58 



length of 2"8 mm. and one may project for a distance of IB mm. beyond the 

 polyp-head. 



Cortical spicules : (a) In the stem the spicules are curved or straight 

 spindles which often divide at one end into two or three branches or prongs 

 which usually lie in close contact throughout their length. They are trans- 

 parent, but the majority have a central axis of various shades of light-brown to 

 brownish-i)ink. They measure up to 24 mm. in length and 0"1(3 mm. in breadth. 



(b) In the stalk sjDindles, three- and four-rayed forms and numerous irregu- 

 lar forms are present, all of which are thickly covered by simple or branched 

 spines. The spindles are either straight or curved and have the spines specially 

 developed on one side, either running the whole length of the s})icule or con- 

 fined to a short tract on the side. They measure up to 136 mm. in length and 

 0"14 mm. in breadth, of which 01)*J4 mm. represents the length of the spines. 

 The three- and four-rayed forms have in the centre an X-shaped marking. On 

 the rays there are numerous large spines and in several cases one ray is more 

 or less rudimentary. 



Canal-wall spicules : (a) The spicules of the stem are represented by a 

 very few small simple rods and three-rayed forms, and in addition by numerous 

 small disc-like bodies. The rods measure up to 0'1(3 mm. in length and 0"0075 

 mm. in breadth. 



{/)) In the stalk the spicules are represented by numerous small disc-like 

 bodies. 



Colour — The stalk, stem and lower parts of the primary branches are 

 translucent ; the upper parts of the branches, twigs and polyps are purple ; the 

 tentacles translucent. 



Locality ; Unknown ; Marine Survey. 



Dendronephthya andamanensis, Henderson. 



This species is represented by a single specimen which measures 5-5 cm. 

 in height and 3 "8 cm. in breadth. The exact shape of the polyp-bearing portion 

 cannot be accurately determined, as the tips of the two upper branches are 

 wanting. 



The sterile stalk is long, 4 cm. in length, faii'ly thick and rigid, and gives 

 off from its base a few slender stolons, and also one or two at a distance of 

 1"5 cm. from the base. 



The polyparium is flattened and oval in form. From the lower part of 

 the stem a few flattened branches are given oft', and then the stem divides 

 immediately into three cylindrical main jjortions, or rather gives off partly from 

 its lower portion and partly from the upper surface of the flattened branches 

 two main branches and then bends slightly to one side itself. From the surface 



