APPENDIX TO ALCYONARIA. 177 



with relatively long, irregularly disposed tubercles, e.g., (P35 millim. in length by 

 (P075 millim. at the broadest part, and (2) longer, smoother forms with relatively 

 shorter, more regular tubercles, 0*5 millim. to - 6 millim. in length by 0'05 millim. in 

 maximum breadth. 



It is unsatisfactory that we have not been able to study the polyps of this species, 

 but there is no doubt that some of the spicules are flattened tuberculate discs with an 

 internal boss, approaching the so-called " scales" of Bebryce. If we are right in our 

 diagnosis, B. indica is nearest B. hicksoni, but there the "scales" were numerous and 

 unmistakable, and quadriradiate or cruciate forms, which are here characteristic, were 

 not seen. 



Locality : "West of Periya Paar, Gulf of Manaar. 



Acamptogorgia gracilis, n. sp. Plate, figs. 12 and 13. 



A weathered and yet distinctive specimen, 6 centims. in height by 4 centims. in 

 breadth. From a short distance the branches appear pinkish red, and the verrucas 

 stand out like white papillae. Closer examination with the lens shows an exquisite 

 mingling of red and colourless spicules, the former producing a somewhat characteristic 

 punctate appearance. 



Tbe verrucas may occur on all sides of the branches, but are for the most part 

 lateral in position ; they stand out almost at right angles to a height of about 

 1 millim. ; they are sometimes opposite, sometimes alternate, and the branch terminates 

 in a pair. 



The ccenenchyma presents a rough surface owing to the projecting sharp points of 

 the continuous layer of spicules. The characteristic spicules of the ccenenchyma are 

 continued without marked change up the sides of the verrucas, the projecting tips 

 being all directed upwards. At the top of the verruca there is a ring of horizontal 

 spicules in two rows, and on this is based an opercular covering of eight parts, each 

 composed of two curved foliaceous spindles. 



The axis is brown in colour, non-calcareous, 1'5 millims. in diameter at the base, 

 and rather less than 0'5 millim. in the delicate twigs, where it becomes much paler in 

 colour, almost approaching yellow. It shows at places the chambered appearance 

 seen in some other species of this varied genus. 



The spicules include the following types : 



(a) Curved warty spindles with a bidentate or otherwise toothed foliaceous 

 expansion from the middle of the curve, 0'3 millim. between the tips by 0*1 millim. at 

 the broadest part ; 



(h) Clubs with irregularly expanded divaricate ends, 0"25 millim. in extreme length 

 by - 15 millim. at the broadest part ; 



(c) Small irregularly stellate forms, 0*1 millim. x O'l millim. ; and 



(d) Forms with four or more rays, - 3 millim. x0'2 millim. 

 Locality : Ceylon seas. 



2 A 



