72 



There can be little doubt that the Cape species differs from 

 other Xeniidae in its greater degree of retractility, some of 

 the autozoids in the specimen being completely retracted. 

 Before this can be accepted as a character of systematic 

 importance we must await observations of the living animals. 



The specimen was male but the sexual cells were not ripe 

 on March 24th. 



FAM. : ALGYONIDAE. 



Alcyonium pachyclados. Kl. 



Three specimens, one white, one yellow, and one red, must 

 all be referred to this species. 



The red specimen was found attached to a large piece of 

 coarse sandstone 6| miles S.W. by W.|W. of Cape St. 

 Blaize. Depth : 15-18 fathoms. Bottom : stones. 



Four specimens were taken in this haul, one of which was 

 sent to me. 



The white specimen was got off Algoa Bay close to Rij 

 Bank, long. 25° 51' 30" E., lat. 33° 58' S. Depth: 

 25 fathoms. Bottom : dark sand with black specks. Only 

 two specimens were obtained. The yellow specimen was 

 obtained in the same haul as the white specimen and was the 

 only one obtained. 



The measurements of the three colonies are as follows : — 



The spicules of the coenenchym are double clubs with 

 short or very short connecting bars, about .05 mm. long by 

 .03 mm. broad. 



The type specimen of this species is 8-10 cm. long by 2-10 

 cm. in height, and the colour clear greyish white. The 

 spicules of the type specimen are 0.08 — 0.096 mm. long by 

 0.48 broad. In the absence of any knowledge of the 

 anatomy of this species, the identification of the Cape speci- 

 men with Alcyonium pachyclados may appear doubtful. 



