 hydrse, deeper-coloured than
peach-blossom, decorated this latter specimen. The head
or hydra of this zoophyte is deciduous '^.■^

" Full many a gem of pm'est ray serene
The dark unfathom'd depths of ocean bear ;
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air,"

" Thy way is in the sea, and Thy paths in the great waters, and Thy foot-
steps are not known."

2. EUDENDRIUM RAMOSUM, ElUs.

Hab. Shores of Kent and Sussex, Ellis; Devon, Mrs.
Griffiths ; Cornwall, Mr. Couch ; Scarborough, Mr. Bean ;
Hastings, Mr. Tumanowicz; West of Ireland, Mr. W.
Thompson ; near Kirkcudbright, Mr. E. B. Fleming ; coast
of A}Tshire, D. L.

It is from two to six inches in height, the branches slender,

* ' Rare and Remarkable Animals of Scotland,' by Sir John Graham
Dalyell, Baronet.

1]2 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

horny in colour and texture^ consisting, as also the stem,
of a single tube. The branches are erecto-patent. The
branchlets are ringed at their origins. It is rather rare on
the west coast of Scotland ; but we got it on one occasion
on an irony-like cinder dredged from the deep.

Ellis, who discovered it on the Kentish shore nearly a
hundred years ago, says — " Here the curious naturalist
may plainly discover a polype branching out like the com-
mon fresh-water Hydra, but strongly fortitied by nature to
support itself in its turbulent situation ; for he will observe
that this is defended by a tough horny covering, and fixed
by its base to solid bodies in the sea, to secure itself from
the infinite number of enemies that every moment sur-
round it."

Sir J. G. Dalyell remarks, that " faint whorls, almost im-
perceptible in the living product, indent the origin of the
branch and the extremity of the twigs. Chestnut-brown or
umber is the predominant colour of the inorganic parts;
the hydra is very minute and reddish. The tentacula are
susceptible of much elongation, when they become almost
of cylindrical form." The neck, he adds, is so flexible,
that it is susceptible of complete recurvature, or looking
behind, as we would say of other animals. He has wit-

EUDENDRIUM. 113

nessed, very satisfactorily, a circulating fluid in this zoo-
phyte. Dark particles are seen ascending one side of the
neck, and descending by the other, as if conveyed by the
current of a fluid. The current is chiefly visible at the
lower part of the head. The rate of the current is not re-
gular, sometimes quick and sometimes slow, and at times
quite suspended — yet without evident injury.

'' The provision of Nature," he subjoins, '^ for conduct-
ing a vivifying principle throughout the whole extent of
animal organization, whereby it shall impart vigour to the
remotest parts, surpasses all the admiration which mortals
can bestow upon it; and this marvellous expedient is
rendered still more wonderful by reflecting on the means
adopted for its impregnation with atmospheric qualities, de-
vised for the common sustentation of the universe. Every-
thing conspires to show the grandeur of the plan from
whence the world was originated.''^

The animal, though so flexible itself, has no power over
the comparatively rigid tube it inhabits. When Sir J. G.
DalyeU cut two portions from a specimen, he found them
rooted to the glass in which they lay, in the course of a
night.

114 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES,

Genus YI. TUBULAEIA, LhmcBus.

Gen. Char. Polypidom horny, fixed by a creeping fibre, erect,
fistular, and imbranched, the tube filled with a semifluid me-
dulla. Polypes placed at the extremities of the tubes, non-
retractile, fleshy, furnished with two circles of filiform smooth
tentacula, " one row surrounds the middle of the heads, and the
other is placed round the mouth ;" bulbules clustered, shortly
pedicled, placed within and at the base of the lower tentacula ;
embryo sometimes in the form of a Beroii, sometimes of a Hydra.
— JoJmston. — The name from tuhulus, a little pipe. „

1. TuBULARiA iNDivisA, E. Lliwijd'^ . (Plate 1. fig."^)
Hab. On shells and stones from deep water ; not rare.
Rothesay Bay, Prof. E, Forbes; Cmnbraes, D. L.

" Tliis/^ says EUis, " is the largest of this tribe of British
tubulous corallines. It arises from small worm-like figures,
which rise into distinct tubes five and six inches long, full
of a thick reddish liquor. On the top of these the polypes
appear with plumed crests. These tubes, in the dried spe-
cimens, have the resemblance of oaten pipes, that is, part
of an oaten straw with the joints cut ofT.'^ AVe may add,
however, that they are clearer and more horny than oat-

* Edward Lhwyd, or Lloyd, naturalist and antiquarian, born in Wales in
1670, and died in 1709.

TUBULARIA. 115

straws, and not so thick. They grow in clusters of thirty
or forty pipes together, and certainly a dried specimen has
but little beauty. How great is its beauty, however, when
seen in a live state, like a rich bouquet of splendid flowers !

" The yellow fistulous stem," says Sir J. G. Dalyell,
" full of mucilaginous pith, is rooted on a solid substance
below, and crowned by a living head resembling a fine
scarlet blossom, wdth a double row of tentacula, and often
with pendent clusters like grapes, embellished by various
hues, wlierein red and yellow predominate. Fifty, or even
a hundred and fifty, are at times crowded together; their
heads of diverse figures, shades, and dimensions, constitute
a brilliant animated group, too rich in nature to be effec-
tively portrayed by art." "If the florist," he says else-
where, " enjoys the bloom of those resplendent gems, which,
void of evident sensation and motion, yet stud the verdant
fields, or decorate his gardens, and fill the air with fra-
grance, so much the higher should we prize those living
tenants of the deep, wliich testify the action and volition
diffused throughout their beautiful and luxuriant flourish."

When these Tuhdarm are kept for observation in vessels
of sea-water, it generally happens, in a few days, that these
beautiful heads drop off. It would be all over with man.

] in HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

even tlie wisest, were his head to drop off, unless we were
to give credit to the legend of one of old, who, when deca-
pitated, could run with his head under his arm. This marine
knight of the oaten pipes can survive what would prove
fatal to our doughtiest heroes. While the florid summit
of the vacant stalk is fading. Sir J. G. Daly ell tells us that
a kind of cicatrix closes the wound. But, on the lapse of
a certain interval, it darkens again; an internal head is ad-
vancing, which, speedily ascending, bursts a transparent in-
volucrum, and flourishes as a new head precisely from the
same point its precursor had fallen, and of equally vivid
hue. Singular to be told, the regenerative faculty is not
exliausted here ; for, after subsisting an indefinite time, this
second head droops and dies, and is dissolved on its fall.
Then it is replaced by a third, and the third by a succes-
sor." How often this may be repeated has not yet been
ascertained.

The field botanist knows the pleasure arising from the
power of association, leading him to remember that in some
" lone glen of green breckan," or on some cliffy moun-
tain-side, when, along with some dear friend, he first saw-
such a flower. I often remember that the first time I had
the pleasure of seeing these living marine flowers was in

o. oei^'ilaria- tamarisca.

.Url>..

F.S#«v«

TUBULARIA. 117

the romantic Kyles of Bute_, aboard the yacht of Mr. Smith
of Jordanhiilsj when dredging along with him and Professor
Edward Forbes. A dozen precious years have passed since
that dehghtful excursion.

2. TuBULARiA DuMORTiERii, Dr. Joknston.

Hab. On the shell of the Lithodes maja, from Berwick Bay.

"This is so like T. indivisa, that one might conjecture
it was that species in miniature, but there can be no doubt
of its distinctness.'" To be convinced of the truth of this,
we have only to look at Dr. Johnston^s fine figure of it,
plate vii. 1,2.

3. TuBULARiA LARYNX. (Plate II. fig. 4.)

Hab. Strangford Lough, W. Thompson ; Belfast Lough,
Mr. Paterson and Mr. Hyndman.

" This coralline is found in great plenty in the sea, near
the opening of the Thames, adhering to other marine bodies,
and often to the bottoms of ships. I have received it with
the animals alive in sea-water, in which state it affords a
most agreeable scene ; the top of each tube bearing a bright
crimson-coloured polype, equal in richness of colour to the
Guernsey lily, all the animals displaying their claws or
tentacula at the same time, with surprising agility.'''' — Ellis.

It takes its specific name from the rings on parts of the

118 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

tube, causing it to resemble the windpipe. "In the month
of December/^ Sir J. G. Dalyell states, "a group was reco-
vered from the sea, resembhng a copious handful! of white,
crisp, baked horse-hair, which rose two inches high, and
occupied a vessel of four inches diameter. Closer inspec-
tion discovered this to be a vast congeries; — one of not
fewer than 500 snowy tubes, crowned by scarlet animated
blossoms of various hues. In the aggregate it may be
compared to a beautiful tuft of pinks decorating a flower-
erarden." It is not often obtained in the west of Scotland,
It seems more common in the north of Ireland. Mr. K.
Paterson, of Belfast, says, " Having dredged a specimen,
and having placed a detached tube of it in a jar of sea-water,
this severed one, by its change of place, caught my eye. It
was not merely that it was sinking in the jar, but that it
was coiling itself up, uncoiling, stretching, twisting, knotting
itself in a way that resembled the Gordius aquaticiis ;" thus
shownig that the stem is not only flexible, but, under cer-
tain circumstances, is truly and entirely under the control
of the zoophyte.

4. TuBULARiA GRACILIS, /. B. Havvey.

Ilab. In deep water, parasitical in tufts of Tahularia
indivisa and Eadendriuni rameum.

CORTMORPHA. 119

I have a specimen of it from Lady Keith Murray, foiinri
by her near Stonehaven. This species is about three inches
in height, the tubes slender, of a pale colour, and horny.
"When the polypes are all displayed, they afford a very
interesting spectacle, equalled by no other species I have
seen; the crimson heads contrasting finely with their white
polypidoms, especially when loaded with the reproductive
bulbules, which pullulate from the inner side of the bases of
the inferior tentacula.'^ {Dr. Johnston.) — Mr. Harvey found
his specimens at the steam-bridge on the river Dart, in
clusters on the links of the chain, and also on the links
over which the floating bridge at Devonport runs.

' Genus VII. COEYMORPHA, Sars.

1. CORYMOIIPHA NUTANS.

Hab. Orkney, Porbes and Goodsir.

Por the generic and specific characters we must refer to
Dr. Johnston''s work, pp. 54^ and 55, and to his characteristic
figure, plate vii. fig. 4.

" We found the CorT/morpha in ten-fathom water in the
Bay of Stromness, Orkney. When placed in a vessel of
sea-water, it presented the appearance of a beautiful flower.

120 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Its head gracefully nodded (whence the appropriate specitic
appellation, nutans, given to it by Sars), bending the upper
part of its stem. It waved its long tentacula to and fro
at pleasure, but seemed to have no power in contracting
them. It could not by any means be regarded as an apa-
thetic animal, and its beauty excited the admiration of all
who saw it.''"' — E. Forbes and J. Goodsir.

Tribe 2. SERTULARINA.

Family SERTULARIAD^.

Character. Polypidoms plant-like, horny, rooted, variously
branched, tubular, filled with a semifluid organic pulp. Polypes
contained within sessile cells, which are variously, but always de-
terraiuately disposed along the sides of the main stalk or branch-
lets, and are never terminal ; ova contained in horny deciduous
vesicles scattered over the polypidom ; embryos PZa;mm-l ike.

Genus YIII. HALECIUM, Ohn.

Gen. Char. Polypidom rooted, plant-like : the stem composed
of aggregated subparallel capillary tubes; the branches alter-
nate, spreading bifariously ; cells tubular, subsessile, jointed at
the base, arising alternately from opposite sides, one under every
joint of the branchlet : ovarian vesicles irregularly scattered.
Polypes hydraform, scarcely retractile within their cells.

Plate ni

A:rjlHi,

r/B-etv*, im5»

HALECIUM. 121

1. Hai^ecivm uaJjECH^vm, James A^ewtoti. (Plate III. fig. 7.)
Hab. On old shells and stones in deep water; generally

common. Firth of Forth, D. L., jun. ; Bootle Bay, Mr.
Tudor.

Polypidom from four to ten inches high, attached to
shells, etc., by numerous matted fibres ; the stem and prin-
cipal branches composite ; " base of numerous tubes, which,
by uniting, form those larger parallel tubes of which the
stem consists ; the smaller branches are simple, and diverge
at a regular angle, each supporting a few alternate tubular
cells, with one or two transverse WTinkles ; vesicles on the
sides of the branches, irregularly oval, with a tube on one
side a little produced on the summit. ''^ {3/-. Fleming.) — As
all the branches stand at an acute angle with the stem, this
gives it an appearance which has procured for it the name
of the Herring-bone Coralline. Though common on many
shores, it is rather rare on the Ayrshire coast.

2. ^k\:^q\v>^)l^y.k^\\, William Bean. (Plate III. fig. 8.)
Hab. Near Scarborough, in deep water, rare, Mr. Bean ;

Belfast Bay, Mr. W. Thompson and Mr. Hyndman ; Mr.
IlassaU, Dublin Bay; Professor Harvey, Dublin Bay. The
first I saw of Scottish origin were sent to me by Lady Keith
Murray, who found them at Stonehaven. I afterwards got

i'Z'Z HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

it sent to me from the neighbourhood of Kirkcudbright, by
Mr. E. B. Fleming; and soon after I dredged it in Arran,
and found it also on our shore at Saltcoats. It is more
slender and graceful than //. halecinum, and has little of
the regular herring-bone appearance. The vesicles also are
different in form, resembling the flower of a calceolaria, or
rather a woollen slipper without any leather on the sole.
When young, the colour of the polypidom is white;
when old, it is brownish. The vesicles contain four em-
bryos, which, when mature, make their escape through the
orifice, and traverse the vessel in which they are kept, with
their swelling head foremost. In this state they are called
P/aiiarm by Sir J. G. Dalyell. The vigour of their motion
gradually relaxes till they become quite quiescent, and a
stem rising from above indicates a nascent Hnlecium. Only
six days is required to bring them to this degree of maturity,
computing from the discharge of the planula? from the
vesicle.

The specific name given to it by Dr. Johnston is in
honour of the indefatigable Mr. Bean, of Scarborough, by
whom it was discovered. An excellent figure of it may be
found in Dr. Johnston's admirable work, plate xi. 1, 2.

3. Halecium MURiCATUM, i^^w/iS/t^w^. (Platelll.fig. 9.)

Plate W.

U^-*.^UJU

■j.il.S.TU^OSa
'^..S.pumila

F.Rwve , im^.

SERTULAEIA. 123

Hab. On old shells, from deep water. Aberdeen, Skene ;
Angusshire,Don; Seaton, J. Hogg ; Scarborough, Mr. Bean;
Dundee, W. Jackson, jun. ; Firth of Forth, Dr. Jameson,
Dr. Fleming, Dr. Coldstream ; Cornwall, Mr. Couch ;
Giant^s Causeway, Mr. Hassall ; on oyster-shells from Loch-
ryan, D. Jj.

Height two or three inches ; stems erect, the stem and
branches composed of closely agglutinated tubes; cells
short and narrow; vesicles large, numerous, rough with
spinous ridges. See the figure of it in Dr. Johnston's work,
plate ix. fig. 3, 4.

Genus IX. SERTULARIA, LmncEus.

Gen. Char. Polypidom growing in the shape of a plant, and
fixed by its base, variously branched, the divisions or branches
formed of a single tube denticulated or serrated with the cells,
and jointed at regular intervals : cells alternate or paired, bi-
serial, sessile, urceolate, short, with everted apertures : ovarian
vesicles scattered. Pol^'pes hydraform, — Dr. Johnston.

^ Cells alternate, one to each mternode.
1 . Sertulaeia polyzomas. Great Tooth Coralline, James
Newton. (Plate IV. fig. 10.)

124 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

iTab. On shells, and roots of Fiiciy and not unfrequently
with us on the branches of Ilalidrijs. It is common at
Troon, and at other places on the Ayrshire coast. I have a
specimen from Newfoundland.

It is loosely branched, cells smooth, not crowded, in some
specimens a little wrinkled across. It is white, and two or
three inches high.

There are two varieties, the one upright, and the other
more branched and spreading.

" When this coralline was put into sea-water, I observed,
through the microscope, a polype occupy the inside of the
whole, and each denticle or cell fiUed with a part of it, end-
ing in tufts of tentacula. A small piece of one of the little
sprigs was put into a watch-glass of sea-water, and notwith-
standing the separation of its body, in five minutes' time
the claws or tentacula were moving about in search of prey.''
— Ellis,

'I. Sertularia rugosa. Snail Trefoil Coralline, Mlis.
(Plate IV. fig. 11.)

Hab. Parasitical on Fhistrce, sponges, and seaweeds at
low-water mark; not uncommon. There is a variety which
is erect, and another variety which creeps along the frond
of Flustrafoliacea. Seen by the naked eye, it has no beauty,

SERTULARIA. 125

seeming like a brown thread somehow attached, but when
viewed with a lens it is a great curiosity, for it is crowded
with coarsely wrinkled cells like little barrels. The vesicles
are much the same, but larger, and have three teeth in the
opening at the top of each.

"^■^ Cells in pairs, opposite, alternate.

3. Sertularia rosacea, Lily or Pomegranate Coralline,
Ellis. (Plate IV. fig. 12.)

Hab. On shells from deep water, and also on Laminarice,
but much more frequently on Phcmularia falcata, Sertularia
argentea, and S. cupressina, and on these it is much more
delicate and graceful than on seaweeds.

It is from one to two inches in height, very slender and
delicate, of a pale horn-colour, pellucid ; cells opposite, tu-
bulous, the upper half free and divergent. Ellis saw the
animals alive both in the cells and in the vesicles, those in
the vesicles being considerably larger.

4. Sertularia pumila. Sea-oak Coralline, S. Boody.
(Plate IV. fig. 18.)

Hab. Near low-water mark; very common on Fucus nodo-
sus and Fucus serratus. The branches rise from a tubular
thread that creeps along the surface of the Fitci, and they
often rise in such numbers as to cover the alga. In general

126 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

they are less than an inch in height, but at Leith we got
them nearly two inches, completely covering the frond of the
F. serratus. The colour is horny ; the cells are opposite ;
the vesicles scattered and ovate. This species is very phos-
phorescent when the seaweed to which it adheres is suddenly
shaken in the dark.

5. Sertularia Evansii, 3Ir. John Evans.

Hab. Yarmouth, where it was found by Mr. Evans, in
honour of whom it was named by EUis, to whom it was sent
in 1767. It does not seem to be much known.

6. Sertularia nigra, Pallas.

Hab. Found at the Lizard, Cornwall, Pallas ; in several
places in Cornwall by E. Q. Couch; Devonshire, Mrs. Grif-
fiths.

Robust and erect, from three to seven or eight inches
high, of a blackish-brown colour when dead, at times tinted
with red. ^' But to see it in all its beauty,'' says Mr. Couch,
" it must be examined in a living state, and soon after it is
taken from the sea, when, instead of being black, it will be
found of a beautiful and delicate pink, and in some in-
stances of a deep arterial blood-colour. It is the stoutest
and most rigid of all our native Sertularia, but there are
several others which exceed it in beauty and delicacy.''

SERTULARIA. 127

See Dr. Johuston's figure of Sertularia nigra, plate xii.
fig. 1, 2.

7. Sertularia pinnata, Pallas.

Hab. At the Lizard, Cornwall, Pallas ; Devonshire, Mrs.
Griffiths. I have it from Mr. Bean, Scarborough.

Mrs. Griffiths mentions respecting this rare zoophyte that
when fresh it is entirely of a deep blood-red colour, and
when dried, brown. Pallas remarks that there is the closest
resemblance betwixt it and S. nigra; and Dr. Johnston
states that the real difference between them hes in the posi-
tion of the cells and in the form of the vesicles. The cells
arise, not from the sides exactly, but rather on the edge of
the pinnules ; the vesicles are comparatively small, obconi-
cal, with a series of tubercles or segments above, while the
centre projects in the shape of a cone or nipple. See Dr.
Johnston^s figure, plate xii. fig. 3, 4.

8. Sertularia fusca, Robert Brown.

Hab. Coast of Aberdeenshire, E. Brown; coast of North-
umberland, Mr. Embleton ; Scarborough, Mr. Bean ; Whit-
burn, county of Durham, Miss Daje; Stonehaven, Lady
Keith Murray.

It is about three inches high, rigid, pinnate, dusky,
blackish-brown, varnished. The cells are arranged in a

128 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

cross row along each margin, and have a quadrifarious ap-
pearance. The cells are small ; the vesicles pretty large,
unilateral, pear-shaped, and smooth. I am indebted to Lady
Keitli Murray for a good specimen of this rare species, found
at Stonehaven on the fishermen^s nets.

9. Sertularia pinaster, JF. Thompson.

Hab. Mr. W. Thompson, of Belfast, states respecting this
rare species, that it was dredged by Mr. Hyndinan in Belfast
Bav, and also off Sana in the western coast of Scotland. A
single specimen also was dredged by Captain Beechey, E.N.,
off the Mull of Galloway. It bears a resemblance in form
to S. rosacea^ as may be seen by looking at Dr. Johnston's
figure 12, page 72. The difference lies in the ovarian ve-
sicles.

10. Sertularia Margarita, R. A. Tudor.

Hab. Mouth of the Mersey, Mr. Tudor; off Ilowth, and
near the Giant's Causeway, Mr. Hassall ; Dublin Bay, Pro-
fessor Harvey; Devonshire, Mrs. (iriffiths; Arran, 1). L.

This bears a considerable resemblance to S. pinaster in
the sha])e of the cells, but it differs from it in the shape and
in the larger size of the vesicles, which are rounded at the
top and arranged in two circles. See Dr. Johnston's Zoo-
phytes, fig. 18, p. 73.

SERTULARIA. 129

Mr. Tudor, of Bootle, had found this, and it had been sent
to Dr. Johnston by his friend Mr. Rylands, named S. Tudori,
but as it wanted vesicles Dr. Johnston delayed publishing a
description of it, in the hope that a specimen with vesicles
might be found by Mr. Tudor. In the meantime it was
found with vesicles by Mr. Hassall, Avho assigned to it the
christian name of a lady distinguished for an ardent love of
the works of nature, and also as a zealous collector in various
branches of natural history.

11. Sertularia fallax, JDr. Fleming.

Hab. On oyster-beds, common. Dr. Fleming; Frith of
Forth, plentifully, Dr. Coldstream ; near Dunstanborougb,
Mr. Embleton ; Whitburn, Miss Dale ; Scarborough, Mr.
Bean; Aberdeen, Mr. J. Macgillivray ; Stonehaven, Lady
Keith Murray.

Attached by tubular fibres ; from two to four inches in
height, branches alternate ; rachis of a dusky horn-colour ;
cells tubular ; ovarian vesicles pear-shaped, with four con-
vergent segments at the top. I have not met with this on
the Ayrshire coast, so that the only specimen I have of it is
from Lady Keith Murray, found by her at Stonehaven.

12. Sertularia tamarisca, Sea Tamarisk, Ellis. (Plate
XL fig. 6.)

K

130 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Hab. Entrance to Dublin Harbour, Ellis ; Belfast Lougli,
Templeton; Ballycastle, Dr. J. L. Drummond; Howth,
Mr. li. Ball ; Portmarnock, Mr. W. Thompson ; near Aber-
deen, Dr. Skene; Frith of Eorth, Dr. Coldstream; Scar-
borough very rare, Mr. Bean ; Bootle, Mr. Tudor ; Corn-
wall, Mr. Couch ; Devon and Xorfolk, very rare indeed,
Mr. C. W. Peach.

" Its ramifications are irregular, but chiefly alternate ; its
texture is of a thin, transparent, horny nature ; the denticles
or cells are large, cylindrical, open and opposite, and each
pair seems fixed in the top of the next pair below it. The
vesicles appear to be shaped like a heart, with a short tube
at the top, not unlike the aorta, cut ott?' {Ellis.) It bears
some resemblance to S. rosacea, but it is of a much more
robust habit. I have not observed it on the Ayrshire coast,
but I have fine specimens of it from my liberal friend ^Ir.
Tudor, and also from D. L., junior, got in the Erith of
Forth.

13. Sertularia abietina. Sea-fir CoralUne. (Plate V.
fig. 14.)

Hab. On shells and stones in deep water, common. It
is not common, however, on the coast of Ayrshire. We
have occasionally picked up a specimen, having, however, a

14.SertulaTia abietmsL.

15 argeiLtCcL.

16 _ opercuLata

17. '. filicul'a'

14, ■■■■

Achilles litK.

r. R^Bve , im-p

SEHTULARIA. 131

bleached appearance, as if drifted for a considerable time.
We have dredged it in Lamlash Bay, but the specimens,
though evidently in their native locality, were not good.

" Height nearly a foot ; stem arising from wrinkled tubes,
which adhere to stones or shells ; the cells are usually oppo-
site, sometimes alternate, and the stems seldom exhibit any
joints ; vesicles egg-shaped, with a narrow base and a con-
tracted subtubular summit." [Dr. Fleming.) Though gene-
rally white, or of a pale yellow colour, specimens of a reddish
hue are occasionally found. Those I got in Arran, and in
the Trith of Forth, where they are abundant, were very
much dotted with Spirorbis.

Sir J. G. Dalyell has recorded many interesting observa-
tions made by him on this zoophyte, kept alive in jars of
sea-water. " It is obvious," he says, " that two differently
formed vesicles are borne by the S. alnetina, a fact also in-
cident to a few other Sertulari(^."

He gives a description and figure of what he calls Sertu-
laria ahietinulay diminutive sea-fir. It bears a considerable
resemblance to S. ahietina, but he has been unable to iden-
tify the two. It is generally from one to two or perhaps
three inches high. He has never observed it except on old
shells.

132 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

1-i. Sertulariapilicula, rem Coralline, //?^r/5(>;«. (Plate
V. fig. 17.)

Hab. On seaweeds, especially on the entangled roots of
Laminaria digitata ; Mr. "W. Thompson states that it seeuis
to be partial to bivalve shells on the coast of Ireland, and it
is also found on Fliistra. It is rare in the west of Scotland,
and is seldom found excej)t at the roots of L. digitata. It
is not common anywhere, thougli it is widely distributed.

" Height about an inch ; branches alternate ; cells wide
at the base, contracted towards the orifice, which is slightly
tubular, with a wrinkle or depression, forming a shoulder on
the upper side ; vesicles ovate with a narrow base, and a con-
tracted subtubular orifice." [I)i\ Fleming.) " It sometimes
rises to the height of four inches ; the stem has a zigzag
ap])earance ; the cells are shaped like a Florence fiask. The
vesicles are represented by Ellis as pear-shaped, but they are
very seldom seen. The singularity of its waved stem, with
its erect, single, axillary cell at the insertion of the branches,
together with the single pair of cells on each part of the
stem that form the angles, make it a very distinct species
from any of tliis genus." {Ellis.)

Though it bears some resemblance to a young specimen
of S. abietina, it may be easily distinguished, as Ellis has

SERTULARIA. 138

said, by the zigzag stem, the single upright cell in the angle
betwixt the stem and the branch, and by there being only
two cells, one on each side on that part of the stem which
intervenes betwixt every two branches.

15. Sertulaeiaoperculata, Sea-hair Coralline. (Plate V.
fig. 16.)

Hab. On seaweeds, especially on the stem of Lamlnaria
dlgitata. Common on all parts of the coast. And yet, com-
mon as it is, I had been several years minister of an Ayr-
shire parish with five miles of sea-coast, from Saltcoats to
Irvine, before I ever saw either this or any other zoophyte ;
or more properly speaking, before I observed one of them,
or gave that degree of attention which is necessary to dis-
cern their beauty. When S. operculata was shown me by
a naturalist whom I met on the shore, I was so much struck
with its elegant structure, that I thought it must be some
foreign production, and could scarcely believe that so great
a curiosity could be found on our own shores. Ashamed of
having so long had eyes and no eyes, I began to make a
better use of them; and having detected some other zoophytes
of equal beauty, I sent them to my kind and excellent friend
Dr. Fleming, who gave me their names and encouraged me
to prosecute my marine researches. " It consists,' ' as Ellis

134 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

states, "of long trailing branches, with very sharp teeth,
])laced in pairs exactly opposite ; each pair seems to be
jointed into the next. The slender branches grow in tufts
like bunches of hair. On the Ayrshire coast I have never
observed it on anything but Laminaria digitatay and seldom
more than three inches in height, but EngHsh specimens are
often six, and Irish specimens sometimes even twelve inches
in height. 'After a storm, clumps, as large as a child^s
fist, are washed ashore .■* {Couch.) The vesicles are irregu-
larly scattered on the branches, large, smooth, egg-shaped,
and often with a rounded operculum at the top." " It was
from the great resemblance," says Dr. Johnston, " of these
vesicular ovaries to the capsules of mosses, that the early
l)otanists drew an additional argument in behalf of the
vegetabiHty of the corallines themselves; and a Darwinian
might be, perhaps, forgiven, were he even now to feign
how the Nereids stole them from the mossv habitats of
Flora's winter and vernal shows, to deck and gem the ar-
1)uscular garnitures of their coral caves."

" Nymphs ! you adorn, in glossy volutes roll'd,
The gaudy couch with azure, green, and gold.
*****
You chase the wannor shark and cunibrons whale,
And guard the mermaid in her briny vale :

SERTULARIA. 135

Feed the live petals of her insect flowers,

Her shell-wrack gardens and her sea-fan bowers ;

With ores and gems adorn her coral cell.

And drop a pearl in every gaping shell," — Botanic Garden.

Mr. W. Thompson states, " I have collected a few ex-
amples of a black, as well as many of a red colour/'

16. Seutulaeia argentea, Squirrel's Tail Coralline.
(Plate V. fig. 15.)

Hab. In deep water. On oysters, and other bivalve
shells. In brackish water, in shallow pools, and on the
floodgates of a dam in Belfast, Mr. W. Thompson.

This beautiful feathered coralline is found in great abun-
dance, Ellis states, in the island of Sheppey, eastward of
Sheerness, growing on the rock oysters. " It generally
grows erect," he adds, " with thick tufts of alternately den-
ticulated ramifications placed in a spiral or screw-like order
round the stem from top to bottom."" The whole coralline
assumes somewhat of the shape of a squirrel's tail, whence
the common English name. It is an exceedingly elegant
polypidom, rising sometimes to nearly a yard in height, and,
from being quite flexible, waving in the sea as the somewhat
similarly- shaped Swedish junipers wave in the breeze.
When it gets old, the under part of the stem becomes quite

136 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

bare of branches. It is very beautiful in its young state,
when it is only two or three inches in height. It is then
found in clusters of twenty or thirty close together; but
when there are only three or so in the cluster, it is pecu-
liarly handsome, resembling a silvery Prince of Wales's fea-
ther. I had the pleasure of finding it in this juvenile state
several times betwixt Leith and Portobello. I have had
many fine specimens of it found in the Mersey by Mr. Tu-
dor, and many also found by Miss M'Leish and the Misses
Steel, in the Dee, Cheshire. As it is rarely found on the
Ayrshire coast, I was ha])py to get a good supply from
Miss Griffiths and Miss Cutler when I had the great plea-
sure of visiting them in April, 1851 ; and, being greedy of
such beauties, I added to my stores, when about the same
time I enjoyed the happiness of an excursion with Mrs. and
Misses Gulson to the Warren, opposite to Exmouth. The
Warren is, with the exception of Guernsey and Jersey, the
only habitat in Britain for the beautiful little crocus-Hke
plant Trichone7)ia columns, and a gladder note of exultation
was raised by us all on its being discovered by Miss Gulson,
because there were fears that it had been eradicated, as seve-
ral botanists had been searching for it in vain.
] 7 . Sertularia cupressina, Sea Cypress, Ellis.

SERTULARIA. 137

Hab. Cornwall, Mr. Couch; Scarborough, Mr. Bean;
Frith of Forth, Jameson ; Cork Bay, J. Y. Thompson ;
Magilligan Strand, Templeton; Dublin Bay, Hassall;
rare in Cornwall, plentiful in Devon and Norfolk, C. W.
Peach ; Mersey, Mr. Tudor ; Dublin Bay, Dr. Scouler.

This is a stouter polypidom than the preceding, though
it does not rise to so great a height ; the branches, how-
ever, are larger and more fan-shaped, bending gracefully as
if laden with a rich cup of vesicles, arranged in close order
on the upper side of the branches. The vesicles are oval,
and smooth.

This, though exceedingly beautiful also, is rather coarser
and less elegant in appearance than the preceding, unless
the specimen be more than usually fine.

It still remains undetermined whether they be really two
distinct species. Ellis thought them distinct species ; Mr.
Hassall points out what he thinks sure marks of distinction.
J. V. Thompson and Mr. Bean consider them distinct.
Pallas, and Linnseus after him, regard them as one species-
Sir J. G. Daly ell. Dr. Fleming, and Dr. Johnston seem to
have doubts as to their being different species, and we are
disposed, along with Mr. W. Thompson, to think that they
run into each other.

138 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

" I cannot perceive any permanent cliaracter by which
S. cupresshia can at all times be distinguished from S. ar-
getitea, although typical specimens of each form bearing these
names appear considerably different from each other. Both
are found around the Irish coast, and together with many
other zoophytes constituted the most beautiful collection of
these objects I ever beheld, when gracefully depending from,
and interlacing, the spacious trawl-nets of the Ilowth fisher-
men, as they were hung up to dry on the decks of the fish-
ing-smacks. Of the numerous species then obtained, S. ar-
gentea and S. cupressina were the most attractive, from their
graceful form and magnitude, some examples attaining to
nearly two feet in height.''' [W. Thompson,)

When Sir J. G. Daly ell mentions one which was twenty-
seven inches in height, he speaks of it as the largest of our
Scottish zooplMes. This held true at the time lie wrote,
but since that time a specimen of Favonia quadrangulata
has been dredged near Oban no less than four feet in length.

Genus YII. THUIARIA, Fleming.

Gen. Char. Polypidora plant-like, rooted by a tubular fibre,
erect, dichotomously branched or pinnated : the cells sessile,

tSv^'

Rate VI

.LUloL.

^J

XRetvii, imp

THUIAEEA. 139

biserial, adnate to the rachis or " imbedded in the substance
of the stem and branches:" vesicles scattered. Polypes hydra-
form. — Johnston,

1. Thuiahia thuia, Bottle-brush Coralline, Sir R. Sib-
bald. (Plate YI. fig. 18.)

Hab. On shells from deep water; Scarborough, Ellis;
coast of Durham, J. Hogg; I^orth Durham and Berwick-
shire, Dr. Johnston; coast of Cornwall, rare, Mr. Couch;
Leith, Jameson; Stonehaven; north of Ireland, Mr. W.
Thompson. The name from the Greek word for a cedar.

Tliis is a very remarkable coralline, and it cannot, in its
mature state, be mistaken for anything else. It is from
eight to twelve inches in height. The stem is erect, horny,
and a little zigzag. The alternate branches below fall off,
and leave the stem naked with only a tuft of branches to-
wards the top, giving it much the appearance of a bottle-
brush. Cells close-pressed to the stem. Vesicles pear-
shaped, on the upper side of the branches. Young speci-
mens are simply pinnate, without any tuft at top.

2. Thuiaria articulata, Sea Spleenwort, or Polypody,
Mils. (Plate YI. fig. 19.)

Hab. On shells and stones in deep water, Dublin Bay,
EUis ; Donaghadee, Mr. W. Thompson ; Isle of Man, Pro-

140 HISTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

fessor E. Torbes; Sana Island, off Kintyrc, Mr. Hyndman ;
Liverpool, Mr. H. Johnson; Whiteburn, Miss Dale; Scar-
borough, Mr. Bean ; Bootle Bay, Mr. Tudor ; Cornwall ;
Devon ; IN'orfolk, ^Ir. Peach.

This zoophyte is generally three or four inches high,
though Mr. Hyndman has dredged it on our west of Scot-
land coast six, and in one instance, ten-and-a-half inches in
height. It is a remarkably handsome zoophyte, of a palish
horn-colour, clean and clear ; the pinnrc, which are subalter-
nate, branching out like polypody, whence its English name.
The cells are in rows on each side of the pinna3. The vesi-
cles are generally on the upper side of the pinnae, though
occasionally on the under. I have some finely branched
specimens of it from Mr. Tudor at Bootle.

Genus YIII. ANTENNULARIA, Lobster's Horn

Coralline, Lamarck.

Gen. Char. Polypidom plant-like, horny, simple or branched
irregularly, the shoots fistular-jointed, clothed with hairlike verti-
cillale branchlets ; ceUs small, sessile, campannlate, unilateral ;
vesicles scattered, unilateral. Name from the feeler of an insect.
Polypes hydraform. — Johnston.

1 tj

■t a

I

I
i

V

*r

S .7

; J

■/■.

zo.

ANTENNULARIA. 141

1. Antennularia ANTENNiNA, il/r5. /Fizr^. (Plate YII.
fig. 20.)

Hab. Grows in clusters in the sand or on stones lying in
the sand, rooted together by numerous fibres matted with a
mixture of broken shells and sand. Pretty generally distri-
buted. We have not found it on the Ayrshire coast, if it
is distinct from the succeeding. It has, however, been got
by the Reverend Mr. Urquhart at Portpatrick, and we have
remarkably fine specimens from Dr. Beverley Morris, from
the coast of Yorkshire; from Dr. Scoulerfrom Dublin Bay;
and from Major Martin, from Lough Swilly. These last
were very handsome, but the stems smaller and more com-
pact than usual, and the branchlets shorter.

The height is often upwards of a foot. It is jointed from
root to tip like a lobster's horn, or Hke the vertebrae of
fishes. " Each articulation is surrounded by short capillary
branches, which, when magnified, have the appearance of
sickles, and bend in towards the main stem. Along the in-
side of these are placed minute sockets, which support small
open denticles (cells) of a cup-shape, which are of so tender
a nature that they are scarcely visible but in recent speci-
mens. Between the minute hair-like branches we have ob-
served on some specimens small egg-shaped vesicles fixed

142 HISTORY OF BllITISH ZOOPHYTES.

on footstalks, with tlieir openings or mouths on tlie side of
the top of eacli, looking towards the middle stem." {Ellis.)
We have fine specimens with vesicles from Dr. Scouler,
Dublin.

Dr. Johnston says, " This very fine zoophyte is agreeably
associated in my mind with recollections of my friend Charles
William Peach." Though we have not room for the inter-
esting narrative which Dr. Johnston subjoins, we may give
a sentence from ]\Ir. Peach's statement. ^' From being all
my life confined inland and not having seen the sea, I was
much struck with all connected with it ; and I well remem-
ber how delighted I was with a most splendid specimen of
Antenmdaria antennina wliich was placed upon the chimney-
piece of the little parlour of the inn I stopped at when I
joined my station. It excited a curiosity which was not
satisfied until I found out what it was, and I beheve I may
date my progress from that time."

l. Antennularia ramosa, B. Bare, (Plate VII.
fig. 21.)

Hab. On old shells and stones from deep water. Ray
mentions it as collected by Dare, a London apotliecary, " in
littore Bubrensi," Dover. Cumbracs, Major Martin; Lam-
lash Bay, D. L.

ANTENNULARIA. 143

It is very much disputed whether this is distinct from
A. antennina, or only a variety of it. Ellis^ Pallas, Flem-
ing, Couch, and Johnston hold that it is but a variety;
while Ray, Lamarck and Lamouroux, Hassall and Macgilli-
vray, and Mrs. Griffiths, "an authority," as Dr. Johnston
says, " always quoted with fond respect," all agree in
thinking them distinct species. To the latter I would add
my humble opinion. Major Martin and I have dredged
many fine specimens of A. ramosa, all springing from a
single stem of two or three inches, and then dividing into
several branches, and all being shaggy with long branchlets ;
and we never have got one specimen of the typical sea-beard
clustered from the base, and not dividing into branches.
Dr. Johnston remarks, " Mr. Hassall was the first to say, on
apparently better grounds, that these varieties might be
really species. He tells us that ^ A. ramosa arises by a
single trunk, which subsequently divides and subdivides
into numerous branches; the branches are long, and the
cells are not separated from each other by one or more
small cup-like processes, as are those of A. antennina!
The value of these characters has been confirmed by Mr. J.
Macgillivray;" and Dr. Johnston adds, that the absence of
these cells, together with the peculiar hahitj seem to justify

144< HISTORY OP BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Mr. Hassall in consideriug Ids A. rainosa as a good species ;
though there is another (slightly) branched state of A. an-
tenniua, unquestionably a mere variation, being provided
with the tubular cells above alluded to.

Genus VIH. PLUMULARIA, Lamarck.

Gen. Char. Polypidom plant-hke, rooted, simple or branched,
the shoots and ofiFsets phmious : cells small, sessile, unilateral,
usually seated in the axilla} of a horny spine ; vesicles scattered,
unilateral. Polypes hydraform. — Dr. Johnston.

^ Stem a single tube.

1. Plumularia falcata, Sickle Coralline, Merrit.
(Plate VIII. fig. 22.)

Hab. On shells and rocks near low-water mark, and in
deep water.

" This elegant feathered coralline adheres to rocks and
shells by little wrinkled tubes, and rises from them into
erect stems, which are surrounded from bottom to top with
pinnated branches ; the smaller divisions of these have rows
of little denticles or teeth or cells on the side, and bend
inwards, as they become dry, in the form of a sickle."

Plate VIII.

2 2 . Pinmiilaria falcata.ZSP.cristata. 24.r.pennatiila.25.? pii.

F.B.eeve, iinjj

PLUMULAEIA. 145

{Ellis.) It is sometimes a foot in height. The largest I
have were got by Major Martin in Lough Swilly. Some
years ago I gathered great abundance on the shore betwixt
Leith and Portobello, with vesicles which Dr. Johnston
speaks of as rather rare. In May, 1851, 1 had the pleasure
of gathering, at Exmouth, in company with Mrs. Gulson,
specimens in tine fructification, and of receiving about the
same time, from Mrs. Griffiths and Miss Cutler, other spe-
cimens loaded with vesicles. Sir J. G. Dalyell states that
the specimens are either yellow or white, but that on the
same specimen there is not a mixture, for all are yellow or
all are white. He has observed that both, wlien mature,
sent forth planulse, little living creatures ; but we have not
space for his observations ; and, for the same reason, w^e
must refer to Dr. Johnston^ s excellent work, page 91, for
very interesting and instructive observations by Professor
Grant.

