226 



The specimens obtained by Dr. Gilchrist are probably frag- 

 mentary. One specimen is 52 mm. and another 72 mm. in 

 length. They correspond with the description of the type 

 specimens in that the calices are from 5-7 mm. in height and 

 2 mm. in diameter, and the large bent spicules are about 0.8 mm. 

 m length, and correspond in shape and variation with the descrip- 

 tion of the type spicules. The species that comes nearest to this 

 geographically is A. ramosissma (23) from Prince Edward's- 

 Island, but this species has smaller spicules and a more regular 

 arrangement of the calices on the stem. 



New Family Malacogorgiidae. 



This family is constituted for the reception of the remarkable- 

 specimen described below. Its characters are : Colony branched 

 and upnght. Axis slender, horny. Spicules and all other forms, 

 of calcareous skeleton absent. 



The position of this family in our system must for the present 

 remain uncertain. In general form the single specimen 

 resembles Trichogorgia flexilis, which is undoubtedly a member 

 of the family Dasygorgiidae, but as there is no calcareous deposit 

 in the axis and the method of branching differs from that of the 

 Dasygorgiidae in some respects, I think it is best, as a tempor- 

 ary measure, to place it next to the family Gorgoniidae. 



Malacogorgia Capensis, N. Gen. et Spec 

 Plates VII., fig. 5, and VIII., figs. 10 and 11. 



Locality : Algoa Bay. Lat. 35° 40 S., Long. 35° 56 E. 25. 

 fathoms. 



This remarkable specimen shows absolutely no calcareous 

 structures. As it was possible that the preservative might have 

 contained sufficient acid to dissolve the spicules, sections were 

 prepared and carefully examined with the high power of the 

 microscope, but they revealed no spaces from which the spicules 

 could have been dissolved out. The spicules of none of the 

 other specimens collected at the same time show signs of 

 corrosion by acid, and it is extremely difficult to believe that any 

 acid fluid acting for a short time could have so completely dis- 

 solved away every trace of lime. The only conclusion that can 

 be reached, with reason, is that this is a Gorgonian devoid of 

 spicules. 



Whether we should be justified in including this genus in the 

 family Gorgoniidae, or whether it should be made the type of a 



