6o 



This branch divides 2 cm. above its base into two parts, and one of these again forks 

 about 5 mm. above its origin. There are thus three long, undivided terminal branches, the 

 longest being 7.4 cm. in length and having a diameter of 3.2 mm. The calyces are emplanted 

 as thickly as possible on all sides of the branches, which have a velvety appearance owing 

 to the very numerous spicules projecting from the calyx margins. 



The individual calyces are very short cylinders, usually less than 1 mm. high and with 

 a diameter of 1.5 mm. The margin is crowned with a circlet of conspicuous, thorn-like pro- 

 jections which are the icycledike ends of spicules the expanded basal parts of which are 

 buried in the ccenenchyma of the calyx walls. The entire surface of the latter bristle with 

 similar points projecting upward and outward. The polyps are retractile, but the margins of 

 the calyces do not close over and conceal them. The opercular spicules are more numerous 

 than usual, there being several longitudinal spindles in addition to the two usually seen on 

 each opercular flap. The collaret is strongly marked, and the ccenenchyma of the branches thick. 



Spicules. The most characteristic spicules are beautifully typical examples of the 

 Echinomuricea type, being composed of a smooth, slender spine whose base is surrounded by 

 intricate foliaceous expansions of beautiful patterns. There are also a few radiate forms, crosses 

 and stars. Rarely simple spindles are found. 



C o 1 o r. The colony is a rich crimson, axis deep brown, and the spicules rich crimson 

 or wine-color. 



6. Echinoimiricca cylindrica new species. (Plate X, figs. 2, ia). 



Stat. 266. 5°56'.5S., 1^2° 4/. y E. near Kei Islands. 595 meters. Mud with stones. 



The specimen consists of merely the tip of a branch 7 mm. long from which a lateral 

 branch is budding. The calyces are rather thickly crowded on all sides of the branch, although 

 in some instances there is a space between them of 1.3 mm. 



The individual calyces are tubular, tending to a club-shape as their distal ends are 

 swollen and the operculum unusually high, giving the outline of a very short, stout indian 

 club. A typical calyx measures 2.7 mm. in height and 1.9 mm. in diameter at the margin. 

 The calyx walls are bristling throughout with long sharp spines pointing outward and upward. 

 These spines being white, or colorless, show in conspicuous contrast to the raw sienna brown 

 of the ccenenchyma. The margin is surrounded with similar thorn-like points, which often bend 

 over the operculum. The polyps are incompletely retractile and rest with their collarets above 

 the calyx margins. The collaret is very strong and conspicuous, consisting of three of four 

 rows of transverse spicules encircling the polyp. The operculum is highly arched and dome- 

 shaped, and its spicular pattern is different from any other that I have seen. Each flap is 

 armed with a pair of bowed spindles which have their proximal and distal ends approximated 

 and their middle portions divaricated, leaving a terete space between them. They are quite 

 heavy and white, showing conspicuously against the brown dorsal surface of the tentacles. 



Spicules. Those which arm the calyx walls are of the regular Echinomuricea type, 