'I. Plumularia cristata. Podded Coralline, Ellis. (Plate
VIII. fig. 23.)

Hab. On Fuci, especially Ilalidrys siliquosa. " Some-
times on mussels and other sheUs.''^ Mrs. Griffiths, Miss Cut-
ler, Mrs. Alexander, Devonshire ; around the coast of Ire-
land, Mr. W. Thompson ; coast of Ayrshire, D. L. ; Dubhn

L

146 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Bay, Dr. Scoaler; Mr. Tudor, Bootle; Prof. E. Forbes, Isle
of Man.

The little radical tubes of this coralline are often found
entwined around the stem and branches of Ilalidrys.
" Prom these arise little branches like feathers ; each
smaller division of a branch is curved, when dried, like a
sickle, and the denticles (cells), which are fixed in a row on
the inside, are shaped, when magnified, like the flowers of
the lily of the valley." {Ellis.) The vesicles are large and
very curious, resembling a swollen pod, with several cris-
tated ribs girding it. When recent. Dr. Coldstream states
" that they are translucent, and that six or seven dark oval
masses may be seen witliin each, which seem to be ova.''
This coralline is a great favourite of mine, and it is often
found after a storm on the Ayrshire coast, and always on
Ilalidrys siliquosa. When in the water, or fresh from the
deep, it is remarkably beautiful; every branch is like a
handsome little feather, generally of a rich cream-colour,
occasionally finely tinted with red. Mr. Lister remarks,
" Many specimens all united by a common fibre, and all the
offshoots of one counnon parent, are often located on one
seaweed, the site then of a ])opulation which nor London
nor Pekin can rival. It is such calculations — always un-

PLUMULARIA. 147

derrated — that illustrate the ' magnalities of Nature/ and
take us by surprise, leaving us in wonderment at what may
be the great object of this her exuberant production of these
' insect multitudes peopling every wave/ "

3. Plumularia pennatula, Peather Coralline, G. Iloti-
tagu. (Plate YIII. fig. 24.)

Hab. Coast of Devonshire, Montagu ; on Pinna ingens,
Cornwall, rare, Couch ; from a crab, and from Laminaria
digitata, Mr. Peach. " Specimens of this rare and beautiful
species profusely invest about six inches of the stem of L.
digitata, obtained in a fresh state by Miss M. Ball at You-
ghall,'' W. Thompson ; Roundstone, Galway, M'Calla.

A person has only to look at the figure in the plate to
see that *' this coralline is as remarkable for the elegance of
its form as its likeness to the feather of a pen.'"' Height
from three to six inches. I have never seen but one spe-
cimen of it, and for that I am indebted to the kindness of
Mr. W. Thompson, who received it fi*om Miss Ball.

4. Plumularia pinnata, Branched Sea Bristles. (Plate
YIII. fig. 25.)

Hab. On shells, stones, and other corallines; deep water.

The finest specimens of this handsome coralline I have

ever seen were dredged in Lamlash Bay, attached to Pecten

148 HISTORY OF BllITISII ZOOPHYTES.

opercidaris. They were fully four inches in height. Dr.
Johnston says, "it is very delicate, of a white or rarely
horn-colour" (with us always white), " simple, plumous,
and pretty." The cells are transparent ; the vesicles, in the
West, are often produced in great abundance, and the aper-
ture, after the expulsion of the ova, is cut into a circle of
spinous teeth, or, as Ellis expresses it, " the tops of the
ovaries are divided like a coronet."

When the dredge had brought up some fine specimen of
more than four inches in height, as the boatmen expressed
surprise that we should care for what was, in its collapsed
state, as worthless-looking as a wetted feather, I told them
to hand me some water in a vessel which was in the boat,
and plunging the Pecten with several fine specimens on it
into the water, I told them to look at it now. Every spe-
cimen being now spread out in its native beauty, they were
filled with astonishment, saying they did not think that
there had been anything so bonny in the whole bay*. Meet-

* " These beautiful algse were not the only parasites on the scallop-shells.
There was something more conspicuous, as it was about four inches in length,
but certainly it did not seem more attractive : \i was like a drookit white
feather. But place it again in the water, and what does it become? It has
recovered from its state of collapse, and though still like a feather, it is one
of great beauty and elegance; — it is a zoophyte, Phimularia pinnaia. You

PLUMULAEIA. 149

ing the wife of one of the Arran boatmen, in a succeeding
season, I asked her if her husband had been getting many
clams (i. e., Pectens) lately ; she said, '^ Ah no, he has been
getting hardly onything ava' (at all). Some vile ne^er-
do-weels set their lines on the Sabbath da}^, and fish and
clams ha' a' left the island ; — and nae wonder." " Nae won-
der," responded I, " nae wonder." " We have had very
boisterous weather this spring, Janet, are you not frightened
when Donald is out fishing, when the weather is so stormy?"
" Na, na ; its stormy aneugh whiles, but Donald's no the
gear that traiks^. He aye fins the road hame." ^^ But was

would not think that that beautiful white feather had life; — but you see only
the habitations. The alarmed inhabitants have fled into their houses. But
place the polypidom, as it is called, in a tumbler of sea-water, and when the
alarm is over, the inhabitants will again appear. The polypes are hydraform,
and spread forth many tentacula in search of food, which they greedily grasp.
The feather is formed of calcareous matter mixed with gelatine to give it
flexibility, so that it may the better stand the buff'eting of the waves. Ob-
serve the stem or quill of the feather, and you will see that it is full of red
matter. That is the meduUaiy pulp. Every plumule of the feather is a
street. Even mth the naked eye you may observe on each plumule about a
dozen notches. Each of these is the house or cell of a polype ; so that in
a good specimen we see a kind of marine village, which, under the teaching
of God, has been beautifully constructed by the thousand inhabitants it
contains." — Extract from 'Excursions to the Island of Arran^ by B. L.
* Goes amissing.

150 HISTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

not he very unwell some time ago ? You would be sorry
for him theu, I am sure/^ — " Ou, ay, he was sairly pained
wi' rheumaticks ; but Fm aye unco' thankful when trouble
keeps atf my ain body."

5. Plumularia setacea. Sea Bristles, Ullis. (Plate
IX. fig. 26.)

Hab. On seaweeds and on shells.

This coralline is more common on the Ayrshire coast than
PL pi?i?tafa, being at times found in considerable abundance
intertwined with the branches of Ilalidri/s drifted ashore.
We have occasionally observed it on shells and also on crabs.
It sometimes attains the height of six inches, and then it
almost rivals the preceding in beauty, but with us it is
seldom the half of that height. The finest specimen I have
seen was dredged in good company, in Loch Fine, with
Professor John Fleming, of Edinburgh, and Mr. Smith, of
Jordanhill, aboard his yacht, the 'Raven.'' It was not
above three inches in height, but the vesicles were tliickly
clustered along the stem on each side, of a fine red colour,
whereas they are generally said to be yellow. Dr. Johnston
gives good distinguishing marks betwixt it and PL pi?i?iala.
In the latter there are three pinnse on each internode ;
in PL detacea there is only one, and it springs immediately

^late IX .

26.

>jd PlimuilarLa setacea.

27 ''atherina

inyrLopkyUuni

jraules'btli.

PLUMULARIA. 151

from the joint, which has two or three rings. '^ The upper
part of the vesicles is prolonged into a short tube, afTording
an additional distinctive character betwixt it and PL pin-
nata, which it so closely resembles/' {Hassall.)

6. Plumularia Cathaeina, JDr. Johnston. (Plate IX.
fig. 27.)

Hab. On old shells, corallines, and Ascidia ; deep w^ater.
Frequent in Berwick Bay, Dr. Johnston ; Scarborough, rare,
Mr. Bean; Frith of Porth, Mr. Coldstream; Isle of Man,
Prof. Ed. Forbes ; Howth and Lambay, Mr. Hassall ; Corn-
wall, Mr. Couch and Mr. Peach ; Aberdeen, Mr. J. Mac-
gillivray ; near the Mull of Cantyre, Mr. Hyndman ; Lam-
lash Bay, D. L.

Dr. Johnston says, " This equals PL pinnata in size and
delicacy, but it differs from it very obviously in having
opposite pinnae, which, instead of being arched, bend in-
wards, so as to render the general form of the coralline con-
cave, on a front view; an appearance produced by the
pinnse originating, not from the sides, but from the anterior
face of the stem.""

To be convinced of the great beauty of this elegant
coralline, we must see itself, or see in Dr. Johnston's
work the graceful figure of it furnished by his accomplished

152 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

lady. AVe had uo small pleasure in seeing it emerging
from the deep in Lamlash Bay, Arran. Every right-hearted
naturalist will read with interest the following quotation
from Dr. Johnston^s work: — "To this very distinct and
elegant species I have taken the liberty of assigning the
Christian name of the lady to whom tliis work is indebted
for by far the greater part of its illustrations;" and to
whom, under God, he could have added, he was indebted
for much of the happiness of his life. " Ter felices et am-
pliuSj^ etc. Long may they be spared to each other and to
their numerous friends; and when their sun at last goes
down in mellow beauty, may it be to rise with brighter
radiance in a better land.

■^^ Stem composed of man?/ parallel tubes.

7. Plumularia myriophyllum, Pheasant's tail Coralline,
FJlis. (Plate IX. fig. 28.)

Hab. Deep water, rare. Near Dublin, Ellis; coast of
Devonshire, Dr. Coldstream; on the shore at Ballvcastle
Robert Brown ; Dublin Bay, Tem])leton ; Youghall, Miss
Ball; near Sana, ^Ir. Ilyndman; Belfast Lough, Mr.
M^Calla ; Cornwall, Mr. Peach ; Aberdeen, ^Ir. Macgil-
li\Tay ; coast of Angusshire, Mr. Don ; near Largs, Mr.
James Cunninijhame ; Lamlash Bav, Arran, D. L.

PLUMULARIA. 153

"This very rare coralline grows to the height of ten or
twelve inches. The root, or first beginning, consists of an
irregular tuft of extremely small tubes, appearing like a
piece of sponge to the naked eye. Several of these little
tubes rising together, and uniting in close contact, become
a stalk, which appears in the microscope curiously chan-
neled and indented.''' [Ellis.) The stalk is generally simple.
In the figures by Ellis there is one in which the stalk is
once divided near the base. In all our specimens the stalks
have been simple, undivided, but composed of a number of
tubes, which gives it, when dry, a furrowed appearance. " In
each of these furrows there is a row of small holes with a
raised brim, as if punctures had been made by an instrument
pushed from within. The holes are close-set, and regular
in their size, form, and in the distances between them.
No probable conjecture of the use of these has been made.''
[Dr. Johnston.)

In more respects than one, our specimens of this beau-
tiful coralline — this '' pahna 7narinay" as some of the old
naturalists call it — were singularly fine. The usual height
is said to be six inches, Ellis mentions ten or twelve. One
specimen I got in Lamlash Bay measured eighteen inclies
from the base to the tip of the plume. One of its general

154 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

characteristics is, that its pinnae or plumules lean so much
to one side (as the fine figures of it by Elhs and Dr. John-
ston indicate), that it has somewhat the appearance of being
unilateral, and consequently like a feather shorn of its rays
on one side. In this specimen the plumules, instead of
leaning to one side, proceed uniformly from the stem in
opposite directions; and as the plumules on each side of
the stem were upwards of an inch in length, and of a silvery
colour in the water, handsome feathers were thus formed,
fitted to vie even with those in the tail of the beautiful silver
pheasant. In one respect they differed from the tail-fea-
ther of a real pheasant, — the pinnae came not to a point,
but continued to diverge on each to the top, so that the
summit had rather a rounded appearance, approaching that
of the peacock feather.

\Ve were going to say, that in a still more important respect
it was singularly beautiful, in having vesicles, but we now
remember that it was a specimen subsequently obtained
that had this distinction. We were much struck with its
remarkable appearance, and having observed that it was
mentioned in the first edition of Dr. Johnston's * History of
British Zoophytes,' that the vesicles of this handsome coral-
line were still a desideratum, I sent the specimen forthwith

PLUMULARIA. 155

off to him, in the hope that what had been lacking was at
last found. At page 118 of the second edition, he says,
"Since the preceding sheet was printed, I have received
from my friend D. L. a specimen of Plumularia myriophyl-
lum with ovaries. These are very peculiar, and unlike any
I have observed in any other Sertularian zoophyte. In the
ovigerous plumules there arises from the base of the polype-
cell and on its outer side, a long gracefuUy curved process ;
and as all the processes curve round in one direction, they
give the pinnule a secund character and habit very different
from that of the barren shoots. The processes are alternate,
hollow, coarsely denticulated on the external edge ; and at
their base, opposite the polype-cell, the ovaries are situated.
These are didymous, or in pairs, sessile, smooth, resembling
a mussel-shell in shape, and easily detached. They differ
from the horny vesicles of the Sertularince in texture and in
shape, and may best be described as naked ovaries. The
spinous process which protects them, appears to be formed
by a prolongation of the spine that supports the barren
polype-cell."

This remarkable specimen was got by a fisherman, adher-
ing to his long lines, off Whiting Bay, Arran, and being
struck with its beauty, like a kind-hearted man, he took it

156 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

home as a present to his wife, and she being a person of
similar taste, admired it as much as her husband had done.
With all due care, therefore, she planted it in an old tea-
pot filled with earth, and watering it with fresh-water every
morning, she had the satisfaction of thinking that it grew
a little larger under her judicious management ! AYhat
would have been her dehght had she foreseen that her sea-
born, earth-nourished favourite, was to flourish for a£jes in
Dr. Johnston^s well-known ' History of British Zoophytes !^

But it was not long without a rival. I soon got another
Arran specimen with vesicles, and Major Martin got three;
and in the summer of 1851, after a delightful day's dredg-
ing off Largs, with Dr. Greville and Mr. James Cunning-
hame, of Edinburgh, the latter gentleman showed us a
magnificent specimen of P. mynophjllum rich with vesicles,
which a few days before he had dredged off Cumbrae ; and
it is worth observing, that in this as well as in every other
specimen obtained in the west of Scotland, the pinnae, in-
stead of inclining to one side, lay fiat, diverging equally
from each side of the stem.

8. Plumularia frutescens. Shrubby Coralline, Ellis.
(Plate IX. fig. 29.)

Hab. Scarborough, Ellis; at Scarborough, also, Mr.

PLUMULARIA. 157

Bean, on stones and shells in deep water, rare ; Hartlepool,
Mr. Hogg; Cullercoates, Mr. J. Alder; Wliitburn, Miss
Dale; Yougliall, Miss Ball; Dublin Bay, very rare, Mr.
Hassall; Cornwall, Mr. Couch, not rare; Lady Keith
Murray, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, the first time gathered
in Scotland.

Between four and five inches in height, woody, dusky-
brown, varnished; pninse alternate, and each divided into
branches ; cells smooth ; a small cell in the axils of the
pinnae ; vesicles scattered, pear-shaped, on the upper edges
of the pinnse.

I have two fine specimens of this rare coralline : one I
owe to the kindness of Mr. Bean; the other I had the
honour of receiving from Lady Keith Mm-ray, whose scien-
tific eye discovered two or three specimens of it on the
north-east coast of Scotland.

"As for your pretty little seed-cups or vases'^ (writes
Hogarth to Elhs), " they are a sweet confirmation of the plea-
sure Nature seems to take in superadding an elegance of
form to most of her works, wherever you find them. How
poor and bungling are all the imitations of Art ! When 1
have the pleasure of seeing you next, we will sit down —
nay, kneel down if you will — and admire these tlnngs !"

158 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

•' New buds and bulbs the living fabric shoots,
On lengthening branches, and protruding roots.
Or on the father's side from bursting glands,
Th' adhering young its nascent form expands ;
In branching lines the parent trunk adorns,
And parts, ere long, like plumage, hairs, or horns."

Darwin's Temple of Nature.

Family CAMPANULARIAD^.

Character. Polypidoms plant-like, horny, rooted by a creeping
tubular fibre, branched or simple ; the polype-cells thin and
f-ampanulate, terminal, elevated on a ringed footstalk, disposed
either alternately or irregular : ova in horny deciduous capsules.
Polypes with a single series of filiform tentacula ; the mouth
})roboscidiform. Embryo medusiform. — Dr. Johnston.

Genus XIII. LAOMEDEA, Lamouroux.

Gen. Char. Polypidom rooted by a creeping fibre, plant -like,
erect, jointed at regular inten'als, the joints ringed, incrnssated,
giving origin, alternately from opposite sides, to the shortly pe-
dicled cells : cells campanulate : vesicles axillary. Polypes hydra-
form. — Dr. Johnston.

1. Laomedea dichotoma, Sea -thread Coralline, Ellis.
(Plate X. fig. 30.)

Hab. On old shells and other bodies within tide-mark.

.il/'i.Tirh..

P.B.e^;v^i ia^.

LAOMEDEA. 159

Dr. Johnston frequently finds it on brandies of trees that
have been carried by floods into the sea.

It rises to the height of a foot, and even two feet. The
stem is filiform, zigzag, giving ofi" a short branch from
every bend. The cells are bell-shaped, on ringed pedicles,
which are about three times the length of the cells. The
short-stalked vesicles are axillary and pear-shaped. The
polypes are reddish.

It is truly edifying to observe, that He who made all the
inhabitants of the world, extends his kind care to even the
minutest of them, whether in the air, or on the earth, or
in the sea. He has consulted the safety and comfort of
tliis thread-Hke zoophyte; and it is pleasant to see Ellis
observing this. — " This coralline is found in great abund-
ance on the south-west coast of England, and seems most
curiously contrived, from its structure, to resist the violence
of the waves, all its joints being furnished with springs.
Its vesicles also are formed so as to yield easily to every
violent impulse of the water without injury, from their
being placed on footstalks formed like screws.'^

It is not common on that part of the Ayrshire coast with
which I am best acquainted ; but I have fine specimens from
Mrs. Griffiths, Mrs. G ulson. Miss Cutler, and Mr. Tudor.

160 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

2. Laomedea geniculata, Knotted -thread Coralline,
Boody, (Plate X. fig. 31.)

Hab. On Laniinarue, very often on Ilalidrys siliquosa,
and not unfrequently on Chorda jllum. " Some of the finest
specimens 1 have seen were growing on the dorsal and
caudal fins of a picked dog-fish.''' [Coucli.)

It is interesting to observe how indissolubly the fibrous
roots of this coralline are twined round the branches
of the Halidrys. And though a person would suppose
that it would not be able to fasten itself firmly on the
smooth frond of Laminar la, he will find, on trial, that it is
no easy matter to detach it. The fibres, half-sunk in the
frond, '^ form,'' as Mr. W. Thompson observes, ^^ a regular
piece of network, having meshes of various size, with their
junction tied in a knot, as it were by fairy fingers : from
each knot, in due time, the zoophyte springs."

The polypidom is about an inch in height, zigzag, the
cells bell-shaped ; the vesicles somewhat resemble an urn in
form. Several naturalists have observed that this coralline,
like several others, is often tinted with red; but it has not
been ascertained on what the red colouring depends. We
think that we have at times observed that it is a shglit fihn
of Mdohesia.

LAOMEDEA. 161

3. Laomedea gelatinosa^ Billenius, (Plate X. fig. 32.)
Hab. On stones and seaweeds between tide-marks. On
the under surface and sides of stones^ Berwick Bay, Dr.
Johnston. On the under sides of stones, in places left dry
for hours every tide ; and on the under surface of shelving
rocks, growing with its top downwards, and left dry every
tide, Ayrshire coast, D. L. In the Sol way, in sucli abun-
dance that it is a nuisance, requiring often to be removed
from the stake nets. Sir W. Jardine. — With us it is not
above an inch in height, but in favourable circumstances it
rises to the height of ten inches. The cells are cupped,
with an even margin ; the vesicles urn-shaped, rising from
the axils of the pedicles.

" The base by which it adheres to stones is spreading
and spongy, and consists of numerous closely interwoven
fibres, which rapidly approach to form the stem." "The
polypes are not very irritable, for even when pricked with a
needle they seldom retreat completely within their covering,
and when left at rest they soon expand themselves.''^ " When
in an active state, I have observed the water taken in at
the mouth descend, for the space of several seconds, through
the gelatinous parenchyma of the body and footstalk, and
again return to be ejected. The fluid thus circulating did

M

162 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

not seem to move in a solid body, but to be divided into
minute globules^ which permeated a cellular structure/' —
Br. Fleminff.

4. Laomedea obliqua, W. IF, Saunders. (Plate XI.
fig. 34.)

Hab. Parasitical on seaweeds ; Brighton.

This pretty little zoophyte was sent to me by Mr. Pike,
College Gardens, Brighton. He sent me some alga?, which
he has the art of preparing in a peculiar manner, by which
the very finest kinds are made ready for the herbarium
unattached to pa])er, so that when held up betwixt the eye
and the light, they look like a beautiful filmy skeleton. It
was not for tliis species in particular he sent the alga3, and
he had not mentioned it. Observing a very delicate fringe
on the margin of R. palmetta, I applied my Codington lens
to it, and was dehghted to sec, in its close array of elegant
oblique cells, what at once reminded me of Dr. Johnston's,
or rather Mrs. .lohnston's, excellent figure of Laornedea
obliqua. It was first observed at Brighton by ^Ir. Saunders,
and it seems not uncommon there. Unless a person be on
the outlook for the " minims of nature," it is apt to escape
notice, for the little stems which bear the cells are often
less than half an inch in height, and the whole polypidora,

Pl5.re yi

iilLis.lirU

P.B->fl V ■ , illllL

CAMPANULARIA. 163

root and branch, has a pale, horny, hyaline aspect. " The
stem is divided at regular intervals, as in the other species ;
but instead of several rings or twists above the origin of
the cells, there is a small internodal joint ; and the stalk of
the cell, instead of being ringed, consists of two or three
unequal joints, much as they are formed in the genus
Halecium. The cell itself is of the normal thin hyaline
texture, and bell-shaped, but the rim is sinuated on the
proximate margin, so that the aperture resembles very much
the mouth of a jug/' {Br. Johnston.)

As jugs differ in form, we may mention that it is a jug
of the common form, the rim of which is depressed towards
the handle, giving the mouth a scooped appearance.

Genus XIV. CAMPANULAEIA, Lamarck.

Gen. Char. Polypidora rooted, creeping, or when compound
erect ; the main tube filiform, continuous, giving off its pedun-
culated cells irregularly or in whorls ; pedicles ringed, usually
long : cells campanulate : vesicles scattered, sessile. Polypes
hydraform . — Dr. JoJmston.

^ Stem a single tube.

1. Campanxjlaria volubilis, Small Climbing Coralline,

with bell-shaped cups, Ellis. (Plate XI. fig. 36.)

164 HISTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Hab. Parasitical on corallines and seaweeds.

" This very minute coralline arises from small irregular
tubes^ which adhere to and twine about other corallines,
particularly the sickle coralHne. Exceedingly small twisted
stalks go out from this tubular stem, whicli supports little
bell-shaped cups with indented brims. At the bottom of
each, where they join to the stalks, the microscope discovers
to us a very minute spherule or little ball, as in some drink-
ing-glasses."^ [Ellis.) The stalks are sometimes even and
smooth. We were rather surprised, on one occasion, to see
the stalks without a ring, quite smooth, and of greater
length than usual; but we could account for this on reading
the observations of Mr. Couch, ^Uhat the animal possesses
the power of corrugating the whole,'' and, consequently, of
relaxing the corrugation. It was some time before we
observed the vesicles, which are less conspicuous from
being sessile, but they are of considerable size, ovate, and
wrinkled.

On the west coast of Scotland, it is chielly found on
lial'ulrys and other seaweeds, though we have seen it on the
shell of a crab. Lately, on taking up on the shore a drifted
larch branch, we found every twig of it " bearded like the
pard '^ with this little parasite. It is a beautiful microscopic

CAMPANULARIA. 165

object, and we see the Creator^s wisdom and kindness in its
structure. ^'This elegant microscopic species is furnished
with a deKcate joint or hinge, situated at the base of each
little cup. Tliis beautiful contrivance is designed, I ima-
gine, to enable this frail zoophyte the better to elude the
rude contact of the element by which it is surrounded, by
permitting it to bend to a force which it cannot resist /"*
[Ilassall.)

2. Campanularia integea, W, JF. Samiders. (Plate XI.
fig. 38.)

Hab. Donmouth, parasitical on Tuhidana indivisa, J.
Macgillivray ; Hastings, W. W. Saunders; on stones and
shells from deep water, Polperro, Mr. Couch.

" This species, which I believe to be new, differs from the
preceding in having cells with the rim entire, and not ser-
rulated as in C. voliibilis. With C. s?/ri7iga, the only other
British species of the genus which has a single tube for
a stem, it can never be confounded ; the denser corneous
texture, cylindrical tubular cells, and short pedicles of C.
s^i/ringa, are perfectly distinctive.''^ (/. Macgillivray.)

I observed what I regarded as this species, on algse kindly
sent to me by Miss S. Beever of Coniston, which had been
transmitted from the Isle of Man ; but as the specimens had

166 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

rather suffered in the ti'ansit, I shall not attempt to add any-
tliiiig to Mr. Macgillivray^s good description.

3. Campanularia intertexta, R. Q. Couch.
Hab. Parasitical on Sertularince,

This is described by Mr. Couch as differing greatly from
the kindred species, and as being like a loose-textured
sponge, having minute campanulate cells, with even, trun-
cated apertures. Dr. Johnston speaks doubtfully respect-
ing it.

4. Campanularia syringa. Creeping Bell Coralline,
EUk, (Plate XI. fig. 37.)

Hab. Parasitical on other corallines, and the lesser fuci.

After describing C. voluhilis, Ellis says there is another
species of this creeping kind of bell coralline, which is found
adhering to the sea-fir coralUne. The difference between
them is, that the twisted stalks of this are much shorter,
and the cups are longer-shaped, and not indented about the
brims. This seems rare on the west coast of Scotland, but we
observed it lately on Sertularia arr/entea, which is also rare
with us ; we have received it too from Allardyce, Cromarty.
Dr. Johnston says, what distinguishes this from every other
species, is its operculum — a name which Van Beneden
gives to a hd of a conical shape formed by a prolongation

C AMP AN UL ARIA. 167

of the margin of the polype-cell. When folded down or
drawn "VAithin the cell, the top of this appears truncated.

5. Campanularia lacerata, Br. Johnston.

Hab. Parasitical on Plumnlaria falcata, Berwick Bay,
Dr. Johnston ; and on Cellulana scruposay at St. Andrew^s,
Prof. J. Eeid.

This little creeping bell coralline seems as yet seldom to
have been met with. It is described by Dr. Johnston,
" Cells arising from a slender tubular stem, wdiich creeps
upon the ramifications of other corallines, scattered, on
very short pedicles, consisting of four or five equal rings,
ovate, the upper part of a conical form, and divided into
six deep lanceolate segments, wdiich, in our specimens, are
all connivent, and form an acute apex.''"' Professor Reid
states that the tentacula can extend twice the length of the
cell, and that they have numerous small tubercles adhering
to their outer surface.

■^■^ 8tenfi composed of many parallel tubes.

6. Campanularia verticillata. Horse-tail Coralline,
Mlis. (Plate X. fig. SS"^.)

Hab. Near Whitehaven, Dr. Brownrigg; near Hartle-
pool, Mr. Hogg; Scarborough, Mr. Bean; Cullercoats,
* In the Plate this is named, by mistake, Laomedea verticillata.

168 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Mr. Alder; Cornwall, Devon, and Norfolk, Mr. Peach;
Hastings, Mr. Tumanowicz ; Dublin Bay, Mr. Hassall ; Bel-
fast Bay, Mr. W. Thompson ; Magilligan, Mr. Hyndman ;
off the Cumbraes, Clyde, Prof. E. Forbes.

" This curious coralline appears through the microscope
to be of the most singular structure of any yet described.
It consists of sundry branches, and every branch is com-
posed of many stout, united, small tubes, which at certain
equal distances send off small capillary screw-like stalks,
each of which supports a cup of a bell-shaped figure, curi-
ously indented round the brim. These are placed in such
a manner as to correspond exactly in point of situation with
the others, and to give the whole very much the appearance
of the plant called horse-tail, or Eqnisetuvi; the capillary
stalks and their cups being all disposed in whorls or like
branches for candles." {Ellis.) The pedicles are ringed at
top and bottom. The vesicles which arise from the stem
are smooth and short-stalked. The first specimens we liad
of this were from Mr. Tudor, Bootle.

7. Campanularia dumosa, Pallas. (Plate XL fig. 35.)

Hab. On rocks and corallines, in deep water.

There are two varieties of this coralHne, of both of wliich
we have specimens. The larger is three or four inches in

HYDRAICE. 169

lieightj irregularly branched^ and formed of parallel tubes.
The other variety makes little show as it creeps along the
stem of other corallines^ giving off on all sides its trumpet-
shaped, nearly sessile cells, forming a kind of brown beard
on the object to which it clings. Dr. Johnston remarks
that the little polype is shy, and will remain for days in a
contracted state at the bottom of its cell. Professor Reid
says it is sluggish; and Professor E. Forbes describes it as
the most active polype of its tribe he ever saw, starting up
and down its cell like one of the Ascidoids.

" ^Tiom Nature's works can charm, with God himself
Hold converse ; grow familiar day by day
With His conceptions, act upon His plan,
And form to His, the relish of theii' souls." — Akenside.

Tribe 3. HYDRINA.

Family HYDEAID^.

" It is difiicult for a thoughtful mind to decide whether
admiration is more deservedly challenged by the vast or the
minute forms of living existence around us ; but the adap-
tation of both to fulfil the purposes of their being, and the
varieties which intervene between the two extremes, cannot

170 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

be carefully observed without a conception the most exalted
of the fertility of the Creating ^lind, and the richness of
the creation. Evident as was the fact to Lucretius, it is
still more open to our observation : —

" Thus Nature varies : man and brutal beast,
And herbage gay, and scaly fishes mute,
And all the tribes of heaven o'er many a sea,
Through many a grove that wing, or urge their song
Near manv a bank or fountaiu, lake or rill ;
Search where thou wilt, each differs in his kind.
In form and figure differs."

Genus XY. HYDE A, Linncetts,

Gen. Char. Polypes locomotive, single, naked, gelatinous,
subcyliudrical, but veiy contractile, and mutable in form; the
mouth encircled with a single series of granulous filiform ten-
tacula. — Dr. Jolimton.

Fresh-water Hi/dra are so interesting a tribe of Zoo-
phytes, and the properties of which they are possessed are
so extraordinary, and have attracted so much attention, that
we tliiiik it may be acceptable to our young naturalists if we
give a brief history of the discoveries made respecting them.
AVe are the more disposed to do so, as through the kindness of
my excellent friend Mr. GourUe, of Glasgow, I have at present
in my possession a copy in the original of M. Trembley's

HYDEA. ] 7 1

Memoirs, published at the Hague, in 1743, entitled 'Me-
inoires pour servir a Fhistoire d^un genre de Polypes d^eau
douce, a bras en forme de cornes/ and also 'Baker^s
Natural History of the Polype,^ published likewise in
London, in 1743. What renders M. Trembley's work much
more valuable is, that it is illustrated with many plates, and
these from the pencil and the burin of the highly celebrated
engraver Lyonet. M. Trembley, of Geneva, tells us in his
Memoir, that in the summer of 1740, when he made these
discoveries, he was residing at Sargoliet, the country-house
of the Comte de Bentinck, at a little distance from the
Hague. Having taken up some water-plants from a ditch,
and placed them in a glass vessel, his curiosity was excited
by the numerous animalcules with which the water became
filled. While engaged in examining them, his eyes casually
lighted on a polype attached to a branch of the water-plant;
but he paid little attention to it, as, being exj)anded and
motionless, he thought it a little parasitical plant. Please
to look at the figure of the ex'paiided" Jfydra, and you will
see the form in which it at first presented itself to him.
Looking at it afterwards, he observed some motion in what
we now call the tentacula or feelers, but he ascribed this to
the motion of the water, occasioned, he conjectured, by the

17^ HISTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

little animalcules swimming in it, tliongli the longer he
observed them the more he was disposed to question the
correctness of this conjecture.

One day he shook tlie jar in which they were enclosed, to
see what effect it would have on them. The result was very
different from what he expected. Instead of seeing the
body and arms agitated in consequence of being disturbed
by the motion of the water, the whole suddenly collapsed
into a little knob of green matter, and the arms quite dis-
appeared. He was greatly surprised ; but his curiosity being
increased, he continued to watch them, and while he was
observing them with a lens he saw them gradually expand,
so as to resume their former appearance. He began then
to be convinced that they were animals. The wonder was
that he had not sooner been assured of this, for nearly forty
years before they had been described as animals by Leeuw-
enhoek, and by an anonymous English naturalist, but as
their observations had not excited much attention, they had
escaped his notice. Nay, even now he was not thoroughly
convinced; for though they might resemble slugs that could
contract their body and their horns, why might they not
be a kind of sensitive plants, collapsing when they were
touched ?

HYDllA. 173

After some days he observed several polypes on a part of
the glass on which he had not seen them before; and his
attention being directed to them for some time, he saw that
they could change their position, and that they actually
moved from one place to another. This they did somewhat
in the way of certain caterpillars, whose mode of walking is
to bring the two extremities of the body close to each other,
while the middle part is raised like a bow, and then moving
the head part, and bringing up the posterior part close to
it, by every step they thus advance nearly the length of the
body. The polypes made progress in much the same way,
by using their arms. Seeing, then, that they could walk,
he was, at the moment, persuaded that they were animals,
and for some time he paid little attention to them.

The glass in which they were kept was placed on a table
near to the window, and passing it one day, he observed a
great number of the polypes on that part of the glass wdiich
w^as nearest to the light. Wondering whether this was
accidental, he turned the glass half round, so that the
lightest part thus occupied was removed into the shade, and
the part now exposed to the light was without any upon it.
Next day he observed that some had removed to tlie part
that was now most exposed to the light, and in a few days

174 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

they had all taken up their position there. He repeated
this experiment so often, that he was thoroughly convinced
that they preferred the lightest part.

In continuing his observations, the idea again recurred
that it was still possible that the body and the arms might
be branch and roots of some little aquatic plant, and to
satisfy himself he had recourse to the following experiment.
He divided a polype into two, cutting it transversely, saying,
that if both lived, and became perfect polypes, he wouhl
conclude that they were plants. A person might have
thought that he would from this have concluded that they
were animals ; but being more disposed to regard them as
animals, he exi)ected that both pieces would die. He placed
a polype in a shallow plate and cut it across, and the mo-
ment he did so both pieces contracted so as to become like
little green grains. The same day, however, they both
expanded, and he could easily distinguish the one from the
other, as the one which had the head and arms was a little
longer than the other, which had neither head nor arms,
and which he regarded as the tail. But extension was not
the only sign of life given by the larger one ; he saw it
move its arms, and by the use of its arms he saw it change
its place. On shaking the glass, both of them contracted,

HYDRA. 175

and soon after expanded ; but this he regarded as only the
feeble remains of life in the one; in the other, which had
the head and arms, he began to think that the wound he
had inflicted might not be deadly; that being only muti-
lated and deprived of a part that was not vital, it might
recover, as he had seen lizards do when they had lost their
tails. He continued, however, to observe the other part, to
see how long it would retain symptoms of life, but not \nth
the slightest expectation that it would recover its head and
arms. Great was his surprise, then, when on the ninth
day after the polype had been cut in two, regarding with a
lens the tail part, he saw three little points precisely at the
place where the arms would be if it was to become a com-
plete polype. He became quite excited, and very impatient
for the moment when he would be able with certainty to
know what they were. He had not to wait long, for next
day they were so much longer, that he could not entertain
a doubt that they were arms that were growing on this
smaller section of the polype. The liext day there were
two more, and on the following day three additional, making
in all eight arms, which were soon as long as those on the
entire one, or on the part which had the arms before the body
of the polype was divided. In a little while each part had

176 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

become as complete a polype as one that bad never been
cut : they expanded, they contracted, they moved from place
to place.

Still he was not satisfied, and he continued to study them,
in the hope that he might discover some other properties.
According to what he proposed, when he made the experi-
ment of cutting them, he should now have concluded that
they were plants, as the two cuttings or slips had produced
two perfect polypes ; but from the spontaneity of their
movements he was rather disposed to regard them as animals.
As yet he did not know how they multiplied ; and having a
great number of them in a vase together, his attention was
turned to this. At last he discovered one about to produce
a little one. At first it was Hke a small green bud on the
body; it rapidly increased in size, sent forth arms, or tenta-
cula, as we shall now call them, and dropping oft' after some
days, became an independent polype. Was he now convinced
that the polype was an animal ? No ; this resembled the
increase of plants by offsets, and he thought still that the
polype might be a plant, or rather an animal plant, holding
a middle rank betwixt the two, partaking of tlic nature of
both. While he was in this state of doubt he sent some of
them to Paris, to the distinguished naturalist Keaumur, and

HYDEA. 177

soon after he had the satisfaction of hearing from him that
they had arrived alive ; that he had examined them, and
hesitated not to rank them among animals ; and this put an
end to M. Trembley's doubts.

Though he ceased to doubt as to their animal nature,
he ceased not to carry on his observations, particularly as
to their mode of multiplication. He thought he ascertained
that this is sometimes by eggs, which, when emitted from
the body of the polype in autumn, sink into the mud, in
which they lie during the winter, to be transformed into
polypes when the vernal sun shines forth on them. He
observed also, on several occasions, that a polype became
divided into two, that at first there was a stricture about
the middle of the body, that the division took place at this
stricture, and that, before separating, the tail part had
acquired tentacula, and was thus prepared to support itself
as independent. Ear more frequently they multiplied by
buds, as we have already said ; and he gives a particular
account of his observations as to this mode of multiplication.
At first there was a little gemmule on the cylindrical body
of the green polype, chiefly observable by its darker colour.
In a day or tw^o it had projected from the parent polype
about a line; in a few days, when it had still more increased

N

178 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

in length, it began to get tentucula. Till it got tentacula, it
was altogether dependent on the mother for support; and
it could be seen that the food which was introduced into
the stomach of the parent, made its way at the point of
junction into the stomach of the little one. As soon, how-
ever, as it had got tentacula, it cauglit prey for its own
support, and helped also to support the mother ; for by the
application of a lens, he saw that the red worm, for in-
stance, which it caught and devoured, passed, in part, the
point of junction, and entered into the stomach of the
parent. Here the young have a lesson taught them, that
they should early learn habits of active usefulness, and that
they should seek to add to the comfort of their parents ;
but though this is taught, truth constrains us to confess
that the young polype does not always willingly practise the
duty ; for mother and daughter sometimes lay hold on the
same prey, and it is only by superior might that the little
one is forced to yield it. When the young one has got its
full equipment of tentacula, its body becomes attenuated at
the base, where it is joined to the older one, so that they are
connected only by a slender point, and by mutual consent
they seem disposed to part company. To effect this they
fasten themselves by their tentacula to diifcrent parts of the

HYDRA. 179

plant or glass, and bending their bodies in opposite direc-
tions, they are easily torn asunder.

Their food consists of various little animalcules and in-
fusory animals, and they are particularly fond of a very mi-
nute red worm. Their tentacula are generally waving about
in all directions ; and though they have no eyes, it has been
observed that when any little hapless wanderer approaches
one of the tentacula, it makes a sudden motion in that di-
rection and lays hold of it. And alas for the httle wight
who is thus apprehended ! It is all over with him : there is
such venom in the fangs of these little Hi/ dree, that the touch
of one of their tentacula is deadly. The little worm that is
seized may give a few convulsive struggles, but it soon dies.
Even though rescued from the fatal grip, death almost im-
mediately ensues. Tish, it is said, seem aware of their poi-
sonous quahty, and do not feed on them. And yet the
effects of their poison are not felt in their contests with
each other. It sometimes happens that two lay hold on the
same worm, and try to tear it from each other. The worm
may break, and then each has its share. If it break not,
they swallow at different ends till their mouths meet. Then
comes close conflict and the tug of war. What is to be
done ? They pause for a little, as if aware of the tremendous

] so HISTORY or BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

crisis, and the larger, making a wide mouth, swallows the
smaller one, worm and all. You would imagine that he
who has been swallowed by an enemy whose very touch has
so often proved deadly, might be numbered with the dead,
and would never appear on the field again. Point du tout.
AVatch the victor for a little, and you will find that ere an
hour elapses he again opens his wide mouth, and disgorges
from his greedy maw his imprisoned victim, minus the worm,
which the conqueror has by this time digested, but other-
wise unscathed, and as ready as ever to pursue his prey, and
to assert his right to it when it is captured !

M. Trembley learned, in the course of his observations,
that these little Jlijdrce are very prolific. AMien the tempe-
rature was mild and nourishment abounded, a single polype
produced about twenty offsets or young ones in a month.
But then these twenty form not the whole product, for every
one of the young ones, when disjoined, becomes as fertile as
the mother. Nay, it very often happens that they begin to
be prolific before they are separated from the mother ; and as
tlie mother polype lias several offshoots appended to her at
the same time, and they also may be each yielding offspring,
she is thus laden at once with two generations, — mother and
children and grandchildren fastened together and appearing
like a little branching shrub.

HYDRA. 181

Having thus given a meagre digest of these interesting
memoirs, so beautifully illustrated by the engravings of
Lyonet, we may add, that we can scarcely have any idea now
of the great interest which this subject excited then through-
out the whole of Europe. Nor did it cease to be regarded
as important after it had become familiar, for the justly cele-
brated Cuvier speaks of Trembley of Geneva as " immortel
par la decouverte de la reproduction du polype /' and says,
moreover, that he acquired " une reputation universelle par
sa decouverte extraordinaire, qui changeait, pour ainsi dire,
toutes les idees qu'on avait cues sur la physiologic et Tana-
tomie animales.'^ Trembley's experiments and observations
were soon repeated and verified by the distinguished natu-
ralist Eeaumur, at Paris, and by other naturalists of note in
different countries, and among others, by Henry Baker,
Fellow of the Royal Society of London, from whose ' Natu-
ral History of the Polype,' published in 1743, we shall
briefly extract some additional information on this subject.
His work is in the form of a letter addressed to i\\Q Presi-
dent of the Eoyal Society ; and he begins by saying, " The
accounts we have been favoured with from abroad concern-
ing the Kttle creature called a polype, have appeared so ex-
traordinary, so contrary to the common course of nature and

18^ HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

our received opinions of animal life, that many people have
looked upon them as ridiculous whims and absurd impossi-
bilities. In order, therefore, to set this matter right, I beg
you will give me leave to lay before the public some obser-
vations and experiments on this creature, made with the
utmost care and attention, before several persons of un-
questionable credit and discernment, and written down from
time to time with the strictest regard to truth."

