9 2 



are intact. In a few instances they appear to be scarcely perceptible swellings, the margins 

 being surrounded by blunt points. A few ill-defined whorls of similar points can be seen 

 surrounding and overlapping those forming the marginal projections. The polyps are completely 

 retractile, but the nature of the operculum can not be determined. The ccenenchyma of the 

 branches contains a number of relatively large spindles. 



Spie ui es. These are mostly of the radiate type, regular five-pointed stars being not 

 uncommon. They are usually unsymmetrical, however, one ray often being considerably larger 

 than the others and projecting from the surface of the ccenenchyma when in situ. There are 

 also a number of relatively large, densely tuberculate spindles. 



Co lor. The colony is light yellowish brown, the axis dark brown with a distinct 

 iridescence, and the spicules light yellow. 



In many respects this species is much like Heterogorgia ramosa, but differs in the 

 complete inclusion of the calyces and in the color of the spicules. 



7. Heterogorgia metgna new species. (Plate XVI, figs. 1, ia; Plate XXII, fig. 15). 



Stat. 299. Cyrus Bay, Island Rotti. 30 meters. Mud, coral and Lithothamnion. 

 Stat. 313. East of Dangar Besar, Saleh Bay. Up to 36 meters. 

 *Pulu Missa, near Flores, de SlSO don. 



Colony (dried) flabellate in form, loosely reticulate, the meshes being large and irregular. 

 Height 25.5 cm. Diameter 35 cm. Two large sterns grow from a common base, each of which 

 bifurcates a short distance above its base, the resultant branches either dividingf a^ain or sendingf 

 off lateral branchlets which proceed in a similar manner toward the edge of the fan. All of 

 the branches send off short lateral branchlets which either end in a club-shaped termination 

 or anastomose with other branches. 



The average distance between branches is more than 1 cm. The main branches are 

 moderately compressed, their diameters being 4 mm. X 2 mm. The calyces are crowded over 

 the whole surface of the colony. 



The individual calyces are very small, verruciform, crowded so as to be in general 

 contiguous. They are about .3 mm. in height and 1.2 mm. in diameter. Their walls are filled 

 with the projecting points of stellate spicules which have their lower edges buried in the 

 ccenenchyma of the walls and their upper edges exposed and imbricating. The margin is crowned 

 with a ring of rather blunt points which are rays of spicules buried in the walls. The polyps 

 are completely retractile, but the aperture of the calyx is seldom closed in dried specimens. 

 The character of the operculum can not be made out in a satisfactory manner. 



Spicules. Typical stars are the most characteristic forms, there being many of five 

 rays, the rays being more slender and symmetrical than in other species examined. Triradiate 

 forms, crosses, and multiradiate stars are also found, as well as a few small slender spindles. 



The slenderness of the rays of the stars at once distinguishes this species from others 

 in the collection. 



