REPORT ON THE ALCYONARIA. 69 



intervals of 1'5 to 2 mm., and always so that the origin of the fourth twig comes into 

 line with the first, whereby a not very regular spiral is formed. Every twig gives off 

 again lateral twigs, according to the same law, usually two or three, which form long 

 rods, only in quite large specimens do the twigs develop to a considerable length, 

 and again give off tripartite lateral twigs. In one case the main stem has died off 

 and a branch has developed to the strength of the main stem with analogous ramifi- 

 cation. 



The length of the twigs reaches 50 to 150 mm., that of the simple lateral twigs 

 20 to 30 mm. The axis of the twigs is at the base hard and horny, calcareous, 

 in the finer ramifications thin, horny and flexible. The polyps are placed on the 

 thinner twigs, just as on the end of the stem, in short spirals of threes. They are cup- 

 shaped with wide calyx opening. 



The spicules form on the polyps three irregular dorso-lateral longitudinal rows, in 

 four to five transverse rows. Those of the ultimate and penultimate rows bear long 

 spines coming out from the upper edge, which are half as long as the calyx, and project 

 far beyond its opening, and form a course of six or eight spines around it. The ventral 

 scales are small, thin, little plates, standing in two irregular rows. The operculum is 

 formed of eight fine, strongly bent, lancet-shaped scales, which on closure of the calyx 

 leave longish gaps between them. 



Several examples are attacked by a Chaetopod, an Aphrodite, probably belonging 

 to the group of Hermadion, Grube, which lives close to the stem between the points of 

 origin of the twigs. Probably in consequence of the irritation thus caused, all the 

 twigs on the attacked side are inverted. 



Habitat. — Station 145a, off Prince Edward Island; depth, 310 fathoms; bottom, 

 volcanic sand. 



Var. h. brevispinosa. 



The main stem is simple, the twigs, which come off from it according to the same law 

 as in the preceding variety, are sparsely branched, at the most into three branches ; many 

 remain simple. 



The polyps are placed on the twigs at wide intervals and their arrangement in spirals 

 is less evident. The polyps are larger, club-shaped, 2*5 to 3 mm. long. The calyx scales 

 form here also five longitudinal rows ; those of the last two rows have, however, only 

 short, flat spines, which in individual calyces are reduced merely to short thorny processes. 

 The latter are elongated in the two upper rows and form a crown around the calyx 

 mouth of eight flat spines, sometimes notched at the end. 



Habitat.— StsLtion 145a, off Prince Edward Island ; depth, 310 fathoms ; bottom, 

 volcanic sand. 