He confirms all that had been recorded respecting them
by Trembley and Reaumur, illustrating his statements with
numerous woodcuts, which, though coarse when compared
with the exquisite engravings of Lyonet, answer, neverthe-
less, the purposes for which they were intended. He gives
one figure of the little creature suspended from the surface
of the water by its expanded tentacula, and another figure
of it suspended from the surface by its tail, both very com-
mon positions, which He who made it taught it how to as-
sume by allowing either the tentacula or the tip of the tail
to get dry in the air, and then these dry parts keep above
the surface of the water, on the same principle as a dry
needle, though of greater specific gravity, if laid cautiously
on the surface of the water, will not sink, but float. In ano-
ther figure we see a polype attached by its base to the side

I

HYDEA. 183

of the glass, with its body and its tentacula extended, in
which position it is '' as vigilant as a spider in the centre of
its web, fully intent on prey, and will seize a worm with as
much eagerness as a cat catches a mouse." — " I have often
seen them thus situated, extending and waving their arms
in the water, several inches long, and so exquisitely slender
as not to exceed the thickness of the finest cobweb ; yet
their sense of feeling is so delicate, that if a worm touches
even the utmost extremity of these very slender arms, they
immediately lay hold of it, and, contracting themselves to
about the middle length, by clasping their arms about it,
they envelope and fetter it in so many places, and to such a
degree, that notwithstanding it be much larger, and seem-
ingly stronger, it is soon rendered incapable of struggling
to any purpose/' " 'Tis a fine entertainment to behold the
dexterity of a polype in the mastering its prey, and observe
with what art it evades and overcomes the superior strength
or agility thereof. Many times, by way of experiment, I have
put a large worm to the very extremity of a single arm,
which has instantly fastened on it with its little invisible
claspers. Then it has afforded me inexpressible pleasure to
see the polype poising and balancing the worm, with no
less seeming caution and judgment tlian a skilful angler

184 HISTOHY OP BEITISH ZOOPHYTES.

shows when he perceives a heavy fish at the end of a snigle
hair-line, and fears it should break away. Contracting the
arm that holds it by very slow degrees, he brings it witliin
the reach of his other arms, which eagerly clasp round it,
and the danger of losing it being over, all the former caution
and gentleness is laid aside, and it is pulled to the polype's
mouth with a surprising violence. The worm, on its part,
is not without a knowledge of its enemy. The moment it
touches a pol}'pe's arm, it starts away, with as much seeming
horror as a man would do that should tread upon a snake
or some other dreadful creature."

Nearly a hundred pages of Mr. Baker's book are occu-
pied in giving an account of experiments made by himself
and a friend, to show how greatly the polype may be multi-
plied by being cut in pieces. He seems to have had greater
pleasure in experiments that savour of cruelty than I trust
any of myyomig friends have; but seeing that these experi-
ments, as performed by Trembley, were regarded, as we have
seen, by Cuvier, as giving us new views of pliysiology and
anatomy, and as they bring before us the extraordinary pro-
perties of this little animal, that have made it so peculiarly
interesting to the scientific world, we must not pass them
over without a brief notice.

HYDRA. 185

" Wliat kind or degree of pain/^ Baker remarks^ " this
creature feels upon being divided, it is impossible to con-
ceive or know ; but we commonly find that the parts contract
themselves immediately after the operation, and a sort of
tremor or quivering motion may frequently be observed in
them by the microscope. And yet its eating so soon after
it has been cut asunder would almost induce one to imagine,
either that the pain is not very great, or that it is over in-
stantly, or that the pain of hunger is greater."

Were those who make these experiments to be accused of
cruelty, they might, perhaps, say that the seeming cruelty
is greatly overbalanced by the results ; for though they do
inflict pain on a single animal by cutting it into fifty pieces,
as M. Trembley has at times done, tliis pain, at the longest,
is only of a few days' continuance, and after that you have
fifty times the original amount of happiness, for instead of
one, you have fifty living creatures as full of enjoyment as
had been the single polype from whose mangled body this
great troop has sprung.

The first experiment that Baker records is the cutting ofF
the head of a polype close under the tentacula. This he
did on the 25th of March. He made observations on both
the parts every day. There was daily progress in both, and

186 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

by the ] st of April the head part had got a new body, seemed
strong and vigorous, and in no respect differed from other
polypes of its kind. About the same time the tail part be-
gan to show little tentacula, and a young polype began to
spring from the middle of its body. Slimy matter, however,
enveloping the part where the new head was beginning to
be formed, he beheaded it a second time. On the 7th of
April, new tentacula were observed round the part from
wliich a head had twice been cut, and there were three
young ones in a thriving state on different parts of the body.
On the 8th of April the tentacula were so much grown, that
they could lay hold of a worm, wliich the' polype greedily
devoured ; and on the 9th of April, as it seemed now com-
plete, he ceased to observe it and its young family. He
afterwards divided a polype into four parts, and these in a
few days were transformed into four polypes. He likewise
cut in two some of the young ones before they were sepa-
rated from the old, and the part that remained attached
soon recovered what it had lost, and the amputated part
grew into a perfect polype.

His next experiment was to cut a polype lengthways into
two equal parts, both as to the portion of the body, and the
number of tentacula, wliich each part retained. Being

HYDRA. 187

divided from head to tail^ the body no longer formed a tube,
but in each of them was open the whole length on one side.
Both parts, after being cut, lay in a state of collapse for
about half an hour. The next day each was standing up-
right, and spreading out its remaining portion of tenta-
cula, and tliey ate right willingly a worm given to each
of them. By the fourth day the wound, seemingly so
deadly, was healed, and each was again tubular, and tenta-
cula had begun to grow, to make up for those that were
lacking ; and in a day or two more each formed as complete
a polype as those that had never been subjected to the sharp
work of the scissors.

In the next experiment he was not quite successful. It
required very delicate management, for it was nothing less
than turning a polype inside out. A person would naturally
have thought, that to any creature this would be completely
ruinous, — that it would be quite impossible for any animal
to survive under such an operation as turning it inside out,
as one would do a glove or stockings Yet M. Trembiey
gives us a detailed account of the ingenious manner in which
he accomplished this, and, what is wonderful, that the
polypes did not seem to be injured by it. It was plains
however, that they did not much like it, that they preferred

188 HISTORY OF BHITISH ZOOPHYTES.

their original arrangement, for they endeavoured to return
to it, and being at times successful in their efforts, they were
again found iii statu quo; but as this did not suit the fancy
of the operator, he fell upon means of preventing them from
undoing his work, and after a short trial of this novel con-
dition, they seemed quite satisfied with it, devoured their
prey as greedily as ever, yielded young ones as before from
their polype-bearing bodies, lived to a good old age, and
died surrounded by their offspring to the fourth or fifth
generation.

" Rerum natura nusquam magis quam in minimis tota est."

Plin. Nat. Hist.

" Art thou proportion'd to the Hydra's length.
Who by his wounds received augmented strength ?
He raised a hundred hissing heads in air ;
When one I lopp'd, up sprang a dreadful pair ;
By his wounds fertile, and with slaughter strong,
Singly I quell'd him, and stretch'd dead along." — Ovid. Metam.

1. Hydra viridis, the Green Hydra. (Plate XII.
fig. 39.)

Hab. In ponds and ditches, on aquatic plants.

Baker states, that the arms of the green Il/jdra are so short
that it cannot clasp round a small worm, but can only piuci

Tv -vJ.. C

K^'/:^.^o^^'

■:'^i i;-

41

Plate XII.

^^ ^

39.; Hydra Vixitli . .

40. VirpulariaTrarabilis

41 . PeiLnaUil a plio splu.i'e a. .

HYDRA. 189

it fast till the polype can master and devour it. This is
by far the most common Kyclra in the west of Scotland.
It is so common^ indeed, that if in summer or autumn you
take up at random a handful of duckweed or pond- weed
{Lemna or Potamogetoii) from a ditch or stagnant pool, and
put it in a glass vase, you are almost sure to see that you
have captured several green Kydrm. Their tentacula,
however, though not some inches long, like those of other
species figured by Trembley, can be extended by the creature
so as to be fully the length of the body. ^^I imagined those
polypes owed their green colour to some particular food, such
as weeds, etc., and that they would lose it upon being kept
to worms ; but I find myself mistaken, for they retain their
greenness after some months as well as ever, and are now
grown of a moderate size, extending sometimes three-
quarters of an inch; their tentacula are also lengthened
very much to what they were, and are of a lighter green
than the body, their number, eight, nine, or ten. The tail
is very little slenderer than the body, but more spread at
the end than the tails of the other kinds."*' {Baker, 1743.)
PaUas says, that the offspring are produced from every part
of the body. Blainville thinks he has remarked that they
spring always from the same place, though he owns that

190 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Professor Yan tier Hoven thinks otherwise; and so does
Dr. Johnston, and so also, may we add, do we, and we have
seen more tlian one young one on the body at the same time,
not at Bhiinvillc^s " point de jonction de la partie creuse et
de celle qui ne Pest pas/^ but one of them nearer the tail,
and the other nearer the tentacula.

2. Hydra vulgaris.

Hab. Ponds and slowly running streams.

This is about the same size as //. viridis, which it also
resembles in form, but it differs from it in colour, being of
an orange colour, or sometimes more of a brown or even
bright red tint, the brightness of the tint depending on the
nature of the food. The tentacula are rather more nume-
rous and longer than in the former.

3. Hydra attenuata, Dr. Johnston.

Hab. Ponds, Yetholm Loch, Roxburghshire, Dr. Johnston.

" A larger animal than the former, and comparatively rare,
less sensible to external impressions, and of a more gracile
form. Its colour is a dilute olive-green, with paler tenta-
cula, which are considerably longer than the body, and
hang like silken threads in the water, waving to and fro,
without assuming that regular circular disposition which
they commonly do in IT. viridis." {Br. Johnston.)

HYDRA. 191

4. Hydra oligactis.

Hab. Still waters, in England, rare ; Hackney, Ellicot ;
Cranmore, near Belfast, Templeton.

^^ The tails of these are long, slender, and transparent, and
when placed before the microscope, a long straight gut may
plainly be distinguished passing from the body-part or
stomach, to an opening at the end thereof. These are rather
lighter- coloured than the former [H. vulgaris), and have
seldom more than six or eight arms, but these capable of
great extension." {Baker.)

Dr. Meming regards the above-mentioned species as
varieties of Hydra vulgaris; lie remarks, ^^ The reproduction
of this singular being by buds issuing from the sides of the
parent polype ; acquiring tentacula, and then falling off and
becoming independent individuals, or by the regeneration
of parts when artificially divided ; has long engaged the at-
tention of the curious observer. The animals may be easily
procured by placing a quantity of the stems of plants grow-
ing under water in any wslow-running ditch, in a basin of
clean water, and in a short time the polypes will expand, and
exhibit themselves readily to the naked eye." And yet how
few have tried to see them !

192 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

11. ANTHOZOA ASTEROIDA.

" There is a magic-like attraction in
Thy waves ; thou hast iu thee the life —
The eternal, graceful, and majestic life
Of Nature, and the natural heart
Is therefore bouud to thee ANnth holy love."

" Old Oceau was,
Infinity of ages ere we breathed
Existence. — And he will be beautiful
"When all the living world that sees him now
Shall roll unconscious dust around the Sun.
Swelling, from age to age, the vital throb
In human hearts, Death shall not subjugate
The pulse that swells in his stupendous breast,
Or interdict his minstrelsy to sound.
In thundering concert with the quiring winds ;
But long as man to parent Nature owns
Instinctive homage, and in times beyond
The power of thought to reach, bard after bard
Shall sing thy glory, beatific Sea." — CainpheJl.

The following is Dr. Jolinston^s arrangement of the families
and genera of Antliozoa asteroid a : —

Family I. Poh^De-mass free, pennated, carnous ; the skin
spiculiferous ; the axis bony, simple, continuous ; po-
lypes arranged along the margin of the i)innae. Pen-

NATULID^.

PENNATULA. 193

Polj^es on bipennated wings.

Polypidom plumous. Pennatula.
Polypidom virgate. Yirgularia.
Polypes unilateral, sessile.

Polypidom linear, elongate. Pavonaria.
Family II. Polype-mass fixed, arborescent ; the axis covered
with a thick cretaceo- gelatinous celluliferous crust;
polypes scattered over the whole surface. Gorgoniad.e.
Cells for the polypes immersed. Goegoxia.
Cells subpedunculated, protruded. Primnoa.
Family III. Polype-mass fixed, coriaceous or somewhat
carnous, without any distinct axis, but strengthened
by variously- disposed calcareous spicula; polype-ceUs
subcutaneous, scattered over the surface. ALCYOXiDiE.
Polypes aggregate. Alcyonium.
Polypes segregate. Sarcodictyon.

Family PENNATULID^.
Genus XYI. PENNATULA, Cuvier.

Gen. Char. Polype-mass free, plumous, the shaft subcylindric,
naked beneath, pennated above ; pinnae two-ranked ; spreading,
flattened, and polypiferous along the upper margin. — Johnston.

o

194 HISTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

1. Pennatula phosphorea, Sir Robert Sibhald. (Plate
XII. fig. 41.)

Hab. In deep water. Near Aberdeen, Ellis ; Hebrides,
M'Aiidrew ; Zetland, Prof. Forbes ; Leitli, Dr. Coldstream ;
near Musselburgh, D. L., juu. ; off Saltcoats, and in Lam-
lash Bay, D. L.

The names given to this zoophyte are very appropriate —
Cock's-comb, Sea-pen, and Sea-feather. Cock^s-comb, the
name given to it by fishermen, is expressive of its appear-
ance as to colour and substance ; Sea-feather, or Sea-pen,
however, is more expressive of its form, for the stem resem-
bles the quill, and the upper part, which bears the polypes,
resembles the feathery part of the pen. Lamarck says, '' II
semble, en effet, que la Nature, en formant ce corps animal
compose, ait voulu copier la forme exterieure d\me plume
d'oiseau.'^

It is generally from two to about four and a half inches
in length, though Dr. Fleming states that at times it is
eight inches long. The stem forms about half of the length.
It is all of a reddish colour, except the point of the stem,
which is yellowish, and bent a little upwards, like a shep-
herd's crook. The stem contains a whitish bone, which
seems intended to strengthen it, though it is very slender

PENNATULA. 195

in proportion to tlie size of the stem, which is about the
third of an inch in diameter. The breadth of the lobed or
feather part is about an inch and a half. There are several
polypes on each lobe, — in all, about thirty. It is rare in
England and in Ireland, but in the north of Scotland it is
frequently found on the fishermen's lines when baited with
mussels. In the Frith of Eortli it is common. Sir J. G.
Dalyell, who describes and figures it admirably, had sixty-
four live specimens at once in his possession. He states
that, ^^ike other asteroid zoophytes, it is strictly a noc-
turnal animal. It enlarges remarkably as evening comes
on. It is then that the lobes are swollen, and the hydrse
most amply displayed in vigour, wliile the whole variable
organic structure expands by intumescence.''^

Whether it can swim about, or remains fixed in the mud
or sand, is a disputed point. There is high authority in
proof of its natatory powers. Bohadsch says that it swims
freely, and that he has seen it do so, using its pinnae for
this purpose as fishes do their fins. . Ellis says " it is an
animal that swims freely about in the sea," and that this is
effected by means of feather-hke fins. Cuvier tells us that
it has the power of moving by the contractions of the globe
part, and the combined action of the polypes. Other na-

196 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

turalists of note deny that it has this power. Lamarck
and Schweigger, reasoning from analogy, deny it, and Dr.
Johnston, speaking from observation, states that, when
placed in a basin of sea-water, they are never observed to
change their position, but they remain on the same spot,
and lie with the same side up, just as they have been put
in. Sir J. G. Dalvell, who at various times has had so
many living specimens, states, " Further than complete dis-
tension of the whole specimen, whereby its dimensions may
be quadrupled, no approximation to motion is betrayed.
Neither does such distension, though to the utmost, reduce
its specific gravity sufficiently to produce an equilibrium
with the water. Thus the animal cannot swim.'^ We have
had two or three fine live specimens, wliich we kept in
sea- water for several days. They increased greatly in size,
blowing themselves up, expanding their lobes, and spread-
incT out their tentacula from a kind of sheath that covers
them when contracted. We were on the watch for some
locomotion when the several parts were so swollen, but
when laid on the bottom of the jar they could not elevate
themselves, nor turn the polype-bearing side of the lobes up
if placed with their face downwards.

We did observe, however, that they were phosphorescent.

VIRGULARIA. 197

and that when roughly touched in the dark^ a transient
gleam of light was emitted. A very interesting statement
as to this phosphorescence may be found in Dr. Johnston's
' History of British Zoophytes/ from which we shall extract
only a little. From experiments made by himself and Pro-
fessor E. Forbes, and others, they were led to infer, first,
that the polype is phosphorescent only when irritated by
touch; secondly, that the phosphorescence appears at the
place touched, and proceeds from that to the extremity of
the polypiferous portion ; thirdly, that only those parts
above the place touched give light ; fourthly, that the light
continues longest from the part touched ; fifthly, that sparks
of light are sometimes sent out when the animal is pressed,
and these were found to arise from ejected spicula.

Genus XYII. YIRGULARIA, Lamarck.

Gen. Char. Polype-mass free, linear-elongate, supporting, to-
wards the upper extremity, sessile lunate lobes, embracing the
stem obhquely, and bearing a row of cells on their margin. —
Johnston.

1. ViRGULARiA MiRABiLis, Sca-rush, Mr. Simmons. (PL
XII. fig. 40.)

198 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Ilab. Off Inch Keith, Mr. Simmons; Preston Pans,
Prof. Jameson ; north and east coast of Scotland, Prof.
Fleming ; Gairloch, Mr. Smitii, of Jordanhill ; near Oban,
Mr. M'Andrew ; Belfast Lough, Mr. Templcton, Mr.
Paterson, Mr. M'Calla.

Dr. Fleming thus describes it : " Body linear, supporting,
towards the upper extremity, sessile, lunate lobes, embracing
the stem obliquely, and bearing a row of cells on their mar-
gin.'' " These lobes resemble a crest, embrace the side of
the stem and a portion of its front obliquely, and terminate
in a recurrent manner, the point of the one meeting with
the bend of the higher one from the opposite side.''

Of this I have a dried specimen from my generous friend
Mr. Smith, of Jordanhill, to whose kindness I have often
been greatly indebted, and in whose yacht I have had many
pleasant excursions. I have also a specimen, preserved in
spirits, from my steady and obliging friend Mr. TTilliam
Gourlie, of Glasgow. It is beautiful, and yet from quota-
tions which I shall subjoin, it will be seen that it gives but
a faint idea of the surpassing beauty of tlie living creature.
My friend Mr. R. Paterson, of Belfast, says, beautiful as
Midler's figure is, it does not do justice to the living ap-
pearance of the animal.

YIRGULARIA. 199

Sir J. G. Daly ell says, " We have had already some singular
examples of conformation and properties among the rare
and remarkable animals of Scotland ; but I know not that
any of the whole is more entitled to be distinguished than
V. mirabilis, now before us, whereof every naturalist, enjoy-
ing the enviable prerogative of personal experience, has ex-
pressed the highest admiration. The Virgularia in vigour
bears a considerable general resemblance to a feather, much
more than to a rod or rush. It consists of a long, slender^
round shell or bone, invested by a fleshy coating, which
expands from each side into a number of lobes, also fleshy,
bordered by several asteroidal hydrse.^' Mr. Paterson de-
scribes these lobes, which are translucent, as being rendered
more beautiful by about eight delicate lines, more trans-
parent than the adjoining parts ,• and the lobes as being so
unlike each other, notwithstanding the general similarity,
that a young lady who was making a drawing of them,
when she raised her eyes from the paper to look at the
animal, never found a moment^s hesitation as to what par-
ticular plume she was depicting.

Sir J. G. Dalyell, who has had the advantage of examin-
ing some remarkably fine specimens in a living state, re-
marks, " The Virgularia, for the most part, is procured in

200 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

portions four, five, or eight inches long, with the central
bone protruding from one of its extremities, denoting its
mutilation. But these are onl}^ fragments. The largest I
have ever had, extended twenty-three inches in length, nor
was this a complete specimen/^ and he concludes, for rea-
sons assigned, that this specimen must have extended at
least thirty inches. " In its greatest breadth a fine speci-
men expands about an inch between the opposite hydrse,
terminating the extremity of the lobes. The whole is of a
beautiful straw-colour, presenting an object whose interest-
ing appearance can be sufiiciently appreciated only by be-
holding the living creature in vigorous display of all its
parts. ^^

It is generally thought that the Virgnlaria fixes the lower
extremity in the mud, and keeps itself in an erect position,
though Sir J. G. Dalyell has doubts of this. It is ques-
tioned also whether it has any power of locomotion. When
kept in a jar, it does not change its place or general posi-
tion ; yet the flesliy body can twist itself in a spiral manner
around the longitudinal bone, and having done so, it can
again relax into a straight line. The bone is remarkably
slender : ''probably the diameter of the bone of a full-grown
specimen is not above the thousandth part of the length.

VIEGULAEIA. 201

Nothing enables us to indulge the slightest conjecture of
its use. We can hardly allow its protective utility, for it
seems scarcely calculated for supporting itself." In other
respects there are mysteries in this beautiful creature, which
the most acute naturalists have been unable to fathom.
" Each organ," says Sir J. G. Dalyell, " of this remarkable
object, has a distinct action, free of all the other parts.
Each lobe, each hydra, each of the pectinate tentacula, and
each of their prongs, can move at will, while the whole of
the rest of the zoophyte is quiescent. Therefore, in a spe-
cimen with the bone extending eighteen inches, above a
million of separate fleshy parts are under the common con-
trol of the zoophyte." " But how this control is exercised,
or how its effect is imparted, is not easily explained. The
flesh of the Virgidaria enjoys some peculiar power of wind-
ing as a spiral around the central bone, while thousands of
hydrae, independent so far as to testify individual action,
are incorporated with it. What a marvellous work of the
creation !" _

" These are thy glorious works, Parent of Good,
Almighty ! Thine this universal frame,
Thus wondrous fair ; Thyself how wondrous then !
Unspeakable, who sitt'st above these heavens,
To us invisible, or dimly seen

202 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

In these thy lowest works ; yet these declare
Thy gooduess beyoud thought, and power divine."

Genus XVIII. PAYONARIA, Cuvier.

Gen. Char. Polype-mass linear-elongate, quadrangular. Po-
lypes sessile, retractile, arranged subspirally on one side only of
the posterior lialf of the rachis. Tentacula with intermediate
spinules. — Dr. Johnston.

1. Pavonaria quadrangularis, Mr. M' Andrew.

Hab. West of Scotland, Mr. M'Andrew ; near Oban,
Mr. William Keddie.

This is a very extraordinary creature, dredged in our
Scottish western sea, by Mr. M'Andrew, of Liverpool, who
has added so much to our British fauna. There is only
one locality, as yet, in which it has been got in this country
— off the island of Kerrcra, near Oban ; and the exact place
can be so distinctly described, that my esteemed friend, Mr.
W. Keddie (to whom I have often been greatly indebted)
having got a description of the locality before setting out
for a short residence at Oban, went to the very spot, and
dredged it in considerable abundance. I can assure my
friends that if they choose as fine a day as I was favoured
with the first time I sailed from Crinan to Oban, and on to

PAVONAEIA. 203

Tort William, amidst the magnificent scenery of the High-
land Isles, they are in some danger of forgetting even the
submerged FavonaHa, and the thousand wonders of the
mighty deep. It is, however, a wonderful creature. Many
of our zoophytes are sufficiently minute, and require micro-
scopic aid ere we can be enraptured with their beauty : but
this is a giant — a Goliath of Gath — a marine Saul amidst
the pigmean people, a living rod of four feet in length,
thickly beset with living buds and blossoms. The Neapo-
litan fishermen call it penna del pesce pavone, the pen or
feather of the peacock-fish, — hence the name Pavonaria.
Without going so far as Naples, however, we sliall give the
following, as part of the description of our Scottish Pavo-
naria, by Professor E. Forbes: — "The whole rod, when
alive, invested with a fleshy skin, is very slimy. Its base
or root is cylindrical, of a yellow colour, and terminating
somewhat obtusely, and bulbous. The lowest polypes on
the rod are very small, and in a single row on each side,
but they gradually increase in size, and_^become more nume-
rous, till they form oblique transverse rows of four, five, or
six polypes in a row, the outermost being largest. The
back of the rod is yellowish, smooth, and free from polypes.
The polypiferous part is of a rose-colour. Each polype is

204 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

slender and cylindrical. It has eight tentacula surrounding
an oval disc. They are pinnate (the pinnse about twenty
on each side, and crenate) and retractile within a sheath,
the margin of which is strengthened by interlacing spicula,
forming triangular, bristling, tooth- like lobes, which alter-
nate with them. The tentacula are pale pink, and formed
of a granular tissue. Below the oval circle the body is
cylindrical, and marked by eight rose-coloured lines, and at
about half its height it dilates into a broad bottle-shaped
base, within which are seen the bright red ovaries. The
base gradually passes into the investing skin of the rod, of
which the sheath of the polype and its teeth may be re-
garded as an extension.

" ^Allen irritated, the Pavonaria gives out a vivid bluish
light, which is brightest tow^ards the tip. The light appears
to come from the bases of the polypes, and to be connected
with the reproductive system.'^

Family GORGONTADiE.

" Great Ocean ! strongest of creation's sons,
Unconquerable, unrcposcd, untired,
That roll'd the wild, profound, eternal bass
In Nature's anthem, and made music such

GORGONIA. 205

As pleased the ear of God ! Original,

Unmarr'd, unfaded work of Deity,

From age to age enduring and unchanged,

Majestical, inimitable, vast.
*******

Thou bow'dst thy glorious head to none,

Heard'st none, to none did honour but to God,

Thy Maker, only worthy to receive

Thy great obeisance !" — Pollok.

Genus XIX. GOEGONIA, Linnc^us.

Gen. Char. Polype-mass rooted, arborescent, consisting of a
central axis, barked with a polypiferous crust ; the axis horny,
continuous and flexible, branched in coequality with the polype-
mass ; the crust, when recent, soft and fleshy, when dried, porous
and friable ; the orifices of the polype-cells more or less protube-
rant. — Dr. Johnston.

1. GoRGOXiA VERRUCOSA, Sea-fem, or Sea-fan, Cole.
(Plate XII. fig. 42.)

Hab. Deep water. Mount^s Bay, Cornwall, Mr. Batten ;
abundant on the south coast. Couch ; plentiful, Devon-
shire, Montague ; Exmoutli, Kev. T. Hincks. Dr. Fleming
states that it was obtained in Scotland by Sowerby.

This has a shrubby appearance, being above a foot in
height, and sixteen or seventeen inches in breadth. It has
by some been called " Sea-heath." It is fixed to rocks by

206 HISTOUY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

a horny disc ; the warty branches expand laterally from
near the base. The axis is black, smooth, and glossy,
of a compact horny consistence, having a white pith, like
that of a rush, in the centre. In a living specimen the
external crust is fleshy and flesh-coloured. Crust, when
dried, whitish, warty, and friable, with numerous polype-
cells.

It is thought to be the same as Gorgonia v'lminalis. It
is figured by Ellis (plate xxvii.), and he says, "Tliis was
found on the coast of Cornwall. The outside of it is
covered over with a crust, full of little lumps like warts,
which, when dissolved in vinegar, discover the contracted
bodies of polypes with eight claws.'"' The first specimen I
ever saw of this was sent to me by a young lady from De-
vonshire, among some Alga3, to be named. I afterwards
got specimens of it from Miss Cutler, when I had the plea-
sure of visiting her in 1851, in her sweet residence at Bud-
leigh Salterton.

2. Gorgonia pinnata. Professor E. Forbes.

Hab. Attached to stones in the Sound of Skve, Mr.
M 'Andrew and E. Forbes.

" '\A'hcn taken alive it was of a cream-white colour. The
polypes are w^hite, with eight dull white granular pinnated

GORGONIA. 207

teritacula : they are very sluggish, and did not expand."
{E. Forhes.)

3. GoRGONiA PLACOMUS, Warted Sea-fan, Ellis.
Hab. Coast of Cornwall, Ellis.

"This Sea-fan is of a reddish-brown colour; has its
branches disposed in a dichotomous order and a flattish
form ; they bend irregularly towards one another, but
rarely unite. Their mouths are conical, projecting, and
surrounded at top by little spines. The bone or support is
nearly of the substance of wood." [Ellis.)

Mr. Couch remarks, that Ellis must have been very for-
tunate in finding this Gorgonia, as neither Mr. Peach nor
he had been able to fall in with one among all the Gorgonice
that they examined.

4. Gorgonia anceps. Sea-willow, Mr. Bale.

Hab. Deep water, very rare. Near Margate, Mr. Dale ;
on the coast of Great Britain and Ireland, Ellis.

Dichotomous, the stem and branches a little compressed.
" On both edges of the flat branches are regular rows of
little rising cells in the calcareous part, with small holes for
an entrance to each." {Ellis.)

" The bone is roundish and small at the ends, of a horny
nature, inclining to leather. Specimens recent from the sea

208 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

are of a fine violet-colour, but when we receive them some
are 3'ellow, others white." [Ellis.)

Its claims to be British are doubtful.

5. GoRGONiA flabellum-Yeneris, Yenus's Tan.

Hab. Cornwalb Dr. Borlase; Leith shore, Mr. Mackay;
Lamlash Bay, D. L.

Though we have mentioned these habitats, we do not
believe that it was found, as a British zoophyte, in any of
them. When we were in the Isle of Arran it was brought
to us as something very rare, that had been dredged in
Lamlash Bay. It certainly was a portion of Yenus's fan,
but a fragment in which Hfe had long been extinct, and
cast overboard, we doubt not, from some vessel from foreign
shores, that had found shelter in the bay. The liigh autho-
rity of the late Dr. Neill, so worthy a man and so good a
naturalist, led many to suppose that it had been found alive
at Leith, but a letter from Professor E. Forbes shows, satis-
factorily, how a mistake may have arisen. "Dr. Goodsir
has a large specimen of the G. JIahellum-Veneris, dredged
in the Porth. The fisherman who brought it described it
as being covered with living flesh when taken. On exami-
nation we found that it ])resented the cuiious appearance of
West Indian incrusting shells and British mixed, and the

GOEGONIA. 209

living flesh was doubtless a British sponge which had grown
round the branches in many parts." •

If we must give up this magnificent Gorgonia as British,
it is a consolation that it will continue to be more famihar
to us than any of acknowledged British growth. It is so
strikingly curious and handsome that it attracts the notice
of our sailors^ who are not in general remarkably prone to
admire the works of nature ; but this stares them so broadly
in the face that they are constrained to observe it^ and they
often bring it home as a present to their friends^ scarcely
one of them knowing that it is an animal production, but
regarding it is an extraordinary kind of seaweed. Since I
began to write this, I have had a very pretty specimen of it
brought to me by a little girl, and I had two or three from
my kind nautical friends before.

The wisdom of God, as our great British naturalist. Bay,
has observed, is shown in the fan-like form which many
marine plants and zoophytes are taught to assume. In the
present case the safety of the polypidom is promoted, not
only by the thin edge being fitted to cleave the waves, but
even when the broad side happens to be exposed to the im-
pulse, the waves pass through without doing it much injury,
the inosculations of the branches causing it to resemble net-

210 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

work. "That the motion of the water descends to a good
depth I prove from those plants that grow deepest in the
sea^ because they all generally grow flat, in manner of a fan,
and not with branches on all sides, like trees, which is so
contrived by the Providence of nature, for that the edges of
them do in that i)osture with most ease cut the water flow-
ing to and fro ; and should the flat side be objected to the
stream, it would soon be turned edge-wise by the force of
it, because in that state it doth least resist the motion of
the water; whereas, did the branches of the plants grow
round, they would be thrown backward and forward every
tide, l^^ay, not only the herbaceous and woody submarine
plants, but also the litliophyta themselves affect this manner
of growing, as I have observed in various kinds of coral and
pori." {Rui/')

In forming their network, the Uttle creatures are taught
to give greater strength to the fabric by a few stronger
tubes, that proceed lengthways, and a few that irregularly
cross the fan. Ellis, in figuring Yenus^s fan, has chosen a
specimen which shows the ingenuity of the polypes in re-
pairing the damage wheji one of the main stems had been
broken through near the base. As the separation of the
parts of the great tube was complete, and the upper ])art of

GORGONIA. 211

the poljpidom was attached to the under only by the limber
network, which could not long have withstood the tide, —
since they could not splice the broken main-mast, the little
artificers did what was about as well-fi.tted to answer their
purpose. Ellis states, "I have now before me specimens
which prove the horny circles which surround and compose
the stem and branches to be the work of animals ; one par-
ticularly, of the Keratojphyta, or Sea-fans, called by the cele-
brated Linnseus Flahellum Veneris, which, by some accident,
has had one of the main stems, belonging to the branches,
broke quite across. But the broken parts have been kept
near to one another by the small reticulated side-branches.
The animals, in the progress of their tubes upwards from
the trunk, as soon as they met with this obstruction of the
broken stem, turned off to one side, and proceeding along
the reticulated branches, covered over the vacant spaces
with their horny and calcareous matter ; after this they
made a short turn, to gain the broken end of the upper
part of the stem of this branch, and from thence they con-
tinued their progress along towards the finer ramifications
as usual.''' " In the same sea-fan,^' he adds, '^ there is
another remarkable instance of the animals forming the
horny part of the branches. This specimen appears to have

212 HISTORY or BRITISH ZOOPIiyTES.

ft

had the progress of its growth stopped bj some impeudiug
rock or other accident^ part of its upper branches appearing
as if cut off in a horizontal direction. Tliis, we observe,
has diverted the course of the animals back the way they
came, so that we find many of the lately-formed cells covered
over and confused with an irregular appearance of the cal-
careous matter. This we can perceive, as far as we can
trace the animals back in their retreat ; and upon taking off
the calcareous matter, we find that the horny substance,
which they had deposited since their return, had filled up
most of the vacant places in that part of the reticulation."

Genus XX. PKIMNOA, Lamour,

Gen. Cliar. Polypidom plant-like, in-egularly branched ; the
axis horny, becoming very hard, continuous ; polype-cells pro-
truded far beyond the crust, subpcdunouhited and moveable,
squamous ; the aperture furnished with eight smaller testaceous
scales. — Johnston.

1. Primnoa lepadifera. Professor Jameson.
Ilab. Coasts of Aberdeenshire and Shetland, Jameson.
"The axis, when young, is corneous, but in the older
branches it is like bone. The flesh is covered with minute

PIUMNOA.

213

fixed scales. The cells are crowded, bell-sliaped, and with
the aperture, according to Baxter, closed by two valves,
covered with imbricated moveable scales. The branches
are dichotomous. M. Lamouroux, who first separated this
genus from Gorgonia, considers the pendulous cells as the
polypes themselves.'' {Dr. Fleming.)

This zoophyte is very rare in Britain. It is rare even in
the Norwegian seas, where the fishermen, on finding it,
carry it home, and hang it up as a protective charm against
storms. But it must be only young specimens which they
thus hang up, for we are told that the fishermen affirm that
these marine productions grow to the size of large forest
trees. When their nets get entangled on the trunk or stem
of the Primnoa, the united strength of several men is un-
able to free them by eradicating the sea-tree. At times,
however, they succeed in pulling up the net by main force,
bringing large branches along with it. They think they
have good reason to conclude that some of the sea -trees
are fifty or sixty feet in height. If there be no mistake,
these are sea-trees indeed !

214 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Family ALCYONIDJ^.

" The tones of the majestic sea
Have meanings too sublime for me,
"When billows lift their voice on high.
And clouds are thundering their reply.
I love to hear its soften'd tones,
Its hush'd complaints, its under moans,
"When waves subsiding sink to rest,
And sunbeams sleep upon its breast." — Ellen Roberts.

Genus XXI. ALCYONIUM, Linnceua.

Gen. Char. Polype-mass lobed or incrustiug, spongioiis, the
skill coriaceous, marked with stellated pores ; interior gelati-
nous, netted with tubular fibres, and perforated witli longitudinal
canals, terminating in the polype-cells, which are subcutaneous
and scattered. Polypes exsertile. — Johnston.

1. Alcyonium digitatum, Dead Man's Hands, Dead
Man's Toes.

Hab. On stones, shells, etc., in deep water.

Tliis sponge-looking zoophyte takes its name from Alcyon,
the kingfisher; and the fable is, that the bird formed its
nest of the foam of the sea, and floated it on the deep, and
that old Neptune, in kindness, kept the waves in check
all the time the bird was hatching ; — hence is derived the

ALCYONIUM. 215

expression alcyon or halcyon days, which we all so much
desire.

Tliis is spoken of as being very common on all our shores.
It is by no means common on those parts of our shores
which are sandy, but we have got very fine specimens from
Arran and Cumbraes. When it is large and lobed, it as-
sumes forms to which our fishermen fail not to give appro-
priate names, such as dead man's hands, dead man's toes,
cows' paps. A specimen of the latter kind, found on the
shore at Saltcoats, was brought to me as a great wonder.
It certainly very much resembled the udder of a little High-
land cow. AYhen a specimen is got in a fresh state, the
naked eye can easily see that the surface is closely covered
with star-like figures, and if placed in sea-water, these star-
like impressions project considerably from the surface, show-
ing that they are polypes with eight tentacula. Ellis says
that the specimen he figures in plate xxxii. was got at the
Nore, adhering to an oyster-shell. " When it first came, I
observed the surface full of small papiUse, with a star of
eight points on the top of each. After it had been suffered
to rest for some time in the salt-water, each small star sent
forth a polype with eight tentacula." Dr. Johnston also
remarks, "When a specimen of Alcyonium digitatum is

216 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

placed in a vessel of sea-water, the polypes protrude them-
selves amazingly, .and extend their tentacula, which are
thick, obtuse, grooved along the centre, and not longer than
the diameter of the disc."

2. A.LCYONIUM GLOMERATUM.

Hab. Dublin Bay, Hassall; Cornwall, Couch.

Though, generally speaking, this Alcjjonium is rare, it
seems not to be uncommon in Cornwall, so that it is fami-
liar to Mr. Couch. A. fine live specimen of it was brought
to us by a fisherman, who had obtained it in his net off
Saltcoats, and we have seen another live specimen in the
possession of Major Martin, dredged at Cumbraes, and kept
for weeks ahve in sea-water in a glass vessel. It difi'ers
from the preceding one strikingly in colour, which is bright
red.

Genus XXII. SARCODICTYON, E. Forbes.

Gen, CJiar. Polypidom incrusting, linear, creeping, anastomos-
ing at intervals, so as to form a sort of network. Polypes dis-
tant, in uniserial prominent cells ; the tentacula eight, and pin-
nated. — Jolmston.

1. Sarcodictyon catenata.

Hab. Youghall, R. Ball ; Loclifine, and in several loca-

ANTHOZOA HELIANTHOIDA. 217

lities in the west of Scotland, Mr. M'Andrew and Prof. E.
Forbes; off Cumbraes, D. L.

This we have got several times from a fisherman w^ho
dredged it off Cumbraes. It was always on roundish stones
about the size of a man^s hand, and it wound itself in a
meandering manner round the stone, and as the surface was
not smooth, it took care to keep in the hollows. It is of a
reddish colour. When we first met with it, from its long,
small, worm -like appearance, we thought that it was an
annelide, till we observed the cells of the polypes, like little
warts, dotting it at regular intervals. The polypes are
whitish. The fleshy crust contains spicula.

III. ANTHOZOA HELIANTHOIDA.

«

The British species are arranged by Dr. Johnston under
the following families and genera : —

Sect. I. Body secreting a calcareous polypidom. Corals.
■^ Coral cellular throughout. Milleporina.

Cells substellate, with porous interspaces. Pocilli-

PORA.

218 HISTOUY OF BraTISH ZOOPHYTES.

■^■^ Coral with terminal cells. Ocellina.
Coral free, the base pointed. Turbinolia.
Coral fixed, the base expanded. Caryophyllea.
Sect. II. Body coriaceous or fleshy.

* Polypes associated by a common base (gemmiparous).
ZoANTHiNA, Ehrenberg.
Base root-like, creeping. Zoantiius.
** Polypes separate and single (ovo-viviparous) . Actinia,

Ehrenberg.
Tentacula in uninterrupted circles. Actiniad^e.
t Tentacula imperforate.

Body invested in a lobed epidermis. Capnea.
Epidermis normal. Corynactis.
tt Tentacula tubular, retractile.

Base broad, the animal immoveable. Adamsia.
Base broad, the animal locomotive. Actinia.
Base narrow, the animal unfixed. Iluanthos.
ttt Tentacula tubular, not retractile. Anthea.
Tentacula in tufts, at distant intervals. LuCERNiADiE.
One genus only — Lucernaria.

POCILLIPOUA. 219

I. MILLEPOEINA.

" Now it is pleasant, on a summer eve,
When a broad shore retiring waters leave.
Awhile to wait upon the firm fair sand.
When all is calm at sea, and still on land,
And there the ocean's produce to explore.
As floating by, or roUing on the shore,
Those living jellies, which the flesh inflame,
Tierce as a nettle, and from that its name ;
Some in huge masses, some that you may bring
In the small compass of a lady's ring.
Figured by hand Divine. There 's not a gem
Wrought by man's art can be compared with them ;
Soft, brilliant, tender, through the wave they glow.
And make the moonbeam brighter where they flow." — Crabbe.

