62 



The Stiitzbiindel is markedly developed, the larger projecting spicule giving 

 the colony a spiny appearance, and making it decidedly prickly to the touch. 

 The spicule may reach a length of 4'8 mm. and project for a distance of 1"2 

 mm. beyond the polyp. 



Cortical spicules : {i/) In the stem the spicules are arranged transversely, 

 but become longitudinal in the smaller branches and twigs. They are spindles 

 either curved or straight, and closely covered by regularly arranged rough warts ; 

 they vary from 06 to 2"7 mm. in length and from 006 to 0'36 mm. in breadth. 

 In addition there are smaller spindles and three-rayed forms, somewhat stringy 

 in appearance and with fewer and simjjler protuberances. 



{/)) In the stalk there are spindles, clubs, irregular three- and four-rayetl 

 forms, globular forms and irregular spindles. All are thickly covered by very 

 rough or branched warts, and in addition on many spindles and other forms 

 alike there are very long branched thorns. The spindles measure from 027 to 

 092 nun. in length and from 009 to 0'25 mm. in breadth. In addition there 

 are a few spindles much smaller in size, with fewer and more s})ine-like [)ro- 

 tuberances, and with a striated surface. 



Canal-wall spicules : ((/) In the stem there are small, flat, smooth spindle- 

 to star-shaped forms and more irregular stars. 



(/>) In the stalk the spicules are slightly larger than in the stem, and are 

 irregularly branched, flat and practically smooth forms, triangular foi-ms and 

 irregular stars. They have an average length of 30 mm. and a breadth of 

 0-18 mm. 



Colour — The whole colony is dirty greyish-white. 



Locality : Persian Gulf. 



Dendronephthya dichotoma, Henderson. 



The colony is distinctly divaricate in type ; the shape is that of a bush, 

 and the outline a regular oval, the long axis of the oval being at an angle to 

 the main stem. It measures about 9 cm. in height and about 7 cm. in breadth. 



The short, stout stalk measures about one-half of the total length ; its 

 upper part is concealed by reflexed flattened branches ; it is granular in appear- 

 ance, gives off at its lower end a number of short, blunt stolons, and has an 

 outer coating of large, rough spicules for a short distance up from its lower 

 end. 



The polyparium is large and obliquely oval in shape, and is formed in the 

 following manner : The main stem gives off flattened, leaf-like branches, con- 

 tinues for a short distance entire, and then divides into two main portions one of 

 which again divides into two main branches. From the surface of the main 

 stem and branches smaller branches are given ofl' more or less at a right angle. 



