43 



shapes ; but fitted to each othcr, although they sometimes overlap somewhat. The ends, or 

 edges, of the distal row form a scalloped border around the calyx margin. There seems to be 

 no regularity whatever in the disposition of these calyx spicules. They are also exceedingly 

 irregular in shape, being squarish oblong with rounded corners, rudely triangular, or irregular 

 polygons of various sorts. The ones on the basal part of the calyx are usually larger than 

 those on the distal part. The polyps are retractile, but it is doubtful if the calyx walls can 

 completely cover the operculum. The latter is composed of relatively heavy spindles or bar- 

 like forms. Two of these are often closely fitted together and curved over a tentacle to form 

 a solid opercular segment or flap. 



Spicules. Some of the largest spicules of the Gorgonacea are found in this species. 

 Those covering the ccenenchyma are closely and exactly fitted together along all their conti- 

 guous edges. They are squarish or oblong plates of various forms, and attain a length of 

 5 mm. and a diameter of 2 mm. Typical spindles are rarely seen. The edges of the spicules 

 are often regularly but minutely ctenate, and their surface is covered with fine granules. 



Color. The entire colony is ivory white in alcohol. The axis is light yellowish gray, 

 and the spicules are colorless. 



The spicules of this species are the most massive that the author has encountered in 

 the Alcyonaria, and the species illustrates the highest development of the genus Acis that has 

 vet been encountered. 



3. Acis solorensis new species. (Plate VII, figs. 3, 3a; Plate XX, fig. 6). 



Stat. 289. 9 9'. 3 S., I26°24'.5E. Timor Sea. 112 meters. Mud, sand and shells. 

 Stat. 305. Mid channel in Solor Straits, off Kampong Menanga. 113 meters. Stony. 



Colony flabellate, 8.5 cm. high, and with a diameter of 6.4 cm. The main stem forks 

 almost immediately above its base and each of the resultant branches bifurcates 1 cm. and 

 1.9 cm., respectively, above its origin. The ultimate branchings are irregular. The calyces are 

 almost entirely lateral in position, altough a few are anterior in position on the distal parts 

 of the colony. They are very unequally spaced, although they are rather distant, as a rule, 

 being from 2 mm. to 3 mm. apart. 



The individual calyces are conical in shape, typical ones measuring 1.4 mm. in height 

 and 1.9 mm. in diameter at the base. Their walls are filled with variously shaped plate-like 

 spicules, forming a mosaic, the parts of which usually are nicely fitted ; but sometimes the 

 edges overlap slightly. The larger spicules are on the basal part of the cone, where they are 

 often horizontal in position ; and the smaller ones are on the distal part, where they are 

 usually vertical in position. Their points do not project beyond the calyx margin to any 

 noticeable degree. The polyps are retractile and the calyx is capable of entirely closing over 

 them. The operculum is composed of a number of small spindles, the disposition of which 

 seems indefinite. 



Spicules. These are much as in Acis squamata, being exceedingly irregular in shape ; 



