ANTHOZOA OF THE WOODS HOLE REGION. 25 1 



subsequent events the determination of its relation to the region. The specimen measured about 50 

 by 85 mm., and while more or less eroded was in good state of preservation. The extended dredgings 

 made in the waters of Vineyard Sound for many years would seem to have made more or less certain 

 its discovery if native to these waters. Vaughan's description of the species from Porto Rico gives 

 no account as to depth from which taken, but merely the locality (Mayaguez) and from reef. Its habi- 

 tat is probably quite shallow, and the course of the Gulf Stream in the region of Woods Hole mi[;ht 

 warrant its northern range. However, speculation is uncalled for; the facts are given for what they 

 are, as suggested above. 



ALCYONARIA. 



The alcyonarian fauna of the region is so limited in species as to call for only passing notice. At 

 most but two or three species are represented — one under the genus Akyonium and perhaps two tmder 

 the genus Penatula. In the deeper waters adjacent to Nantucket and off Marthas Vineyard the group 

 has numerous representatives, accounts of which may be found in the reports of the dredging opera- 

 ions of the Albatross and Fish Hawk from 1880 to 1898. But as recent collections have added no addi- 

 tional facts, either as to species or distribution, it will suffice to call attention to the above reports. 



It seems well to briefly describe the two species more likely to be met with by the student, though 

 without attempting details as to structure and habits. 



ALCYONIUM LinnjBus, 1758. 



LmnEBus. Syst. Nat.. Ed. x, vol. i, p. 8oj, 

 Dana, Zoophytes. 1S46. p. 611. 

 Milne-Edwards, Corallines, 1857. 



Corallum fleshy, with granular spicules which do not project beyond the surface; base more or 

 less enlarged and adherent to rocks, shells, etc. Colony variously branched, the branches thick and 

 fingerlike, stem more or less devoid of polyps, which are abundant on the branches and terminal por- 

 tions, and retractile within the coenosarc. 



Alcyonium cameum Agassiz. 



Halcyontum carneum Agassiz, Proc. Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci.. 1850. p. 209. 



Alcyonium digitatum Stimpson. Marine Inv. Grand Manan. 1853, p. 7; Sniithsonian Contr., vol. VI. 



Alcyonium carneum Verrill, Mem. Boston Nat. Hist.. 1S66, vol. l; Inv. An. Vineyard Sound, p. 497, 737. 



This conspicuous alcyonarian is well known to almost every collector along the New England 

 coast who has paid attention to the coelenterate fauna to any extent. It is rather common from Vine- 

 yard Soimd northward to Maine and beyond, occurring on rocks, shells, etc., and in depths of from 

 10 to 30 fathoms. It shows small adaptability to aquarium conditions, soon dying when placed therein. 

 The color is variable, from pale flesh color to bright pink or reddish or orange. The colony is branched 

 variously, the branches thick and lingerlike, from which probably arose the common name, "dead 

 men's fingers, "often used by fishermen. The stem is attached by an expanded base to any convenient 

 support, such as shells, etc. Polyps variously distributed over upper portions of stem and branches, 

 and in expansion rather conspicuous, having a length of from 7 to 10 mm.; they are highly contractile, 

 and capable of entire retraction within the ccenenchyma. The tentacles are eight in number, beau- 

 tifully fringed with delicate lobes so characteristic of the order. 



PENNATULA. 

 Pennatula aculeata Danielson and Koren. 



PennatiUa aculeata Danielson and Koren, Forhandl. Vidanslc. Selsk, 1858: s^^me authors. Fauna Litt. Norv., in. 1877, 

 Verrill, Ani. Jour. Sci., 1S73. 



This species was taken by the Fish Hawk at several stations oS Marthas Vineyard and Block Island 

 in 1882 and 1899, several specimens being now in the collection at Woods Hole. This is a well-known 

 and very beautiful pennatulid; stems usually bulbous at base, the bulb larger at the proximal end. 



