6 7 



formed by the petal-like projections from spicules the bases of which are embedded in the 

 coenenchyma. The polyps are completely retractile. The operculum is very low, sometimes 

 being actually depressed in the centre, and is composed of very delicate spindles longitudi- 

 nally disposed. 



Spie vi les. These are of the characteristic Echinogorgian type, except that the distal 

 portion is composed of but one, instead of several, leaf-like expansions. The proximal portion 

 is composed of a branched mass of densely tuberculate projections. From this mass usually a 

 single, oval orbicular, smooth, thin, transparent, often somewhat crimped plate arises. 



These thin plates are what form the "rosé leaves" described above. A few small 

 spindles, triradiate forms, crosses, etc, are seen. 



Color. The colony is very light brown, the axis dark brown and the spicules colorless. 



Were it not for the fact that the axis cylinder is devoid of calcareous matter the writer 

 would be much tempted to place this species in the genus Plexaurella of the family Plexau- 

 ridse. It would not, however, go into this genus according to the definition given by its describers '. 



6. Echinogorgia complexa new species. (Plate XI, figs. i, \a\ Plate XXI, fig. 11). 



Stat. 164. i°42'.5 S., I30°47'.5 E. near New Guinea. 32 meters. Coral bottom. 

 Stat. 310. 8° 30' S., 119° 7.5 E. Flores Sea. 73 meters. Sand. 



Colony flabellate and reticulate in form, 18.5 cm. in height and with a spread of 15 cm. 

 The main stem gives off two subopposite branches 3.1 cm. above its base. Higher up it gives 

 off three branches on one side and two on the other, the upper two being opposite and 

 6.2 cm. from the base. The main branches bend outward and upward and send off branchlets 

 which anastomose freely with others, forming a loose reticulation. The branches are of equal 

 diameter throughout. The calyces are equally distributed on all sides of the branches, and are 

 so closely packed as to be generally contiguous. The twig terminations are slightly swollen. 



The individual calyces are very low verrucae .5 mm. in height and with a diameter of 

 about 1.1 mm. Their waUs are filled with foliaceous projections which look like imbricating 

 scales; but are really the smooth, expanded processes from spicules whose bases are embedded 

 in the ccenenchyma of the calyx walls. A circlet of these points form a low crown around the 

 margin. The polyps are completely retractile, but ordinarily the collaret rests above the calyx 

 margin, with the high operculum rising above i t . The opercular spindles are arranged in the 

 ordinary manner, forming an acute-angled triangle. The ccenenchyma of the stem and branches 

 is studded with foliaceous points similar to those of the calyx walls. 



Spicules are of the regular Echinogorgian type, consisting of a multiradiate, foliaceous 

 basal portion which is distinctly tuberculated ; and a group of fairly smooth, lamellar expan- 

 sions arising vertically from the centre of the basal part. This cluster of folia seems to be 

 composed of a greater number of leaves than is found in the other species in the collection. 



Wkight and Studer. Challenger Repovts, the Alcyonaria, 1899, p. 138. 



