90 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. 



EcHiNOCLATHRiA RLEGANS, Lendenjeld, sp. 

 Plectispa eleqans, Lendenfeld, Aust. Mus. Cat., xiii., Sponges, 

 1888, p. 226. 



A single example of this rather uncommon species was obtained 

 at Tuggerah Beach. 



The type of this species is No. 347. — This form is erect in habit, 

 generally with a short distinct peduncle, from which arise numerous 

 subcylindrical, erect, rarely coalescent branches ; frequently the 

 branches exhibit a series of nodes, the intervening spaces being 

 about one-third less in diameter. The mesh of the honey-comb is 

 very small, and the walls are comparatively thick. Texture very 

 fine, smooth, and rather brittle when dry, but highly elastic 

 when wet. Colour yellowish-stone. 



Main and secondary fibres cored with smooth, straight or curved 

 gradually, sharp-pointed styli. Size — 0*1 by 0"006 mm. Echinat- 

 ing spicules smooth, slightly swollen in the middle. Size — 0"8 

 by 0"005 mm. Numerous slender subtylostyli are present in the 

 ground substance. Size — 0'14 by 00017. 



Plumohalichondria, Carter. 



Plumohalichondria australis, LendenfeJd, sp. 



(Plate xi., figs. 14, 14a -146). 



Clathria australis, Lendenfeld, Aust. Mus. Cat., xiii., Sponges, 



1888, p. 222. 

 Clathria niacropora, Lendenfeld, loc. cit., p. 221. 

 Echinonerna Icevis, Lendenfeld, loc. cit., p. 220. 



The type of Clathria australis, Lendenfeld (No. 285), agrees 

 with the description of the outward form. It is 125 mm. high, 

 200 mm. broad, and 15 mm. or more in thickness. The typical 

 form is fairly common on the coast, and there are many specimens 

 in the collection. When alive it is brick red in colour ; when 

 dried the surface presents a white incrustation and numerous 

 radiating grooves. 



The description of the skeleton and the spicules are not in 

 accord with the type. In the first place, the character of the 

 fibres in regard to main and connecting, is not correctly given ; 

 secondly there are no connecting fibres without a well-defined 

 axial core; and thirdly, the smooth spicules of the fibres are oxea, 

 and not styli. The skeleton consists of a series of stoutish fibres; 

 they are chiefly longitudinally disposed, presenting a very wavy 

 outline, and give off numerous branchlets. The latter arise at 

 very acute angles, and are axially a continuation of the parent 

 branch. The fibres frequently anastomose, but it is only a union 

 of the spongin, the individuality of the fibres remaining more or 

 less distinct. The character of the mesh is very striking, varying 

 from lanceolate to rhomboidal, with the apical and basal angles 

 acute. In the denser parts the fibres form plexiform columns, 



