55S VICTORELLID>E. 



When the cells are all folded together, just as the leaflets 

 close on the leaf of the Sensitive Plant, they appear (on 

 slight inspection) as if they were unilateral in their 

 arrangement. Generally, however, in the living specimen, 

 one or two cells at least on a pinna are thrown back ; 

 and when the polyzoon is healthy and vigorous, there is a 

 constant folding and unfolding of the pinnules, as the 

 polypides issue and retreat. 



I first dredged Mhnosella (jracilis under the rocky 

 shores of Salcombe Bay ; it appears to be common where- 

 ever Halidrys siliquosa abounds along our south-western 

 coasts. Devonshire specimens are preserved in Dr. 

 Johnston's collection, ranked under Valkeria cuscuta, with 

 which it was also confounded by Couch, who had ob- 

 tained it in Cornwall. 



Habitat. In the Laminarian zone, on Halidrys sili- 

 quosa. 



Localities. Salcombe Bay, abundant; Torbay, in 

 shallow water, under Berry Head, and cast in plentifully 

 in autumn on Meadfoot beach, after strong south-easterly 

 winds (T. H.) : Plymouth Sound (Templar) : Polperro 

 and Goran (Couch) : Penzance (C. W. P.) : Guernsey 

 (R. S. Cooper). 



Geographical Distribution. Adriatic (Heller) : La 

 Spezzia (Reichert). 



Family X. — Victorellidae. 



HoMODL'ETiD.E, W. Saville Kent, Quart. Joiu-n. Micr. Sc. 



ZocEciA originating in an enlargement of the creeping 

 tubular stem, with which they are continuous at the 

 base; above free and cylindrical ; not deciduous. 



The present family was first defined by Mr. Saville Kent, 