Genus XXIII. POCILLIPOEA, Lamarck.

Gen. Char. Polypidom calcareous, fixed, plant-like, branched
or lobed ; cells scattered over the whole surface, distinct, sunk
in little fosses, obscurely stellate, the lamellae narrow, and almost
obsolete. — Johnston.

1. PociLLiPORA INTERSTINCTA, JDr.^Hihbert.

Hab. Zetland.

" Cylindrical, with distant immersed stars." [Hibbert,]

220 HISTORY or BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

»

II. OCELLINA.
Genus XXIV. OCULHSTA.

1. OCULINA PROLIFERA.

Hab. Between the islands of Eum and Egg, Dr. Fle-
ming; Shetland, Mr. G. C. Atkinson.

About ten years ago we sent to Dr. Johnston a specimen
of coral from Norway, which he returned, named Oculina
prolifera, saying that he was glad tliat it was found in Nor-
way, as it gave hopes that it might be found in Orkney or
Shetland. Soon after this I had the pleasure of hearing
that a noble specimen of it, weighing six pounds, had
been dredged in the Hebrides, and was in the possession of
my much-valued friend Professor John Fleming. It occu-
pies an honourable niche in his cabinet. It is worth trea-
suring up and rejoicing over, and he showed it to me with
no small gratification. By that time, however, I had a spe-
cimen of my own, though I Avas constrained to acknowledge
that it was not quite equal to his in magnitude. When, in
the summer of 1850, 1 was on a visit at Mr. Cowan^s, Airds
House, Appin, I called on Mr. MOIillau, at Ardtur, for-
merly the residence of the late Captain Carmichael, well
known as a distinguished naturalist, and, looking round to

OCULINA. 221

see whether there were any remains of those objects that
had long occupied the attention of the former scientific re-
sidentj I saw, with surprise and delight, on the mantel-piece
a very respectable specimen of my old Norwegian acquaint-
ance, Octdina prolifera. I made particular inquiry as to
when and where obtained, and Mr. McMillan told me that,
when his brother occupied a large farm in the island of
Barra, he had been in the habit of collecting rare shells for
a relative of theirs, a lady of rank in England ; that this
had been procured at that time, but not being a shell, it
had not been forwarded to her. I took good care to give
no hint by my tongue how I would like it to be disposed
of, and I hope my eye did not proclaim its covetousness.
Be that as it may, it was sent to me next day, and I retain
it on account of its great rarity, and as a memorial of a re-
markably pleasant visit to Appin. It is a good stout coral,
fitted to brave the storms of the north-west Hebrides. I
may mention that, though I did not become possessor of
the Norwegian specimen, I was made welcome to the shells
— white mussels as they were called — that were ensconced
amongst its branches. There were a few specimens of
Terehratula caput-serjjentisy then regarded as rare, and one
specimen of the very rare Terehratula cranium.

222 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

^Ir. Alder mentions that the fine specimen of Oculhia
2jrolifera was presented to the Newcastle Natural History
Society by Mr. Atkinson ; that it is in their Museum, and
measures eight or ten inches across.

Genus XXV. TUEBINOLIA, Lamarck.

Gen. CJiar. Animal like the Actinia, single. Polypidom sim-
ple, inversely conical, furrowed on the outside, pointed at the
base, and terminated above in a lamellated cup or cell. — Johnston.

1. TURBINOLTA BOREALIS.

Hab. Zetland, Dr. Tleming.

^' It is inversely conical, pointed, sub arcuated, with a
concave disc, and a prominent centre ; the plates, though
defaced, appear to have been equal. It is about five-tenths
of an inch in height, and nearly the same in breadth across
the star." [Fleming.)

2. TuRBiNOLiA. MiLLETiANA, Mr. M^ Andrew.

Hab. Off" Sicily; off" the Irish Isles of Arran, Mr. Barlee.

This, as represented in Dr. Johnston's plate xxxv., fig. 1,
2, 3, is a beautiful little coral, shaped like a boy's top, with
twenty-four longitudinal ribs. It is scarcely half an inch
in height, and at the top about a quarter of an inch in
diameter. Professor Forbes states that it is identical with

CARYOPHYLLEA. 223

T. Milletiana, found in both the crags. Dr. Johnston re-
marks, that " this fact assumes great interest as an additional
illustration of the permanency of species in general. It is
long since the ''coralline crag^ was deposited,, long enough,
methinks, for any good law to develope its effects in its
subjects, and yet this very old TurhinoUa has not obeyed
the ' law of development/ but has steadily maintained, amid
the changes around it of very many centuries, its original
features, and form, and size, alike careless of human theo-
rems, and insensible to the agency of its innate appetencies
and higher aspirations !"

Genus XXVI. CARYOPHYLLEA, Lamarck.

Gen. Cliar. Animal like the Actinia. Polypidom permanently
fixed, simple, striated externally in a longitudinal direction, the
top hollowed into a lamellated stellular cup. — Lr. JoJmston.

I. Caryophyllea Smithii, Lr. Fleming.

Hab. Zetland, Dr. Tleming; Devon, Mr. Smith; Corn-
wall, Mr. Couch ; Youghall, Miss Bali ; Donegal, R. Ball ;
Connemara, M'Calla; Oban, Mr. Alder.

The only specimens we have of this interesting little
zoophyte are from Miss Cutler, whose researches and dis-
coveries in the south of England are well known.

224? HTSTOIIY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

The C. Smithii is firmly attached to rocks. It is in-
versely conical, striated or finely grooved externally. It
sometimes fastens as a parasite on the stems of seaweeds,
and as they are short-lived, full-grown specimens are not
found on what is so perishable. It has been found an inch
in height, and as much in diameter, but in general it is of
much smaller dimensions. Dr. Coldstream, in Dr. John-
ston's ^ History of British Zoophytes,' gives a very interest-
ing account of observations made on this animal when he
was residing at Torquay. When expanded it is very like
an Actinia j when shrunk it is almost entirely hid amongst
the radiating plates. They are found pendent from rocks ;
the colours vary — he has seen the soft parts wliite, yellowish,
orange-brown, reddish, and of a fine apple-green. Profes-
sor E. Forbes states that the tentacula are in two rows,
tinged with orange. " In the dusk the animal gave out a
few dull flashes of phosphorescent light."

III. ZOANTHINA.

Character. Animal Actinia-form, gregarious, and compound,
arising from a common fleshy or coriaceous base, either root-like
and creeping, or crustaceous.

ZOANTHUS. 225

Genus XXVII. ZOANTHUS, Cuvier.

Gen. Char. Polypes distant, united by a creeping root-like
fleshy band. — Br. JoJmston.

1. ZoANTHUs CoucHii, R, Q. Couc/i.

Hab. On rocks in deep water, common, Couch.

An excellent description of this may be found at page 7'i
of the ' Cornish Tauna/ by Mr. E. Q. Couch, who added
this zoophyte, as he has done much besides, to the British
fauna. This, which is the only European Zocmt/ius, has
by Dr. Johnston been named in honour of Mr. Couch.
It is a small species, and composed of a number of Ac-
tinia united together at their bases by a thin incrusting
fleshy band. It is reddish, and in its contracted state re-
sembles a split pea. When half contracted it assumes a
kind of hour-glass form. It is sluggish, and, wjiether
expanded or contracted, continues in the same state for
several days.

Eor the only specimen of it I ever >saw I am indebted to
the kindness of Mr. Bean, of Scarborough, from whom I
have also received many of the finest things my cabinet
contains.

When I afterwards got Sarcodiclf/on catenata dredged in

Q

226 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

this neighbourhood, as the existence of such a zoophyte was
then unknown to me, I concluded that it was Zoanthns in a
pecuHar state.

Family ACTIXTAD.E.

" Ah, yes ! the sea is still and deep,
All things within its bosom sleep !
The night is calm and cloudless.
And still as still can be,
And the stars come forth to listen
To the music of the sea ;
They gather — gather — gather.
Until they crowd the sky,
And listen, in breathless silence,
• To the solemn litany." — LoiKjfellow .

Character. Auimal single, fleshy, elongate or conical, capable
of extending or contracting itself, fixed by its base, but with the
power of locomotion ; mouth in the middle of the upper disc,
ver\' dilatable, surrounded by one or two rows of tentacula ; ovi-
parous and ^^viparous ; marine. — JoJniston.

Genus XXYIII. CAPXEA, E. Forbes.

Ge7i. Char. Body cyhndiic, invested in part by a lobed epi-
dermis, and adhering by a broad base. Tentacula simple, very
short, retractile, surrounding the mouth in concentric series. —
Forbes.

CORYNACTES. 227

1. Capnea SAN guinea, E. Forles.

Hab. Deep water, Isle of Man, Prof. E. Porbes ; Fal-
mouth, on a valve of Pecten maximis, W. P. Cocks.

A good description and characteristic figure (fig. 43) of
it are given in Dr. Johnston's ^History,' by Professor E.
Forbes, who discovered it. When expanded, it is about
an inch in height and one-fourth of an inch broad. The
colour is vermilion. It is rather an active creature, chang-
ing its form often, but always presenting more or less of a
tubular shape, like a chimney- crock, or steam-boat funnel.
It takes its name from a Greek word signifying a chim-
ney. The shape of the tentacula, which are hke the embra-
sures on the top of a turret, and a brown woolly epider-
mis, distinguish it from all others of the tribe to which it
belongs.

Genus XXIX. CORYNACTES, G. J. Allman.

Gen. Char. Body siibcylindrical, but. very mutable in figure,
adhering by an expanded base ; tentacula tubular, with spherical
and imperforate capitula, contractile, surrounding the mouth in
one or more concentric series. — G. J. Allman.

1. CoRYNACTES viRiDis, G. J. Allman.

228 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Hab. Near Cork, Prof. Allman; coast of Cornwall, C.
W. Peach.

A full description of it, by Professor Allman, may be
found in Dr. Johnston's ' History of British Zoophytes.'

" It is a charming little animal, and by no means rare in
the locahty where I discovered it (at Crook Haven, in little
pools on the shore) ; the brilliancy of its colours, and the
great elegance of its tentacular crown, when fully expanded,
render it eminently attractive. Hundreds may often be seen
in a single pool, and few sights will be retained with greater
pleasure by the naturalist than that presented by these little
zoophytes, as they spread abroad their green and rosy
crowns amid the algae and nullipores and plumy corals,
co-tenants of their rocky vases.''

Mr. Peach's specimens were yellowish, and their favourite
position was to hang from the rock when in the form of the
daisy.

Genus XXX. AD A:\1SIA, E. Forbes.

Gen. Char. Body expanded, bi-lobed, adhering by a broad
base; tentacula subretractile, simple, surrounding the mouth.—
Forbes.

ADAMSIA. 229

1 . Adamsia palliata^ /. Adams, (Plate XITI. fig. 43,
frontispiece.)

Ilab. Milford Haven, Mr. Adams ; Torbay and Eothesay,
Dr. Coldstream ; Stevenston shore, Ayrshire, and Brodick
shore, Arran, D. L. ; Isle of Man, Prof. Forbes; Belfast
Bay, Mr. W. Thompson and Mr. Hyndman.

Dr. Johnston gives a description of this interesting zoo-
phyte by Mr. Adams, who was the first to discover it. He
gives a still better description by our friend Dr. Coldstream.
The general mass of the animal is flattened and extended ;
the margin minutely crenated ; colour of the body reddish-
brown, passing into a light cream-colour towards the oral
disc ; the whole surface striated with white and bluish lines,
marked with bright reddish-purple spots. The oral disc is
white, bearing on its outer margin numerous short tenta-
cula, arranged in three or four irregular rows. Base fixed
to a thin horny expansion attached to the apertures of va-
rious dead shells, such as Trochus magtis, and forming an
extension of the body-whorl of the ^hell in a spiral form.
" The case,"says Dr.C, " thus formed by the old shell and the
horny membrane, and covered by the Actinia, I have ahoai/s
found inhabited by a variety of the hermit-crab." — '' It
seems pj;obable that the horny membrane is produced by the

280 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Acti?iia, and that its formation presents a striking instance
of the operation of that beautiful law of Nature which
makes the habits of one animal subservient to the wants of
another/^ I may insert the following, which Dr. Johnston
is pleased to quote at this place from my ' Excursions to the
Island of Arran :' — " Many naturalists have observed that
there seems to be a treaty of union betwixt the hermit-crab
and the spotted sea-anemone. I lately kept one of these
pretty creatures for some days in sea-water ; it had fastened
itself to a little fragment of a screw-shell [Turritella terebra),
but its co-tenant in the inside was not a hermit-crab, but a
pretty red annelide. Be this as it may, certain it is that
on this occasion we found that the spotted anemone had
fastened itself to the outer lip of many of the roaring
hucJcies {Buccinum undatum) brought up by the dredge, and
whenever there was an anemone without, there we found
a hermit-crab within. In all likelihood they in various
ways aid each other. The hermit has strong claws, and
while he is feasting on the prey he has caught, many spare
crumbs may fall to the share of his gentle-looking com-
panion. But soft and gentle-looking though the Actinia
be, she has a hundred hands, and woe to the wandering
wight who comes witliin the reach of one of them, for all

ADAMSIA. 231

the others are instantly brought to its aid^ and the hermit
may soon find that he is more than compensated for the
crumbs that fell from his own booty ^." Mr. W. Thomp-
son states that every shell he saw invested by A. macidata
was tenanted by Pagurus Prideauxii. Tliis, Dr. Johnston
adds, proves the general union, but that Professor E. Eorbes
assures him that, on the coast of the Isle of Man, the shells
to which the Adamsia attaches itseK are seldom inhabited
by the hermit-crab. He states also that the Adamsia seems
to change its habitation according to its size.

The first time I observed the Adamsia was in the island
of Arran, before I had turned my attention much to zoo-
phytes. I was in search of shells, wading in the pretty
Highland brook called Glenrosa-burn, where it falls into
the sea near Brodick, As the tide was in, the water must
have been somewhat brackish. I saw numbers of Trochtos
magus, and to my great surprise the mollusk, as I thought,
had wrapped itself round the outside of the shell. The
animal was beautifully spotted, and as I did not then know
the appearance of the true inhabitant of TrocJms magus, I

* 'Excursions to Arran, with reference to the Natural History of the
Island,' by D, L. Johnstone and Hunter, Paternoster-row, London, and
Princes-street, Edinburgh.

232 HISTORY OF BllITISH ZOOPHYTES.

concluded that the spots of the inside resident corresponded
with the external spots of the shell it inhabited. I won-
dered wh}' there was so general a turn-out, but I ascribed
it to the brackish state of the stream.

Genus XXXI. ACTINIA, JAnnceus.

Gen. Char. Body conoid or cylindrical, adhering by a broad
base ; the space between the mouth and the rim of the upper
disc occupied by one or more uninterrupted series of conical un-
divided tubular tentacula, whicli are entirely retractile. — Dr.
Johnston.

Before entering on any description of the various species
of these sea-anemones, it may not be improper to make a
few preliminary observations on their character in general.
They claim attention on account of their beauty ; and then
we cannot excuse our neglect of them by saying, what is
true with respect to not a few of the most interesting objects
in nature, that they are too small to be seen without the aid
of the microscope, for all Actinia can be seen by the naked
eye, and several of them, when fully expanded, are of con-
siderable magnitude. The very names by which they are
commonly known, show that their beauty has been both

ACTINIA. 233

seen and appreciated. Even more than a hundred years ago,
when little was known of their nature, and when zoophy-
tology was yet in its infancy, before our naturahsts had
made them an object of study, more common observers had
given them appropriate English names. Ellis knew that it
would be understood what he meant when he spoke of them
as sea-anemones ; he says, " their tentacles, being disposed
in regular circles, and tinged with a variety of bright, lively
colours, very nearly represent the beautiful petals of some
of our most elegantly fringed and radiated flowers, sach as
the carnation, marygold, and anemone. ^^ Nay, not only
has the resemblance been acknowledged by man, but in one
case at least on record, it forced itself on a connoisseur who
had more practical acquaintance with flowers than any of
our florists or botanists. A distinguished naturalist (Mr.
Couch) mentions, that when he was admiring the beauty of a
sea-anemone, as on a sunny day it lay with fully expanded
tentacula in a sliallow rock-pool, a bee, on honey intent,
deceived by appearances, pounced upon the marine flower.
The tentacula, being at the very surface of the water, in-
stantly caught the unfortunate intermeddler, and in spite
of its struggles swallowed it up.

We wish to direct attention to these Helianthoid, or sun-

234 HISTORY OF BEITISH ZOOPHYTES.

flower zoophytes, because they give us a good idea of the
beauty and the structure of those coral zoophytes in tropical
seas, remarkable for their beauty, and still more for their ex-
traordinary operations. One advantage that we derived
from dwelling a little on the way in which the naked green
Hydra increased by buds and branches, was, that it led us to
know more of the way in which the Sertidari(c, for instance,
increased, though the animal was not seen under its calca-
reous covering. In the same manner, by the study of our
British unclothed sea-anemones we are prepared for forming
a good idea of the coral-working zoophytes of foreign seas,
many of which greatly resemble our native Actinm, though
they can, at will, conceal themselves from our notice by re-
treating into the beautiful habitations they have formed.
Our own Actinice are like Colchicuins, or autumnal crocuses,
as they are called, which send forth their showy blossoms
from the earth, without even a green leaf to protect them ;
the coral zoophytes are more like a flowering slu'ub, whose
blossoms are defended by branches and leaves, while they
have this advantage over the shrub, that they can not only
fold their petals, but can retreat for safety into their cells.
A French writer, Le Sueur, speaks in rapturous terms of the
coral zoophytes of warmer climes : " When the sea is calm.

ACTINIA. 235

it is an admirable spectacle to behold the beautiful velvety
{veloutees) colours which they display. They resemble the
richest and the most varied carpets; near them are seen
GorgoiiSj Serpulas, whose white, yellow, and red tufts sliine
with the liveliest splendour, and Amphitrites which raise
towards the surface of the water their head crowned with
palms rich in the most varied hues. I could not tire myself
in admiring the profusion with which these animals are
grouped and intermingled; it was with regret, that after
having walked long in the midst of them I resolved to tear
them from the bosom of the water, and to put fragments of
them into a pail {bacpiet), w^hich I caused immediately to be
sent home, that I might examine at leisure the animals
peculiar to each of the polypidoms.^'

This is language that is employed to describe foreign
Actini(s ; but nearly as strong are the terms in which the sea-
anemones of our own shores are described by one who
knew them well. Sir J. G. Daly ell. " Some are distin-
guished by the beauty of their form^, some by symmetrical
proportions or by the radiance of their colours. Rows of
delicate organs arranged in concentric circles ornament the
surface ; or deep- waving lobes, bordered with luxuriant
fringes, are pendent from the margin. Many are green, or

236 HISTOKY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

red; or yellow, or variegated of diverse vivid hues, equalling
the tints of the loveliest roses; hence has the Actinia been
distinguished by simple but expressive names — the sea-ane-
mone, the marygold, the animal flower, or by such botanical
synonyms as comparison with vegetable efflorescence would
justify/''

Not less glowing is the description of them which is
found in an excellent little book, ' Chapters on the common
things of the Sea-sicle, by Anne Pratt/ " Perhaps the zoo-
phytes best known as such to visitors at the coast, are the
beautiful sea-anemones, which offer their loveliness to every
eye, and need no microscope to reveal their tints or form.
Clustered by thousands on sea-side rocks or sands, adorning
the sides of rocky pools with flowers which resemble mary-
golds or China-asters in their form, but which are brighter
in their colours than any flowers which our garden can
show ; redder than roses, of richer purple than the violet,
and wearing the rainbow hues of the gorgeous cactus-flower,
which the painter in vain essays to copy, there are few ob-
jects in nature more calculated to attract our notice than
are these living flowers."

One reason why the beauty of these creatures is not more
generally observed, is, that it is manifested only when they

ACTINIA. 237

are covered with water, and even then the passing of a dark
cloud over the sun will cause them to fold up their out-
spread feelers. And jet, though in substance they seem to be
as soft and tender as a little mass of jelly, they are not only
very tenacious of life, but very capable of conquering and
destroying many of their marine neighbours that would be
thought more powerful than they. Sir J. G. Dalyell states,
" This is a powerful, fearless, and voracious animal. Having
chosen a spot for firm adhesion, it spreads abroad its nu-
merous tentacula to the utmost stretch in quest of prey.
Nothing can escape their deadly touch. Every animated
being that comes in slightest contact, is instantly caught,
retained, and mercilessly devoured. Neither strength nor
size, nor the resistance of the victim, can daunt the ra-
venous captor. It will readily grasp an animal which, if
endowed with similar strength, advantage, and resolution,
could certainly rend its body asunder. It wiU endeavour
to gorge itself with thrice the quantity of food that its most
capacious stomach is capable of receiving. INTothing is
refused, provided it be of animal substance. It is in the
higliest degree carnivorous. Thence do all the varieties of
the smaUer fiimy tribes, the hercest of the Crustacea, the
whole vermicular race, leeches, and the softer tenants among

238 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

the testacea, fall a prey to the Actinia," — " The remarkable
voracity of this creature warns the naturalist to beware of its
presence among his collections, otherwise they shall as-
suredly perish. Simple contact of the tentacula is the pre-
lude of destruction. Some animals, as if conscious of their
inevitable fate, seem paralysed by the touch, and yield
without a struggle. Others, whose size and strength
should ensure indemnity, are held in its relentless grasp ;
the tentacula crowding faster and faster around, until the
victim is speedily swallowed alive.'^ Sir John says, that he
has no proof that the Actinia is victorious in consequence of
discharging some deleterious fluid on its living prey, as
many naturalists have supposed ; and he gives it as his
opinion, that in many cases it is quite evident that superior
power is the only means employed for victory. Dr. John-
ston, however, holds a different opinion, founded on ob-
servations made by acute naturalists. "To disable the
animal and render its struggles for escape unavailing, the
class is furnished with poison-vesicles and spicula, similar
to those which have been described as existing in the ten-
tacula of the Hydra," These organs were first discovered,
I believe, by M. Quatrefages, but they have been described
also by Wagner and Erdl. They are little elliptical capsules

ACTINIA. 239

furnished with a projecting spiculum^ situated under the
skin^ sometimes scattered over the whole body, and in other
species confined apparently to the tentacula or even their tips.
The poison secreted by them is very variable in its power,
and this, it is probable, is owing to the different states
of the animal at different seasons. From one of the Eay
Society publications, we learn that Erdl has ascertained that
the stinging organs of Actinm are much more active in
spring, wliich is the breeding season. Dr. Johnston says,
that he has handled our commoner Actinice without expe-
riencing more than a slight heat in the fingers, scarcely suf-
ficient to draw attention, but in Anthece he states that the
activity of the poison is greater. From my own experience,
I can say nothing as to this stinging power ; for though I
have handled not only the commoner Actinm, but also the
larger and less common Antliea, I never felt anything ap-
proaching to stinging ; but I never touched a tentaculum
without perceiving the tip of it had some prehensile pro-
perty, by which it took a slight hold of the skin of the fin-
ger, causing a kind of rasping feeling when withdrawn. It
may be, however, that the fangs had not fair play with my
fingers, if somehow or other they are sting-proof. Quoting
again from Mrs. Anne Pratt's interesting ^Sea-side Chapters;'

•Z4:0 HISTORY OF BllITISH ZOOPHYTES.

" It appears that different persons are variously affected even
by touching the same Actinia. The author had placed in
a vessel of sea-water a fine specimen of the fig marygold
sea-anemone, which she was accustomed to touch many
times during the day. The tentacula closed immediately
around the intruding finger, producing only a slight tingling.
Her surprise was great at finding that the same anemone,
on being touched by another person, communicated a more
powerful sensation, which her friend assured her was felt up
the whole of the arm. More than twenty persons touched
this anemone, and the writer was amused by observing
how variously they were affected ; some being only slightly
tingled, while others started back as if stung by a nettle.^'

The locomotive powers of the ActinifB are not great. In
the course of a few hours I have observed that they had
removed some inches from their former position. Their
tardy progression is efi'ected by extending in advance one
edge of the base, and drawing the opposite edge slowly after
it. Its senses seem obtuse. Its most favourite food may be
within a hair^s breadth, but it makes no attempt to seize it
unless it come into actual contact. Though the tentacula
are so capable of extension, there is no spontaneous elonga-
tion, uidess thev accidentallv touch the prev. More sina:ular

ACTINIA. 241

stillj should the vessel be gradually emptied, or the water
evaporate so as to leave the animals totally or partially dry,
they never lower the base for immersion in the residue —
not even when the tentacula can reach its surface. They
are very long-lived. Sir J. G. Dalyell having kept them in
jars ten, twelve, and twenty years. It is not a small injury
that deprives them of life, for, like the Hydra, they have the
power of renewing mutilated parts, and of increasing in
number by being cut in pieces ; but the worthy old baronet,
from whom we have so often drawn information, very pro-
perly adds, '' the cruel experiments proving these properties
are most reprehensible."*^

Well is it for our marine mary golds, anemones, and
China-asters, that our British gourmands have not learned to
thiuk them as grateful to the palate as they are pleasant to
the eye. The Italian epicures boil many kinds of Actinice
in sea- water. They have a shivering texture when thus pre-
pared, somewhat like calf^s-foot jelly ; their smeU is somewhat
like that of a warm crab or lobster ; and ^^ hen eaten with
sauce, they form, to their taste, a savoury repast. As long
as we can get a good herring or haddock out of the sea, we
shall allow, I suspect, the most tempting of our Actinm to
bloom unscathed in ail their beauty.

R

242 HISTORY OP BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

"Meantime, with fuller reach, and stronger swell.

Wave after wave advanced ;
Each following billow lifted the last foam
That trembled on the sand with rainbow hues ;
The living flower that rooted to the rock.

Late from the thinner element,
Shrunk down within its purple stem to sleep.

Now feels the water, and again

Awakening, blossoms out

All its green anther-neck." — Southey.

*

t Skin smooth.

1. Actinia Mesembryanthemum. (Plate XIII. fig. 45,
frontispiece.^

Hab. On rocks, between tide-marks. Common.

This is to be met with on all our shores, abounding often
in rock-pools. The older French writers call it " la pi as
petite des orties de mer," and yet it is not a very small sea-
nettle, being about an inch and a haK in diameter. It has
something, we have seen, of the stinging power. It is of a
liver-colour; the base is generally greenish, with an azure
line. Around the margin of the mouth, there is a circle of
twenty-five azure-blue tubercles, like so many turquoise
beads. On each side of the mouth there is a small purple
spot, "and the mouth itself is encircled witli a fringe of
numerous very short tentacula, of a pale or roseate colour.

ACTINIA. 243

which is rarely exposed, and has been hitherto unnoticed/'
{Br. JoJmston,)

2. Actinia margaritipera, /. Templeton.

Hab. Copeland Isle, Templeton; Donegal Bay, E. Forbes.

This is described by Professor E. Eorbes as a very dis-
tinct species. The integument is much tougher than that
of the former, having a leathery feel. The colour is a dull
olive-green ; the tubercles of the most vivid ultramarine.

3. Actinia chioiocca, W. P. Coch.

Hab. In various places on the Cornish coast, W. P. Cocks.

Many of these ActinicB, wliich have been seen only by Mr.
Cocks, or some other fortunate discoverer, we shall notice
very briefly, however beautiful many of them must be. The
short description given of this by Mr. Cocks, tells us of the
loveliness of its appearance ; " colour bright scarlet, tenta-
cula lighter and brighter than the body; edge of disc
studded with white tubercles ; a light flesh-coloured stripe
encircling the edge of the base."

4. Actinia chrysosplenium, W. P. Cocks.

Hab. Attached to stones at low- water mark, at St. Ives,
W. P. Cocks.

Again I give from Dr. Johnston part of the description
by Mr. Cocks. " They vary in colour from a bright pea-

244 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

green to the darker holly-leaf tint_, striped or dotted with
bright yellow ; the labial tubercles and edging of the base
of the same colour, only somewhat lighter in tint. It is a
small species."

5. Actinia coccinea.

Hab. On rocks and seaweeds; coast of Ireland, E.
Forbes.

" Varied with white and red ; tentacula cylindrical and
annulate." Dr. Johnston states, that he formerly considered
this as the young of A. crassicornis, but that he gives it now
as distinct, on the authority of Professor E. Forbes.

6. Actinia viduata, IF. Thomjjson.

Hab. Between tide-marks; Lahinch, county of Clare,
Prof. E. Forbes and Mr. W. Thompson.

"Grey, with longitudinal white streaks; the tentacula
white, with a dusky streak along each side." {JF.Thornpsoti.)

7. Actinia Troglodytes, Dr. Johnston.

Hab. On rocks between tide-marks; Berwick Bay, Dr.
Johnston; Cornwall, Mr. Couch; Isle of Man, Prof. E.
Korbes; Moray Firth, Mr. A. Robertson.

This Actinia is more generally distributed on our shores
than some of the preceding. It might be mistaken for a
small variety of Actinia Mesemhryanthemuniy but on exami-

ACTINIA. 245

nation it is found to be distinct. It is only about half a
inch in diameter, and rather less in height. It is olive-green,
with snow-white stripes. The tentacula are numerous.
Dr. Johnston gives the following interesting account of it :
"This small but exceedingly pretty species has often in-
terested us in observing its habits. It occupies a hole
fitted to the size of its body, in our shelving, soft, slaty
rocks, where, when covered with water, it expands into a
wide circle, its oral disc and tentacula raising them scarcely
above the level of its habitation. Thus the Actinia retains
itself unbosomed, as if proud to display the beauty that its
Author has given it ; but should, perchance, a rude hand or
foe touch or ruffle the tentacula, then doth the creature
instantly shrink and withdraw witliin itself and its furrow,
until it has become nearly undistinguishable. The deserted
holes bored by the Pholas is a favourite retreat for this
Actinia, hence the specific name Tro(/lodj/tes," suggested by
Mr. Price, in reference to the little classical people of that
name, said to live in dens and cavers near the Arabian Gulf.

8. Actinia alba, Coch.

Hab. Coast of Cornwall, in the crevices of rocks, "VT. P.
Cocks.

This is minute, half an inch in diameter when expanded ;

246 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

M lieii contracted it is like a little rough wart. Its colour
white; it has four rows of teutacula; lips bright yellow.
{IF. P. Cocks.)

9. Actinia anguicoma, /. Price.

Hab. In the Menai Straits, near Bangor, J. Price.

This, as described by Mr. Price in Dr. Johnston^s 'History/
and figured, reminds me much of an Actifda which I once
saw at Lamlash, in the island of Arran. I was much struck
with the length of the creature, when compared with it?
breadth ; but as I was just leaving the island, I had not time
to become acquainted with its history, and though imbedded
in sand, the sand was mixed with stones, closely jammed
together, so that I could not get it out to carry it along
with me. Mr. Price gives a full description, from wliich I
sliall extract only a little. " Diameter of the base is an inch ;
the height from half an inch to five and a half inches.
Presents by turns the two extremes of the greatest cylin-
drical length I have ever seen in any Actinia, and the most
abject flatness. The former state is constant at night, and
may be induced by artificial darkness in an hour or two."
Dr. Johnston^s figure (-18) reminds one of a cylindrical
monumental pillar surmounted by an abundant collection of
serpents : these snake-like tentacula are about fifty in number.

ACTINIA. 247

10. Actinia intestinalis, Br, Fleming.

Hab. Adheres to rocks at low- water mark ; Zetland,
Dr. Fleming.

This bears some resemblance to the former in its com-
parative length and breadth, but in many respects it is
very different. " When contracted," Dr. Fleming says, ^^ the
body seems like two broad rings of nearly equal breadth,
and about half an inch in diameter; when expanded to
nearly two inches, the body consists of two cylindrical por-
tions of different dimensions, smooth, pellucid, yellowish."
In Dr. Johnston's figure (49), in its contracted state it is
like two joints from the Giant's Causeway laid one above
another ; in its expanded state, it is like a telescope when
drawn out.

11. Actinia Cheysanthellum, C, W. Teach.
Hab. Coast of Cornwall, Peach.

This is one of Mr. Peach's numerous discoveries. It is
almost white, with six broad stripes and three narrower ones
betwixt each of the two broader t)nes, running the whole
length of the body, and crossed by narrow transverse ones.
The tentacula are twelve. Though found among stones in
the sand, it does not attach itself to the stones, but lies
buried in the sand with the head above.

248 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

12. Actinia biserialis, Forbes.

Hab. Frequent among rocks at low-water in the island
of Heme (Guernsey), Prof. Forbes.

Professor Forbes describes it as appearing pedunculated
from the narrowness of the lower part of the body ; tenta-
cula in two rows, the inner row of sixteen, three times as
long as those of the outer row ; colour dark brown, with
blue stripes bifurcating towards the base.

13. Actinia vermicularis, E. Forbes.

Hab. On shells; dredged by Prof. E. Forbes, and Mr.
M^Andrew, in deep water in Zetland.

This is, in Dr. Jolmston's ' History,' described by Pro-
fessor Edward Forbes as cylindi'ical, long, smooth, greyish-
pink ; disc white, with twenty-four long tentacula, and a
few short ones outside. Wlien contracted and not attached,
more like a Planarian worm than an Actinia. When irri-
tated, gives out in the dark a vivid phosphorescent hght.

tt Skin with porous warts.

14. Actinia gemmacea, Gartner.
Hab. Coast of Cornwall, Gaertner.

It is thus described by Ellis : — " The colour of the stem
is of a pale red near the base ; the rest of a yellow mixed
with grey ash-colour. The glands of the middle row are

ACTINIA. 249

white, the rest of the same colour as the stem. The feelers
are of a whitish colour^ varied at the upper part with
several cross lines and brown spots of an irregular figure,
like the backs of some snakes." The warts with wliich
the Actini/B of this section are marked, are all perforated,
so that water contained in the body is often ejected through
them. They form also, according to Mr. Cocks, the points
of adhesion for all the stones, shell, and sand which cover
the body, and are therefore suctorial.

15. Actinia monile, J. Templeton,
Hab. Belfast Lough, rare ; Templeton.

Body cylindrical, greenish, marked with about sixteen
lines of bead-like tubercles ; when contracted, scarcely larger
than a pea.

16. Actinia coriacea.

Hab. Between tide-marks, buried in crevices of rocks,
and in sand, common.

It is about two inches in diameter at the base, variously
coloured, often reddish, blotched with green, covered with
many pale perforated w^arts ; the tentacula are numerous, in
three or four series. It attaches itself to sand-covered
rocks, and is often pretty much buried in the sand, so as to
be partly concealed when in a contracted state. Its warts

250 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

stand it in good stead, for they have the power of causing
to adhere to them sand and gravel, and fragments of shells,
so that the body is quite covered. This, it is probable,
answers a double purpose. By tliis covering, the animal,
when left by the tide naked, is defended from the scorching
beams of the sun ; it answers nobly also the purpose of
concealment. That kind Providence which cares for the
inferior animals, furnishes various means of eluding their
enemies. The ptarmigan, which inhabits the lofty mountains,
gets white plumage when winter returns, so that even tlie
keen-eyed eagle can scarcely distinguish it from the snow-
clad peaks among which it dwells. "Were the alpine hare
to be white in summer, it would be too conspicuous when
skipping along the heath ; and it would be not less so in
winter, when all is white around, were its fur not to lose its
summer hue, and to become white as the mountain snow.
Nothing could be better fitted to conceal this Actinia, which
abounds on our shores, than this very covering with which
it knows so well how to clothe itself. AYhen the ebbing
tide leaves the sand-covered rocks dry, a sea-anemone of so
large size, even when contracted, would be very observable.
But when its tentacula are all retracted, and the warty skin
covered with the sand and shelly fragments that so firmly

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ACTINIA. 251

adhere to it, it is so like everytliing around, that it is very
difficult to detect it, — so much so, that very often I have not
had the slightest suspicion of an Actinia being at hand, till
by some accidental pressure the water squirted up through
its warts and tentacles. When the tide returns, however,
the anemone unfolds itself in beauty, and a marine flower
is immediately seen where there was nothing but sterility
before. The tentacula are shorter than the body, and are
annulated or variegated with white or red.

17. Actinia CRASsicoRNis. (Plate XIV. fig. 46.)
Hab. On old shells and stones from deep water.
This is a fine species, and one of the largest of ouv Actinia,
It is larger than the last, less leathery, and more vividly
coloured. Mr. Cocks says, that the most distinctive cha-
racter is the readiness with which the rim of the peristoma-
tious disc can be thrown into undulations, or twisted awry ;
to which Dr. Johnston adds, the ease with which the body is
filled with water until it becomes bladdery and diaphanous.
He states, besides, that it never indues -itself with an extra-
neous covering, like the preceding. It is about four inches
in height, and fully more when expanded betwixt the tips
of the opposite tentacula. Its beauty will be very evident
when we quote part of the description by Sir J. G. Dalyell

252 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

and Dr. Johnston. The former says, " No species is equally
diversified in colour and aspect. Red is usually predomi-
nant. The surface of many, however, is variegated red and
white, like a rose ; or with orange-green and yellow inter-
mixed. One occurred almost totally white, another wholly
primrose-yellow. It may be truly affirmed that the diver-
sities baffle enumeration and description.^^ Dr. Johnston
remarks, " It is very sportive in its colours, and some of the
varieties are eminently beautiful. One is of a bright
scarlet, studded over with pale warts like ornamental beads ;
another is of a cream-colour without spot or stain ; another
is of a pale sulphur-yellow, or greenish with orange-coloured
stripes, the oral disc and vesicular lobes borrowing the hues
of the wild rose." In the south of England, according to
Mr. Cocks, it is occasionally a littoral species, being found
in the crevices of sheltered rocks. It is not so in the west
of Scotland, where the only specimens I have seen were
brought by fishermen from deep water. Major Martin, at
Ardrossan, has at different times kept for weeks fine spe-
cimens from deep water off Cum braes, and they quite
answered the descriptions given as to size and diversity of
beautiful colouring. In Italy and the south of France, " ils
la lavcnt fort et souvent, puis la fricassent legerement en

ACTINIA. 253

la poele, et apres cela ils la mangent avec beaucoup de
plaisir/'

18. Actinia parasitica, R. Q. Couch.

Hab. Coast of Cornwall, on the claws of a crab, Mr.
Couch ; on Pecten maximus and Buccimim undaUtm, W. P.
Cocks.

The body of the animal, when expanded, columnar ; skin
coriaceous, sprinkled with little warts.

19. Actinia Bellis, Gmrtner.

Hab. Cornwall ; island of Rathlen, Templeton ; Bally-
hone Bay, county Down, W. Thompson ; island of Arran,
D. L. ; Dalkey Island, Hassall.

'' The disc is formed like a star, which, according to the
figure that is traced out by the innermost row of the feelers,
consists of many angles. The colour of this part of the
body is a beautiful mixture of brown, yellow, ash-colour,
and white, which, together, form variegated rays, that from
the centre or the mouth of the animal are spread over the
whole surface of the disc.'" [Gceriner.) It is a littoral
species, and generally found in pure water, yet Mr. Cocks
states, " he visited a part of the shore which was composed
of mud, sand, and decomposed algee; many of the stones,
when lifted, presented a face as black as the skin of an

254 HISTORY OF BRITISII ZOOPHYTES.

African, and sent forth a rich aroma of sulplmrcttcd hydro-
gen. It is thickly studded with stones, varying in size and
weight from two ounces to tliirty pounds. There are a few
remnants of stunted rocks, tliinly scattered, from four to
eight inches high : these are covered with Fiicus vesiadosus
and serratus. In turning the stones over, I was astonished
to find in this Pandorian locaKty herds of the Actinia Bellis,
in prime condition, jackets as red as a Kentish cherry,
tubercles on external portion of the disc light neutral tint,
and strongly marked, so pugnacious, that when touched
water issued in full streams from nearly all the ducts. The
ground was literally covered with them.^'

20. Actinia Dianthus, Ellis, or A. plumosa, Daly ell.
Sea Carnation. (Plate XIII. fig. ^^^^ frontispiece.)

Hab. On rocks and shells in deep water.

" Body cylindraccous, smooth ; oral disc marked in the
centre with clavate radiating bands ; tentacula numerous,
irregular, the outer small, and forming round the margin a
thick filamentous fringe." [Ellis.)

This is well deserving of the compliment paid it by Miil-
ler, when he speaks of it as "Actitiiariim pulcherrima!' the
loveliest of the sea-anemones. When contracted, the cylin-
drical body is about three inches long, by one and a half in

ACTINIA. 255

diameter, but when expanded it is five inches in height and
four in diameter. Sir J. G. Dalyell says that a good speci-
men, expanded, is six inches in height and five in diameter.
He prefers the name A. plumosa, which certainly is very
descriptive, and remarks, " Of all the Actinim inhabiting the
Scottish seas, this species is probably the largest, and cer-
tainly it is the most beautiful." The tentacula are very
numerous, and form a dense fringe of singular beauty. To
be convinced that it is more than entitled to all that is said
of its elegance and beauty, a person has only to look at the
splendid figure given of it by Sir J. G. Dalyell, in plate xlix.
Dr. Johnston states that it is of a uniform white, oKve,
cream, or flesh colour. Sir J. G. Dalyell says, ^^ Remarkable
diversity of colour is incident to it. It occurs of snowy
white, of peach-blossom, lemon-yellow, orpiment-orange,
and the like; but it is equally beautiful under every hue.'''
In Sir John's magnificent figure already referred to, the
body is reddish-brown, the mouth orange, the disc lilac,
and the gorgeous plumes a mixture of yellow and white.
We have repeatedly found it in the west of Scot-
land, but the specimens were always milk-white. The
first time I saw it was at Millport, in the island of Cum-
brae. Observing, from the deck of a steamer, three or

256 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

four large specimens which were projecting from the wall
of the pier, on which they had fastened four or five feet
under water, I was much struck with the graceful scolloped
appearance wliich the fringe had assumed, and I could not
imagine what they were. I had to rest satisfied, however,
with a chstant view, as the water was too deep, and my
time too short, for attempting to reach them. The next
time I fell in with it was in a cleft of a rock in a small
islet off Saltcoats. The full-grown specimens have the
power of altering the number of the lobes forming the plu-
mose margin of the disc. In young specimens the fringe
does not become lobed.

