APPENDIX TO ALCYONAEIA. 169 



foliate lower branches, is referable to Kukenthal's rigida group, and closely 

 approaches Sp. piitteri. Thus the polyparium is a slightly flattened cylinder ; the 

 lateral branches are almost cylindrical and sometimes dichotomous ; the groups of 

 polyps, usually seven in number, are borne by stalks about 2 millims. to 3 millims. in 

 length ; the polyps are supported by eight pairs of converging spicules, one of which 

 projects farther than the others; the longest Stiitzbundel spicule exceeds 3 millims., 

 is covered with minute thorns, and projects for a little over a millimetre. The 

 spicules closely resemble those of Sp. piitteri in form and size, but are of a bright 

 orange colour around the polyps and on the polyp stalks. It seems warrantable to 

 regard this specimen as a colour variety of Sp. piitteri-. 

 Locality : Ceylon seas. 



Spongodes microspiculata, Putter. 



This species is represented by a very beautiful small colony, 6 5 centims. in 

 height and 5 "5 centims. in maximum breadth. The stalk by which it is attached 

 is 2"5 centims. long and 1*3 centims. in diameter. The lower branches are foliaceous, 

 but above this there are three main branches, one central and two lateral, in length 

 3 centims., 2*5 centims., and 2 centims. respectively, with an average diameter of 

 0"8 centim. From these, smaller branches arise on all sides almost perpendicularly, 

 the lateral ones being the longest, so that the whole colony presents a somewhat 

 flattened appearance, the tips so arranged that the contour is regular. The general 

 colour of the colony is orange-red. 



The polvps are in clusters of five to eight, seven being the most typical number. 

 They arise from tertiary branches, except on the lower foliaceous part, which is the 

 expanded portion of primary branches. The polyps are almost globular, standing at 

 right angles to a short stalk 1 millim. in length. The Stiitzbundel is fairly well 

 developed, one long spindle projecting about 0"8 millim. beyond the insertion of the 

 polyp. On the outside of the anthocodia the spicules have a very definite arrange- 

 ment, consisting of eight double rows of 6 to 7 converging pale yellow spicules, the 

 terminal pairs projecting a little beyond the anthocodia. Between these groups 

 small colourless spindles are scattered irregularly. On the tentacles the spicules are 

 arranged in a biserial manner, approximately at right angles to the long axis. 



The spicules are warty spindles of very varied proportions, some long and slender, 

 others short and thick. On the main stem they are of the second type, the following 

 being typical measurements : 1"2 millims. x - 5 millim. ; 1*3 millims. x - 4 millim. ; 

 2 millims. x 0'4 millim. On the secondary branches they become more elongated 

 and slender, and have a slight yellow tinge. Further up the colour becomes more 

 marked and there is a distinct orange-coloured core. The following measurements 

 were taken: 2"5 millims. x - l millim.; 19 millims. x - l millim. Scattered 

 irregularly amongst these there are small elongated thin spindles of a bright red 



