149 



spiculation pattei'ii. The triangular part corresponding to the main axis is 

 closely covered with scale-like S2)icules arranged in pairs forming a V : these 

 become smaller towards the tip, but the same arrangement is distinguishable 

 throughout. The same pattern is continued into the pinnules. 



The spicules of the trunk are short, thick spindles densely covered with 

 rough warts. Those of the anthocodia^ are longer and narrower ; they are 

 thickly beset with spines or small warts. On the tentacles the spicules have an 

 almost scale-like appearance, with slightly irregular edges ; some are constricted 

 at the middle. 



The following are some of the measurements of length and breadth in 

 millimetres : — 



(A) Stalk and trunk, 1-6 x 0-45 ; 1-2 x 0-4 ; 1 x 03 ; 06 x 0-15 (fig. 6a). 



(B) Anthocodi;e, 1-2 x 0-1 ; M x 01 ; 0-8 x -075 ; 0-5 x O'Oo (fig. tjb). 



(C) Tentacles— 



{(i) Scale-like, 012 x 002 ; 006 x 002 ; 0-05 x 0-02 (fig. 6c). 



(/>) Scale-like, with constriction, 0-08 x 0-03 ; 004 x 0-02 (fig. 6c). 



Locality : Andamans. 



Another colony, 60 mm. in lieight and 18 mm. in maximum breadth, con- 

 sists of a main .stem, elli[)tical in section, with a maximum axis of 9 mm. and a 

 minimum of (i'o mm., surmounted by an irregular polyp-bearing portion. After 

 a distance of 18 mm. the latter bends at an obtuse angle ; after another 11 mm. 

 it again resumes a direction almost parallel to the original course ; and yet 

 another flexion causes the whole colony to assume the form of a much-expanded 

 W. At each bend a small lobe arises. The lowest is 14 mm. in length and 5 mm. 

 in breadth at its origin ; it is expanded laterally, and has a breadth of 9 mm. at 

 the top. The second is -12 mm. in length and 11 mm. in maximum breadth ; at 

 its origin there is a twisting of the axis, and a small polyp-bearing excrescence 

 arises on the opposite side. The fourth is 6 mm. in height, 8 mm. in breadth 

 and 4'5 mm. in thickness. Slightly below the level of the highest lobe the main 

 axis becomes markedly flattened, and attains a breadth of 11 mm. and a thick- 

 ness of 6 mm. 



The coenenchyma is very hard and densely spiculose ; the surface is 

 arenaceous in appearance, but on examination with a lens the distinct spicules 

 may be seen irregularly arranged, and producing a translucent, shiny surface. 



On the lobes and also on the main stem the polyps are disposed along the 

 edge. The anthocodia' are about 3 mm. in length and 2 mm. in diameter ; the 

 spiculation is distinctly visible to the naked eye, and the white aboral surface of 

 the tentacles is a marked feature. 



Locality : Arakan Coast, 13 fathoms. 



