102 CEYLON PEARL OYSTER REPORT. 



like large spheres with a small filiform projection. They arise from somewhat 

 spherical bases. The polyps are separated by a very small interval, but an annular 

 constriction between each pair seems to pass round the stem. 



This specimen agrees on the whole with Stichopathes gracilis, but as it differs in 

 some details regarding the spines, and conspicuously in having a spiral course, it has 

 seemed convenient to name a new variety. 



Locality : Deep water off Galle. 



Stichopathes echinulata, Brook. 



This species is represented by a simple colony, incomplete at the base, 26 centims. 

 long, very irregular and sinuous, so that the total height is only 8 centims. The 

 growing point is turned downwards and is only 5 centims. above the lowest portion. 

 The colony tapers very markedly from 1/5 millims. to 0"5 millim. The colour of the 

 axis is almost black. 



The spines are very short, compressed and directed upwards. They are arranged 

 in very steep spirals, the distance between two rows being almost the same as that 

 between any two on a spiral, so that they show a quincunx grouping. The 

 distance between any two is equal to about four lengths of a spine. 



The polyps are typical, but the sagittal tentacles are relatively distant from the 

 oral cone. They are separated by a distance about two-thirds of the length of the 

 polyp. 



This species has been previously recorded from Mauritius. 



Locality: Station LX., outside the pearl banks, Gulf of Manaar. 



Antipathella ragosa, n. sp. Plate, figs. 5 and 11. 



There are two specimens of this new species in the collection, both slightly 

 damaged. The larger of these is 19 centims. high and 13 centims. broad. It is 

 branched mostly in one plane, and consists of two main branches which arise 

 dichotomously from a short main stem 1 centim. long. One branch arises at 60, 

 while the second after a short distance at right angles to the stem bends upwards 

 and runs closely parallel to it. The first is broken off about 7'5 centims. from its 

 origin, and the second at a slightlv lower level. At the point of fracture large 

 secondary branches are given off, and it is noteworthy that the angles of inclination 

 are the same as for the first two, viz., 60 and 90. The primary and secondary 

 branches give off pinnae in a strictly alternate manner, and these again bear pinnules. 

 The pinnse converge slightly. The whole plane of branching is slightly curved and 

 the polyps arise on the convex surface. 



Near the base the axis is opaque and black in colour, but this passes gradually 

 into a transparent horny yellow in the upper parts of the colony. The smaller 

 branches and pinnules are hollow. 



The spines on the large branches are short and slender, tapering in a marked 



