75 



differences between the genera Sarcophytum and Lobo- 

 phytum, as described by Von Marenzeller (lo) do not appear 

 to be of very great importance, but for reasons which will be. 

 set out in a later publication, I am inclined to retain both 

 generic names. 



The specimens from the Cape differ in form from both 

 these genera, and associated with this there is a marked dfffer- 

 ence in the character and distribution of the spicules, as well 

 as important differences in anatomical details. Under these 

 circumstances the formation of a new genus is imperative. 



The brief description of the genus is as follows : — 



Genus acrophytum. Plate IV., Figs. B.B'. 



Colony unbranched, of the form of an elongated cone. 

 Stalk not more than one-fourth part of the total length of the 

 colony. Polyps dimorphic. Siphonozooids relatively fewer 

 than in the genera Sarcophytum and Lobophytum. Spicules 

 of the coenenchym numerous in the superficial ectoderm, 

 rare or absent in the deeper parts of the colony. Ova very 

 large. 



One species is known, Acrophytum claviger discovered 

 6th December. 1898, Algoa Bay, lat. 33° 53' 15", long. 

 25° 51' 43" E. Depth: 26 fathoms. Bottom: sand. 



Description of the specimens : — 



Specimen A. B. 



Total length of the Colony . . 125 mm. 70 mm. 



Length of stalk .. .. 30 mm. 22 mm. 



Diameter of the stalk . . 26 mm. 16 mm. 

 Diameter of rachis at its 



widest part .. .. 30 mm. 21mm. 



In both specimens the autozooids project from the coenen- 

 chym about 4 mm. and the diameter of the spread of the 

 tentacles is about 3 mm. The pinnules are very numerous, 

 completely covering the oral face of the tentacles. The 

 siphonozooids may be seen scattered between the autozooids 

 as minute rounded prominences perforated at the apex by a 

 mouth. The surface of the coenenchym is very rough, being 



