184 THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 



The greatest basal diameter is 4-5 mm., with one of 1 mm. at the ends of the twigs. 

 The nodal regions are from 0-5 to 1 mm. in height, and equal the internodal 

 regions in diameter. 



The polyps are numerous and arranged in an irregular manner over the stem and 

 branches ; the verrucse are only slightly prominent, about 1 mm. in diameter, but it is 

 possible that the sponge-growth in part hides them. 



The coenenchyma is thin, in the older portions allowing the axis to be seen 

 through it. 



The massive warty spicules are more elongated than in Parisis fruticosa, and 

 measure 0-24-0-16 ; 0-2-0-1 ; 0-16-0-12 mm. Some more globular measure 0-2- 

 0'12 mm. 



The colour in spirits is of a dirty brown. 



Habitat. — Station 163b, oflf Port Jackson ; depth, 35 fathoms. 



Parisis minor, n. sp. (PI. XLI. fig. 4). 



A small fragment of this small species of Parisis was found among some debris 

 dredged from the well-known Hyalonema -ground at Japan. While future specimens may 

 p]:ove it to be but the terminal portions of a larger form, yet we think there are sufficient 

 differences in its structural details to justify us in making it a new species near to 

 Parisis laxa, Verrill. 



The fragment preserved is about 80 mm. in height and 40 mm. in breadth ; the 

 branches are numerous and irregular in form, but given off in the one plane ; there are 

 no anastomoses, though such may possibly be sometimes present as one small descending 

 branch seems to indicate such. 



The internodes vary considerably, being from 3 to 7 mm. in length and I'b mm. in 

 diameter ; the nodes are scarcely perceptible and in the older portions of the axis 

 apparently becoming consolidated ; the calcareous internodes are roughened and with 

 several shallow grooves. 



The polyps are in two rows, on either sides of the stem and branches ; mostly 

 opposite, but sometimes alternate; about 1*5 mm. apart; they are retractile; rather 

 papilliform. Verrucas with blunt tips ; about 1 mm. in height and the same in 

 breadth. 



The coenenchyma is thin, well tesselated with a layer of many-rayed spicules, which 

 are large; they measure 0-3-0-2 ; 0-32-0-22 ; 0-26-0-22 mm.; while the irregular 

 spindle-shaped spicules in the verrucse measure 0"2-0'l ; 0"l-0"8 mm. 



The colour in spii'its is a brownish -white. 



Habitat. — Station 232, Hyalonema-gxownd, Japan ; depth, 345 fathoms. 



