ANTIPATHARIA. 105 



The polyps are rather small and are disposed on one side of the stem and branches, 

 so that none appear on the quadrant devoid of branches. They are oval in shape, 

 being elongated in the direction of the axis. The oral cone is low but definite ; the 

 mouth is scarcely discernible. The tentacles are comparatively long and delicate, 

 having a broad base and tapering markedly. The distance between the polyps varies, 

 but in most cases there is a valley-like depression between them, giving the surface an 

 undulating appearance. 



The distinctive features of the species are the irregular mode of branching, the 

 character and arrangement of the spines, and the nature of the polyps. 



Locality : Station XXIV., off Foul Point, outside Trincomalee, 46 fathoms. 



Antipathella ceylonensis, n. sp. Plate, fig. 2. 



Of this species there are two specimens one complete colony and a broken part of 

 another. 



The former is a small, graceful, delicate colony, complete but for the tips of some 

 of the branches. It is 7 centims. in height and 5 centims. in breadth. The main 

 stem is 5 centims. long, and the axis is about 1 millim. in diameter above the disc of 

 attachment, which is 1 centim. broad. The branching is approximately in one plane, 

 and there are signs of fusion in three places. About 1 centim. from the base two 

 branches arise, almost of the same diameter as the main stem. One of these is 

 4 centims. long, the other is 6 centims. and bears a comparatively large secondary 

 branch. The branching is irregular, but nearly alternate. The branchlets are very 

 slender and arise at different angles, very seldom at an angle less than 60, and most 

 frequently at right angles. 



The spines near the base are short, conical, and distant ; those on the pinnules are 

 larger and thorn-like, the lower margin of the compressed triangle being convex. 

 They are equal to about half the diameter of the pinnule and are about three lengths 

 apart. The arrangement is in steep sinistrorse spirals, four being seen from one 

 aspect. 



The polyps are disposed on one side of the branches and are elongated in the 

 direction of the long axis. The tentacles are short and are arranged in three pairs, 

 the sagittal pair being inserted at a level slightly lower than the others. The oral 

 opening is circular, and is elevated on a prominent cylindrical projection. 



This species comes nearest to A. tristis (Duch.), but is distinguishable from it both 

 in spines and polyps. 



Locality: Station XXIV., off Foul Point, outside Trincomalee, 46 fathoms. 