Most opportunely, just as I was closing tliis description.
Major Martin told me that he had got a magnificent Ac-
tmia from the island of Arran; and when I saw it in a
gold-fish vase, which it almost filled, I was delighted to
find that it was the finest specimen of the Actinia ^i^tf^nosa,
or the sea-carnation, I had ever seen. It is now in my pos-
session, and my daughter Isabella is at present employed in
making a drawing of it, which, Mitli the Major's helping
hand, will form, I trust, a beautiful frontispiece for my book.

In some respects it differs from any I have seen alive,
and it is difTerent, also, from the one of which there is such

ACTINIA. 257

a noble figure in the second volume of Sir John Graham
DalyelFs splendid work. The stem of his is brownish, and
the disc and plumes are lilac and light yellow. This one
is a fine lively salmon-colour, though lighter or darker in
difi^erent parts, according to their position and expansion.
The mouth is orange ; the disc light salmon-colour, and the
plumes or fringes are of the same colour, but still lighter,
towards the edges, like a fleecy silvery cloud, with a slight
tint of yellow. The body, when expanded, is marked with
numerous longitudinal veins of a lighter shade, sometimes
straight and occasionally wavy. These are crossed by an-
nulations of a yellower hue at the distance of about half an
inch from each other, the intermediate space being marked
with very faint veins running parallel with the rings. These
are scarcely perceptible ; but the longitudinal veins, crossed
by the ocln:e-tinted rings, show about enough of tartan to
mark its Highland origin. When it is about to fasten it-
self on the bottom of the vessel, it spreads forth thin scol-
loped folds around the base, longitudinally veined; but
these are hid when adhesion has taken place.

The upper portion of the external covering is very like
the monophyllous calyx of a flower. From this sheath,
when it expands, the plumes come forth like an unfolding

s

258 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

blossom ; and in this they are completely wrapped up when
it again contracts its gorgeous corolla.

It is about six inches in height, and the disc about
five inches in breadth. The stem is about two inches and
a half in diameter.

Genus XXXII. ANTHEA, Dr. Johnston.

Gen. Char. Body cyhndraceous, adhering by a broad base ;
tentacula disposed in circles round the mouth, elongated, tapered,
and incapable of being retracted within the body. — Johnston.

1. Anthea cereus, Gartner.

Hab. Cornwall, Gaertner; Anglesey, Pennant; Torquay,
Dr. Coldstream; Isle of Wight, W. Thompson; Dublin
Bay, A. H. Hassall, E. Ball, E. Eorbes, G. C. Hyndman ;
Clew Bay, West of Ireland, W. Thompson; Cornwall, Mr.
Couch and Mr. Peach.

It is described by Gaertner as of a light chestnut-colour,
sulcated lengthways ; the feelers, in one of full size, about
two hundred ; they are longer than the body, of a beautiful
sea-green colour, except the tops, which are of a lively rose-
red ; the disc is of the same colour as the bodv. Mr. Couch
says it is very active, sliding along on its base, or by turn-
ing on its oval face, and moving more rapidly by means of

ANTHEA. 259

its tentacula. Tlie tentacula are constantly expanded and
in motion.

2. Anthea Tuedi^, Br, Johnston.

Hab. Coast of Berwickshire, in deep water, rather rare,
Dr. Johnston; Gourock, Mr. Caw; off the islands of
Cumbrae and Arran, T). L.

This is of large size, measuring, even when contracted,
three inches in length, and nearly as much in diameter; and
when expanded it is more than four inches in diameter.
There are several rows of tentacula ; those of the innermost
row being the largest, and nearly two inches in length. It
cannot retract its tentacula. As it is of a uniform flesh-
colour, it has nothing attractive when seen out of the water,
for it is very like a lump of raw flesh. It improves in ap-
pearance when placed in the water and fully expanded. My
first acquaintance with this species was through Mr. Caw,
who got a specimen of it at Gourock, and kept it in sea-
water for several years. As winter approached it became
contracted, and lay motionless in the bottom of the vessel
till spring, when it blew itself up to its former dimensions.

I have had several specimens of it sent to me from Cum-
braes, where it is often got by fishermen on their long lines.
I kept one of them for more than a month in a vessel, in

260 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

which it swelled to a great size. It was voracious, and
swallowed, greedily, periwinkles and bits of haddock and
whiting. By mistake, some person gave it a small piece of
a salted fish, which it swallowed, but soon rejected. During
the short time that it retained it, it had injured its stomach,
for it continued to twist itself very much, turning out the
lobes of its stomach, but finding no rehef. In a short
time the stomach was completely turned out, and soon after
the poor animal died.

Genus XXXIII. ILUAjN'THOS, Forles.

Gen. Char. Body cylindrical, tapering to a point at its poste-
rior extremity, free ? Tentacula simple, retractile, surrounding
the mouth. — Forbes.

1. Iluanthos ScoTicus, E. Forbes. (PI. XIY. fig. 47.)
Hab. Lochryan, E. Forbes; Balbriggan, Ireland, Mrs.
Hancock.

It is described by Professor Forbes as a free Actinia,
about an inch and a hahf in length, the body large above,
])ut tapering towards its posterior extremity; the mouth
surrounded by a numerous circle of tentacula. The body
is of a pink colour, with white longitudinal stripes; the

LTJCEUNARIA. 261

tentacula are greenish. It is thought that it fixes itself in
the mud by means of the attenuated extremity ; hence it
was named Iluantlios — mud-flower. The only specimens I
have seen of this rare creature were in the possession of
Major Martin, of Ardrossan, who had procured them from
Cumbraes, where they had been brought up from the deep
by the fishermen's long lines.

Family LUCEENIAD.E.

'* God visible, invisible who raignes,
Soule of aU soules, whose light each light directs.
All first did freely make, and still maintains ;
The greatest rules, the meanest not neglects ;
Fore-knovves the end of aU that He ordaines ;
His will each cause, each cause breeds fit effects ;
Who did make aU, all thus could only leade.
None could make all, but who was never made."

Alexander^ Earl of Stirling. IGOO.

Genus XXXIY. LUCEE]SFARIA, Muller.

Gen. Char. Body narrow towards the adhering extremity, ex-
panding into an oval disc, which is divided into lobes bearing
tentacula. — Br. Fleming.

1. LucERNARiA FASCicuLARis, Dr. J. Fleming. (Plate
XIV. fig. 48.)

262 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Hab. Common iu Zetland, on the broad leaves of Fuci,
Dr. Fleming ; Donaghadee, Templeton ; Hellswick Yoe,
Zetland, dredged by Prof. E. Forbes and Mr. M^Andrew ;
Ardrossan, Mr. Joshua Alder; Saltcoats, D. L., jun.

It is found that this is synonymous with Lucernaria
quadrmignlaris. " The peduncle of the body is produced -,
tufts of tentacula in pairs, about a hundred in each." The
body is bell-shaped, quadrangular, concave : it generally
hangs downwards. The colour is dark brown, though, from
what Templeton says, it may have other hues. " When at
rest," he says, " it assumes very much the form of a com-
mon drinking-glass, and is exceedingly conspicuous from its
beautiful rose-tint." Our Ayrsliire specimens are so far
from being conspicuous, that we never observed it till it
was detected by the more practised eye of Mr. Alder, when
residing at Ardrossan for a short time ; and we afterwards
found it when we knew its appearance. It gives out, in
the dark, when irritated, bright flashes of bluish phospho-
rescent light.

«

2. Lucernaria auricula, Montagu. (Plate XIY. fig.
49.)

Hab. Coast of Devonshire, Montagu; on Fuci, near
low-water, on different parts of the coast, Dr. Fleming.

LUCEENAUIA. 263

This is a very beautiful creature, sometimes pink, and in
other cases brown, purple, or yellow. It adheres by a short
stalk, and spreads itself out into a kind of bell-shaped blos-
som, the margin of which is set round with eight short
arms, each of these terminated with a round tuft of about
sixty filaments, bearing rounded glands.

3. LucERNAEiA CAMPANULATA, Br. JoliTi Colclstfeam.

Hab. On seaweeds, near low-water mark, Torbay, Dr.
Coldstream ; Berwick Bay, Dr. Johnston.

About an inch in height, of a uniform liver-brown colour.
The interior is hollowed like the blossom of a flower. Dr.
Coldstream, who kept a specimen for some weeks in sea-
water, says that it is a hardy animal, constantly expanded,
except when very roughly used.

The Lucernarm, in general, can swim with some rapidity
in the water, by alternately expanding and contracting the
body. When in a state of expansion. Dr. Johnston re-
marks, few marine worms exceed them in beauty and sin-
gularity of form ; when contracted, -^they are shapeless and
easily overlooked. He gives a quotation from Lamouroux
respecting this Lucernariaj which I shall take the liberty of
translating. " I took the precaution of changing, twice a
day, the water in which my Lucernarim were kept. One of

264; HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

them, in a vase by itself^ performed movements which ap-
peared to me extraordinary in a creature of so soft a con-
sistence, after I had given it a fresh supply of water. "With
a lens, I perceived that these movements were caused by the
presence of an animalcule, which the Lucernaria seemed to
pursue, turning to the right and to the left, endeavouring to
catch it. Every time that it removed to the distance of
about an inch, the Lucernaria ceased to move ; if it drew
nearer, the chase forthwith recommenced, and the move-
ments were 'quick and lively. The animalcule was at last
caught by the tentacula of one of the rays, which imme-
diately bent back towards the mouth ; the other rays con-
tinued always expanded : this ray resumed, by degrees, its
ordinary position. Having procured other animalcules, I
gave them to my Lucernaria, and I had the pleasure of
seeing the same movements repeated."

4. LUCERN^UIIA CYATHIFORMIS, Sars.

Hab. Southend, Arran, D. L., jun. ; Corrigils, Arran,
D. L.

So far as I have known, this Lucernaria has not been
observed anywhere in Britain except in the island of Arran.
A few years ago it was got in great abundance on rocks in
the sea at Southend, isle of Arran, and as Mr. Alder was

POLYZOA. 265

then residing at Lamlash, it was shown to him, who kindly
took a drawing of it and sent it to Dr. Johnston, who has
given it a place in his ' History/ as fig. 86, p. 476. Soon
after, Mr. Alder discovered that it had been figured and
described by Sars, in his ' Pauna of Norway,' as Lucernaria
cyathiformis. Its form greatly resembles some of our old
silver communion-cups, with a fringe round its mouth. In
its structure and substance it is like the other Lucernaria.
"The tentacles are arranged in eight tufts round the in-
terior of the disc ; and they are extended beyond it, when
the animal is alive.'' It would appear that it is not very
rare in the island of Arran, for I got it afterwards on the
east side of the island, in a rock-pool at Corrigils.

Class IL POLYZOA.

The Polyzoa are divisible into twp orders : —

I. Infundibulata. Natives of the sea. Polypes com-
pound; the mouth surrounded with ciliated filiform re-
tractile tentacula, which form an uninterrupted circle :
ova ciliated. '

266 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

II. Hypocrepia. Lacustrine or fresh-water. Polypes
compound; the mouth surrounded with ciliated retractile
tentacula, interrupted or depressed on one side, so as
to assume a crescentic or horse-shoe form : ova unci-
liated. — Dr. Johmton.

I. POLYZOA INFUNDIBULATA.

The families and genera are thus arranged : —

* Polypidoms calcareous ; the cells tubular, with a round
terminal aperture, uncovered with an operculum. Tu-

BULIPORINA.

Family I. Polypidoms multiform, massive or crustaceous.

TUBULIPORID^.

Polypidom wart-like, with a defined base; the cells
sub-erect, aggregated, or imperfectly rowed. Tubu-

LIPORA.

Polypidom crustaceous, undefined; the cells horizontal,

semi-alternate. Diastopora.
Polypidom erect, branched; the cells opening all round,

semi-alternate or irregular. Pustulipora.
Polypidom dichotomous ; the segments free ; cells in

alternating cross-rows on one surface. Idmonea.

POLYZOA. 267

Polypidom creeping, adherent and ramous; the cells
in one or more series. Alecto.
Family II. Polypidoms confervoid, jointed. CRisiADiE.
Polype-cells uniserial. CftisiDiA.
Polype-cells biserial. Crista.
^^ Polypidoms calcareous or membrano-calcareous, multi-
form, composed of oblong or oviform cells, whose
subterminal aperture is closed by a membranous fold
or operculum. Celliporina.
Family III. Polypidoms branched in a confervoid man-
ner; cells oblong; no ovarian capsules. Eucra-

TIAD^.

t The polypidom erect.

Cells produced in a single linear series. Eucratea.
Cells geminate. Gemellaria.
tt The polypidoms creeping, adnate.

Cells linked, anastomosing. Hippothoa.
Cells scattered, erect. Anguinaria.
Family lY. Polypidoms massive^ or crustaceous, com-
posed of ovate cells in juxtaposition ; the aperture
often furnished with a globular capsule. Celli-

PORID.E.

Polypidom lobed or ramous ; cells heaped. Cellipora.

7

268 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Polypidom crustaceous; cells in a single layer.

Lepralia.
Polypidom crustaceous; cells quincuncial. Mem-

BRANIPORA.

Family V. Polypidoms multiform, composed of oblong
sub- quadrangular cells, disposed in semi -alternating
series ; the cells conjunct, horizontal to the plane of
axis, with a subterminal or lateral aperture, usually
covered with an ovarian capsule. Esciiarid.e.
Pol^l^idom foliaceous or membranous, composed of
several series of oblong sub -quadrangular cells, on
two planes, or one only. Plustra.
Polyj)idom membrano-calcareous, frondescent; the cells
immersed, in a double layer placed back to back,
like the cells in honey-comb. Esciiara.
Polypidom calcareous, frondescent, netted; the cells

on the upper side only. Eetepora.
Polypidom dichotomous, with jointed cylindrical
branches; cells immersed, rhomboid. Salicornia.
^^^^ Polypidoms sponge-like, fleshy, polymorphous ; the
cells irregular in disposition, immersed, with a con-
tractile aperture ; no external ovarian capsules. Hal-
CYONELLEA, Eh'oih. Corall. 153.

POLYZOA. 269

^^^^ Polypidoms confervoid, horny, fistular; the polype-
cells free. Yesicularina.
Tamily YI. Body of the polype separate from the pa-
rietes of the cell, which is deciduous. Yesicu-

LAEIADJE.

Polype-cells uniserial, coalescent. Seriolaria.
Polype-cells uniserial, disjunct. Yesicularia.
Polype-cells scattered, solitary. Beania.
Polype-cells clustered, irregular; the polypes with

eight tentacula. Yalkeria.
Polype-cells clustered, irregular ; the polypes with ten

tentacula. Bowerbankia.
Polype-cells clustered, irregular; the polypes with

twelve tentacula. Farella.
Tamily YII. Body of the polj^e adnate to the cell.

Pedicellin^.
Only one genus — Pedicellina.

a^^.

" Here, too, were living flowers,
"Which, like a bud comparted,
Their pnrple cells contracted :
And uow in open blossom spread.
Stretched like green anthers many a seeking head

270 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

And ai'borets of jointed stone ^vc^e there,
And plants of fibres fine as silkworms' thread,
Yea, beautiful as mermaids' golden hair
Upon the waves dispread." — Southey.

Tribe 1. TUBULIPORINA.

Family TUBULIPOEID^.
Character. Polypidoms calcareous, massive, orbiculated, or
lobed, or divided dichotomously ; the cells long and tubular,
with a round, prominent, unconstricted aperture- — Br. Jolimton.

Genus XXXY. TUBULIPOEA, Lamarck.

Gen. Char. Polypidom depressed, circular or lobed, adherent
by a thin calcareous basis ; cells clustered, inclined to be rowed,
erect or sub-horizontal, more or less free at the round terminal
aperture. — Johnston.

■^ With a thin sessile basis. (Discopora^ Fleming.)

1. TUBULIPORA PATINA, PallaS.

Hab. Oil shells and zoophytes and seaweeds from deep
water. ]\Iiss S. Beever, Isle of Man ; Mrs. Gulson, Ex-
niouth; Mrs. Gatty, coast of Yorkshire; Miss Allardyce,
Cromarty.

This is a handsome little zoophyte. On our west coast
it is chiefly found in the tangled roots of Laminaria digi-

TUBULIPORA. 271

tata ; at times, however, on stones and shells from deep
water. It is occasionally cupped, but more generally it is
shallow, like a saucer. Its largest size is about half an
inch j with us it is less. It is calcareous and snow-white.
The margin is plain and entire. The series of tubes or
cells nearest the margin have plain angular apertures, like a
honey-comb. The iDuer ceUs are tubular, and in rows.

2. TuBULiPORA HISPID A, CorcUner.

Hab. Parasitical on Flustm and other seaweeds; also
on shells and rocks. With us, on the west coast of Scot-
land, T. hisjnda, in its common form, is far from being
rare, and it is got most frequently on Belesseria sangtiinea ;
bat larger and finer specimens are found, at times, on the
roots of the large tangle and on shells from the deep. The
broadest specimens I have met with were on Pinna ingeiis,
from the island of Tiree. I have a special regard for this
Httle zoophyte, as it gave rise to what has been, to me, a
very pleasant and profitable correspondence with my excel-
lent friend. Dr. George Johnston, the well-known author of
the ^ History of British Zoophytes,' and many other valuable
works on different branches of Natural Science. When he
was preparing his first edition of the ^ History of Zoophytes,''
he wrote to me, saying, that he had observed, in my ' New

272 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Statistical Account of the parish of Stevenstou/ of which
I was then minister, that I had got D'lscopora verrucaria
on the Ayrshire coast ; and as he had not fallen in Avith it
on the coast of Berwickshire, he would take it kind if I
would send it to him; — which I was most liappy to do.
Dr. Pleming's generic name was Liscoporaj and he made it
consist of two species, L. verrucaria and D. hisjyida. Dr.
Johnston formed two species of the Discopora or Tululi-
pora ; the first, T, patina, which seems a very distinct
species, and the other, T. hisjnda, which includes a portion
of Dr. Fleming^s D. verrucaria, viz. T. patina, and also
his B. hispjida, which was regarded by Dr. Fleming as dis-
tinct from D. verrucaria. Though no friend to the multi-
plication of species, we shoukl rather be disposed to make
three species instead of two. T. patina seems very dis-
tinctly one species ; and then we would have retained the
specific name of verrucaria for that state of it which is
truly wart-like, marked however by reticulated grooves;
and to those specimens which have not these grooves, but
have the denticles elongated into strong sharp spines, ren-
dering the surface quite rough, we would have been disposed
to give the name of T. hispjida.

The little var. /3 is very common on some saccharine

TUBULIPORA. 273

{Laminaria saccharina) dredged in Lamlash Bay. It was
long known to us under the name of T. orhiculus,
■^^ Base elongated or incrassated.

3. TuBULIPORA PENICILLATA, R. Q. Couck.

Hab. On shells and stones from deep water, common;
from the Eddystone Lighthouse to the Deadman Point,
E. Q. Couch.

Mr. Couch describes it as calcareous, and about a quarter
of an inch in height. The upper part is expanded into a
flat head, having on its superior surface one or two rows
of projecting tubes round the circumference; the centre is
either plain or marked with a few irregular cells. The cells
are distant from each other, with slightly oblique unarmed
apertures. The under surface of the head is furrowed,
without cells, and sloped into the footstalk." (See Dr.
Johnston's plate xlviii. fig. 1, 2.)

4. TuBULiPOUA TEUNCATA, Jameson.

Hab. Shetland Islands, Jameson; in deep water, Zet-
land, Dr. Fleming; Zetland, Prof. E. Forbes; Rev. T.
Hincks, Salcombe, on shells.

The head is stellate ; the top is convex, orbiculated, fur-
rowed with shallow grooves, which run towards the flattish
summit. It has been compared to a little EcJiinus witliout

274 HISTORY OF BKITISH ZOOPHYTES.

spines. It is not unlike a little round pie. (See Dr.
Jolinstou's plate xxxiii. fig. 8, 9.)

■^^"^^ Tolijpidom lohecl ; base tmmargined.

5. TuBULiPORA LOBULATA, A. IL Ilassall.
Hab. Dublin Bay, Hassall.

Dr. Johnston and Mr. AV. Thompson arc disposed to
consider this as a very aged variety of Tuhnlipora serjjem.

6. TuBULiPORA PHALANGEA, TF. Tkompson.

Hab. On rocks, shells, and seaweeds. Rev. T. Ilincks,
Salcombc, on shells.

^Ir. Peach finds it very fine in the bulb of Laminaria
hulhosa. AYe have found it fine in the inside of old bivalve
shells. It is about four lines in diameter, in general ; but
Mr. Peach has seen it nearly an inch. It is somewhat like
a pentapctalous flower, being slightly lobed. As the tubes
are arranged in perpendicular rows, Mr. Couch says it pre-
sents the appearance of a number of Pan^s pipes. It is of
a pale purple colour ; thin and glossy.

7. TuBULiPORA FLABELLARis, W. Tliompsoii. (Plate XV.
fig. 50.)

Hab. On Laminaria on the Irish coast. Salcombe ]3ay,
Rev. T. Ilincks, Exeter.

\Ve have found it, on the Scottish coast, on the inside of

M^^^^^_

p

'i (I

5o:-"

50 TiibiillDoraflabdlaris. SI. Ciisidia coriiLLta. 52. C:

3. ?4V. ■ : ^- • : ^ lelata. 54<.HippothDa cat-TLularia . 55.lfu

Ai-l-.ilics'.iih.

TUBULIPORA. 275

old bivalve shells. It is even prettier than the preceding, and
so like the Prince of Wales' feather, that you are disposed
to write " Ich dien" underneath. It is described also as
fan-shaped, adherent by a thin plate, and only about the
third of an inch in diameter. Mr. W. Thompson, who has
met with it in Ireland and England, describes it as fol-
lows : — " It forms a beautiful incrustation, which takes tlie
figure of a feather, or of several feathers combined, and is
of a dull opake white colour, except at the margin, where
the tubes are somewhat transparent and delicately tinged
Avith ■ pale lilac. The tubes are transversely wrinkled or
ridged, — an appearance wdiich increases more than in a re-
gular ratio as the species approaches a perfect state; the
space between the tubes is likewise rugose."

8. TUBULIPORA SEEPENS, ElUs,

Hab. On all places of the coast; adhering to seaweeds,
corallines, shells, and often in the inside of old shells.
The first specimen to which my attention was ever directed
was sent to me, from Portpatrick, many years ago by my
friend the Eev. Andrew Urquhart.

It adheres by a narrow base; the polype-tubes are in
transverse rows, divided by a longitudinal groove ; the cells
are in general placed close to each other, minutely frosted,

276 HISTOHY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

and eitlier white or of a light purple colour. It is seldom
more than half an inch in length.

9. TUBULIPORA HYALINA, B. Q. Co?lc/l.

Hab. On Fucus joalmatuSy Polperro, Couch.

'^ Encrusting in small semi-transparent patches of about
the diameter of a pea. The cells are distant, erect, ar-
ranged in one or two rows round a plain centre.'^

Genus 11. DIOSTOPOEA, Lamouroux.

Gen. Cliar. Polypidom calcareous, encrusting, undefined ; the
cells alternating, tubular, horizontal, immersed, with a raised
circular aperture. — Johmton.

1. DiASTOPORA OBELiA, Dr. Fleming.

Hab. Scarborough, ]\[r. Bean; Berwick Bay, Dr. John-
ston; Cornwall, Mr. Couch; Devonshire, Mrs. Gulson and
Mr. Peach ; Salcombe Bay, very fine on scallop-shells, Eev.
T. Hincks; Yorkshire coast, Mrs. Gatty; Irish coast, Mr.
W. Thompson ; off Sana Island, Mr. Ilyndman ; island
of Tiree, Hebrides, D. L.

The crust is thin, and adheres so closely to the shell on
which it grows, that it cannot be removed from it without
l)reaking it in pieces. The cells are pretty much immersed ;

DIOSTOPORA. 277

the mouths are raised, with a round oblique plain aperture.
The finest and largest specimens I have seen were on the
valves of Pecten ingens, from the islands of Tiree and Coll,
sent to me by my friend, the Eev. A. Nicol.

Genus III. IDMO^N'EA, Lamouroux.

Gen. Char. Polypidom calcareous, divided dichotomously,
erect, celluHferous on one side only ; cells tubular, in transverse
rows, divided into two sets by a medial longitudinal Hne.

1. Idmonea Atlantica, E. Forbes.

Hab. Zetland Seas, Prof. E. Eorbes; island of Coll,
D. L., from the Eev. Mr. Nicol.

Erect, white, firm, dichotomous; branches spreading la-
terally; the cells tubular, forming a series of transverse
rows on each side of the coral ; the rows are on one side
alternating with those of the other. Pour-tenths of an inch
in height. This is one of the numerous discoveries of Pro-
fessor E. Porbes, who has another species from the ^gean
Sea, somewhat similar to the I. Atlantica ; and in the col-
lection of Mr. Stokes there is one from Kamtchatka.

278 HISTORY OF JiRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Genus lY. PUSTULIPORA, Blaimille.

Gen. Char. Polypidom calcareous, erect ; the divisions cylin-
drical ; polype-cells semi-imraersed, arranged on all sides, tubu-
lar, with more or less prominent apertures, — Dr. Johnston.

1. PUSTULIPORA PROBOSCIDEA, E. FovleS.

Hab. Zetland Seas, Prof. E. Forbes.
" Cells nearly immersed, with everted free tubular extre-
mities, alternate, four completing a whorl."

2. PUSTULIPORA DEFLEXA, R. Q. Co2lcL

Hab. On shells from deep water, Polperro, Mr. Couch ;
Plymouth, Mr. Bellamy.

From a quarter to half an inch in height. Calcareous,
white, cylindrical. Dr. Johnston says, " I am tempted to
ask whether this may not be a state of Tahulijoora serpens'*
We have not seen it.

" There arc deep thoughts of tranquil joy
For those who thus their minds employ,
And trace the wise design that lurks
In holy Nature's meanest works."

Genus Y. ALECTO, Lamotiroux.

Gen. Cltar. Polypidom calcareous, creeping, adnate, irregularly
branched, formed of horizontal tubular cells, produced in a linear

ALECTO. 279

series, tlie upper portion of the cells erect, with a circular entire
aperture. — Johnston.

1. Alecto granulata, W. Thomjjson.

Hab. On the inner surface of old bivalve shells, more
rarely on the outer surface. It is a deep-water species. It
is said to be not uncommon; but the only specimen we
have met with was on the outer surface of Pinna ingests,
from the island of Coll.

It is slender, branched, adherent, the tubular cells lean-
ing a little to the opposite side. It is glossy, when fresh,
and dotted with minute granules. When in a dead state,
it is of a dull white colour.

2. Alecto major, D. L. (Plate XYI. fig. 60.)

Hab. Island of CoU, D. L., from Eev. Mr. Nicol ; island
of Sana, dredged by W. Thompson ; Cornwall, Mr. Couch.

This was a species new to our Pauna when I discovered
it on a valve of Pinna ingenSf from Coll. I sent it to Dr.
Johnston, and he mentions, in his description of it, that I
said that the young unbranched specimens resembled a tear
slowly trickling down the cheek, and swelling in its pro-
gress. Pull-grown specimens, however, are irregularly
branched, though each branch has the fulness we have
mentioned, at the termination. It is much stouter and

280 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

more conspicuous than the preceding species, and can
scarcely escape observation. It adlieres, also, more firmly
to the shell on which it grows, the basis spreading beyond
the cells, and the cells are unmarked with granules.

3. Alecto dilatans, JF. T/w??ipso?i.

Hab. Island of Sana, dredged by Mr. Hyndman ; coast
of Northumberland, Prof. W. King ; dredged off the Mull
of Galloway, in from 110 to 110 fathoms, by Professor E.
Forbes ; island of Islay, Lady Emma Campbell.

This is a pretty species, as may be seen in Dr. Johnston's
plate xHx. fig. 5, 6. It creeps along on the surface of
bivalve shells in a branching manner, each branch being
fullest at the top, as in the preceding species. The cells are
tubular, and a good deal immersed ; they are also marked
with granules. Dr. Johnston says that he has sometimes
thought that it might be a state of Dia^tojwra ohelia. We
have seen it in circumstances which thoroughly convinced
us that it was quite distinct from D. ohelia. Some time
ago my friend the Eev. Mr. Nicol, of Coll, sent me some
valves of Pinna ingens, dredged from deep water by the
fishermen of that island. I valued the Pinna, but I prized
much more the zoophytes that were parasitical upon it.
There were various fine Lejjralice, some of them in the

CTIISIA. 281

broadest patches I had ever seen; there was much of the
shell covered with HippotJwa catenulata, much larger in
size than I had ever met with it before ; there was one spe-
cimen of Hippotlioa divaricata j one of Alecto gramdata ;
several ai Alecto major, and three or four oi Alecto dilatans ;
one of what we thought was Pustulijoora defiexa, and many
fine specimens of Llastopora ohelia ; and as these were
located alongside of Alecto major and Alecto dilatans, they
were, at a single glance, seen to be so different, that I should
never have thought of comparing them. Alecto major and
Alecto dilatans may run into each other, but Diastopora
ohelia, in its pretty, continuous, unbranched scurf, is evi-
dently, I humbly think, different from any of the three species
of Alecto.

Family CEISIAD^.

Character. Polypidoms phytoidal, jointed, dichotomously
branched ; the cells tubular, disposed iji one or two series, with
the circular apertures alternately looking to opposite sides. —
Johnston.

Genus VI. CEISIA, Lamoitroux.
1. Crisia eburnea, Ellis. (Plate XV. fig. 52.)

282 HISTORY OF British zoophytes.

Hab. Very common on seaweeds, such as Dasya coccinea
and Delesseria sanguinea ; common also on otlier zoophytes.

This ivory-tufted coralline, though generally as white as
ivory, from which it takes its specific name, is occasionally
tinted with rosy-red. It is much branched, nearly half an
inch in height; cells in two rows, sometimes nearly alter-
nate, at other times opposite. Pear-shaped vesicles are
scattered over the branches, finely granulated.

2. Crisia denticulata, Br. Fleming.

Hab. On seaweeds and corallines, like the preceding, but
not nearly so common. It is not rare on the coast of Ayr-
shire, but it is smaller in size than specimens from England
and Ireland. The finest specimens I have are from Miss S.
Beever, and from ^Ir. Tumanowicz, Hastings. They are
above an inch in height, and as much in breadth. Its
larger size and stouter texture, and still more its black
joints, which give it a spotted appearance, enable even the
naked eye to distinguish it from the preceding ; with which,
nevertheless, it was confounded, till Prof. J. Fleming
pointed out the difference.

3. Crisia aculeata, A. II. Ilassall.

Hab. Kingston Harbour, Mr. Hassall ; near Larne, Mr.
E. Paterson ; Ballantrae, Ayrshire, Mr. "W. Thompson.

CRisiA. 283

Mr. Hassall describes it as follows : — " Cells disposed in
a double series, armed with a long spinous process ; joints
of an amber-colour; vesicles much resembling a fig in
shape, and dotted/^ Mr. W. W. Saunders says that it is
not uncommon at Brighton and Hastings; but he consi-
ders it as the perfect state of Crisia ehurnea.

4. Crisia geniculata, /. /. Lister.

Hab. On littoral algse, Brighton, Lister; on Ri/tiphlcea
pinastroides, Brighton, W. W. Saunders; Strangford Lough,
W. Thompson; Ayrshire coast, D. L.

Dr. Johnston states that this differs from Crisia ehurnea
in being more slender and less calcareous ; — in the straight-
ness of the secondary branches, and in the tubular form of
the cells, which are alternate and free at the apices. I do
not thini: that the specific name given it by Milne Edwards
is very characteristic, for, as Dr. Johnston states, it is only
subgeniculate. He thinks that the characters which dis-
tinguish it from C. ehurnea are rather those of a variety
than of a species. I have sometimes thought so too ; and
yet I am, on the whole, disposed to regard it as distinct.
On the A}Tsliire coast C. ehurnea is found on almost every-
thing, whereas C. geniculata is scarcely ever seen except
on Besmarestia aculeata, which is often quite hoary with

284? HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

its numerous tufts, wliich are smaller and of a duller white
than those of C. ehurnea.

Genus VIT. CRISIDIA, M. Edwards.

Gen. Char. Cells Hnked in a smgle series; the upper portion
free and divergent. — Johnston.

1. Crisidia COKNUTA, Goat^s-horn CoralUne. (Plate XY.
fig. 51.)

Hab. On other corallines and on seaweeds bevond low-
water mark.

Ellis, who gives a good figure of it, says, " This very
small capillary coralline consists of branches of single cells,
shaped like goats' horns inverted, placed one above another,
on the top of which is a small circular opening, which in-
clines inwards. At the back of this rises a fine upright
hair, near the insertion of the next cell above it." It has
oval-shaped vesicles, which are specked. The long bristles
are sometimes jointed; but we have not observed them so in
the West, where it is often found, especially on Delesseria
sanguinea.

2. Crisia setacea, H. Q. Couch.

Hab. Shores of Devon and Cornwall, Couch ; Salcombe,
Rev. T. Hincks.

CRISIDIA. 285

Tliis, according to Mr. Couch, is distinguished from the
preceding by having the bent necks of the cells turned in
opposite directions, and the bristle below, instead of above,
the orifice. We had never seen this till it was kindly sent
to us from Exeter by the Eev. T. Hincks.

Tribe 2. CELLIFORINA.

Eamily EUCRATIAD^.

Character. Polypidoms calcareous, confervoid, multiform ; the
cells elongate, enlarged upwards or clavate, with an oblique sub-
terminal aperture, the rim of which is always plain ; no external
ovarian capsules*. — Johnston.

" Under the bowers

Where the ocean Powers
Sit on their pearled thrones ;

Through the coral woods

Of the weltering floods,
Over heaps of unvalued stones ;

Through the dim beams

Which amid the streams
Weave a net-work of coloured light ;

And under the caves.

Where the shadowy waves
Are as green as the forest's night." — Shelley.

* Mrs. Gatty, of Ecclesfield, has discovered capsules on IlippotJioa diva-
ricata ; Mr. Peach thinks he has discovered them on H. catenularia.

286 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Genus VIII. EUCRATEA, Lamoiiroux.

Gen. Char. " Polypidom confervoid, jointed, subcalcareous ;
the branches consisting of a single row of bent cells, the orifices
of which are on one aspect, oblique, subterminal or lateral."

1. EucRATEA CHELATA, Ellis. (Plate XV. fig. 53.)
Hab. Brighton, Mr. AY. W. Saunders ; Hastings, Mr.
Tumanowicz; Devonshire, Rev. T. Hincks; Scarborough,
Mr. Bean; Cork Harbour, J.V.Thompson; Ayrshire, D. L.
Ellis gives the following description of it: — ^^ This
beautiful coralline is one of the smallest we meet with. It
rises from tuhuli, growing upon Fuci; and passes from
thence into sickle-shaped branches, consisting of simple
rows of cells, looking, when magnified, like bulls' horns
inverted, each one arising out of the top of the other. The
upper branches take their rise from the fore part of the en-
trance of a cell, where we may observe a stiff short hair,
which seems to be the beginning of a branch. The open-
ing of each cell, which is in the front of its upper part, is
surrounded by a thin circular rim ; and the substance of
the cells appears to consist of fine transparent shell or coral-
like substance." The cells taken separately are not unlike
a slipper, though the mouth would require to be a little

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ANGUINARIA. 287

elastic to admit the foot. Dr. Johnston states, on my au-
thority, that it is frequent on the coast of Ayrshire. I must
have made some mistake in giving this information, for it
is rather rare. It abounds, however, on specimens of Ry-
tiphlma jjinastroides, sent to me from Hastings by Mr.
Tumanowicz; also, on the same alga, received from Miss
S. Beever and Mrs. Gatty.

Genus IX. AA^GUINAEIA, Lamarck.

Ge7i. Char. Polype-cells spathulate, erect, scattered, with a
lateral aperture near the apex, originating from a creeping, fis-
tular, sub-calcareous fibre, adnate to a foreign base. Polypes
Ascidian . — Johnston.

I. Anguinaria spathulata, Ellis. (Plate XVI. fig. 56.)
Hab. Coast of Ireland, W. Thompson; coast of York-
shire, Mrs. Gatty ; Salcombe, Eev. T. Hincks ; coast of Ayr-
shire, D. L.

This has been called Snake Coralline, from its shape, or
because, like a snake, it creeps in a winding way along the
stems of such seaweeds as Dast/a coccinea or Rytiphlaea
jnnastroides. " From very small holes, in the broadest part
of the irregular winding tube, there arise here and there
small, testaceous, white, hollow figures, exactly resembling

288 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

a snake without the lower jaw, — in the phace whereof is the
entrance into the celL" {Ellis.) Dr. Johnston states that
it is of a pale pink_, or flesh-colour, or white. It is rare in
Scotland ; and the specimens we have seen were white, and
so were all that we have seen from England ; but they may
have been coloured in a fresh state. It is smooth and
glossy, but the snake-like tube is marked all along by nu-
merous annulations of a more opake aspect. Mrs. Gatty
was the first to point these out to me ; but they are very
conspicuous in a figure of it with which I have been fa-
voured by Mr. Busk, of Greenwich, whose forthcoming
work on the Polj/zoa is eagerly looked for.

2. Anguinaria truncata, mihi. (Plate XVI. fig. 57.)
Hab. Lamlash Bay, Arran, on Laminar ia saccJtarina.
I am glad to state that this is a new species added to our
Fauna. AVhen I had the pleasure of a da/s di'cdging in
Lamlash Bay, in September, along with Professor Balfour
of Glasgow, and other friends, I observed that a large frond
of Laminana saccharina, which the dredge brought up,
was roughened with little bristles, and, tearing ofi" about a
foot of the frond, I deposited it in my vasculum for more
leisurely examination. On reaching home, when I began
to inspect it I saw that the little bristling tubes that had

a:nguinaria. 289

attracted my attention, were not distinct polypidoms, but
little tubular pores, springing from a fistular fibre, which
ran in an irregular line along the frond, adhering closely to
it. This creeping fibre, at pretty regular intervals, spread
out into cells in the form of Kippothoa; and from the blunt
end of the enlargement the tubular spores arose, of the
same texture as the creeping fibre, and showing the reddish-
coloured remains of the polype that had inhabited them.
It was unlike anything I had seen before. In reading-
Mr. Couch's description of his Hippothoa sica, I found
that he said, " the apertures are rather small, and as usually
seen are round, even, and unarmed; but, in recent and
living specimens, they are long and tubular, frequently as
long as the cell. In this state it may be taken for a species
of Tahulipora." This description in part suited my little
creeper, but it was deficient in the regular symmetry of
Hij)pothoa. Could it then be Angidnaria on a flat frond ?
The upright pores were not bent like A, sjmtlmlata, and
showed nothing of the serpent-lij^e head. They were
like a small quill cut across, and then a longitudinal slice
cut off towards the top, as the first step in the process of
making the quill a writing-pen, so that it was open so far
like A. spathulala, but unbent ; and truncated instead of

u

290 HISTOUY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

bent aiul anguiform. I sent specimens of it to several of
my zooplivtological correspondents, but not one of tliem
said anything about it, and conjecturing that it might be
some common thing in an imperfect state, I neglected it,
and either lost or mislaid my remaining specimens. "When
I required to say something about A//^ninaria in this little
book, I bethought myself again of my little straggling
creeper, and remembering that I had sent a specimen of it
to Mrs. Gatty, of Ecclesfield, I requested her to send it to
Mr. Busk, of Greenwich, with whom she was in correspon-
dence, and I soon had a kind letter from liim, stating that
it was an An^uifiaria, similar to, if not identical with, his
Anguinaria ligidata, which Mr. Darwin brought from Tierra
del Fuego, where it creeps in the same manner on broad-
fronded algse. The only difference was, tliat his had a con-
traction where the pore begins to be laid open. lie sent
me a drawing of the one from Lamlash Bay, and also a figure
of Anguinaria ligulata from the South Seas. They are re-
markably similar, with this difference, that in upwards of a
hundred pores or cells which I examined of our Scottish one,
there was not a single instance of their being constricted.
At all events, Mr. Busk savs that it is new to our Fauna.
He has, since I wrote the above, examined it again ; and as

HIPPOTHOA. 291

he now considers it distinct, he has given it the specific
name [truncata) which I suggested.

There was, along with the figure of A. sjpathulata and A,
ligulata, the figure of another Anguinaria. I was glad to
see it and to get the name of it, for I had got very fine
specimens of it on a beautiful alga from Port Phillip, which
I received from my kind friend Dr. D. Curdie. I saw that it
was quite distinct from our British A. s^athulata^ and supe-
rior to it both in size and in beauty. Instead of terminating
like a surgeon's spatula or a serpent's head, it was shaped
exactly like a ladle, the open part at the top spreading out
and becoming quite circular. Though I have a good col-
lection of foreign zoophytes, I have few books in which they
are described and figured ; so that they either remain un-
named, or have temporary names assigned. To the ladle-
shaped one I gave the interim name of A. cochlearis, so
that I was very glad to receive from Mr. Busk an excellent
figure of it under the true name A. dilatata.

Genus X. HIPPOTHOA, Lamouroux.

Gen. Char. Polypidom confervoid, adherent and creeping,
calcareous, irregularly branched, the branches frequently ana-
stomosing, formed of elliptical cells hnked to each other at

292 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

the extremities ; aperture lateral, near the distal end. Polypes
Ascidian. — Johidon.

1. HiPPOTHOA CATENULARIA, Proft'ssor Jameson. (Plate
XV. fig. 54.)

Hab. On shells, especially bivalves, from deep water.

