Page:Scientific results HMS Challenger vol 18 part 2.djvu/665

Rh The substance of the siliceous or silicated shell-wall is, in the majority of, homogeneous and structureless, as in the and ; but sometimes it acquires a peculiar structure. The thickened wall of the hollow tubes in the Orosphærida and in several Aulacanthida (Pl. 105, figs. 6-10) becomes distinctly stratified, concentric strata being disposed one over the other. A very remarkable structure, differing from that in all other Radiolaria, is found in the porcellanous shell of the Circoporida (Pl. 114-117), and Tuscarorida (Pl. 100). The thickened wall of the opaque shell is here composed of a peculiar silicated cement, which encloses numerous very thin and irregularly scattered needles (Pl. 115, figs. 6-9; Pl. 116, fig. 3). Dry fragments of these shells, observed by a strong lens, appear finely punctulate, and probably air, entering into these fine porules of the cement, causes the white colour and the calcareous or porcellanous appearance of the opaque dry shell. Its surface is smooth in the Tuscarorida (Pl. 100), panelled in the Circoporida (Pl. 114-117).

The hollow or solid spines, which arise from the shell of the, exhibit an extraordinary variety and elegance in the production of different branches, bristles, hairs, secondary spine, and thorns, hooks, anchor-threads, pencils, spathillæ, &c. These appendages are developed similarly to those of many, but exhibit a far greater variety and richness in form. They are organs partly for protection, partly for retention of food. They are much more interesting than in other Radiolaria.