289 



The spcfinioii tor wliich we suggest, this new species is obviously distinct 

 from the others in the collection and is uni(]uc in many respects. The zooid- 

 plate is basal and clearly defined, extending in a crescent about half-way up the 

 pinnule, but, being of the same colour as the latter, it is hardly visible to the 

 naked eye. The length and breadth of the rachis are equal, so that it falls into 

 Kolliker's Idcdzii-groui}. The number of rays is fourteen, hence it comes nearest 

 to /'. liicazn, Kolliker. We are unable, however, to identify it with any of the 

 varieties of this species. 



The whole colony is very hard in texture and is quite inflexible. The 

 pinnules are fan-shaped and very much contorted, so that the general appearance 

 is that of a very spiny " holly-leaf," hence the name. 



No zooid-streak could be discerned on the meta-rachidial surface, but there 

 is a deep groove on the pro-rachidial surface of the keel. The rays are fairly 

 distinct, being visible to the naked eye. They are composed of two to four 

 adjacent spines, all of which (or in some cases only one) may project beyond the 

 margin for a distance of 1 to 2"5 mm. 



The pro-rachidial insertion of the pinnules is slightly higher than the 

 meta-rachidial and there are no rudimentary pinnules at the base. The majority 

 of the polyps are situated along the margin, but some occur on both surfaces 

 extending about one-quarter down the pinnule. There are no limy needles in 

 the polyp region, but a few very minute forms occur in the keel. Between the 

 I3ro-rachiflial insertion of the i)innule and the keel there are about four or five 

 small projecting spines. The whole of the meta-rachidial surface of the keel is 

 covered by the overlapping pinnules. 



The colour of the colony is warm-brown, but a few darker patches occur 

 on the pro-rachidial surface. 



Locality : Off Cape Comorin, 9 fathoms. 



Pteroeides multiradiatum, Kolliker. 



A single specimen ; only the rachis represented. 



Total length of colony 95 + mm. 



Length of rachis . . . . . .85 mm. 



Breadth of rachis 52 mm. 



Length of stalk (only axis left) . . . 10 + mm. 



Thickness of stalk unknown. 



Number of pinnules ...... 29 



Number of rays 22-25 



Length of pro-rachidial margin of largest pinnule 22 mm. 

 Breadth of insertion of largest pinnule . . 6 mm. 

 Breadth of largest pinnule . . . .21 mm. 



Distance between pinnules .... 2 mm, 



37 