This is a very handsome little coralline. Dr. Johnston
very properly describes it as "formed of a series of cells
connected like a string of bngles ; cells oval, widest and
rounded anteally ; its aperture oval, with a plain thickish
rim placed near the top/' ^Ir. Gray states, that when
alive "it appears like dew-drops, and is easily separated
from the shell by a pin, but is strongly attached when dry/'
We have observed this, and also what Dr. Johnston men-
tions, that in this state (when dry we suppose) the aperture
of the cells is sometimes closed by a membrane. This was
very evidently the case with respect to many of the largest-
sized examples we ever met with. They were on the valves
of Pinnoi from island of Coll. The cells were large, and
the branches, having full scope, covered about three inches
of the shell in length by about an inch and a half in
breadth, and many of the cells had this membranous cover-
ing of the aperture by a calcareous deposit rendered as
thick as the cells.

4

HIPPOTHOA. 293

2. HiPPOTHOA DiVAEiCATAj Miss ElUott. (Plate XV.
fig. 55.)

Hab. On old shells^ especially bivalves^ from deep water.
On oyster-shells; Sidmouth^ Mrs. Gatty ; onJPimia, from the
island of Coll, D. L. ; on difl'erent kinds of algse, coast of
Ayrshire, D. L.

This is so delicate and slender that it requires good
eyes to observe it ; and when it is old and opake, and on a
whitish shell, an unpractised eye, even when aided by a
lens, woidd scarcely succeed in detecting it. When young
and fresh it has a crystalline appearance; the cells, which
are connected by a dehcate calcareous thread, are more
distant from each other than those of H. catenularia. Dr.
Johnston mentions that there is " a variety of H, divaricata
in which the cells are contiguous. It is found on seaweeds
only, so far as my experience goes." This accords with my
own experience in so far that I have seen on seaweeds the
pretty Httle variety with a very short thread betwixt the
cells ; yet the very last specimen of H. divaricata which I
fell in with was on Delesseria sinuosa, as transparent almost
as dew, while the portion of thread which connected the
sparkling bugles was fully as long as I had ever seen it
upon shells.

294 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

But I am happy that I have something new to record
respecting this miniature moniliferous coralline. It is not
in its right place, but must be raised a step higher. You
will observe that it is one of the characteristics of the family
of Eucratiadcii, in which it is now ranked, that " they have
no external ovarian capsules." But it has lately been dis-
covered by Mrs. Gatty, of Ecclesfield Vicarage, that H,
divaricata has external ovarian cajjsules. Her eyes are
brighter, and, as we would say in Scotland, glegger"^ than
those of our masculine naturalists, and much hotJier she had,
as our Irish friends would say, to cause them to see the
capsules after she had seen them herself. But now Dr.
Johnston has seen them, and Dr. Greville has seen them,
and Mr. Busk has seen them, and I have seen the fine
globular capsules at the end of the cells, which are very
obvious after they have once been detected.

3. HipPOTiiOA siCA, B. Q. Couch.

Hab. On stones from deep water, common. Polperro,
Goram, K. Q. C.

* When a person is very clever and very acute, we say that he is very
gleg; so that gleg-eyed is sharp-sighted, clear-sighted, quick-sighted, —
h-nx-eyed. Since I \vrote the above Mr. Peach has mentioned to me
that the capsules of //. divaricata have been known to him for some time.
— Z). Z.

HIPPOTHOA. 295

"This species differs so decisively from the two pre-
ceding, that there can be no doubt of its being specifically
distinct. The cells are calcareous ; enlarged, and rounded
at the distal, and pointed at the proximal end. Their
direction is linear ; they are attached to each other at their
extremities, and their length is about four times their trans-
verse diameter." (i?. Q. CoucJi.)

4. HippOTHOA Cassiterides, Couch.

Hab. " On a stone betwixt the Scilly Islands and the
Land^s-end." "The cells are stouter and more pear-shaped
than in H. divaricata, and the threads of connection shorter
and stouter." "At a short distance from the proximal
lip is a small pearly tubercle, which is larger in one cell
than another." " This tubercle is very different from any-
thing ever observed in //. divaricataj and constitutes it a
distinct species." {R. Q. Couch.)

Genus XI. GEMELLARIA, 8avigny.

Gen. Char. Polypidom plant-like, sub-calcareous, rather soft
and flexible when dry, much branched dichotomously : cells
geminate, exactly opposite, united back and back with a thick
dissepiment, a joint above and below each pair. Polypes Asci-
dian, with elongated tentacula ; no gizzard. — Dr. Johnston.

296 HISTORY OP BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

1. Gemellaria loriculata, Doody. (Plate XVI. fig. 58.)

Hab. A few fathoms beyond low-water mark.

" This coralliue, which grows in very large tufts and
buncheSj consists of many long, shining, soft, and slippery
branches. These are composed of joints of cells placed in
pairs back to back. The opening of each is on a slant near
the top, and looks the contrary way to the other; so that
the pair together resembles a coat of mail or a pair of stays,
and the entrances of the cells look like the places for the
arms to come out at.^' [Ellis.)

Dr. Johnston, in describing it in his second edition, says,
"Common, but Mr. Landsborough has never found the
smallest scrap of it on our western coast." This statement
still holds true as to our western, but not our south-western
coasts. In a very pleasant excursion to Kirkcudbright-
shire, some time ago, I visited, along with the Rev. Dr.
Paterson, of Glasgow, the Ilcv. Mr. Smith, of Borgue, and
the Rev. Mr. McMillan, of Kirkcudbright, the lighthouse
on the island called the Little Ross, and no sooner had I
landed from the boat than I saw floating in the little creek
great abundance of a coralline, which I was sure I had not
met with on our Ayrshire coast. I collected a great quan-
tity of it, and I was glad to find that it was Gemellaria

GEMICELLARIA. 297

loriculata. It is not easy to account for the abounding
of certain species on some coasts, and the entire absence of
these very species on other coasts at no great distance.

Genus GEMICELLARIA.

1. Gemicellaeia BursariAj Blainville. (Plate' XVI .
fig. 59.)

Hab. On seaweeds and coralhnes. Devonshire, Mrs.
Griffiths; Mr. Peach, Isle of Wight; Mr. "Wigham, coast
of Norfolk ; Mr. J. B. Hall, Isle of Wight.

Nothing can be better than the description of Ellis, who
also gives an excellent figure of it in plate xxii., under the
name of the shepherd's-purse coralline. '' This most beau-
tiful pearl-coloured coralHne adheres by small tubes to Fuci,
from whence it changes into flat cells ; each single cell like
the bracket of a shelf, broad at top and narrow at bottom :
these are placed back to back, in pairs, one above another
on an extremely slender tube, which seems to run through
the middle of the branches of the whole coralline. The cells
are open at top. Some of them have black spots in them ;
and from the top of many of them a figure seems to issue
out like a short tobacco-pipe, the small end of which seems

298 HISTORY or British zoophytes.

to be inserted in the tube that passes through the middle
of the whole. The cells, in pairs, are thought by some to
have the appearance of the small pods of the shepherd^s-
purse ; by others, the shape of the seed-vessels of Feronica,
or speedwell."

Dr. Johnston states that it is very rare, and that he is
indebted for his much-prized specimens to Mrs. Griffiths. —
I am rather surprised that it should so long have been
thought rare, for I am persuaded that in the south of
England it is far from being uncommon. The first speci-
men that I ever met with was on Kytiplilcea 2nnastroides sent
to me from Brighton by Mr. Pike, and as he had not men-
tioned that it was on the seaweed, I was delighted on dis-
covering it. I soon after received it from M. Tumanowicz
from Hastings, on the same seaweed; and, ere long, I
found several specimens on Basya coccinea, from Mr. Hall,
of Coggeshall, among seaweeds from the Isle of Wight;
then I received several specimens from Mr. Wigham, which
he had found on Kytiplilcca pinasfroides at Hastings,
and lately he sent me half-a-dozen specimens, saying, that
he had collected about a score at Cromer. Bytiphlaa pi-
nastroides seems its favourite weed, and it certainly makes
no great figure among its robust branches ; but from the

CELLIPORA. 299

number of little bittocJcs which I have detected on various
weeds from the south of England^ it is evident that it is
not rare.

Family CELLIPOEID^.

" Seas have (as well as skies) sun, moon, and stars,
(As well as ayre) swallows and rooks, and stares,
(As well as earth) vines, roses, nettles, melons.
Pinks, giUiflowers, mushrooms, and many millions
Of other plants (more rare and strange than these).
As very fishes living in the seas.
And also rams, calfs, horses, hares and hogs.
Wolves, lions, ui'chins, elephants and dogs.
Yea, men and maids : and (which I more admire)
The mytred bishop, and the cowled fryer." — Du Bartus.

Genus XII. CELLIPOEA, Otlio Fahricius.

Gen. Char. Polypidom calcareous, cellular, irregularly lobed
or ramous, formed of urceolate cells heaped together or arranged
in quincunx. Polypes Ascidian. — Johnston.

I. Cellipora pumicosAj Ellis.

Hab. Found on corallines,, stones, shells, roots of algse ;
very common.

This is called by Ellis, porous Esckara ; often found on
the sickle coralline in irregular lumps, appearing like white

300 HlSTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

sand strongly united together^ and in the microscope it
looks like a pumice-stone. It forms a porous, friable, cal-
careous mass. It is very seldom an inch in length, but
very common in small patches, sometimes pink or purple,
but generally on the Ayrshire coast dirty-white. When in
good state the aperture has a tooth above, and sometimes a
small one on each side. It is one of the least interesting
of our coriillines.

2. Cellipoka eamulosa, Pallas. (Plate XYII. fig. 61.)

Hab. In deep water, attached to old shells.

This, though considered by some as a variety of the latter,
cannot fail to attract attention, for it is like some of our
foreign corals in miniature, rising in a branching form to the
height of two or three inches, so that even our fishermen
deign at times to preserve it as a pretty curiosity ; though,
being brittle, it is very apt to be broken in their hands.
The branches are very rough with toothed cells.

8. Cellipora Skenii, Dr. David Skene.

Hab. On shells and corallines, deep water. Aberdeen,
Skene; Zetland, rare, Dr. Fleming; coast of Northumber-
land and Berwickshire, not rare ; on Pinnce, off the Dead-
man, Couch ; eastern coast of Ireland, Miss Ball.

It is from half an inch to an inch in height, much com-

61 . C ellep r a t araiilo s a. .
62.Cellularia ciHata .

Bo.Fiiistra foliacea.

64k „ _- traricats. .

65 "Membrampora pilosa

.^Lri, ..CU,

/. Atdv- , iiuij

CELLIPORA. 301

pressed, palmate, truncate. Dr. Johnston says, " Notwith-
standing the apparent dissimilarity in habit of the three
preceding Celliporce, I cannot but suspect that they are
merely different states of the same species; for in these
productions the ^ fronti nulla fides^ receives many an appo-
site illustration."

4. Cellipora cervicornis, Borlase.
Hab. In deep water, not rare, Eleming; Cornwall, Bor-
lase ; Devonshire, Dr. Coldstream ; Shetland, Jameson ;
coast of Ireland, R. Ball ; Tifeshire coast, rare, J. Goodsir ;
Roundstone Bay, M^Calla; Cumbraes and Arran, Major
Martin and D. L.

This is about three inches in height, and it spreads out
greatly : it is fully more in breadth. The branches are
much compressed, and truncate at the extremities, bearing
a considerable resemblance to the antler of a stag. It differs
considerably from C. ramulosay in being a stouter fabric,
and in having the branches flattened, and more kneed and
spreading. It is rarer than C. ramulosa. It has often a
varnished appearance.

5. Cellipora l^vis, Dr. Fleming.

Hab. Zetland, Fleming ; Cornwall, Couch.

According to tlie descriptions given of it by Dr. Fleming

302 HISTOEY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

and Mr. Couch, the former of whom fell in with it in the
northern, and the latter in the southern extremity of Britain,
this CelUjiora is inferior to the last in height and breadth,
of a more delicate fabric, and whiter in colour.

6. Cellipoha vitrina, C. W. Peach.

Hab. Goran, Mr. Peach; Blount's Bay, Mr. Couch.

" This delicate and beautiful species is very small : it is
encrusting, circumscribed, and rarely exceeding a quarter of
an inch in diameter. The cells are small, transparent,
vitreous or pearly in their appearance, and very irregularly
arranged. The apertures are very minute and terminal, and
cannot readily be seen even with a lens.''' {Couch.)

Genus XIII. LEPRALIA, Johnston.

Gen. Char. Polypidom calcareous or membrano-calcareous,
adnata, crustaceous, spreading circularly, formed of a layer of
ureeolate cells in juxtaposition, horizontal, and arranged in semi-
alteniating rows : aperture terminal, often covered with an oper-
cular ovary. — IJr. Johnston.

Tliis is a very interesting genus, and a great favourite
with zoophytologists, but it is an excessively puzzling one,
owing to the minute points of distinction betwixt one spe-

LEPRA LIA. 303

cies and another, and owing also to the different aspects
which, from age and various other circumstances, the same
species present. When Professor Eleming^s ' British Ani-
mals' was published, in 1828, only five species were de-
scribed. By the time Dr. Johnston's first edition of his
work on British Zoophytes appeared, more than double
this number were described and illustrated ; and when the
second edition of his ' History' was published, it contained
the description of thirty-seven species ; and the author
states that, extensive as the list was, he had specimens
which he could not confidently refer to any of the species
described. We know that several distinguished Naturalists
are at present at work with these little beauties, exercising
upon them all their powers of discrimination ; and we are
glad to learn that some of them intend to favour the public
with the result of their investigations. We should be afraid
to attempt describing the whole of these pretty little puz-
zlers ; and though we had the boldness, the limits of our
work would compel us to rest satisfied, in many cases, with
doing little more than inserting the name.

■^ Wall of the cells smooth.

1. Lepralia hyalina.

Hab. Parasitical on shells, stones, and algse. Shores of

304 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Ireland, common, W. Thompson; on seaweeds, Cornwall,
Mr. Peach; on different kinds of alga3, Devonshire, Miss
Cutler ; on Thi/llopliora ruhenSj Isle of Man, Miss S. Beevcr,
from Miss Hislop ; on Larninana saccharina, coast of Ayr-
shire, very common, D. L.

This, though common, is a pretty species. It appears most
frequently, with us, in roundisli patches of thin calcareous
crusts. The cells are sub-cylindrical, and pellucid, with a
few transverse plaits ; they are often almost concealed by
a great number of globular ovarian capsules. Lieutenant
Thomas finds two varieties in Orkney ; one with the cells
touching, and the other with the cells separate, and the
intermediate space punctured. We received a variety from
Miss S. Beever, with bunchy ventricose cells, which we
at first thought L. sirnpleocj but the cells want the thickened
rim.

'I. Lepralia TENUIS, A. II. IlassalL

Hab. On rocks and shells. On Laminaria d'lfjitatn, Dub-
lin Bay, Mr. Hassall ; Cornwall, Mr. Peach ; on Fecten
(jpercidaris, off Sana Island, Mr. Hyndman ; on P. variun,
Sidmouth, i\Irs. Gatty ; on Laridnaria sacchamia, Lauilash
Bay, D. L.

The cells are ovate and long in proportion to their

LEPRALIA. - 305

breadth. When youngs they are pellucid and smooth.
The capsules are projected in front of the constricted aper-
ture, and are perforated on the top. The cells are sur-
rounded with a series of apertures.

8. Lepralia assimilis, a. H. Hassall.

Hab. Dublin Bay, Hassall.

Though this resembles L. temds, Mr. Hassall thinks it
is distinct. Dr. Johnston, . judging from Mr. Hassall's de-
scription, can see no characteristic difference betwixt them.
Four specimens of it were got by Mr. Hassall on Pecten
maximus.

4. Lephalia Hassallii, A. II. Hassall.

Hab. On shells, rare. Dublin Bay ? A. H. Hassall ; on
Patella ccerulea, coast of Ayrsliire, D. L.

We remember finding this, many years ago, adorning the
summit of a P. ccerulea, cast out on the shore at Saltcoats.
It was new to me, and I sent it to Dr. Johnston, who was
then preparing for the press the first edition of his ' History/
He received it afterwards from Mr.^ Hassall. It is com-
posed of large cells, horizontal and cylindrical. The aper-
ture is wide, with a small sinus above and a large knob on each
side. The capsule, situated below the apertm-e, " miuncs
the swollen lobe of the flower of a calceolaria.''^ [Johnston.)

X

306 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

5. Lepralia simplex, G. C. Hyndman,

Hab. On various bivalve shells dredged at Sana Island,
^Ir. Hyndman, apparently not rare.

Tliis resembles L. Iifjallnay but it is more bunchy, and it
has a raised and somewhat thickened rim. There is a blunt
knob behind the margin of the upper lip.

6. Lepralia ventricosa, A. II. Ilassall.

Hab, Dublin Bay, Mr. Hassall; Cornwall, on old bivalve
shells, Mr. Peach; Newhaven, Dr. Greville; Sana Island,
Mr. Hyndman; near Irvine, D. L.

I have a good specimen of this, got at Newhaven by Dr.
Greville, which has enabled me to name a specimen got on
the inside of an old Biiccinum Mndatimi, bet^nxt Saltcoats
and Irvine. The colour, like that of Dr. Johnston's and
Dr. Greville' s, is greyish-white ; whereas Mr. HassalFs spe-
cimens, when dry, were brownish and glistening. The
cells are ovato-globose, narrowed anteriorly, with a mucro
in the centre of the proximal margin. Capsules globular
and roughish.

7. Lepralia Hyndmanni.

Hab. On the inner surface of an old shell of Pecteu
operculariSy and on other shells, dredged at Sana Island,
Mr. Hyndman.

LEPRALIA. 307

Sana Island, off whicli this and several very interesting
mollusks and zoophytes have been dredged, is near the
coast of Cantire, in Argyleshire. This coast, from Macri-
hanish Bay to the Mull and Southend, is rich in algse and
zoophytes ; but in visiting it some time ago, not having a
boat, I had to rest satisfied with the rejectamenta on the
strand ; and there are few portions of the Scottish shores
better fitted to gratify a naturalist. My friend, Mr. Hynd-
man, of BeKast, to whom this curious Lejpralia has been
dedicated by Dr. Johnston, has every encouragement to
cross again to Sana. Ireland is scarcely more than twenty
miles from Cantire, in the county of Argyle.

The cells of Mr. Hyndman's Lepralia are described by
Dr. Johnston as " distinct, but contiguous, of a medium
size, sub-globular, narrowed and somewhat raised anteriorly,
the back smooth and thickish, but the base of the cells, or
the space between them, is occasionally perforated with a
series of punctures. The aperture has a neat and deep
sinus on the proximal side, and the^ distal margin is plain
and rounded. The stout, short, tubular process on the
posterior side of the cell is always very obvious ; and there
issues from it a long slender bristle, which, however, is often
broken away. Ovarian capsules proportionably small.''^

308 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

The process on the side of the cell makes it very remark-
able. (See Dr. Johnstoii^s plate liv. fig. 6.)

8. Lepralia ansata.

Hab. On slaty rocks^ Cornwall, Peach.

Cells ovato-globose, slightly punctured; aperture circu-
lar, with a sinus above. "On each side of the aperture a
hollow auricle projects forwards ; and, viewed in front, these
auricles have a miniature resemblance to the ears of a fox
or of a cat.^' {JoJmstoii.) This is not a rare species, being
found in the east and west of Scotland, and in the north
and south of England.

9. Lepralia ovalis, A. H. HassalL

Hab. On dead bivalve shells. Kingstown and Burnham,
Hassall ; coast of Ireland, Mr. W. Thompson ; Devonshire,
Mr. Peach and Dr. Greville.

The cells are oval and distinct ; the aperture is circular,
with a knob above, and two spines on the under lip.

10. Lepralia linearis, A. IL 1 [assail.

Hab. On stones, east of Kingstown Harbour, and at the
Giant's Causeway, Hassall; Orkney, Dr. Greville.

I have before me an Orcadean specimen from Dr. Gre-
ville, on an old bivalve. It is a very perfect one. It is
marked witli lines, which are the boundaries betwixt the

LEPRALIA. 309

rows of cells. The aperture is small and circular, with a
hollow tubercle on each side. The ovarian capsules are a
little punctured, with a perforation on the posterior side.

11. LepRxILIA quadridentata, a. H. Hassall.
Hab. Ireland, Hassall ; near Aberdeen, Macgillivray.

■^■^ Wall of the cells gramdotis.

12. Lepralia GRANiFERA, i>r. /(?/«?<sifo^. (Plate XVIII.
fig. 69.)

Hab. On slaty rocks. Holy Island, and Berwick Bay, Dr.
Johnston ; Isle of Man, Prof. Forbes ; Cornwall, Mr. Peach ;
Saltcoats, Ayrshire, D. L.

Dr. Johnston thinks this, in some respects, resembles L.
temds ; it bears some resemblance, also, to L. hyalina, but
it has marks that distinguish it from both of them, as will
appear from the following excellent observations with which
Mrs. Gatty has obligingly favoured me.

" The varieties of L. granifera figured in the Plate seem
to demand an explanation. The one marked a, was first
found on Phj/llopJiora ruhens, from Portrune, in Ireland,
in 1851, and the second variety, 0, was discovered by
Dr. Greville the same year, on Fhjllophora ruhens, from
Sidmouth. The horned variety has since been found at
Sidmouth also.

310 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

" Perhaps the typical form of L, granifera may be con-
sidered to lie between these two extremes. The extreme
variety, /3, lies flat to the seaweed, and is cut into a finely
marked diamond pattern, round the four sides of which are
a row of dots or punctures. There is also an opening below
the mouth. The side dots rarely extend over the rest of
the cell, but as they occasionally do so, and the species
correspond in other particulars, it has not been thought
reasonable to separate this beautiful variety from Z. grani-
fera. The pure transparency of the cell in its young con-
dition — varied by a thicker line, which marks out its dia-
mond shape, and in which lie the row of dots — makes it a
very pretty object. It is so glassy in its texture that the
colour of the red Fhjllophora can be distinguished through
the cell. As it advances in age, the opening below the
mouth looks as if it was on a raised knob, and the flat
appearance of the cell is gone.

"The figure of var. a represents its extreme state in which
the side horns and the heavy knob are so 2)rominent as to
be the leading features of the species. In modified instances
the front protuberance is lower, and the horns less distinct.
It is still, however, a very remarkable variety."

13. Lepralia Landsborovii, J)r, Johnston.

LEPRALIA. ' 311

Hab. On Pecfen opercularisy coast of Ayrshire, D. L.

Dr. Johnston, in doing me the honour of dedicating this
Lepralia specifically to me, accompanies the compliment
with language dictated by all the partiality of friendship.
" Laudari a laudato" would be very sweet, were there not a
depressing sense of great shortcomings. When on another
occasion a friend had given the specific name of Landsburgii
to a shell, I said jestingly to the friend who told me of it,
"Is it possible to sail far down the stream of time in a
scallop V^ " Yes,^' was the reply, " the name that is written
on Nature will be had in remembrance, when sceptres are
broken, and thrones overturned, and dynasties have passed
away.''^ The humble name in question is so faintly in-
scribed, that the rough wave of time will soon totally efface
it ; but there is a higher and more permanent honour that
we should all supremely court, — that our names be written
in the book of life ; then, when the sun, and the moon, and
the stars are darkened, we shall shine with the brightness of
the firmament for ever and ever.

I have never seen this Lepralia since the specific name
was given to it. Two specimens were found ; one was sent
by me to Dr. Johnston, and the other lost before he had
time to examine and name the one sent. I attempted to

312 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

see it in the British Museum, where Dr. Johnstoii^s col-
lection of zoophytes is deposited, but the day was dark,
and the attempt unsuccessful. It is well figured, however,
in Dr. Johnston's plate liv. fig. 9, and well described as
follows : — " Polypidom forming a thin, white, and closely
adlierent circular crust of the size of a wafer : the cells
rather large, horizontal, continuous, ovate, semi-alternate,
with the walls tliin, glossy, and hyaline, thickly dotted
with perforated granules ; tlie aperture somewhat prominent,
oblique, patulous, unarmed, circular, sinuated on the proxi-
mal side, and in the centre of this sinus there is usually a
small mucro." By a letter from Mr. Peach I learn that
he has found it at Peterhead.

14. Lepralia auriculata, a. 11. ILusall.

Hab. On shells. Trawled off Bray, and found on oyster-
shells, coast of Norfolk, A. H. Hassall ; on a valve of Pecteti
maxwms, off Scilly, Mr. M^Andrew.

"Cells coalescent, short, rhomboidal, bounded by a fine
and very distinct line ; the aperture small, circular, plain,
with an arched sinus on the proximal side." [Hassall.)
^■^■^ IVall of the cells jmyictured,

15. Lepralia pertusa, JF. Thompson.

Hab. On rocks and old shells. On a Lima from the

LEPRALIA. 313

Isle of Man^ Prof. E. Torbes ; Cornwall, Mr. Peach ; dredged
off Sana, Mr. Hyndman.

" Cells ovato-ventricose, punctured, distinct, with a some-
what circular aperture, the margin of which is plain and
even.''^ [TT. Thompson^ The only specimen I have seen of
this, I had from Mr. Busk, Greenwich.

16. Lepealia punctata, W. Bean.

Hab. On rocks, and sometimes on shells between tide-
marks.

Crust thin, greyish when old; the young cells are whitish,
and I have a specimen on an old shell, in which the young
white cells are surmounting the old grey crust. It is very
common on slaty rock at Saltcoats and at Whiting Bay,
Arran. I have never observed denticles on either the upper
or the under lip. On some specimens I have, the lips are
both thickened, and there is a round tubercle under the
inferior lip. In other specimens there is a little sharp loop
on each side of the aperture. The tubercles are said to be
young ovaries. This pretty species comes very close on
some of its neighbours, and it requires considerable powers
of discrimination to discern the distinctions.

17. Lepealia annulata, B. L, (Plate XVIII. fig. 68.)
Hab. On the fronds of Laminaria saccharinaj common

314 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

on the coast of Ayrsliire, of Arran, and of Cumbraes. It
has been found on shells of Lima dredged off Sana Island,
Mr. Hyndman.

"VYhen I sent this many years ago to Dr. Johnston, I
was considerably gratified by learning from him that it was
new to Britain, and corresponded with the description
given of CelVqwra anmdata, by Otho rabricius, in his
' Fauna Grffinlaudica.' In Greenland it would appear tliat
the cells are generally found in a solitary state. We have
not found them so, but we have often seen only four or five
together; more commonly, however, they are in a round
patch of about a dozen. It is a very pretty species. Otho
Fabricius says, " pulcherrima et perfectissima haec omnium
visorum." Each cell is like a little barrel closely hooped,
and having transverse rows of perforations betwixt the
hoops. There is often a medial line from the top to the
bottom of the cell. The aperture gapes, and has a stout
rim like an upper and under lip. In many specimens there
is a tusk on each side of the mouth, turned up and termi-
nating with a knob ; and occasionally there is one, some-
times there are two, smaller teeth on tlie lower lip. The
colour in general is a pale brownish-red. It is at times
found in the inside of old shells.

LEPKALIA. 315

18. Lephalia figularis, C. W, Peach,

Hab. On an old bivalve sheUj Cornwall, Peach.

CeUs barrel-shaped, flattened on the upper side, which is
crossed by small punctures and surrounded by large ones.
Thought to be allied to L, annulata,

19. Lepralia biforis, W. Thompson.

Hab. On Ascidm, Strangford Lough, and on old shells,
W. Thompson; on Pecten maximuSj dredged at Lame, R.
Patterson ; on a floated piece of the bark of a tree, coast
of Ayrshire, D. L. Mrs. Gatty finds a pretty transparent
variety on Ph. ncbens, at Sidmouth.

This is a pretty well marked species. The cells are punc-
tured round the sides and near the mouth, leaving the
middle part smooth, where above the mouth there is a half-
moon-shaped hole. The mouth sometimes has a spine
on each side; Mr. Peach has found it with three spines
on the under lip. The capsules are globose, white and
smooth.

20. Lepralia Peachii, C. W. Peach.

Hab. On stones and shells, Cornwall, Peach; dredged
off Sana Island, Mr. Hyndman; on old sheUs, coast of
Ayrshire, D. L.

The cells are globose, perforated by oblong punctures.

316 HISTORY OP BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

arranged in a circular manner round tlie base, but smooth
towards the aperture. It varies a good deal, but generally
there is a mucro on the upper lip, and five or six short
spines on the lower lip. It seems not uncommon.

21. Lepralia pediostoma, a. II. Ilassall. (Plate
XVIII. fig. 67.)

Hab. DubHn Bay and Plymouth Sound, Hassall ; Cornish
coast, Peach ; Berwick Bay, rare. Dr. Johnston ; Exmoutb,
Rev. T. Hincks ; coast of Ayrshire and of Arran, common,
D. L.

This is a handsome and very distinct species, with large
cells, the walls of which are either pitted or spotted, the
spots being the punctures covered with a thin membrane.
It grows in considerable patches. Dr. Johnston mentions
that it is sometimes of a light crimson-red, or sometimes
of a pure white colour, often with a glossy lustre. It has
the glossy lustre with us, but it is never crimson-red, and
seldom pure white : it is often light grey, and more fre-
quently a pale lilac.

22. Lepralia verrucosa, IV. Bean.

Hab. Near Scarborough, rare, Mr. Bean ; Dublin Bay,
Miss Ball; Cornwall, Mr. Peach.

This is thought by some to bear some resemblance to

LEPRALIA. 317

L. pediostoma. I am not so well acquainted with it as with
L. pediostoma, but I have specimens of it from Dr. Greville
and Mrs. Gatty^ and I can see no approximation except in
the colour, and perhaps the size. L, p)ediostoma is stout
and not easily injured ; L. verrucosa is thin and very friable.
The former is punctured all over; the latter is areolated
towards the base of the cells : the aperture of the former
has a plain rim ; the latter has a strong mucro on the upper
lip.

23. Lepralia reticulata, •/. Macgillivray.

Hab. On bivalve shells, deep water, rare.

A fine specimen of this, the only one I have seen, I had
the honour of receiving from Lady Enmia Campbell, of
Argyle. It is on a beautiful Pecteii striatus, dredged in
Loch Fine.

jN[early allied to Lepralia variolosa.

24?. Lepralia variolosa.

Hab. On stones, and bivalve shells.

This is spoken of by Mr. Peach as Proteus-like. The
two varieties in Dr. Johnston^s j^late Iv. figs. 8 and 9,
might almost be regarded as distinct species. It is very
various in colouring also. It is described as yellowish, or
dull greyish-white ; now I have a specimen of it from Dr.

318 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Greville from Orkney, and I have repeatedly got specimens
of it on the coast of Ayrshire and of Arran, covering a con-
siderable space of bivalve shells with cells of the purest
white. The cells are oblong, depressed, the space betwixt
them punctured. The aperture is sometimes with a sinus
on the upper lip, sometimes with a denticle; at times
with a plain margin, and at other times with two spines on
the under lip.

25. Lepralia fenestralis, R. Q. Couch.
Hab. On stones, Cornwall, R. Q. Couch.

Cells urceolate, with longitudinal and transverse lines,
giving a net-like or window-Uke appearance, covered with
a transparent membrane, which Mr. Couch says is best seen
when dry.

26. Lepralia nitida, Br. Fleming.

Hab. On shells and Lcunhiarice, rare. Dr. Fleming ; Isle
of Man, Prof. E. Forbes; Scarborough, rare, Mr. Bean;
Devonshire, common. Rev. T. Hincks; Cornwall, Mr.
Peach; Strangford Lough, Mr. AV. Thompson; Berwick
Bay, Dr. Johnston; coast of Ayrshire, coast of Devon,
coast of Ross-shire, D. L.

This is perhaps the greatest beauty of this beautiful
family. It even surpasses L. amiulata, so much and so

LEPRALIA. 319

deservedly admired by 0. Fabricius. Mr. Hassall^s com-
parison, though, except to an anatomist, not a pleasing one,
gives a good idea of it. It is like '' a miniature human
thorax ; the cross-pieces representing the ribs, and the broad
band into which these are inserted being analogous to a
sternum." We must suppose it the thorax of a pretty little
fairy, for notwithstanding its skeleton-like aspect, it is very
beautiful. It is rare in Scotland. The finest specimen I
have seen I got on the shore opposite to Port George, In-
verness-shire. It was almost equalled by specimens I got
from Miss Cutler, at Budleigh Salterton, the whole fabric
of which had a metallic appearance ; the tiny ribs seemed
made of steel. There are several varieties of it, for the
aperture is sometimes unarmed, and at other times with a
spine at each side ; those I got at Budleigh Salterton had
five long spines on the under lip. It is common on Esc/iara
foliacea in Devonshire. " When living, it is either a
yellowish flesh-colour, or intermediate to a silvery white.'''
[Couch.)

26"^. Lepralia MEiiOLONTHA, ^Busk. (Plate XVIII.

fig. 70.)

This cannot but be regarded as a remarkably beautiful
species, seeing that it was for some time considered as what

320 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

we may call an improved variety of that little gem, L.
nitida. It was discovered by Mr. Busk on oyster-shells
from the south of England, and on shells from the Thames,
sent to him by Lieutenant Thomas. It was also detected
by Mrs. Gatty on oyster-shells sent to her from the south
of England; and on her specimens some of its distinguish-
ing characteristics were first observed. After strict and de-
liberate examination, it has been found to be quite entitled
to rank as a distinct species, to which the very appropriate
name, melolonthay has been assigned, because it has a tail
turned up very like a cockchafer^s. It has a hyaline crust,
and two turned-up horns on the under lip. I have it from
Mrs. Gatty, to whose felicitous pencil I am indebted for all
the figures of the Lepralia, Plate XYIIL, except fig. 71,
an exquisite representation of L. Gatty cb, by Dr. Greville, of
Edinburgh. The following description of L. meloloiitha I
owe to the kindness of Mrs. Gatty.

" This is the variety of L. nitida mentioned by Dr.
Johnston as ' branched in a fine dendritic manner, like
Alecto dilatans.' It differs from L. nitida in the cells being
immersed in a delicate transparent crust ; so that, in some
cases, there is a considerable intervening space between
each cell. A still more remarkable feature, and the one

LEPEALIA. 321

from which its name has been taken, is a thick strong
spine, which turns up, nearly at right angles, from the
lower end of the cells. Two equally thick and strong
spines stand up in the same position, one on each side of
the mouth ; the two mouth-spines and tail not being per-
fectly upright, but inclining slightly towards eacli other.
The resemblance of many of the cells to a cockchafer or
tailed-beetle is very striking. I have only found L. melo-
lonfha on i\\Qflat shells of native oysters, and usually near
the joint end, in some little dip or hollow, where the polype
perhaps hoped to have his house and himself secure from
injury. But if so, we must admit that he is a very bad
judge of such matters, for the flatness of his favourite shell
exposes him to so many rubs and injuries that it is hardly
possible to find a specimen in which the tail and mouth-
spines are perfect; in so many cases they have been broken
off, leaving an aperture in their place. These accidents
have perhaps been the cause of the peculiarity of this
species not having been sooner noticed; for, deprived of
the mouth-spines and tail, it is difficult to discover any
difference between L. melolontha and L. 7iitida, except the
fact of L. melolo7itha growing in a branched figure, instead
of in alternate rows, as is the usual Lepralia fasliion."

Y

322 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

27. Lepralia innominata, C. W. Peach.

Hab. On stones and shells, coast of Cornwall, Peach ;
dredged off Sana Island, Mr. Ilyndman.

Though this pretty little distinct species is found near
us, T have not fallen in with it on the coast of Ayrsliire ;
but I have a specimen of it before me, from Mrs. Gatty.
The cells are white, ovate, and sometimes almost orbicular ;
and when the ribs diverge from a central umbo, it is like a
Fecten in miniature. " The margin is surrounded by nu-
merous long and slender bristles, which are very commonly
destroyed.^^ [Couch.)

28. Lepralia semilunaris, A. II. Hassall.

Hab. Dublin Bay and coast of Norfolk, Mr. Hassall.

The cells are perforated ; the aperture semi-lunar ; often
with an operculum, and at times with a short spine on each
side of the mouth.

•jf-x-x-x- ]f^all of the cell roughened.

29. Lepralia unicornis.

Hab. On rocks, and on the roots of L. digitata.

This is very common on the coast of Ayrshire, on the
roots of Laminaria digitata. The cells arc disposed in
rows, rough and scaly, with a constricted aperture. Colour
reddish and sometimes white.

G8.

G7. W -^' ^

^'■

^?i.?.

*^^i

71.--''

7U.L.-

L.aiLlL-'li^tH.

L.G-att/as.

M.G .^el. AAfflfs.Hlh

F.BMVftjU

lepralia. 323

30. Lepralia Ballii.

Hab. On bivalve shells, island of Sana, Mr. Hyndman ;
coast of Cornwall, Mr. Peach.

This is dedicated to Robert Ball, Esq., of Dublin, an
eminent naturalist. The cells are short and raised, thick,
and rough with granules ; the aperture wide, with a mucro
above the upper lip, and with two ear-like open loops at the
side. Capsules in front, rounded, granulous. It is now
thought to be a variety of L. coccinea.

31. Lepralia coccinea, Lr. Fleming.

Hab. On the under side of stones. Dr. Fleming; on
Nulliporapoli/morphay Isle of Man, Prof. E. Eorbes; Corn-
wall, Mr. Peach ; Isle of Wight, Mr. Thompson ; near- St.
Andrew's, Prof. Read; Ealmouth, Dr. Cocks; dredged off
the Tees, Lieut. Thomas, R.N. ; on roots of Laminaria
digitata, Saltcoats, D. L.

" Cells sub-cylindrical, adjacent, in divergingly bifid
rows ; mouth wide, a single blunt tooth on the outer mar-
gin, and two or three spines on the ^ inner.'' It is pretty
common on the coast of Ayrshire.

32. Lepralia ciliata. (Plate XYIII. fig. 66.)

Hab. Parasitical on seaweeds, rocks, and shells ; common.
This is one of the most common of our Lepralias, and

o24 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

pretty easily distinguished, though it assumes some variety
of forms. The cells are ovato-globose, frosted ; the aperture
sub-circular, with from three to seven spines, those in the
middle being long, and those at the sides short. There are
no spines on the upper lip, but there is a knob above it.
The L. insi(/nis of Ilassall, besides the spines on the upper
lip, has a single spine arising from the si(k. I remember
that he was pleased when I sent him specimens of it from
our Ayrshire coast, where it is pretty common. It is smaller
and neater, but Dr. Johnston tliinks it is only a variety of
the normal state.

33. Lepralia spinifera, A. H. Ilassall.

Hab. Rather abundant on stones and shells, in Dublin
Bav, A. H. Hassall.

This differs from L, ciliata scarcely in anything except
that it has a sinus in the upper lip.

34. Lepralia trispikosa, Br. Johnston.

Hab. On shells, Berwick Bay, rare. Dr. Johnston ; coast
of Cornwall, Mr. Peach ; near Aberdeen, on roots of Lami-
7iaria digitaia, J. Macgillivray.

Crust often silvery white, with minute yellow dots ; cells
rough ; aperture a Kttle cleft above, having three stout long
spines on the under lip.

LEPRALIA. 3:25

35. Lepralia immersa, Br. Johnston.
Hab. On shells and stones from deep water.

The crust is rough, the aperture small, with a blunt
tooth on the upper lip ; the surface minutely granular. Dr.
Johnston says it differs from L. ciliata in having a more
solid texture ; in forming larger patches ; in the much less
distinctness of the cells; in the aperture having no rim,
but a slight projection in the upper margin ; and in there
being no knob behind it. It is not uncommon on the west
coast. I have specimens of it, from Tiree, on Pinna ingens.

36. Lepralia violacea. Professor Forbes.

Hab. On NuUipores, from the Isle of Man, E. Forbes;
coast of Cornwall, Mr. Peach ; Dr. Greville.

" This species is nearly allied to the latter, and the most
distinguishing characteristic may be the purple colour of
the crust, which is quite peculiar to it.''

37. Lepralia bispinosa.

Hab. On Modiola vulgaris, Berwick Bay, Dr. Johnston.

Dr. Johnston states that this species bears a very close
resemblance to CelUjpora pumicosu. By his figure of it
however (plate Ivii. fig. 10), it seems sufficiently distin-
guished from it by the very long spines which originate
from the angles of the lower lip.

326 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

38. Lepralia GATTYiE, BtisJc. (Plate XVIII. fig. 71.)

Hab. Discovered by Mrs. Gatty, of Ecclesfield, on Fhi/l-
lopJiora ruhens, from Sidmoutli and Jersey.

The following description is from the pen of Mrs. Galty.

" A delicate and beautiful Lepralia, of transpareut tex-
ture, found hitherto only on PJii/llcphora rubens ; and
being usually surrounded by patches of other varieties of
its race of larger size, it is very apt to be overlooked. Its
very minute size is, however, an almost sure guide by which
to find it ; and when once seen through a tolerably good
lens, it can never be mistaken for any of its relatives. The
commonest observer, who can see it at all, will see that the
centre of each cell is ornamented with a rich pattern, whereas
other Lepralice are either dotted all over the cell, or round
the sides, leaving the centre plain, or across the cell in
lines. The pattern of L. Gattya, therefore, thrown as it is
on the middle of the cell, is a very characteristic feature.
There are two other characters which separate it entirely
from other species; but these require a stronger glass to
detect them. At the foot of each of the five spines that
surround the mouth or aperture, there is a black ring. (See
the Plate.) [This is supposed by Mr. Busk to be a flexible
joint, similar to that of Crhia denticidaia.'] And below

LEPRALIA. 327

the month there is, on each side, a single fine spine, which
may be compared, perhaps, to a cat's whisker. The pat-
tern of the ornamented centre will be best understood by a
reference to the Plate. In the middle of all there is a knob
or projection (more or less obvious in different individuals),
and round this ^umbo-like projection' there is a circle of
small dots or punctures. From this circle emanate rays,
or raised lines, between each of which is to be found a dot
or puncture, larger in size than those of the other circle.
These rays and stars, as they may be called, are alternate,
and so form a circle outside the circle that surrounds the
umbo. Dr. Greville discovered that the pear-shaped, ter-
mination of each cell is dehcately fluted, as represented in
the Plate; but this character cannot be considered a uni-
versal guide, as the pear-shaped termination to the cell is
wanting in many specimens, perhaps from the overcrowd-
ing of the cells.

