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



The finer branches show an apparent succession of swellings produced by the larger 

 spines surrounding the polyps. Spines cylindrical, unequal, with a few very long ones 

 about the proximal end of each polyp. The polyps (of which Pourtales gives a figure) 

 are sessile, with very short tentacles. The largest specimen spreads 20 cm. in height and 

 30 cm. in breadth (Pourt., op. cit.). 



I judge from the above description that this species is somewhat allied in mode of 

 branching to Aphanipathes ? fruiicosa (Gray). It differs considerably, however, in the 

 size and arrangement of the spines, of which Pourtales gives a figure. The spines are all 

 of the same type, but those in the neighbourhood of the polyps are more elongate, giving 

 a submoniliform appearance albed to that of Aphanipathes? humilis (Pourt.), but not 

 nearly so pronounced. In Aphanipathes ? fruticosa (Gray), on the other hand, the spines 

 are of two very distinct sizes, each regularly distributed and apparently subject to little 

 variation in length. In the form and arrangement of spines this species comes nearer to 

 Aphanipathes Jilix and Aphanipathes abietina, but differs from both in the type of 

 branching. 



Habitat. — Off St. Vincent, 124 fathoms (Pourtales). 



Aphanipathes? jilix (Pourt.). 



Antipathes filix, Pourtales, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1868, p. 112 ; Cat. Mus. Comp. Zool, pt. iv., 

 1871, p. 54; BuU. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1880, p. 116, pi. iii. figs. 15, 16. 



Antipathes myriqphylla, Pourtales (non Esper.), Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1878, p. 210; non 

 Antipathes myriophijlta, Esp., Pourtales, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1880, pi. iii. fig. 23. 



Young Specimens. — Main stem erect, straight, pinnate ; pinnules set off nearly at 

 right angles, rather short, covered with spines or short stiff hairs, and showing a 

 succession of slight swellings and contractions. Axis tough and corneous, nearly black, 

 dark amber colour by transmitted light, about 7 cm. high. 



Older specimens branch in a subflabellate manner, spreading 30 to 40 cm. more in 

 breadth than in height, and assuming the general appearance of Antipathes myriophylla, 

 Esp., with which Pourtales says he confounded it when in this state. " It differs from the 

 latter greatly in the arrangement of the pinnules and spines. The long spines surrounding 

 the polyp are beset with little knobs at the end, giving them a rugose appearance." The 

 polyps are small and inconspicuous, of the Aphanipathes humilis type. 



According to Pourtales, the differences between this species and Aphanipathes 

 abietina are not great, the spines and polyps presenting no particular differences. The 

 former may be distinguished (if not a mere variety) by its greater stiffness and by being 

 regularly pinnate, instead of having pinnules in every direction. 



Habitat. — Off Havana, in 270 fathoms, — every specimen obtained served as support 



