branches of the corals frequently bring up specimens of them, and sometimes the size and strength of the corals is such as to break the lines.
"The drawings represent your species—Primnoa Rossii. Fig. 1. of natural size: fig. 2. portion magnified: 3, 4. polype cells more magnified: 5, 6, 7. polype cell of P. lepadifera.
"The polype cells of Primnoa are membranaceous and covered with calcareous scales, the forms of which are accurately represented in the drawings, and are useful in forming specific characters, as they differ in form and number in each species. These scales do not cover the whole surface of the cells; on the inner side, next to the stem, there is a part devoid of scales, as if being less exposed their protection was not needed. This is shown in the figures of both species. The substance of the cells being membranaceous they are movable in all directions, as is shown by the different positions in which the cells of P. lepadifera have dried, and hence a mistake was made by Ellis, who described the cells as "reflexed," that is, with the mouth downwards, which must have arisen from the position in which his specimen had been hung up to dry, as the weight of the cells would make them fall.
"I will not go into further remarks respecting the different species, but have said thus much because the Primnoas are a rare form of coral, and there is an additional interest in the Norway species occurring at a great depth, as is the case with your new species of the genus.[1]
- ↑ I learn from Professor Forbes that he has got from Capt. Sulivan another new species of Primnoa from near Staten Land, in 278 fathoms.—1st August, 1846.