The species has been found, during two successive winters,
at Sidmouth (1851 and 1852), and is to be met with also
in Jersey.

Genus XIV. MEMBEANIPOEA, BlainviUe.
Gen. Char. Polypidom incrusting, membrano-calcareouSj

328 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

spreading irregularly, formed of a single layer of alternating
approximated cells ; cells oval, horizontal, membranous, the
aperture patulous, with a hard calcareous rim. — Johnston.

1. Membranipora pilosa, Ellis.

Hab. On seaweeds, abundant, and also on shells.

This zoophyte is often met with in greater abundance
than many would wish, as it completely covers, and in a
manner conceals, the objects on which it grows. Yet, though
when it is of a dirty white colour, smothering some delicate
alga, we might wish that it were away, when the attention
is turned to it in some of its finer aspects it is truly beau-
tiful. TMien it is of a fine fawn-colour, clothing a little
branching seaweed, it is quite lovely ; and not less so when
it spreads itself freely on some broad-leaved seaweed, as it
oft€n does, either irregularly or in a stellated form. It has
then a silvery appearance, and many, when for the first
time they examine it with a lens, and see its sharply-toothed
and granulated cells, are so struck with its beauty that they
conclude that this exquisite production must be very rare.
Beliind the mouth of each cell there is a very long tubular
bristle.

The polypes of this species are furnished with a singular
organ, described by Dr. Farre and by the Rev. T. Hincks.

MEMBRANIPOEA. 329

It is oblong, placed between the base of two of the arms,
and attached to the tentacular ring. Eound the opening at
the top there is a play of cilia, and it is lined with cilia.
Mr. Hincks had long made this organ the subject of inves-
tigation, and at length he was rewarded by the following
discoveries. '' Specimens of the zoophyte were procured
in spring, in which the cercaria of Dr. Tarre — filamentous
bodies which are found swimming in the visceral cavity in
many species of Bryozoa — were present in great abundance.
In one of these polypes I observed a mass of these cercarice
wriggling upward from the low^er part of the visceral cavity ;
and each filament, when it reached the base of the organ
before referred to, was drawn into it and carried through
it by the action of the ciha lining the interior, and then
ejected and borne off by the tentacular currents. This ex-
pulsion went on for three or four minutes, during which
time the filaments were streaming up incessantly from below.
After a while a single filament only made its appearance
occasionally, and at last none were to be seen."

Dr. Parre having observed the cercarice in Alcyoniunij
" drifting rapidly to the upper part of the visceral cavity,"
adds, " it would appear from this that there is some external
communication with the cavity of the body." Mr. Hincks

330 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

states, " ^Ty observations show that this communication is
through the intertentacular organ, and that whatever pur-
pose it may subserve besides, in the economy of the Bryo-
zoon, it is at certain seasons the chaimel through which
cercaria arc ejected from the visceral cavity. — The con-
nection proved to exist between the ciHated organ and the
cerearice — which must be regarded as spermatozoic bodies —
may be accepted as conclusive evidence that it is subservient
in some way to the function of generation. "

Since I wrote the above, I put into a tumbler of sea-
water a small fragment of OdonthaUa dentata, on which I
saw there were zoophytes. On applying a pocket-lens, I
observed a very perfect specimen of the small creeping va-
riety of Sertularia rugosa, and I was much struck with the
sculpture of the large vesicles, resembling the finest cut
crystal vases. The pretty cells were closely set in alternate
order, and from several of them the purely white polypes
were fully expanded. Then I observed a beautifid little
specimen of Coryne pusilla, var. muscoides, with many live
polypes, intermingled with oval vesicles. My attention
was then caught by Memhranijwra pilosaj a very common
object, but even more interesting than either of the
others, for there was more life about it. The little

MEMBRANIPOEA. 331

white polj^pes were popping out of their cells, and anon
with the quickness of lightning darting back into them
again. But I observed, what was quite a new sight to me,
one of the polypes which had broken loose from its cell,
and w^as voyaging through what must have seemed to it a
vast field of waters. To the naked eye it was almost invi-
sible, but when magnified by the lens it was like a beautiful
little hand-bell, the bell, which was bowl-shaped, being
formed by about twenty tentacula, and the body, or part of
the body, constituting the handle. Beautiful as it was, I
could not help regarding it with pity. I fear it was not a
voyage of pleasure. It w^as bounding about, but its efforts
seemed convulsive. It closed its little arms, as if it had
been clasping them in anguish, and then by a sudden jerk
threw them out again. Perhaps it had been torn by vio-
lence from its home, and knew not the way back to it, so
that its wanderings may have been its misfortune and not
its fault. I soon lost sight of it, and it may have perished.
Less to be pitied, however, than many thoughtless youths,
who intentionally go astray, and who, being launched on a
dangerous sea without helm or compass or chart, are driven
about and tossed, and terminate their guilty career amidst
blackness, and darkness, and tempest.

332 HISTORY OP BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

2. Membranipora me^ibranacea, Dr. Fleming,

Hab. " Common, e-specially on stones near low-water
mark/' Dr. Fleming. '^ I have never seen it on seaweeds/'
Dr. Johnston. On the coast of Ayrshire it is common on
the inside surface of old specimens of Bnccinum undatum ;
I have it also on the outside of Patella carulea, D. L.

This is the Flustra unicornis of Dr. Fleming ; the Flustra
tuherculata of Dr. Johnston's first edition. It spreads to a
considerable extent as a thin ^auze-like crust of a whitish
colour. The cells have a large ovate aperture, and above
it there is a stout hollow conical process.

The workmanship is very delicate, and He who made the
artificer endowed it with instinctive prudence to choose a
sheltered position for its domicile. It spreads itself on the
smooth pure white inner surface of a newly deserted Bi/cci-
nutn, and though the shell should be tumbled about with the
storm, the inside colony are perfectly safe. But where is the
prudence, it may be said, in building its city on the very out-
side summit of Patella carulea ? Even here its prudence
is not at fault, for the Patella chooses for itself one of
the snuggest possible residences. It hollows out a cave in
which it may ensconce itself in the very centre of the roots
of Larninaria digitatay and in this munition the Memhrani-

ESCHAllIDiE. 833

pora is as safe on the outside of the Patella as it could
possibly be in the inside of the Buccinum, and this while
the inmate of the cserulean limpet is yet alive.

Family ESCHAEID^.

" I stood upon a smooth and sandy shore, —
'Twas one of Autumn's bright and sunny days, —
The sea was clear as crystal — hush'd its roar,
And distant mountains soften' d by the haze ;
Green were the waters, and the sky deep blue
Reflected in them form'd a lovely hue :
Huge porpoises were rolling o'er and o'er.
And fishermen were busy on the shore,
Mending their nets to cast into the deep,
That they of ocean's stores their share might reap ;
While dove-like mews were hovering o'er the sea,
Dipping their wings and feet luxuriously." — Miss S. Beever.

Several species of the Escharidce have certain singular
organs attached to the cells, and called the avicularium, or
bird's-head, in consequence of their shape. Dr. Johnston
has recorded some interesting remarks made on them in
foreign species by Mr. Darwin ; and I am happy that I am
permitted to copy the following observation made on them
in our native species, by the Eev. T. Ilincks, of Exeter.

'^The 'bird^s-head processes/ with which some of the

334 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

species of Bryozoa are furnislied, have engaged the careful
attention of iiaturaHsts, and their form and movements
have been accurately described. But though we have many
conjectures as to their precise function, and relation to the
economy of the animal, few facts have as yet been recorded
which throw light on the uses of tliis curious portion of
structure. Such being the case, the following observations
may have some interest.

" The organ to which I refer bears a striking resemblance
to a miniature bird^s head, and is mounted on a short pe-
dicle, furnished in most cases with a basal joint, by means
of which it can be swayed backward and forward. These
'processes' are distributed in great numbers over the poly-
pidom, one being generally placed on each cell.

" The beaks are continually gaping and closing with
much vehemence ; and the entire organ is frequently swung
to and fro. The movements, as it has often been noted,
are quite independent of the polypes ; and Mr. Darwin has
well remarked, that in their functions these bodies ' are
related rather to the axis than to any of the polype.'

" There is something very comical in tlie energy and
earnestness with wliich these tiny jaws open and close, and
throw themselves about, no cause being apparent, in general.

ESCHARID^. 335

for the outrageous gapings and eccentric jerks in which
they indulge. They occur on several British species, as,
for example, Flustra avicularis and Cellularia avicularis.

" While watching, on one occasion, a piece of the latter
zoophyte through the microscope, a worm passed over it
and among its branches. It was almost immediately firmly
grasped by one of the avicularia, and forcibly detained.
In a short time one end of it was seized by another, from
which, however, by its violent contortions, it extricated
itself, but not without injury. The first assailant, mean-
while, kept fast hold, and soon two others caught the un-
fortunate at different points of the body. Thus it was held
securely pinioned ; and all its efforts to disengage itself,
w^hich were most vigorous, proved unavailing. The avicu-
laria grasped the body of their victim most viciously, and
nearly divided it. Wlien I last observed the contest, the
worm seemed exhausted by its struggles, and scarcely
stirred; the heaJcs remaining firm and motionless. These
strange police-officers were very systematic in their opera-
tions, and, in capturing the intruder, seemed to be dis-
charging a very ordinary function.

'^ There can be little doubt, I think, that it is the office
of these organs to defend the Bnjozoon from its enemies.

336 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

The beaks are well placed for such a purpose, aud their in-
cessant gaping and swinging must enable them readily to
detect the presence of trespassers. The avieiilaria, then,
must be regarded as part of the machinery of the axis,
charged with the special office of keeping the polypidom
free from extraneous matters. An analogous contrivance
occurs on others of the Bryozoa, consisting of large bristles
attached to the cells by a joint, upon which they move back-
ward and forward with considerable force. These clear
away obnoxious matter from the neighbourhood of the cell,
and keep the surface of the polypidom clean. I can con-
firm, from personal observation, the remarks which some
authors have made respecting the force with which the
movements of these hair-hke appendages are executed.'*

How interesting and instructive are these observations !
They show the kind care of the great Creator over the
minutest of His creatures. And will He not care for the
children of His own familv — for His ransomed ? Yea,
verily ; He who has sent His Son to save them, will give
His angels charge over them ; for it is written, " Are they
not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them
who shall be heirs of salvation ?''

CELLULARIA. 337

Genus XV. CELLULAEIA, Dallas.

Gen. Char. Polypidom calcareous or membrano-calcareoiis,
confervoid, divided dichotomously ; the divisions narrow, com-
posed of two or three alternating series of oblong contiguous
cells ou a single plane ; the apertures lateral, oblique, and facing-
one way. Polypes ascidian, with usually fourteen tentacula ; no
gizzard. — Johnston.

^ Aperture of the cell terminal.
1. Cellulaeia ctliata, MUs. (Plate XVII. fig. 62.)
Hab. On corallines, roots, and also branches of Algee.
Salcombe, Eev. T. Hincks; Irish coast, sparingly, W.
Thompson; Peterhead, C. W. Peach; coast of Ayrshire,
rare, D. L. Dr. Pleming says it is common; from whicli
I conclude that it is much oftener met with on the northern
and eastern shores of Scotland than on the western. I have
had good specimens of it from Miss Allardyce, of Cromarty ;
a very large specimen from Miss S. Beever, of Coniston,
but I beheve it was from, a friend (Miss Hislop) in the Isle
of Man ; and I have often got it in little tufts on seaweeds,
sent me in a rough state from the south of England.

The little tufts are from half an inch to nearly an inch in
height, delicate, of pellucid whiteness, and dichotomously
branched. The cells crown the top of the branches; the

z

338 HISTORY OF BHITISH ZOOPHYTES.

wide ai)ertures are fringed on the upper edge with four or
five long calcareous spines, which are easily broken off
when dry, and the mouth is often covered with a pearly
operculum. It is in all states beautiful ; but when a lens
is applied to it in this pearl-operculated form, it is one of
the finest objects of a minute nature that can anywhere be
seen. AVhat human hand would not hang down in despair,
if required to imitate it ; and yet the great Unseen teaches
an almost invisible worm thus elegantly to fashion it. We
have ten fingers, and they often work wonders. Professor
Edward Forbes states that this little Ascidian polype has
from twelve to sixteen, to which we give the name of
tentacula.

2. Cellularia tern ATA, Dr. David Skene.

Hab. Sent from Aberdeen, by Dr. D. Skene, to EUis;
Dr. Fleming's were from Zetland; mine were from Lady
Keith Murray, Stonehaven, and from Mr. Bean, of Scar-
borough, at which latter place it is not rare on corallines,
and sometimes attached to shells. Peterhead, abundant,
Mr. Peach.

It is about an inch in height, branching dichotomously ;
the cells enlarge gradually in breadth towards the top, and
are armed above with two or three short spines. It takes

CELLULARIA. 339

not its specific name from the number of the spines, but
from having three cells betwixt every two joints.
■^■^ Aperture superior ^ suhterminalj oval,

3. Cellularia scruposa, Creeping Stony Coralline, Ellis.

Hab. On the roots of Laminaria digitata, and on coral-
lines and seaweeds. Peterhead, not uncommon, Mr. Peach.
It is common in the Pirth of Porth, and in the north of
Scotland, but we have very seldom met with it in the west.
Mr. Robert Gray has found it in abundance to the east of
Dunbar. Where it is found at the roots of seaw^eeds, it
often covers an inch square, creeping along the surface, and
attacliing itself by tabulous root-like fibres ; the cells are
oval ; each cell has two appendages, the one in the form of
pincers, and the other is furnished with a long moveable
bristle.

4. Cellularia reptans, Ellis.

Hab. On corallines, seaweeds, etc.; common.

This is pretty like the preceding, but the tufts are larger.
The branches are dichotomous; the cells have an oblique
opening, armed with four or sometimes five short spines.
The colour is lighter than that of the preceding ; with us it
is light grey, and not unfrequently tinged with red. It is
very abundant, on the coast of Ayrshire, on Kaliclrys sill-

340 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

qiiosa. It is attached by tubulous fibrous roots, proceeding
from various parts of the polypidom ; and ElHs mentions
that they are often hooked, to give it a firmer hokl. The
dicbotomous branches are jointed at their base, as shown
by EUis (plate xx. fig. 4). What skill and kindness in all
His works ! '^ The ramifications arc connected by some
short pliant tnhdi, which serve as so many hinges to the
branches to play to and fro freely, and comply with the
violent motions of the sea. These hinges seem to consist
of two short tubes, one to each row of cells, and are so
firmly united to each branch that they seem insensibly to
pass into the cells of each.^^ [Ellis.) Ovarian capsules not
common.

5. Cellularia Hookeri, Sir IF, J. Hoohr.

Hab. Found by Sir William Hooker at Torquay; and
by Prof. E. Eorbes in Zetland.

This beautiful little coralline is of great rarity. It is
thus described by Dr. Fleming : — " Height upwards of an
inch, dichotomously branched; branches straight, stiff",
brittle, divaricate; the cells are protuberant dorsally, and
their rounded top is nearly free, projecting laterally, giving
the edge a remarkably jagged outline, and the pearly ovaria
are rounded.^'' In addition. Dr. Johnston states that near

Plate XIX,

74:.

^y

X

74;.

73.

i\ /;

'\. l;f

72

'W

72 .■■■•■

'^'

s

,»,

, fe ^ w -

iiLuriiaria. farciiTimoide:
jCciriiamiralDili?.

CELLULARTA. 341

the base of some of the cells there arises a loni^ setaceous
bristle^ that bends over the upper surface of the pol3'pidom,
and it is moveable. We doubt not that this formidable
lash is to keep off intruders, and to sweep them away when
they have made encroachments.

•jf-x-x- Apertures superior and. very large.

6. Cellularia aviculauia, Bird^s-head Coralline, MUs.
(Plate XIX. fig. 72.)

Hab. On corallines in deep water. Salcombe, common,
Rev. T. Hincks; Peterhead, Mr. Peach.

The polypidom is erect, bushy, greyish-white. The cells
have a spine at each of the upper angles, and the aperture
is generally covered with a round pearly operculum. ^' On
the outside of each cell we discover the appearance of a
bird^s head, with a crooked beak, opening very wide."
[Ellis.) It is distinguished from Flustra avicularis by
having two conical spines at the angles, whereas it {F. avi-
cularis) has four, which also differ in appearance. The colour,
likewise, is fainter when dried. I have it from Mr. Tuma-
nowicz, Hastings.

•x-x-x-x- Apertures lateral and very large.

7. Cellularia neritina. Miss BlacJchurne.

Hab. " Miss Blackburne, Cheshire," Dr. Fleming ; Scar-

342 HISTORY OF BKITISH ZOOPHYTES.

borough, very rare, Mr. Bean ; Tyncmouth, Miss E. Eorster ;
Copinstra, Lieut. Thomas, K.lSr.

Several inches in height; cells oblong; aperture large
and oval ; capsules pearly and formed like a young Nerita,
whence the specific name.

8. Cellularia plumosa, Boodij.

Hab. Not uncommon beyond low-water mark, Fleming ;
Salcombe, Eev. T. Hincks ; Hastings, M. Tumanowicz ;
Firth of Forth, D. L., jun. ; Lochryan, oyster- shells, D. L.

Two inches high, in habit a little like Sertularia argentea,
but more tufted, and it is often of a pink colour, with
pearly operculums.

9. Cellularia Peachii, Busk.

Hab. Boddom, Buchanness ; Peterhead, Tyuemouth, Co-
pinstra, Lieut. Thomas, E.N.

The account of this new species I take by kind permis-
sion from Mr. Busk^s account of it in the ' Annals of Na-
tural History.^ Mr. Peach, by whom it was first observed
to be distinct from C. nerilina, remarks that the species is
bushy, erect, attached to stones, old shells, and to other
zoophytes, from deep water, brought up by fishermen's lines
oft' Peterhead. — "It is white, and of a delicate shining
aspect when dry ; the branches long, slender, and straggling.

SCRUPOCELLAEIA. 343

The inferior end of the cell as seen behind much contracted ;
the mouth regularly oval, and surrounded with a somewhat
tliickened margin, beset with minute verrucosities. There
is a row of from three to five small openings towards the
outer border of the cell on the back, and the upper and
outer angle in front supports a minute upright spine, which
is, however, not unfrequently wholly wanting. There are
no moveable appendages. The ovarian cells are rounded
and affixed above the cell to wliich they belong, and imme-
diately behind the upper margin of the mouth, which in
that case is slightly depressed. The external surface is
marked by lines crossing each other obliquely, and giving
it a tessellated aspect. The mouth of the cell is filled up
by a delicate transparent membrane, in the upper part of
which is situated the crescentic orifice, protected below by
a projecting, and probably moveable labium, as in others of
this class." {Busk.)

Genus SCRUPOCELLARIA.

1. SCRUPOCELLAEIA SCRUPEA, BusTc.

Hab. Dredged near Dartmouth by Prof. E. Forbes, and
by Mr. M'Andrew in the Mediterranean.

814< HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

I insert also in this place, by the same kind permission,
Mr. Busk's account of this zoophyte, new to our British
Fauna.

" In stating the form of the cells in this genus, it is more
convenient usually to refer to the back view of them, as I
liave done in this case.

*^In habit this species bears so close a resemblance to
S. scr?(posa that to the naked eye there is very little diller-
ence between them. The branches are a little broader, and
perhaps more regularly and more closely disposed. The cells
are wider in proportion to their length than in that species,
and their sides, especially the upper one, more square
and straight. The priuci])al difference in the form of the
cell consists in the existence in S. scmpea of a rather deep
depression or sinus on the back of the cell, and towards
the outer margin, in which sinus is lodged the vihraadum'^.
This organ is placed considerably more behind the cell than
it is in S. scrvposa, and differs somewhat in shape from the
same organ in that species. It is wider, flatter, and, as it
were, of a spatulate form. The avicularium occupies the
same position, or nearly so, as in that species, or perhaps is

* Mr. Busk employs this term to signify the organ furnished with n
moveable or vibratile seta, as distinguished from the prehensile avicularia.

FLUSTRA. 345

also placed a little more posteriorly. An important differ-
ence, however, between these very similar species consists
in the reniform pedunculate operculum, which projects in
front of the mouth of the cell. Although this organ exists
in a great variety of form in many species of CellulanadcBj
and is particularly well developed in the common C. rejotans,
I am not aware that it has hitherto received the attention
it would seem to deserve in the distinction of species. This
process does not arise from the edge of the cell, but from
the wall of the cell a little beyond the margin, and it usually
appears to be tubular at its origin. It assumes various
forms, some very fantastic, and increases in size as the cell
becomes older, so that in the older cells at the bottom of
the branches it almost entirely covers the mouth."

Genus XYI. FLUSTRA, Sea-Mats, Linnaeus.

Gen. Char. Polypidom plant-like, membranous, frondose or
crustaceous, formed of cells arranged quincuncially in several
series, and in one or two layers : cells in juxtaposition, more or
less quadrangular, flat, with distinct border : the aperture trans-
verse, semi-lunar, valvular, subterminal. — Br. Jolmdon.

346 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

■^ Foliaceous, with cells on hoth sides.

1. Flustra foliacea, Broad-leaved Horn- wrack. (Plate
XYII. fig. 63.)

Hab. On hard ground, in a few fathoms water.

It is several inches in height and breadth. We have
never found it on the Ayrshire coast except in fragments
evidently drifted. I have got it in great abundance betwixt
Leith and Portobello ; I have it from Mr. A. Tudor, Bootle ;
from ]\Iiss IM'Leish and Misses Steel in abundance from the
Dee below Cliester; from Eev. Mr. Urquhart, Lochryan.
I have dredged it sparingly and small in Lamlash Bay,
Arran. "What I got there, as well as what I got in the
Firth of Forth, had, when fresh, a very agreeable flavour,
like bergamot, or rather like Verbena trijphjlla. This plea-
sant flavour is mentioned by several ; compared by one to
that of the orange, by another to that of violets, by a third
to the mixed odour of roses and geraniums; so that it is
probable that it differs in different places, for ElHs ascribes
to it an unpleasant fishy smell. It spreads out in a pal-
mated fan-like form. The segments of the frond differ
much in size in different specimens, some being narrow, and
others more than an inch in breadth, though tliis is rare.
By some it is greatly admired. Hooker says, " For curiosity

TLUSTRA. 347

and beauty, I have not, among all the plants or vegetables
I have yet observed, seen any one comparable to this sea-
weed/' And yet our Newhaven fishermen speak of this
and many other zoophytes as sea-caff, i. e. sea-chaff, either
as worthless, or as easily, when dry, driven about by the
wind. Nevertheless it is, to those who attentively consider
it, an admirable piece of workmanship, as Eay and other
intelHgent naturalists say, vying in its texture with a web
of silk or of fine linen. Its name is from a Saxon word,
flustrian, to weave ; and He alone who gathered together the
waters of the sea could teach these marine manufacturers
to construct amidst its waves such elegant tabernacles.

2. Flustra chartacea. Paper Sea-Mat.

Hab. Coast of Sussex, Ellis; Brighton, Lister; Ply-
mouth, Eev. T. Hincks; Dublin Bay, Professor Allman;
south of Ireland, Mr. W. Thompson. So far as I know,
this has never been found in Scotland, but I have it from
Mr. Tumanowicz, Mr. Wigham, and Miss S. Beever, from
Hastings, where it seems to abound ; also from Mr. Pike,
from Brighton.

The cells are an oblong figure, the apertures protected
by a helmet-like operculum. It is of smaller size and of
more delicate texture than the preceding ; of a light straw-

348 HISTOllY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

colour, though occasionally tinted with pink. It is scarcely
two inches in height ; and it is thin and glistening.

3. Flustra truncata, Xarrow-leaved Horn-wrack.
(Plate XYII. fig. 64.)

Hab. Very common on many of the shores of Scotland,
as well as the north of England, but not found in the
south of England. It is common in Belfast Bay. Mr. W.
Thompson, Peterhead ; abundant and very fine, Mt. Peach.
It is found in great abundance betwixt Leith and Porto-
bello. The finest specimens I have seen were gathered by me
at the Black Eocks, Leith, at low-water, glistening, when
dried, as if varnished. We have found it also at Dirleton,
opposite to the Bass Rock. But we have never fallen in
with it on the coast of Ayrshire, Arran, or Cumbraes.

This differs considerably from both the preceding species.
It is much larger than F. chartacea, being, at times, fully
four inches in height and three in breadth; it is divided
into a greater number of segments than F. foUacea, and
they are narrower and truncated. Leaflets often spring
from tlie edges of the segments. The cells are linear-ob-
long, and have often a black dot in the centre, which is
probably the remains of the dead polype. In the specimens
gathered by me at the Black Eocks, Leith, the younger

FLTJSTRA. 349

portions of the segments were of a pinkish colour^ from
the cell being filled with living polypes. This species does
not appear to have any of the pleasant flavour which cha-
racterizes F. foliacea.

^■^ With cells on one side only.

4. Tlustra carbasea, Br. Skene.

Hab. Aberdeen^ Skene; Leith_, Dr. Coldstream; coast
of Durham, J. Hogg; coast of Berwickshire, Dr. John-
ston; Bootle, rare, Mr. Tudor; Dublin Bay, rare, Mr.
M'Calla; Stonehaven, Lady Keith Murray; on the fisher-
men's nets at Newhaven, in some abundance, D. L., jun. ;
Peterhead, rare, Mr. Peach.

It is very easy to distinguish this from any of the pre-
ceding species, from having the cells confined to one side.
The substance is thin, the colour brownish, and the surface
glossy. It has no tufted tubular roots ; the segments ex-
pand, and are rounded at the top. It is about two inches
in height, and, in proportion to its height, broader than
either F. foliacea or F. truncata. Even on the Leith
shore it is comparatively of less frequent occurrence. When
I told my lamented friend, the late Dr. Patrick Neill, that
I had got great abundance of F. foliacea and F. truncata at
Seafield — " But did you get carbasea ?" said he. '' For

350 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

that you must examine the fishermen's nets and boats
at Newhaven." Dr. Grant has calculated that a com-
mon specimen of F, carhasea presents more than 18,000
polypi, 396,000 tentacula, and 39,600,000 cilia on these
tentacula. How much life and active enjoyment on a small
polypidom !

5. Flustra setacea, Prof. John Flem'mg.

liab. iVlong with Cellijpora cervicoriiis, from deep water,
Zetland, Tleming. Height two inches ; branches linear, of
an inch in diameter, brittle.

6. Tlustra avicularis, Tan-shaped Sea-Mat, Ellis.
Hab. Attached to other corallines and old shells, in deep

water. Peterhead, on F. foliacea and F. truncata, Mr.
Peach.

Our first specimens of this pretty little Fliistra were
from Mr. Tudor, of Bootle, attached to F. foliacea ; our
next were found by Miss M^Leish, on the banks of the
Dee, below Chester, where F. foliacea, with this pretty
parasite, is cast out by the tide and lies withering on the
shore. It is about an inch in height, fan-shaped, dichoto-
mous, segments truncate, cells oblong, with pearly capsules.

7. Plustra Murrayana, Bean.

Hab. Scarborough, Mr. Bean, very rare; coast of North-

FLUSTHA. 351

umberland, Miss Dale; Yorkshire and Orkney, Lieut.
Thomas, E.N. ; Stonehaven, Lady Keith Murray ; Peter-
head, Mr. Peach; Dublin Bay, M^Calla; Leith and New-
haven, on the fishermen's nets, in some abundance, D. L.,
jun.

This pretty little Fhistra bears considerable resemblance
to F. avictdaris, but the cells, which are larger and more
raised, are armed with more spines, and from various parts
of the polypidom there are long tubular fibres thrown out
to attach it to other bodies. It is often landed with bird's-
head appendages.

^^■^ Crustaceous.
8. Flustra membranacea. Shagreen Sea-mat, Ellis.
Hab. On Laminarice, common.

This forms a beautiful gauze-like incrustation on the
broad frond of several seaweeds, but especially of Laminaria
digitata. When it is upon a narrow frond I have seen it,
though rarely, spreading itself a little beyond its support,
and the portion that was free had cells on both sides.
Young patches of it on the dark L. digitata are peculiarly
beautiful, being of a pure silvery colour, with a gracefully
rounded margin. The cells are quadrangular, — longer, how-
ever, than broad, — with a blunt hollow spine at each angle.

352 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Specimens are occasionally met with that are in some de-
gree roughened with strap -like processes, scattered over
the surfacCj sometimes in clusters of two or three together,
about a quarter of an inch in height, of the same horny
substance as the cells. They are closed at the top, and it
has been conjectured that they are ovaries. The polypes
have numerous tentacula, which expand in the form of a
bell. " When the polypes are all protruded they form a
beautiful object under the microscope, from their numbers,
their delicacy, the regularity of their disposition, and the
vivacity of their motions, now expanding their tentacula
into a beautiful campanulate figure, now contracting the
circle, and ever and anon retreating within the shelter of
their cells." [Dr. Johnston.) I have elsewhere stated that
I have seen a specimen of F. memhranacea (and Dr. John-
ston has seen its equal) five feet in length by eight inches
in breadth. As every little cell had been inhabited by a
living polype, by counting the cells on a square inch, I cal-
culated that this web of silvery lace had been the work and
the habitation of above two millions of industrious, and, we
doubt not, happy inmates ; so that a single colony, on a
submarine island of a foot in length, was almost equal in
number to the population of Scotland. Specimens of this

FLUSTRA. 353

Fhistra may be seen every day on our shores, and yet many,
year after year, have paced the shore without ever observing
them, or only regarding them as so much grey crust, quite
undeserving of their attention.

9. Fltjstra coriacea, E. Forbes,

Hab. On old shells. Isle of Man, Prof. Torbes ; Fowey
Harbour and Peterhead, not uncommon, Mr. Peach; on
old shells, dredged off Sana Island, Mr. Hyndman.

The cells broadly elliptical, having generally two hollow
tubercles on the posterior angles of the aperture.

10. Plustra? lineata. Professor Jameson.
Hab. On rocks, shells, seaweeds ; common.

This species spreads Hke a Lejyralia, in round, and often
in irregularly-shaped, patches. The cells are oval or ob-
long, sometimes with short stout spines, that meet across
the cell very like Lejjralia nit'ida, except that they are never
joined. At other times the spines are long and shaggy,
covering the cell ; but instead of uniting, inclining towards
the mouth, as we may call it, of the cell, where, in the
outermost cells, the spines are so lolig as to form a kind of
bushy beard. Several distinguished naturahsts are disposed
to think that this is not a distinct species, but a pecuHar
state of L. nitida or L. ciliata. I remember suggesting

2 A

354 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

that this might be the case, both to Dr. rieming and Dr.
Johnston, before I knew that the same suspicion had been
entertained by persons of higlier name. My attention has
thus been directed to the subject for several years ; and the
result is, that I am now disposed to think that it is a dis-
tinct species. It is exceedingly common with us; and Z.
7iitida, to which it bears the greatest resemblance, is, on the
west coast, exceedingly rare. "When richly studded with
its pearly operculums, it makes some approacli to L. ciliata
when rich with opercula as the var. insignis (not rare with
us) very frequently is ; but the form of the cells is quite dif-
ferent ; and towards L. annulata it makes not the slightest
approximation.

11. Tlustra distans, HassalL
Hab. On aquatic plants in brackish water.
Considerably more than a year ago, specimens of this
curious zoophyte were sent to me by Mr. \Yigham, of Nor-
wich, who stated that he had gathered it in abundance
at Yarmouth, in ditches of brackish water, about a mile
distant from the sea, and having no direct connection with
it. It grew, he said, on the stems of aquatic plants. It
was quite new to me, and I was advised to send it to Pro-
fessor AUman, of Trinity College, Dublin, wlio is preparing

FLUSTRA. 355

a work on fresh- water zoophytes. I did so; and I had a
very friendly letter from him, saying that it was very in-
teresting, but that he would like to examine it in a living
state before giving his opinion respecting it. In a letter
which I lately had from Mr. Wigham, he mentions that he
had shown it to Mr. Peach, who said it greatly reserabled
Memhranipora Peachii, which he had found in the dock at
Ipswich ; but yet it seemed distinct ; as the one found at
Ipswich had three inflected spines on each cell, whereas the
Yarmouth one was invariably without spines.

Corresponding lately with Mr. Busk, of Greenwich, I
sent him a specimen of the Yarmouth zoophyte, and he
wrote to me that it seemed to be Flustra distans of Mr.
Hassall, of which he had a specimen named by our lamented
friend Mr. W. Thompson. I have not at hand the volume
of the ' Annals of Natural History,^ in which it is figured
and described by Mr. Hassall.

12. Elustea hispida, Eough Sea-mat.

Hab. In irregularly-shaped patches on Fucits serratus ;
common.

This, like many other common things, possesses uncom-
mon beauty, but as this beauty must be " sought out,^^ not
one in ten thousand ever sees anything remarkable in it. I

356 HISTORY OF BllITTSH ZOOPHYTES.

confess that when seen by the naked eye, it has not much
to recommend it. As it is pretty much the colour of tlie
Fncus that it invests, it takes a trained eve to observe it at
all ; and when it is seen, what is it, some would say, but a
brownish fleshy scarf, with some scattered spinules, giving
roughness to what would otherwise be a smooth glisten-
incT surface ? If vou would look at Sir John G. DalvelFs
pretty figure of it, plate ix., or if I had room to tell you
all that he and the Rev. T. Hincks, of Exeter, have written
respecting it, you would own that there is more in this
^^ rough sea-mat^' than at first meets the eye. "When
plunged in recent sea-water,^' says the Baronet, "a thin
pale blue cloud will be speedily interposed between its dark
irregular surface and the spectator's eye. Let the vessel
sustain a shock; the cloud is instantaneously dispelled,
while the brownish fleshy substance remains prominent as
before. Tliis illusion may be frequently repeated. The
semblance of a cloud arose from a multitude of hvdrse
elicited from the cells whither they had retreated, to enjoy
the freshness of the renovated element. Their numerous
pale tentacula in motion over the darker ground, caused a
mistv shade.'''

" When immersed in sea-water, first a very short white

FLUSTRA. 357

cylinder protrudes, and then tlie integument of the body,
unfolding like the inverted finger of a glove, displays the
exterior of the animal, crowned by about thirty-five tenta-
cula in campanulate arrangement. The form of the polype
is elegant, light, and beautiful. It rises very leisurely from
the cell ; but its retreat is most precipitate, vanishing in a
moment; and thus is the cloud composed of multitudes
dissipated from before the observer.''^ All this we have
lately contemplated with great delight.

Not less interesting are the observations of the Kev. T.
Hincks, recorded in the ' Annals of Natural History,^ re-
specting the gemmules excluded from the fleshy moss,
destined to form new polypidoms ; but I must limit myself
to very short extracts. The gemmule is described as very
beautiful, thickly fringed with cilia round the border. " Its
movements are irregular. Sometimes it creeps along, using
its cilia as feet; at other times it swims pretty rapidly
through the water; at others it tumbles over and over.
Occasionally it floats on its back with its cilia up^^•ard, and
in this state resembles a miniature boat. After a short
time the cilia suddenly cease to play, the creature becomes
attached, and is gradually developed into the cell and
polype which are to be the nucleus of an extensive colony/'

358 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

" Earth has not a plain
So boundless or so beautiful as thine ;
The eagle's vision cannot take it in ;
The lightning's glance, too weak to sweep its space,
Sinks half-way o'er it like a wearied bird :
It is the mirror of the stars, where all
Their hosts within the concave firmament.
Gay marching to the music of the spheres,
Can see themselves at once." — CatnpbelL

Genus XYII. ESCHAEA, Bai/.

Gen. Char. Polypidom membrano-calcareous, inflexible, brittle,
expanding in the form of foliaeeous porous lamellae, variously
folded, and anastomosing, and consisting of two layers of oppo-
site cells : cells immersed, coalescent, horizontal to the plane of
the axis, opening on both surfaces in quincuncial pores, protected
with an operculum. — Johnston.

1. EscHARA FOLiACEA, Stony FoHaceous Coralline,
Dillenins.

Hab. In deep water. Sussex, Dillenius ; Isle of Wight,
Ellis ; Cornwall, Borlase and Couch ; Devonshire, Dr. Cold-
stream. ^Vhen in Devonshire I received specimens of it
from ^Irs. Gulson, Exmouth, and Miss Cutler, Budleigh
Salterton.

ESCHARA. 359

This is one of the things of which it is not easy to give
a person an idea, either by drawing or by verbal descrip-
tion. Were a cake of ash-colour to be kneaded out broad
and thin, and wrapped up in many winding folds leaving
numerous caverns^ and then baked or allowed to dry and
become hard, something might be formed resembling our
Eschara. And yet, after reading descriptions and seeing
figures, I found that I had formed an incorrect idea of it.
I had no notion that it was so great a thing. Mr. Couch
has seen a specimen which measured seven feet four inches
in circumference, and a foot and three-quarters in height.
This was a monster : but one the size of a bov^s head is not
uncommon. The first I saw was at Mrs. Gulson^s, Ex-
mouth, and Miss Cutler, who was present, said, when I
came to see her next day at Budleigh Salterton, she would
have some Usc/iara for me ; and certainly she kept her pro-
mise, for when I arrived I found that Mr. Templar and Mr.
Harris had been out, and had got ready for me, not a hand-
ful, or a hatful, or a pocketful, but absolutely a large wash-
ing-tub ful of living Eschara foliacea I

"When living, it is a delicate flesh-colour, which turns
to a light brown in death. It is a very thin and foHaceous
species, resembling a sheet of paper, waved into various

360 HISTORY OF BKITISH ZOOPHYTES.

folds. The plaits or folds often unite and form cavernous
passages through the mass. The cells are small, and on
both surfaces of the sheet.''' (Couch.)

2. EscHARA FASCiALis, Pallas.

Hab. Deep water. Isle of Wight, Pallas.

Much the same as the preceding, but the branches are
Hat and narrow, and regularly subdivided.

3. EsCHARA CRIBARIA.

Hab. Deep water, in Berwick Bay.
This seems different from the preceding in form and size.
In length and breadth it is less than an inch.

Genus XYIII. EETEPORA, Lamarck.

Gen. Char. Coral foliaceous, stony, fragile, netted : cells
opening only on the upper or inner side, short and not promi-
nent. — JDr. Johnston.

I. Eetepora reticulata, Netted Coralline, Rev. Wil-
liam Borlase.

Hab. Deep water, Cornwall.

" Expanding to the extent of two or three inches ; more
or less cup-shaped, waved, uniting : the lobes are oval,

RETEPORA. 361

regular^ the intervening spaces supporting two or three
pores in oblique rows/^ {Fleming.)

2. Eetepora Beats^ianAj Bean's Netted Coralline, Ellis.
(Plate XIX. fig. 73.) .

Hab. Deep water, rare. Shetland Islands, Jameson;
Scarborough, Mr. Bean ; Cape Clear, Ireland, Professor
Allman; Orkneys, Prof. E. Porbes; coast of JNTorthumber-
land, Mr. W. King ; Shetland, Mr. Barhe.

Tliis polypidom is fully an inch in height, fixed to other
substances by a short, thick, hollow stalk, expanding into a
cup-like form. It has a netted appearance, and the cells
open only on the upper or inner side. It is a most beau-
tiful little coral : a person might tliink that it was formed
of fine Honiton lace, which had lost its pliancy by being
frozen. The first fragment of it I ever saw I received from
my kind friend Major Alexander Martin, of Ai'drossan, who
had got it from Shetland. Learning that better specimens
of it had been dredged by Mr. Barlie in Shetland, I,
through Mrs. Gulson, requested him to send a good speci-
men of it for a little to Mrs. Spade, of Armitage Park,
StafPordshire, by whose tasteful pencil the beautiful drawing
of it was prepared for our Plate, so that in this one case no
less than four kind friends have concurred in obliging me.

362 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Genus XIX. SALICORNAEIA, Cuvier,
Gen. Char. Polypidoms plant-like, calcareous, dichotomous ;
the branches cylindrical, regularly jointed, with immersed rhom-
boidal cells diverging from the axis, disposed in quincunx, and
opening on the surface ; the aperture lateral, transverse, some-
what labiate. — Br. Johnston.

1. Salicorn ARi A FARCiMiNOiDES, Bugle Coralline. (Plate

XIX. fig. 74.)

Hab. Dublin Bay, cominon. Mr. Tumanowicz, Hast-
ings; Mrs. Gatty, Yorkshire coast; Portpatrick, Rev. Mr.
Urquhart; Lamlash Bay, D. L.

Dr. Johnson says, with great truth, ''one of the finest
of British zoophytes." Fine specimens are three inches in
height. Ellis, who figures and describes it, calls it the
"Bugle Coralline." ''This beautiful stony coralline pro-
ceeds from transparent membranaceous tubes which enter
into and form cylindrical joints, composed of stony lozenge-
shaped cells, with a proper entrance into each : these sur-
round the whole surface of the coralline." The joints which
connect the different parts of the dichotomous branches are
of the same substance as the fibres from which they spring ;
being elastic and pliable, the polypidom sustains no injury
from the agitation of the sea. The joints are often blackish.

HALCYONELLEA . 363

The first specimen I saw of this was from the Eev. An-
drew Urquhart, at Portpatrick, when I was only beginning
to attend to zoophytes^ and though it was small, I remember
being much struck with its beauty. It is not found on the
Ayrshire coast. I have dredged it in Lamlash Bay, Arran,
but the specimens were the smallest and poorest I have ever
seen.

2. Salicornaria sinuosa, Hassall.

Hab. In deep water, Mr. Hassall.

Mr. Hassall states that this differs from the ordinary
species in the greater size of the cylinders, in the shape of
the cells, and in the position of the apertures, which in this
is placed in the upper part of each cell, while in the common
one it is exactly in the centre.

Tribe 3. HALCYONELLEA.

" And Thou, Eternall Father,
Provide me (Lord) of steersman, star and boat,
That through the vast seas I may safely float :
Or rather teach me dive, that J may view
Deep under water, all the scaly crew.
And dropping wet, when I returne to land
Laden with spoyls, extoll thy mighty hand." — Du Bartas :

his Divine Week and fForks.

364 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Genus XX. ALCYONIDIUM, Lamouroux.

