2l6 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



polydom is flat or but slightly convex, presenting an irregularly striate appearance. Color white. 

 Taken in 20 fathoms east of Duck I." 



The above description is so entirely inadequate, omitting nearly all points of diagnostic value, 

 that it is practically useless, and the accompanying figure is nearly as noncommital, so it is not difficult 

 to see why the species has been altogether misunderstood. Material from the Labrador and Nova 

 Scotia coasts, dredged by Mr. Owen Bryant, in 1908, as well as specimens previously dredged by myself 

 at Crab Ledge, correspond to what is of value in Stimpson's description. A study of tlie ovicells, which 

 are abundant in both the Crab Ledge and Canadian specimens, shows that the species is certainly dis- 

 tinct from eburnea, denticulata and ramosa. The growth habit is also distinct. As we have no other 

 description than that above quoted, and as there has been so much confusion concerning the species, 

 I include the following more complete description. 



Zoarium consisting of nearly erect flabellate branches arising from a narrow base, ^^ to j 2 inch in 

 height; the branches show little or no tendency to curve inward and are much stouter and more rigid 

 than is usual in the genus. Occasionally the joint is wanting where it should occur, the region being 

 fully calcified. Intemodes long, zooecia even in number, with an average of 18 or 20 zooecia (as many 

 as 26 and as few as 10 have been noted), usually regularly alternate, but sometimes nearly opposite in 

 position; branches broad and flat or slightly rounded on the posterior side; the zooecia overlap to such 

 an extent that the branch is often five times the width of a single zooecium. The zooecia are usually 

 fused in the branch for nearly the whole length, but a very short terminal portion turns abruptly forward 

 and usually slightly inward, so that the apertures seem to lie on the front of the branch, in some cases 

 (usually in the narrower branches) they may project somewhat laterally; a sharp projection often pres- 

 ent on the outer border of the aperture. Ooecia large, more elongate than in C. eburnea, and more 

 bulging at the upper end, often to such an extent that the aperture is hidden in front view; only one to 

 an intemode, occupying the position of the fifth or si.Kth zooecium of that side of the branch, but some- 

 times as low as the third or as high as the ninth. Ooeciostome elongate-elliptical transversely, almost 

 slitlike, fully twice as much compressed as in eburnea, situated at the top of a stalk which is broadest 

 at its base and which flares out slightly at the top. Radical fibers not very numerous, stout, the joints 

 short. Branches arising alternately, usually two, sometimes three to an intemode; the first arises low 

 down, usually between the second and third zooecia, the second between the fourth and fifth zooecia 

 of the opposite side, the third (when present) on tlie same side as the first, still higher up. 



The most distinctive character is the ooeciostome, which distinguishes the species at once from 

 any with which it has been confused. The tube is stout as in eburnea, and flares at the top like ramosa 

 but not to such an extent; the opening is different from either of these and from denticulata as well. 



Taken at Crab Ledge (Fish Hawk station 7835) in 18 fathoms, well developed, with numerous 

 ovicells. The species must be considered rare in this region, and has not hitherto been noted south of 

 Canadian waters. 



Crisia denticulata (Lamarck). [PI. xviii, fig. 8.] 



Lamarck 1S16, p. 137 (Cellaria denticulala), 

 Stimpson 1S53, p. 18. 



VerriU 1879c, p. 28 (C. eburnea var. denticulata). 

 "WTiiteaves 1901. p. 110. 



Zoarium rather large and straggling, averaging about an inch in height; branches showing but little 

 tendency to curve inward, broad and flattened; intemodes usually slightly curved from side to side in 

 a sinuous manner. Zooecia usually alternating, the dominant number 11 to an intemode, a short 

 terminal portion is curved forward and a pointed projection is often present at the upper outer angle of 

 the orifice. Ovicell large, always high in the intemode and usually near the end of a branch; the 

 ooeciostome differs from that of our other species in that it is not borne upon a distinct tube, but is 

 inconspicuous behind the upper end of the ooecium. The radical fibers have black joints at frequent 

 intervals. 



It is with considerable doubt that I record this species for the Woods Hole region. I have taken 

 on a number of occasions in the outer waters, specimens which seem from the zooarial characters to 



