I4i 



composed of 1 1 segments. The terminal segments of the longer ramus are slightly longer than 

 those of the shorter ramus. The six inferior segments thickly clothed with hairs, the remaining 

 segments with few hairs on the surface but with a well developed row of stronger hairs near 

 the extremity. 



Cirrus of s e c o n d pair has also slightly unequal rami : a shorter ramus composed of 1 1 

 broader and a longer ramus of 1 3 somewhat longer segments. Hairs scattered over the whole 

 surface of the segments, more thickly disposed on the segments of the shorter ramus. The hairs 

 of the longer ramus are longer and more delicate. 



Cirrus of third pair has 15 and 17 segments in the slightly unequal rami. Hairs on 

 the lower segments numerous, irregularly disposed; grouped in pairs along the anterior margin 

 of the distal segments, one pair moreover being disposed on the posterior margin, near the 

 extremity of each segment. 



In the cirri of the fourth-sixth pairs the number of segments gradually increases. 

 Those of the last pair have 28 segments in each ramus. The number of pairs of spines on the 

 anterior side is 3 as a rule, those of the third or most inferior pair being always extremely delicate. 



The caudal appendage is very long and slender. It has about 26 segments and 

 reaches with its extremity beyond the extremity of the 1 2* segment of the sixth cirrus. Very 

 long and delicate hairs form a wreath at the extremity of some of the segments and are 

 almost entirely absent at the end of others : See PI. XIII, fig. 10. Length of last segments 

 about four times their breadth. 



The penis is relatively thick at the base, much narrower at the extremity. lts surface 

 is distinctly ringed and delicate hairs are scattered over the rings and grow more numerous 

 towards the extremity. 



This species was collected at the following Stations : 



Stat. 45. April 6, 1899. Lat. 7 24' S., Long. ii8°I5'.2E. Depth 794 m. Bottom: fine grey 



mud. Five specimens in two lots, all of them attached to cylindrical black sticks 



of a nature unknown to me. 

 Stat. 46". April 7, 1S99. Lat. 8°o'.5 S., Long. n8°34'.7E. Depth 1600 m. Bottom: mud. 



Two specimens attached to a black cylindrical stick. 

 Stat. 151. August 12, 1899. Lat. o°i2.6S., Long. I29°48'E. Depth S45 m. Bottom: fine grey 



mud. Numerous specimens attached to a small bough or stem, which is hollow, 



and the nature of which is unknown to me. 

 Stat. 284. January 18, 1900. Lat. 8°43'.i S., Long. 127 16'. 7 E. Depth 828 m. Bottom: grey 



mud. One specimen attached to the needie of a glass-sponge. 



General Remarks. The specimens from the different Stations and even those of one 

 Station are slightly different from one another — yet there can be no question about their belonging 

 to the same species. The most important differences are those in the distinctness of the line 

 running parallel to the axial ridge, on that part of the scutum and tergum which lies between 

 that ridge and the occludent margin ; next, in the size and development of the teeth with which 

 rostrum and carina articulate together, and finally in the greater or lesser distinctness of the 

 grooves on the surface of the rostrum. 



Of the known species, V. cassis comes nearest to V. cristallina, Gruvel, the main 



13 



