82 



recently revived the genus Lophogorgia, but on what appear 

 to me to be insufficient grounds. The only character which 

 distinguishes it from other Gorgonidae is that the axis is 

 somewhat flattened, i.e., it is oval instead of round in section. 

 This character, however, is a very variable one. The 

 younger l)ranches of a large specimen have the axis round in 

 section, and it is as a rule only in the main stems that the 

 flattening of the axis is seen in a marked degree. Moreover, 

 a considerable flattening of the axis is often seen in other 

 Gorgonias of a fan-shaped habit of growth. 



There may be a difference of opinion about the desirability 

 of dividing up the old genera and recognising a large number 

 of generic names in place of them ; but, in my opinion, 

 the flatness or roundness of the axis standing by itself is not a 

 character which can be considered of more than specific 

 value, and there may indeed be some doubt as to its value in 

 distinguishing species. 



1 am inclined, then, to agree with Kolliker, who includes 

 all species in which the horny axis is not strengthened by 

 secretions of calcium carbonate in the genus Gorgonia. In 

 adopting Kolliker's view as to the generic name, a difficulty 

 arises regarding the specific name. There is no doubt that if 

 we followed strictly the rules of precedence that Kolliker's 

 plan would be adopted of calling it Gorgonia palma Esp., 

 but, as pointed out by Wright and Studer, this leads to con- 

 fusion with Gorgonia palma Pall., which is very different in 

 many respects. The term " palma," moreover, does not 

 convey an acurate idea of any characteristic feature of the 

 species. Ellis and Solander's term " flammea " does call 

 attention to the bright red colour which characterises most of 

 the known specimens, and therefore I think it is best called 

 Gorgonia flammea E. and S. The spicules of the coenen- 

 chym are of the shape known as double spindles. Their 

 average length is about .07 mm. but they vary from o. i mm. 

 — 0.05 mm. in length. 



Two specimens, obtained in the dredge between Seal 

 Island and Mossel Bay, at a depth of 5 fathoms, were sent to 

 me. Mr. Gilchrist informs me that " this Alcyonarian has 

 been found in abundance in False Bay and Mossel Bay, and 

 I think occurs all along the shore. I have seen a dried 

 specimen about 4 feet high." These specimens were col- 

 lected on the 29th of June. 



Another specimen of the same species dredged on Novem- 

 ber 1st, close to the "Rij Bank, Algoa Bay, at a depth of 25 

 fathoms, was sent to me later. 



