296 



than in any other species we have examined. The meta-rachidial surface is 

 quite hidden by the overlapping pinnules, except near the tip where they are 

 turned towards the pro-rachidial surface. The lower rudimentary pinnules are 

 spatula-like. All are exceedingly transparent so that the mesenteries with their 

 chain-like series of minute ova may be traced to the very base of the pinnule. 

 The rays are not very strongly developed, and project but little beyond the 

 margin. They are best seen on the lower surface. The zooid-plate is median 

 and very narrow, scarcely visible to the naked eye. The jjolyps occur for the 

 most part along the margin, but two to three rows occur on both sides extending 

 about one-quarter down the pinnule. There are numerous small needles in the 

 polyp region ; a few also occur in the keel, but no trace could be found in the 

 stalk. 



This form approaches P. hrarhycauloii, KtiUiker, but may be distinguished 

 from it in the following respects : (1) there is a much narrower zooid-plate ; (2) 

 the rays are more delicate ; (3) the meta-rachidial surface is covered by the 

 pinnules which are transparent. From P. maniUense, Kolliker, it may be 

 distinguished by (1) the presence of spicules in the polyp region ; (2) the 

 greater number of rays ; (3) its transparent pinnules. 



Locality : Off Colombo, 26^^ fathoms. Marine Survey. 



Pteroeides punctatum, n. sp. 



Ten small pale-coloured specimens, 

 of the most complete colonies : — 



Plate II. figs. 



1 and 4. 



The following are the measurements 



The zooid-plate is median and broad and there is no cushion at the 

 pro-rachidial insertion of the pinnules. The number of rays is about ten to 

 eleven, so that it approaches P. pclhicidniii, Kolliker, and J\ iiuDiUlcim', Kolliker, 

 the former having ten to eleven rays and the latter eleven to thirteen. 



The stalk is thick and conical and encroaches on the rachis in the form of 

 an inverted V. It is soft and spongy and contains no limy needles. Both the 



