286 CEYLON PEAEL OYSTER REPORT. 





 Siphonogorgia kollikeri, Wright and Studer Plate I., fig. 7. 



Locality : Deep water off Galle. 



In the examination of the specimens in the collection belonging to the genera 

 Chironephthya and Siphonogorgia the following distinction suggested by Hickson 

 (" Fauna of Maldives, 1900") has been adopted : "That the name Chironephthya be 

 retained for the species or facies with a form and mode of branching resembling that 

 of the genus Nephthya, with anthocodise rarely completely retracted in preserved 

 specimens and with four principal spicules arranged en chevron in the points of the 

 anthocodise ; and that the name Siphonogorgia be retained for species or facies of more 

 massive Gorgonia-Y\k.Q form of growth, with anthocodise capable of complete retraction 

 within the general ccenenchym and with spicules irregularly placed or arranged in a 

 fan-like manner in the points of the anthocodise." While adopting this suggestion 

 we have been impressed by the great similarity of the two genera. There are many 

 reasons for thinking that they ought to be merged in one. 



Order III. : PSEUD AXONIA. 



Family: BRIAREIDjE. 

 Solenocaulon tortuosum, Gray. 



The collection includes magnificent specimens of a brilliant red Solenocaulon, 

 probably a variety of S. tortuosum. We have studied a representative piece about 

 8 inches in length. 



The substantial axis, measuring 5 millims. in diameter at the base of the specimen, 

 is composed of closely packed colourless spinose needles, all of the same type, varying 

 from 0'4 millim. to 1 millim. in length by 0"016 millim. to 0'018 millim. in breadth, 

 and thus much longer than those measured by Hickson. When boiled with caustic 

 potash the axis remains coherent, but crumbles readily. In a section 20 nutritive 

 canals are seen between the ccenenchyma, and the axis across the base of the specimen. 



Towards the top of the stem the axis gradually decreases in size and finally 

 disappears. The rest of the stem forms a continuous tube with large lateral openings, 

 the margins of which are prolonged into the slender polyp-bearing branches. These 

 are mainly directed away from the side bearing the axis ; they often measure 

 17 millims. in length by 2 millims. in breadth. 



The ccenenchyma of the tubular stem contains (a.) colourless needles from 0'4 millim. 

 to 07 millim. in length by 0"018 millim. in width, with few and short spines; 

 (b.) shorter and broader rods (0"28 millim. to 0"4 millim. in length by 0'06 millim. to 

 0"07 millim. in width), both coloured and colourless, thickly beset with rough wart- 

 like projections ; and (c.) coloured somewhat irregular ovals (0"1 millim. to 0"12 millim. 

 by - 06 millim. to 0"07 millim.), covered with blunt tubercles. The coloured spicules 

 are pale yellowish-red ; and an orange variety occurs among the other brilliant red 

 specimens. 



