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Family Melitodidje. 



Melitodes variabilis, Hickson. 



,, phlllppinensis, Wriffht ami Studer. 



,, ornata, u. sp. 



,, pulchella, n. sp. 

 Parisis fndicosa, Verrill. 



GENUS MELITODES, Verrill. 

 Melitodes variabilis, Hickson. 



This variable species is represented by several characteristically matted 

 specimens, the largest measuring 260 mm. in height, "200 mm. in breadth and 40 

 mm. in thickness. Since there is no basis of attachment it is difficult to deter- 

 mine exactly what is the nature of the composite mass. It consists of several 

 main stems of almost equal diameter at the base, viz., 3 5 mm. Each of these 

 gives off branches in one plane in an irregular manner but with a hint of dicho- 

 tomy. At many of the nodes three branches are given off', one extending nearly 

 horizontally and anastomosing with those of another stem, several systems being 

 firmly fused together by numerous connecting branchlets. The whole speci- 

 men thus assumes an open matted appearance. It is possible that each of 

 these main stems represents an originally separate colony, the fusion occurring 

 through proximity during growth, but it seems more probable that they all arose 

 from a common reptant basis and formed one immense colony. 



The internodes range in length from 1 mm. to lo cm., with diameters of 

 3"5 mm. and 1 mm. respectively, — the shortest thus occurring near the base. 

 The nodes are prominent and have a greater diameter than the internodes, 

 varying greatly in .size and shape in the different parts of the colony. In the 

 bianchlets they are hexagonal, while in the main stem and larger branches they 

 are globular, quadrangular or irregular. 



The coenenchyma is thin and is granular in appearance, being closely packed 

 with small spicules. 



The colour varies considerably and in no very definite manner through- 

 out the colony. In some parts, especially among the smaller twigs, it is red 

 with yellow verruca?, but in others yellow is the predominating colour for both. 

 This coloration is due to a great extent to the axis appearing through the thin 

 coenenchyma. 



The verrucas are over 1 mm. in diameter and occur mostly in a single row 



on the lateral surface of the branches ; they appear sometimes on the ventral 



surface, never on the dorsal. They are yellow in colour with few exceptions. 



The spicules are arranged in eight groups or bands, sometimes encircling the 



verruca^ more often disposed longitudinally. 

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