ALCYONARIA. 291 



in 8 rows en chevron. The figure (Plate IV., fig. 6) is unfortunate in exaggerating 

 the thickness of the stem and branches. 



The spicules are of two types : (1) spindles which vary in length from 0"5 millim. 

 to 0*6 millim. and have an average diameter of - 04 millim. ; and (2) quadri-radiate forms 

 which measure length by breadth in millimetres as follows: - 08 X - 06, 0'13 X 0*12, 

 - 14 X - 12. We have been unable to refer this specimen to any of the described 

 species. 



Locality : Trincomalee. 



Astromuricea ramosa, n. sp. Plate I., fig. 8 ; Plate V., fig. 17. 



A beautiful deep crimson colony, 8 centims. in height by 4 centims. in maximum 

 breadth, but lacking its basal portion. Most of the numerous branches spread out 

 laterally, but a few project forwards and a few backwards. Most of the branches 

 arise at an acute angle and rapidly attain a vertical direction, giving off short 

 secondary branches, almost always to the outside. The almost uniform thickness is 

 2 minima , ; there is a slight swelling at the tips. 



The surface of the coenenchyma is rough with stellate spicules ; the slightly 

 prominent verrucce (about 1 millim. in diameter) occur all round the axis ; from their 

 summits the yellowish polyps are projecting (about 0'5 millim. in diameter). The 

 horny axis is bright yellow, with apparent longitudinal striation ; it has a basal 

 diameter of 1 millim. 



The crimson spicules are mostly irregular, warty stars, with 4, 5, 6, or more rays. 

 Some of the measurements taken are - 2 millim. by - 15 millim. ; - 2 millim. by 

 0-2 millim. ; 0"3 millim. by (K3 millim. ; 0"3 millim. by 0'2 millim. 



There are some irregular triangles, numerous discs, too irregular to be called 

 stellate, and some small double wheels. 



A few straight or curved spindles of diverse dimensions occur, 0"3 millim. by 

 0-03 millim. ; - 4 millim. by 0'05 millim. ; 0'25 millim. by (VI millim. ; - 2 millim. by 

 0-025 millim. 



The species is nearly related to Astromuricea iheophilasi, Germanos, but is quite 

 distinct. There is superficial resemblance to Eehinogorgia pseudosamppo. 



Locality : Off Patani (Annandale and Robinson). 



Echinomuricea indo-malaccensis, Bjdley. 



This species is represented by a single specimen, from the upper part of which the 

 coenenchyma has been rubbed off'. The specimen measures 57 millims. in total 

 height. 



The basal attachment consists of a flat, spreading portion, from which the stem 

 arises. The axis is dark in colour in the older parts, but becomes lighter in the 

 younger branches. Branches arise from all sides of the larger branches, but the 



2 P 2 