1. Alcyonidium gelatinosum, Sea Ragged-staff, T.
Johmon. \

I never fell in with this except on Leith shore, where it
is of frequent occurreuce ; but as it is rather ^ingainsome, as
we say in Scotland, I shall be satisfied with giving what is
said of it by Thomas Johnson, by whom it was first de-
scribed. " This is a very succulent and fungous plant, of
the thicknesse of one's tliumbe; it is of a dark yellowish
colour, and buncheth forth on everie side with many un-
equal tuberosities or knots ; whereupon Mr. Thomas Hickes,
being in our company, did fitly name it Sea Ragged-staffe."

2. Alcyonidium hirsutum, Lr. Fleming.
Hab. On seaweeds and Flustm at low-water.

This is of a more compact substance than A. gelatinosunij
and though, like it, it has not much external beauty to
catch the eye, by reading what is said of it by Dr. Johnston
we may see that it will fully repay minute investigation.
Having mentioned that it is marked with numerous yel-
lowish circular spots, which are found to be clusters of ova,
he adds, " The Qgg is clothed with cilia of equal size and
shape, and all inclined in one direction, moving with a

CYCLOUM. 365

uniformity and quickness which is admirable_, and very
pleasing to the beholder. When the egg is at rest, their
velocity is not diminished, excepting at the will, so to
speak, of the ovum, for it may be seen to become slower
and less constant, to cease entirely for a moment, and again
be renewed with its former force. The egg, at rest, will at
once start from its place, and swim about hither and thither,
as it were endowed with volition, turning on its axis fre-
quently, moving sometimes on one side, sometimes on the
edge, when the cilia become invisible. By their motion
they drive a current of water over the surface.''^

3. Alcyonidium parasiticum. Dr. Memlng.

Hab. On the stalks of SertulariadcB.

This is like a blackish-brown earthy coating on several
of the coralUnes. The doubts respecting its nature have
been dispelled by the researches of Mr. Hassall, Yan Bene-
den, and Professor Eeid. An interesting account of it by
Professor Eeid may be found in Dr. Johnston's work, page
362.

Genus XXI. CYCLOUM, IlassalL

Gen. Char. Polypidom fleshy, encrusting, covered with nu-
merous imperforate papillEe. — Hassall.

366 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

1. Cycloum PAPILLOSUM, IlassalL

HabT Parasitical on Fucus serratus.

This zoophyte, as well as the succeeding species, exhibits
in a very remarkable degree the close adhesion to life, the
usual accoinpanimont of a low organization, for after being
coated over with ice, should they be immersed in sea-water
the polypes will protrude tlieir feelers and appear as active
as if they had never been subjected to any such treatment.

Genus XXII. SAECOCHITUM, Eassall.

Gen. Char. Polypidom cncrustiDg, fleshy, covered with nu-
merous prominences of irregular form and unequal size, from
which the polj^oes issue ; ova circular, scattered ; a dark-brown
body of a circular form, filled with small round granules, is ap-
parent in great numbers through the polypidom.

I. Sarcochitum polyoum, IlassalL
Hab. Parasitical on Fucus serratus.

Tribe 4. VESICULARINA.

" God, who gifted his creature man with an inquiring spirit, and with an
appetite for knowledge of the works of creation, — to furnish him with objects
of inquiry, and to gratify that appetite to the utmost, not only ornamented
the dry land with what was fair to look upon, — not only placed before his
eyes on the earth an innumerable host of creatures, of which he could gain

SERIALARIA. 367

a notion by only opening his eyes, and by observing their beauties, and ex-
periencing their utility, might praise his Maker for them ; — but also filled
the deep with inhabitants, and ornamented it with animals, which appearing
to vegetate and blossom like plants, his curiosity being excited, he might
also study the inhabitants of the water, and glorify his Maker for the creation
of them." — Kirby's Bridgewater Treatise.

Genns XXIII. SEEIALAEIA, Lamarch

Gen. Char. Polypidom confervoid, horny, the shoots slender,
filiform, fistular and branched ; cells tubulous, uniserial and uni-
lateral, disposed in close parallel companies at stated intervals.
Polypes ascidian. — J)}\ Johnston.

1. Serialarialendigeua, Nit Coralline. (Pl.XIX.fig.76.)
Hab. On seaweeds of various kinds, though, like many
other corallines, partial to Halidri/s.

It is common on many of the shores of England and
Ireland, and though we have not found it on our western
shores, it has been got in abundance in the Firth of Eorth,
by D. L., jun., and others. It has been called the Nit Co-
ralline, and when we look at it with the naked eye we are
reminded of what we have seen on the heads of neglected
children; but we have only to -apply the lens, and our
thoughts are immediately turned away from filth, to the
groves of Arcadia, for what had seemed a nit is seen ex-
actly to resemble a little Pan-pipe; so that, if we could

368 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

summon the Dryads, and convert them into a marine band
of Nereids, there might, from groves of tangle, burst forth
music,

" Like harp ^Eolian's sweet aerial notes,"

The height of the polypidom is an inch and upwards,
dichotomously divided ; cells numerous.

Genus XXIV. VESICULARIA, /. V. Thompson.

Gen. Char. Polypidom rooted, confervoid, fistular, liorny, di-
chotomously branohed, jointed at the divisions : cells ovate, dis-
junct, uniserial and unilateral.

1. Yesicularia spinosa, Silk Coralline, Dillenius. (Plate
XX. fig. 77.)

Hab. On oyster-beds. Dr. Fleming; shores of Ireland,
W. Thompson ; Mersey, Mr. Tudor; Leith shore, D. L., jun.

This, from its fineness, has been called Sea-silk Coral-
line : the stem is formed by fine silken threads, united, and
the ramifications arise from this with a zigzag stalk. In
the small branches appear rows of holes with a rim, as if
bored from within outwards. The vesicles are of an oval
shape, and open at the top. They are so delicate that they
can with difficulty be seen ; but when they are seen, they

i.rl.l^lo«JuJl

I. B.eevc , imj.

BEANIA. 369

are so thin and transparent that the polype can be dis-
cerned through the walls. They have eight tentacula.

This, though common in many places, does not occur on
our Ayrshire coast. I have gathered it at Liverpool, and
at Portrush, Ireland.

Genus XXY. BEANIA, Johnston,

Gen. Char. Polypidom coiifervoid, horny ; the shoots creeping,
fihform, tubular, irregularly divided ; the cells very large, sessile,
erect, scattered and solitary, ovate, with a double spinous keel
on one side. Polypes unknown.

1. Beania mirabilis, W, Bean. (Plate XIX. fig. 75.)
Hab. On bivalve shells, or on the roots of Cellulana
avicularis, very rare. Scarborough, Mr. Bean; dredged
off Scilly, Mr. M^Andrew ; attacked to a cork, near Pal-
mouth, W. P. Cocks; Sidmouth, Mrs. Gatty; Exmoutli,
Miss Cutler; Salcombe, Rev. T. Hincks; Peterhead, one
specimen, Mr. Peach.

Dr. Johnston says, '' This remarkable genus was dis-
covered by Mr. William Bean of Scarborough. I felt much
gratified in associating it with his name. He is well known
to naturalists generally, by his multitudinous discoveries in
British zoology, recent and fossil."

2 B

370 HISTOEY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

This very remarkable coralline is so insignificant when
seen by the naked eye, that it would be passed over as un-
deserving of regard, except by those who have been accus-
tomed to scrutinize the " minims of nature." The only
specimen I ever had of it I received from Mrs. Gatty. In
describing the cells, she compared them to little beetles
that had lost their head. This is an apt comparison. As
the stalk creeps along shells, one is ready to suppose that,
if the head were away, the cells would creep also. The
aperture of the cell is quadrangular, and partly clothed
with a thin membrane.

Genus XXVI. YALKERIA, Fleming.

Gen. Cliar. Polypidoms confervoid, fistular, membranous, aud
variously branched : cells clustered, ovate, with a narrow base.
" Polypes with eight regularly ciliated tentacula." No gizzard.
— Johnston.

1. YalkeriaCuscuta, Dodder Coralline. (PL XX. fig. 78.)
Hab. AYest coast of England, Ellis; Devonshire, Mrs.
Griffiths ; Exmouth, rock-pools, Eev. Mr. Hincks ; Isle of
Wight, Mr. W. Thompson; Leith shore, Jameson; Pol-
perro, Mr. Couch; north of Ireland, Mr. W. Thompson;
coast of Avrshire, D. L.

VALKERIA. 371

A good description of this interesting and beautiful zoo-
phyte is given by Professor rieraing, by whom the genus
was named in honour of the late Dr. Walker, Professor of
Natural History in the University of Edinburgh. The
stems usually arise from the base, filiform, jointed, and sup-
port the branches and cells bifariously : the cells are oval
and large ; often they occur in whorls in the axillae of the
branches; the polypi extend beyond the margin; tentacula
with hairs, which, by their motions, cause the water to
ascend in a current on one side and descend on the other,
acting, as is supposed, as aerating organs." Tliis is got in
great beauty, and at times in considerable abundance, on
the coast of Ayrshire. Dr. Fleming states that it is seldom
above two inches in height, but on Kalidrys siliquosa we
have occasionally seen it four inches. Kalidrys is its fa-
vourite ; but it is often found on Uhodymenia bifida, though
of smaller size than when on Kalidrys. It is of a pale
yellowish colour, and makes a handsome specimen on paper,
to which it firmly adheres. I find that it is phosphorescent
when shaken in the dark.

2. Yalkeria uya. Grape Coralline, Ellis.

Hab. Leith, Jameson ; county Down, Templeton; Couch,
Cornwall ; Dublin Bay, Hassall.

372 HISTORY OP BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Ellis found this little coralline creeping on the surface of
FlusU'ci foliacea, each of the vesicles having a black spot,
like the spawn of frogs, or rather like grapes with the
seeds in them. AYhen seen through the microscope, he
saw that these grape-like bodies were clusters of very lively
polypes, extending their tentacula in pursuit of prey. What
he had seen as dark spots were the dead polypes in their cells.

3. Valkeria pustulosa. Pimpled Coralline, Ellis; Dicho-
tomous Tubular Coralline.

Hab. Isle of Wight, Ellis ; Salcombe, Eev. T. Hincks ;
Cove Harbour, J. V. Thompson; Youghal, Miss Ball;
Belfast Bay, W. Thompson; Dubhn Bay, A. H. Hassall;
Cornwall, rare, Mr. Peach ; Leith shore, rare, D. L., junior.

It appears through the microscope full of pustules, with
a speck in the middle of each. It is two or three inches
in height. The branches are perforated by a double row of
holes, in which there are polypes with eight tentacula.

Genus XXVII. BOWERBAIN^KIA, Farre.
Gen. Char. Polypidom confervoid, matted or irreg-ularly
branched; the cells sessile, unilateral, irregular, the inflected
portion with a spinous or iilamented rim. Polypes ascidian,

with a stron"j o:izzard.

FAURELLA. 373

1. BOWEEBANKIA IMBRICATA, AchmS.

Hab. Parasitical on Puci, and not uncommon. Exmouth,
rock-pools, and cast ashore in great masses, Eev. T. Hincks;
Frith of Forth, D. L. jun. ; Southampton and Portsmouth,
on the chains of the steam-ferries. Dr. Johnston.

It is about an inch in height, in flaccid tufts. The
branches are smooth and transparent, in clusters on one
side, leaving the opposite side of the branch bare. Wlien
the animal is expanded it has ten tentacula ; when alarmed
it contracts very rapidly, shutting itself up in a transparent
horny cell. The cells are connected by a cylindrical creep-
ing stem, on which they are thickly set.

Genus XXYIIT. FAEEELLA, Mrenherg,

Gen, Char. Polypidom confervoid, creeping, fistular and mem-
branous ; the cells elhptical, scattered. Polypes ascidian, with
the tentacula forming a rather incomplete circle : no gizzard :
ova on exclusion without cilia.

1. Farrella eepens, a. Farre.

Hab. Parasitic with a creeping stem on Sertularia, Dr.
Farre; in Strangford Lough, on seaweeds, W. Thompson.
" The cells have an oblong form, and are connected with

374) HISTORY Of BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

their narrow creeping stem by a short peduncle. The oper-
cular portion terminates in a notched margin, and is very
short. The cells spring from the sides and upper surface
of the stem, and turn upwards as in Bowerhankla. They
arc set at some distance apart." {Farre.)

2. Farrella producta, Jlinchs, (Plate XX. fig. 79.)

Hab. On the Fleetwood buoy, T. Hincks.

This was discovered by the Rev. Thomas Hincks, of
Exeter, who has kindly sent for my use his paper in the
'Annals,^ containing so much interesting matter respecting
Mimosella, Fmrella^ and other zoophytes. The following is
his description of this new species. The cells, which are
more slender than those of F. repens, are produced below
into a long, gently tapering pedicle, which connects them
with a creeping fibre. Tliis is equal to the cell in length,
or exceeds it; it becomes much attenuated towards the
base. A thread of matter passes down from the bottom of
the stomach through the pedicle. The cells are generally
set a little obliquely on their stalks. The polypes have
twelve arms, and exhibit a structure like that of F. repens.
It may be known at once by its long and tapering pedicle."
{Kincks.)

PEDICELLINA. 375

Family PEDICELLINA.

Genus XXIX. PEDICELLINA, San.

Gen. Char. Polypes invested with a thin transparent poly-
pidom, pedicled, clavate, rising from a filiform creeping shoot.
The club abdominal, oblonp^, dilatable, encircled above with a
series of short ciliated tentacula, which roll themselves up
when at rest, and are not withdrawn into the polypidom. — Br.
Johnston.

1. Pedicellina echinata, Ellis.

Hab. Parasitical on corallines and seaweeds between tide-
marks, but especially near low-water mark.

Polypes gregarious or clustered, from a creeping transpa-
rent fibre. Hassall had called it Cardua, from the great
resemblance which the polypes bear to the heads of thistles,
wliich is strengthened by the presence of hairs upon their
surface.

2. Pedicellina gracilis.

Hab. On a buoy moored near Fleetwood, Hincks; on
the coast of Scotland, Mr. Goodsir.

Abundance of fine specimens of this species were got by
the Eev. Mr. Hincks at the above-mentioned habitat. The
most marked character is the expansion of the stem towards

376 HISTOHY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

the base. It is very hardy. It was transported by Mr.
Hincks in a small bottle, about 300 miles, from Lancashire
to Exeter, and though he was unable to renew the water, it
continued to live with him for some days.

3. Pediceletna Belgica.

Hab. On seaweeds on rocks near low- water mark. Ex-
mouth, Eev. T. Hincks.

"Tentacula twelve, equal in length, a little shorter than
the body : stem and pedicle smooth." " Without spines."

Genus XXX. MIMOSELLA, Hinch.

Gen. Char. Polypidom rooted, confer void, horny, jointed and
variously branched : cells ovate, biserial, opposite, with a basal
joint, by means of which they can be moved to and fro, and
folded together on the branches. Polypes with eight tentacula.
— Hincks.

1. MiMOSELLA GRACILIS, HincJcs. (Plate XX. fig. 80.)
Hab. Dredged in Salcombe Bay, Devonshire, profusely

investing a bunch of seaweed, Hincks.

Of this beautiful creature I quote the following account

by the Rev. T. Hincks, who had the pleasure of adding it

to our British Pauna.

MIMOSELLA. 377

From a creeping fibre, which spreads over the surface of
Fuci, rise graceful, tapering stems, pinnate, much attenuated
towards their extremities, and running out into filamentary,
tendril-like prolongations. These stems are commonly from
an inch to an inch and a half in height. They are jointed
at intervals ; and immediately below each joint spring two
opposite pinnse, also jointed, tapering, and slightly curved.

"The pairs of pinnse do not all lie in the same plane.
Along these are set the cells, which are ovate, elongate,
biserial, and opposite. Each cell is attached to a small
prominence on the side of the pinna, which is perforated.
A circular orifice on one side of the cell near the base fits
over this, and a joint is thus secured, by means of which
the polype can move its dwelling forward in one direction
and back again. This is frequently done. The polypes
are continually swaying their cells to and fro ; sometimes
all the cells on the pinna are folded together on the upper
side, just as the leaflets close on the leaf of the sensitive-
plant {Mimosa), and hence the generic name. Towards
the base of each pinna the cells are long and oval ; as they
approach the apex they became short and globose, and at
last are little more than little round excrescences.

"The polypes have eight arms, and are furnished with a

378 HISTORY OF BBITISH ZOOPHYTES.

gizzard. They are very vigorous in their movements. It
is very interesting to watch the little creatures manceuvring
their cells. Every now and then, as if some common
impulse stirred them, all the polypes on a single pinna
will move forward their cells, and the frond close like the
Mimosa-\eh( when touched. More commonly they are in-
dependent in their movements. A single cell here and
there will be seen in motion, while the rest remain quiet.

"The mouth of the cell is furnished with the charac-
teristic setse of the family. When the cells are detached,
the circular opening near the base may easily be detected."
{Hinch.)

11. POLYZOA HYPPOCREPIA.

The following is Professor Allman's arrangement of the

genera :-

Polype-mass floating. CRisTATELLiDiE.

One genus only — Ceistatella.
Polype-mass rooted.

t Massive or confervoid, inarticulate. PLUMATELLiDiE.

Massive and sponge-Kke. Alcyonella.

Confervoid, tentacular disc crescentic. Plumatella.

ALCYONELLA. 379

Confervoid, tentacular disc orbicular. Predericella.
tt Coufervoid, jointed. Paludicellaid^.
One genus only — Paludicella.

Genus XXXI. CRISTATELLA, Cuvier.

1. Cristatella mucedo^ Sir John G, Bali/ell.

Hab. In the fresh- waters of Scotland, Sir J. G. Daly ell ;
and those of Ireland, Prof. AUman.

As I expect that I am going beyond my limited space, I
must not attempt to give a description, but refer the reader
to Sir John G. Daly ell. Dr. Johnston, and Professor AUman.

Genus XXXII. ALCYONELLA, Lamarck.

1. Alcyonella stagnorum.

Hab. Stagnant waters, especially such as are tinctured
with iron in solution. Mr. Wigham, of Norwich, wrote to
me that he had found it in the dock at Ipswich, in salt-
water. May it not be a different species ? Pages of in-
teresting matter may be found on this in Dr. Johnston^s
' History of Zoophytes.'

380 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

Genus XXXIII. TEEDEEICELLA, P. Gervais.

1. Fredericella Sultana, Prof. John Fleming.

Hab. Loclimill Loch, Eife, Dr. Fleming; Berwickshire,
Sir John G. Dalyell; near Penzance, Mr. Ealfs; Bandon,
Dubhn, Prof. AUman.

2. Fredericella dilatata.

Hab. Fresh- water, near Dublin, Prof. Allman.

Genus XXXIY. PALUDICELLA, Gervais.

1. Paludicella articulata, W. Thompson,
Hab. Lough Erne, W. Thompson ; Grand Canal, near
Dublin, A. J. Allman.

Genus XXXY. PLUMATELLA, Bosc.

1. Plumatella emarginata.

Hab. Fresh-water, Dublin, Prof. Allman.

2. Plumatella fruticosa.

Hab. Fresh-water, Dublin, Prof. Allman.

3. Plumatella repens, Prof. John Fleming.

Hab. On the under side of stones, Lochmill Loch, Fife,
Dr. Fleming ; Xorton, Durham, Mr. Hogg ; Lough Erne,
W. Thompson; near Glasgow^, Dr. Scouler; Cheshunt, Mr.

PLUMATELLA. 381

Hassall ; near Dublin, Prof. Allman ; Ayrshire, in a quarry-
pond on the under side of stones, and in lakes on the
under side of the leaf of NymjihcBa alba (are they the same
species?), D. L.

I have reserved this to the last, that I may close this
little work with an account of Pluwatella repens, which I
wrote for a periodical about ten years ago, when it had, to
me, the charm of novelty.

It is called Plumatella, which is a diminutive of the
Latin word signifying plumed ; and the specific name repens
is given, because it is generally found creeping along the
under surface of stones and of leaves. It has been seldom
found in Scotland. When taken out of the water, it has
no beauty to attract the eye; but when replaced in the
water in such a position as that it can be contemplated with
the aid of a lens, what is beheld is both beautiful and won-
derful. When regarded with the naked eye, all that at
first is seen is the appearance of horny, leafless branches
proceeding from a centre, and setting out at short intervals
along the branches, and generally in pairs, what seem like
leaf-buds. In a little, however, there is the appearance of
life, and what was a naked leafless branch assumes a downy
appearance. The cause of tliis, by narrow inspection, can

385 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

be ascertained even mth the naked eye. By the aid of a
lens, however, the nature of the change is much more evi-
dent. You then see that the branches are tubes, inhabited
by Hving creatures ; — that long bud is a cell, the dwelHng-
place of a polype ; that there may be above a hundred of
these clustered together; and that as one stone may have
several distinct villages planted upon it, the whole popula-
tion of a district of six square inches may be upwards of a
thousand. The first symptoms of life that the observer
perceives is the polype, which had shrunk out of sight on
being disturbed, pushing forward to the mouth of the cell,
as if to reconnoitre. If all is quiet, you will soon see the
polype, in the form of a little white rod, protrude from
the cell in a horizontal direction. This rod is composed of
a bundle of tentacula, amounting to about fifty. The next
change that takes place is the unfolding of the tentacula ;
not in the star-like form assumed by the Ilijdra, but in the
form of two horse-shoes, the one enclosing the other. The
outer and larger horse-shoe is spread out like a lady's ivory
fan. The inner range is unfolded in the same manner, but
it is of smaller dimensions. There is something remarkably
elegant in this form of the polype; and though it is the
more usual aspect, it is not the only one. There is another

PLUMATELLA. 383

of still greater elegance, which seemed to be a favourite one,
and which we have seen assumed by above a hundred of
the polypes at once. In this case, the outer range, consist-
ing of twenty-six tentacula, was spread out in the graceful
manner we have mentioned. The inner range, however,
was made to resemble an elegant pavilion, the opposite ten-
tacula meeting together at the top in the form of a Gothic
arch. Taking a survey of the whole, however, it had the
appearance of a tented field, where a miniature army lay
encamped ; — or, as there was so much more grace and ele-
gance than soldiers' tents exhibit, you were led to think of
some splendid tournay, where the princes and nobles of the
land had in all their pomp assembled, vying with each
other in the magnificence of their pavilions, with which the
plain far and wide was studded.

And gay as it was, it was a field of warfare. The po-
lypes were not the only inhabitants of the watery plain : it
was inhabited also by Infusoria ; many of which, green, and
white, and grey, could be seen with the naked eye, wanton-
ing in all the joy of active life. ^It was to trepan these
little thoughtless " minims of nature '' that the tentacula of
the Plumatella were thus artfully spread out. Elegant as
the arched pavilion might appear, it was to them the cham-

384 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

ber of death. Means unseen were employed to lure the
little sportive animalcules into the well-laid snare. Every
one of the feelers was fringed with numerous cilia, too mi-
nute to be seen without the aid of a powerful microscope ;
and wdiich were constantly in motion, to produce currents
which might insensibly draw the little infusories into the
inner or outer enclosure, like Scylla and Charybdis, prepared
for their destruction. Let them but touch, in their heed-
less gambols, one of the extended feelers, and, with the
suddenness of the lightning^s flash, the whole w^re closed
and withdrawn into the cell ; and by the very act of with-
drawal, the cell was shut, and escape rendered utterly im-
possible !

What has been said respecting the beautiful Phimatella
may serve to " point a moral" and to teach us some lessons
of wisdom.

We blame not the Plumatella for catching its prey — it is
guided by instinct in doing so ; and even though it had been
guided by reason, it would have been as httle reprehensible as
the w^ild Indian, who subsists by his skill in fishing and in
the chase : and yet it may remind us of those who are deeply
culpable, and have a fearful responsibility. In looking at
the beautiful pavilion-like display made by the Vlumatella,

PLUMATELLA. 385

though the natural feeling is that of admiration, we may,
by no very unnatural process, be led to think of the tents
of sin — of the palaces of pollution — reared by those who
make merchandize of souls ; who, for '' filthy lucre," ply
every wile suited to the corrupt propensities of the human
heart. In looking at the little infusories on the verge of
destruction, I could not help thinking with pity on the
multitude of infatuated mortals who '' go as oxen to the
slaughter, — as birds to the snare, and know not that it is
for their life." In them we might regard as verified the
ancient fable of warriors changed into swine by partaking
of Circe^s cup : and when the fable tells how the veteran
chief was preserved from falling under the power of the
enchantress, by a herb given him by a friendly deity, should
we forget, that even to those whom the cup of sinful plea-
sure has degraded and sunk below the level of the most
polluted of the brutes, there is offered free access to the
tree of life, " the leaves of which are for the healing of the
nations;" of which if the degraded eat, they are raised not
only to the rank of men, but are made partakers of the
Divine nature, " being renewed in the whole man after the
imas:e of God." How thankful should we be that the wav
to this blessed tree is, by Him who loved us, laid open to

2 c

386 HISTORY OF BRITISH ZOOPHYTES.

all ; that it can not only keep us from the fascinations of
sinful pleasui'e, but that it can bless us with exalted plea-
sures during our earthly pilgrimage, and bring us to a land
of eternal joy. Child of the dust ! wilt thou reject the
gracious offer ? Wilt thou put away from thee the richest
blessings, to drink deadly poison from a gilded cup ?
" "When sinners entice thee, consent thou not." When
pleasure plies her deceitful wiles, know that " by her many
have been cast down wounded, and many strong men have
been slain." "Enter not then into the path of the wicked ;
go not the way of evil men. Avoid it, ])ass not by it ;
turn from it, and pass away." Say, " One tiling have I
desired of the Lord, and that will I seek after, that I
may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
that I may behold the beauty of the Lord, and inquire in
his temple ; for in the time of trouble he will hide me in
his pavilion ; in the secret of his tabernacle he will hide
me; he will set me upon a rock."

GLOSSARY.

Abbreviate, disproportionally short in the part.

Abdomen, the lower part of the body, the belly.

Abnormal, irregular, departing from the usual form.

Aculeated, furnished with prickles.

Acuminated, vA\h a long tapering point.

Adiaphanous, not in the least transparent.

Adnate, adhering or growing together.

Agglutinated, united by some viscous fluid, as glue.

Albuminous, consisting of albumen like the white of an egg.

Alveolate, deeply pitted, so as to resemble a honeycomb.

Amorphous, devoid of regular form. -

Anal, pertaining to the anus or vent.

Analogous, bearing some proportion or resemblance.

Anastomose, when the mouths of two vessels unite.

Annulated, marked with distinct rings.

388 GLOSSARY.

Anomalous, deviating from a general rule.

Anteal, in front of anything, forward.

Anterior, going before.

Aperture, a hole, any opening.

Apex, the top of anything ; apices, the tops.

Apical, belonging to the apex or top, pointed.

Appressed, approaching the stem or branch so as to be nearly in
the same direction.

Arborescent, branched, resembling a tree.

Arcuated, bent in the form of an arch.

Areolate, marked with lines, so as to give the appearance of net-
work.

Articulated, jointed.

Attenuated, gradually tapering towards the apex or base.

Auricle, the external ear, a little ear.

Avertehrafe, without vertebrae or backbone.

Axillarj/, in the angle called the axil, formed by the junction of
stem and branch.

Axis, the central portion, or main stem.

Basal, pertaining to the base.

Bicuspid, having two points.

Bifarious, parting in opposite directions.

Bijid, cleft into two segments, having a deep notch down the

centre.
Bilabiate, having two hps.
Biserial, in two rows.

GLOSSARY. 389

Branchice, the respiratory organs, wliicli extract oxygen from the
air contained in water.

Bronchial, relating to the bronchi or ramifications of the wind-
pipe in the lungs.

Bulhides, little bulbs.

Caducous, falling off.

Calcareous, partaking of the nature of lime.

Callous, hardened, of a horny or cartilaginous substance.

Callus, any homy or bony excrescence.

Campanulate, bell-shaped.

Canaliculated, made like a groove, canal, or furrow.

Cancellated, having transverse lines crossing longitudinal ones at
right angles.

Capillary, fine and long, resembling hair.

Capsules, small pitcher-shaped bodies.

Carinated, having a longitudinal prominence Hke a keel.

Carnivorous, subsisting on flesh.

Carnose, of a fleshy substance.

Cartilage, a smooth, solid, elastic substance, softer than bone.

Catenulate, consisting of little links or chains.

Caudal, pertaining to the tail.

Caudate, having a tail.

Caulescent, having a stem.

Cellular, consisting of cells, as the cellular tissue in animals.

Ciliated, furnished with ciha or vibratilc hair-like filaments re-
sembling the eyelashes.

•390 GLOSSARY.

Cinereous, ash-coloured.

Clavate, club-shaped.

Concentric, having a common centre.

Conoid, resembling a cone.

Continuous, without interruption, prolonged.

Contorted, twisted, or leaning on each other obliquely.

Convex, swelling on the exterior surface into a spherical form.

Convolute, twisted spirally.

Cordate, heart-shaped at the base ; ohcordate, heart-shaped at the

apex.
Coriaceous, of a leathery consistence.
Corneous, horny.
Corrugate, to wrinkle.
Crenated, notched.

Crescentic, like the moon in a state of increase.
Cwieate, shaped like a wedge.
Cylindrical, round and elongated.
Cyst, a bag or tunic.

Denticulated, set with small teeth.

Deltoid, triangular.

Dendritic, branched like a tree.

Dextral, on the right.

Diaphanous, clear and transparent.

Diaphragm, the midi-iff, which divides the upper cavity of the

body from the lower.
Dichotomou-i, dividing regularly in pairs.

GLOSSARY. 391

Didymous, in pairs.

Disc, the surface with the margin or the flat base of adherence.

Dissepiment, a partition.

Distal, opposed to anteal.

Distichous, placed in two opposite rows.

Divaricate, spreading out widely.

Dredge, a drag-net for taking mollusca, zoophytes, etc.

Echinated, set with spines, or bristled like a hedgehog.

Edentulous, toothless.

Elliptical, oval, but having the longitudinal diameter twice the

length of the transverse.
Emarginate, notched on the margin.
Ensiform, shaped like a sword.
Epidermis, the outer covering, or scarf-skin.
Erose, irregularly notched, as if gnawed.
Everted, turned outward.

Falcate, bent like a scythe.

Fasciculate, tufted and level-topped.

Fauna, the animals pecuHar to any coimtry.

Filiform, thread-shaped.

Fimbriated, fringed.

Fissure, a little cleft.

Fistular, like a pipe.

Flahelliform, fan-shaped.

Flexuous, bending, gently winding.

392

GLOSSARY.

Fluviatile, belonging to rivers.

Foliaceous, leaf-like.

Foraminous, full of holes.

Fosses, ditch-like depressions.

Frondosc, Hke a cryptogamic plant, that has no leaves distinct

from the stem.
Furcate, divided at the end into two prongs or branches.
Fusiform, spindle-shaped.

Ganglion, a mass of nen^ous matter from which nerves radiate.

Gelatinous, composed of jelly-like substance.

Gemmules, little buds.

Geniculated, bent so as to form a knee or angle.

Gihhose, having one or more large elevations.

Glabrous, having a smooth surface.

Globule, a small particle of matter having a spherical form.

Glutinous, viscid, ha\'ing the quahty of glue.

Granulated, covered with granules or little grains.

Gregarious, found together like a flock.

GriseouSy white mottled with black or brown.

Habitat, the natural place of permanent abode.

Hamiform, curved at the extremity like a hook.

Sastate, shaped like a spear.

Helianthoid, like a sunflower.

Hirsute, thickly set with long stiffish hairs, shagg3\

Hisjjid, beset with bristles or stiff hairs.

Hyaline, glossy, pellucid.

GLOSSARY. 393

Imbricated, lapping over each otlier like the tiles of a house.

Inarticulate, without joints.

Incrassated, thickened in any part.

Incurved, bent inwards.

Inflected, bent inwards.

Inosculation, the union of two vessels at their extremities.

Integument, a natural covering of the body, as the skin.

Interstice, the space between elevations and depressions.

Invertebrate, destitute of a backbone.

Involute, roUed inwards.

Iridescent, having colours like the rainbow.

Juncture, a joiut or articulation.

Labial, pertaiuing to the hp.

Lamellated, divided into layers or plates.

Lanceolate, tapering to a poiut hke a lance.

Larynx, the upper part of the windpipe.

Latticed, m oj)en squares like net-work. »

Lobed, having lobes or broad finger-Hke divisions.

Limuted, in the shape of a crescent.

Mammillated, having little globes like nipples.
Mesial or Medial, placed in the middle.
Mucronate, ending in a mucro or sharp rigid point .
Muricated, rough with points.

Nascent, beginning to exist.

391 GLOSSARY.

Nodose, having knobs or swellings.
Nodule, a little knot-like eminence.

Oblique, nmning sideways.

Obsolete, partially indistinct, not well defined.

(Esophagus, the gullet.

Opake, not transparent.

Operculum, a lid or cover.

Ordinate, when spots, etc., are placed in rows.

Orifice, an opening ; the mouth.

Oval, having the longitudinal t^vice the length of the transverse
diameter.

Ovary, the part in which ova or eggs are formed.

Ovate, shaped like the longitudinal section of an ogQ.

Oviparous, produced by eggs hatched after exclusion from the
body.

Ovoviviparous, when the eggs are hatched in the body of the ani-
mal and excluded ahve.

Ovisac, egg-bag.

Ovoid, approacliing to the shape of an egg.

Pal mated, shaped like the hand \^-ith the fingers extended.

Panicled, in a loose spike.

Parasitic, existing on some other body.

Parenchyma, spongj' matter ; the pith.

Parietes, walls.

Pectinated, resembhng the teeth of a comb.

GLOSSARY. 395

Peduncle, pedicle, a footstalk on which anything is situated.

Pelagic, belonging to the deep sea.

Pentangular, having five angles or corners.

Perforate, having holes as if bored with a sharp instrument.

Petaloid, having the form of petals.

Phosphorescent, shining in the dark, like the glowworm.

Physiological, relating to the functions of living beings.

Phytoidal, hke a plant.

Pinnated, Tvdnged.

Pinnatifid, cut transversely into oblong segments.

Plicate, plaited.

Plumose, feathery.

Polymorphous, ha^dng many forms,

Polypidom, the house of the polypes.

Polypiferous, bearing polypes.

Posterior, placed after.

Prehensile, grasping.

Prohoscldiform, shaped like the trunk of an elephant.

Process, a natural appendage of an animal.

Proliferous, fertile, productive.

Proximal, before the mouth.

Pullulate, to bud.

Punctuated, covered with points or dots.

Pyriform, pear-shaped.

Quadrifarious, arising from aU sides of the stem or branch.
Quadrifd, cleft in four parts.

396 GLOSSAKY.

Quincunx, disposed iu squares, with one at each comer and a fifth
in the middle.

Racemous, growing in clusters.

Rack is, the stem.

Radiated, sending forth rays from a centre.

Ramous, branched.

Reniform, kidney-shaped.

Reticulated, formed like net-work.

Retractile, capable of being drawn backwards.

Revolute, rolled outward and backward.

Rliomhoidal, like a rhomb, a quadrangular figure with two angles

acute and two obtuse.
Rugose, wrinkled.

Saccate, in the form of a bag.

Scutiform, having the shape of a shield.

Secund, when the branchlets are on one side.

Semi, in composition signifies half.

Sericeous, silky.

Serrate, toothed or notched.

Sessile, attached without a pedimcle or stem.

Setaceous, bristly.

Sinistral, left.

Sinuated, having curved breaks in the margin like bays.

Sinu^, a depression.

Siphon, a cylindrical tube.

GLOSSARY. 397

Spathulate, rounded and broad at tlie end, and becoming narrow

like a spatula.
Spinous, armed with spines.
Squamose, scaly.

Stellate, consisting of star-like figures.
Striated, marked witli fine lines.
Suh, in composition signifies approacliing to.
Subulate, awl-shaped.
Sulcate, furrowed.

Tentacula, feelers.

Terminal, forming the extremity.

Tessellated, chequered like a chess-board.

Transverse, crossing each other when the longitudinal line is cut

through at right angles.
Truncated, cut across, terminating abruptly.
Tubercle, a little pimple-Hke knob.
Tubular, in the shape of a tube, hollow and cylindrical.
Tfpe, a general form, such as is common to the species of a genus.

Uncinated, set or covered with bent spines like hooks.
JJndulaied, having a waved surface.
Unilateral, existing on one side only. -
Urceolate, swelling in the middle like a pitcher.

Variolous, resembling small-pox.

Vascular, pertaining to the vessels of animal bodies.

398 GLOSSARY.

Ventricose, swollen in the middle.

Vermicular, resembling a worm,

Verrucose, covered with tubercles like warts.

Vertebrate, having a backbone.

Verticlllate, whorled. '

Vesicle, a little bladder.

Vihratile, when there is a constant oscillating motion of any part.

Vtscoiis, clammy.

Viviparous, bringing forth the young alive, not by eggs.

Zigzag, having short turnings and angles.

INDEX.

(The names of the Classes and Orders are in small capitals, those of the

Tribes and Famihes in Itahes.)

Page

Actinia alba 245

anguicoma 246

BelHs 253

biserialis 248

chioiocca 243

Chrysanthellum . . . 247

chrysosplenium ... 243

coccinea 244

coriacea 249

crassicornis 251

Dianthus 254

gemmacea 248

intestinalis 247

margaritifera 243

Mesembryanthemum242

monile 249

Page

Actinia parasitica 253

Troglodytes 244

vermicularis 248

viduata 244

Actiniadce 226

Adamsia palliata 229

Alcyonella stagnorum. . . 379

Alcyonida 214

Alcyonidium gelatinosum 364

hirsutum 364

parasiticum 365

Alcyonium digitatum . . . 214

glomeratum 216

Alecto dilatans 280

granulata 279

major 279

400

INDEX.

Page

Anguinaria spathulata . . 287

tnmcata 288

Antennularia antennina. . 141

ramosa 142

Anthea Cereus 258

TuedicT 259

Anthozoa 75, 103

asteeoida ... 75, 192

Heliantiioida 76, 217

Hydroida, 75, 77, 103

Beania mirabilis 369

Bowcrbankia irabricata. . 373

Campanularia dumosa . . 168

Integra 165

intertexta 166

lacerata . 167

syringa 166

vcrticillata 167

volubilis 163

Campanulariadce 158

Capnea sanguinca 227

Caryophyllca Smilliii . . . 223

Collipora cevvicornis ... 301

Icevis 301

— — pumicosa 299

ramulosa 300

Page

Cellipora Skenii 300

vitriiia 302

CelUporida 299

CeUiporina 285

Cellularia avicularia .... 341

ciliata 337

Hookeri 340

neritina 341

Peacliii 342

pluuiosa 342

reptans 339

scruposa 339

ternata 338

Classification 63

Clava ninlticornis 104

Cordylophora lacustris . . 107

Corymorpba nutans .... 119

Corynactes viridis 227

Coryne pusilla 105

Cori/nida 103

Crisia aculeata 282

denticulata 282

cburnea 281

geniculata 283

Cn8iar/a> 281

Crisidia cornuta 284

INDEX.

401

Page

Crisidia setacea 284

Cristatella mucedo 379

Cycloum papillosum ... 366

Diastopora obelia 276

Eschara cribaria 360

fascialis 360

foliacea 358

Escharid(S 333

Eucratea chelata 286

EucratiadcB 285

Eudendrium rameum ... 108

ramosum Ill

Earella producta 374

repens 373

Flustra avicularis 350

carbacea 349

chartacea 347

coriacea 353

distans 354

foliacea 346

liispida 355

lineata 353

merabranacea .... 351

. Murray ana 350

setacea 350

truncata 348

Page

Fredericella dilatata .... 380

Sultana 380

Gemellaria loriculata. ... 296

Gemicellaria Bursaria. . . 297

Glossary 387

Gorgonia anceps 207

flabellum- Veneris. . 208

pinnata 206

placomus 207

verrucosa 205

Gorgoniadce 204

Halecium Beanii 121

halecinum 121

muricatum 122

Halcyonellea 363

Hippothoa Cassiterides, . 295

catenularia 292

divaricata 293

sica 294

History of Zoophytology 29

Hydra attenuata L90

<- oligactis 191

viridis 188

vulgaris 190

Hydractinia echinata ... 104

Hydraida 169

4U:e

INDEX.

Page

llydrina 169

Idmonea Atlautica . ... 277

lluanthos Scoticiis 360

Laomedea dichotoma ... 158

gelatinosa 161

geniculata 160

obliqua 162

Lepralia annulata 313

ansata 308

assimilis 305

auriculata 312

Ballii 323

biforis 315

bispinosa 325

ciliata 323

coccinea 323

fenestralis 318

figularis 315

Gattvoe 326

granifera 309

Hassallii 305

Hyndinanni 306

hyalina 303

imraersa 325

iimominata 322

Landsborovii 310

Page

Lepralia linearis 308

inelolontha 319

nitida 318

ovalis 308

Peachii 315

pediostoraa 316

pertusa 312

punctata 313

quadridentata .... 309

reticulata 317

semilunaris 322

simplex 306

spinifera 324

tenuis 304

trispinosa 324

unicornis 322

variolosa , 317

ventricosa 306

verrucosa 316

violacea 325

Lucernaria auricula .... 262

campanulata 263

cyathiformis 264

fascicularis 261

Lucerniada 261

^lembranipora mcmbran. 332

INDEX.

403

Page

Membranipora pilosa ... 328

Milleporina 219

Mimosella gracilis 376

Ocellina 220

Oculina prolifera 220

Paludicella articulata ... 380

Pavonaria quadraugularis 202

Pedicellina Belgica 376

echinata 375

gracilis 375

PedicellincB 375

Pennatula pliosphorea . . 194

Pennatulidcs 193

Plumatella emarginata . . 380

fruticosa 380

repens 380

Plumularia Cathariua. , . 151

cristata 145

falcata 144

frutescens 156

myriopliyllum .... 152

pennatula 147

pinnata 147

setacea 150

Pocillipora interstincta. . 219

PoLYZOA 75, 265

Page

PoL