THE 



VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER 



ZOOLOGY. 



EEPORT on Phoronis buskii/ n. sp., dredged during the Voyage of 

 H.]\I.S. Challenger, 1873-76. By Professor W. C. M'Intosh, M.D., 

 LL.D., F.R.S., etc., University of St. Andrews. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The interest connected with tliis remarkable genus warrants a few general remarks on 

 the history of the subject — in order to bring the leading features in view before 

 proceeding to consider the structure of the comparatively large examples procured by 

 the Challenger. 



The genus Phoronis ' was first introduced by that acute and patient naturalist, 

 Dr. Strethill Wright,' of Edinburgh, one of the many instances of the brotherhood that 

 has always existed between biological science and medicine.^ He had received some 

 specimens of Caryoj^hyllia from Ilfracombe, and found this new type {PJioronis) in its 

 membranous tube deeply buried in the stone to which the coral was attached. He does 

 not indicate the nature of the stone, but in all probability it was calcareous. This 

 species, which he termed Phoronis hippocrepia, was about 6-lOths of an inch in 

 length by 1-1 00th of an inch in diameter, and possessed a crown of sixty simple 

 ciliated tentacles, united by a web at the base. Shortly afterwards he found an allied 

 species (perhaps immature) with eighteen tentacles — forming an ovoid crown, but 

 without a web at the base, on an oyster-shell (which the tubes penetrated) dredged 



1 In remembrance of the late George Busk, F.R.S., V.P.L.S., etc., who more than once gave bis experienced 

 ailvice to students of Phoronis in connection with its structure and relationships. 

 ^ One of the Egyptian divinities, wife of Osiris, and the mother of Horus. 

 3 Edin. New Phil. Journ., N.S., vol. iv. p. 313, pi. vii., 1856. 



* Vide Introductory Lecture by Professor Allman, Edin. Med. Juiirii., vol. i. p. 575, 1865. 

 (ZOOL. CHALL. EXP. — PART LX.\V. 1888.) Ffff 1 



