ALCYONARIANS. BRIGGS. 77 



The calyx spicules are colourless, flat scales, transversely 

 elongate, 8-shaped, and irregular. The following measure- 

 ments of the length and breadth in millimetres were taken : 

 192x-113; -175x-122; -157x-105; -140x-087; -105 x 

 087. Their free edge is deeply dentate ; simple warts are 

 scattered over the surface, and the border round the exposed 

 portion of the scale bears fine radiating ridges. A low eight- 

 rayed operculum is formed by similar scales. There are 

 also somewhat flattened, curved spindles, with the convex 

 side produced into a number of sharp projecting warts 

 192 x -052mm. ; -175 x -043mm. ; -157 x -035mm. ; -149 x 

 035mm. 



The spicules of the coenenchyma are (1) stout spindles 

 with prominent warts -113 x -070mm.; -122 x -070mm. ; 

 105 x -052mm. ; -096 x -052mm. ; and (2) capstan-like 

 forms and small irregular bodies -105 x -061mm. ; -087 x 

 070mm. ; -070 x -052mm. ; -052 x -035mm. 



The colour of the colonies is creamy- white. 



Position. This species agrees in many respects with 

 Mopsea whiteleggei, Thomson and Mackinnon 1 , but is dis- 

 tinguished from that species by (1) the invariable arrange- 

 ment of the polyps in close-w r ound spirals round the twigs, 

 (2) the smaller number of scales in the abaxial rows of the 

 polyp calyx, and (3) the quite different type of spicules. 



Localities. South Australian Coast. 



Fifteen miles south of St. Francis Island, Nuyt Archi- 

 pelago, Great Australian Bight, 30 fathoms. 



Thirty-six miles S. 58 W. of Cape Wickham, King 

 Island, Bass Strait, 72-80 fathoms. 



MOPSEA REPENS, sp. nov. 

 (Plate iv., fig. 2 ; Plate viii.) 



This species is based on several branching specimens, of 

 which the largest is 13-5cm. in height, with a spread of 

 14-5cm. across the expanded portion. The branching is 

 strictly confined to one plane. The basal attachment of 

 the stem is missing. Branching begins at a height of T4cm., 

 and is very luxuriant. The main stem is bent in a zigzag 

 manner, forming an angle wherever branches arise. The 



1. Thomson and Mackinnon Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 13, 1911, p. 678, 

 pi. Ixvi., figs. 2 and 3, pi. Ixxiii. 



