304 



the interior of which a stellate figure can be discerned. In the majority of the 

 specimens they are continued down to the origin of the stalk, but in others only 

 siphonozooids can be seen in this region. The polyps are separated by distances 

 varying from 1'5 mm. to 3 "5 mm. The specimens with more distant polyps 

 would fall into Studer's C. madeirendx, but in the essential points they do not 

 diff'er from C. ohesa, so that after taking into consideration the variability of 

 the species we rank the two sets under the title C. ohesa, Val. The siphono- 

 zooids present the same differences of size. In some cases they are arranged 

 apparently in longitudinal rows, in others in transverse rows, in a third type 

 irregularly. Some of the stalks are smooth while others have longitudinal 

 ridges and furrows. The arrangement of the siphonozooids and the ridging of 

 the surface cannot be regarded as of any specific value, being for the most part 

 due to the state of contraction. 



In one of the specimens a small oflFshoot arises from the trunk near its 

 junction with the stalk. 



The spicules, both in types and measurements, agree on the whole with 

 KoUiker's description, but here as in other species of Cacermdaria we must note 

 a marked degree of variation. 



The colour of the colonies is creamy-white or a light grey with darker 

 polyps. 



Localities : Orissa Coast, Marine Survey ; Palk Strait, Marine Survey. 



Previously recorded from Pulo Penang, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, 

 Gulf of Manaar and Che val Paar. 



Cavernularia lutkenii, Kolliker. 



A number of specimens showing graded variations comjjarable to those 



of C. obesa. The following; measurements were taken ; 



Total length of colony 

 Length of trunk 

 Breadth of trunk 

 Length of stalk 

 Breadth of stalk . . 



Some of the colonies are flattened in one plane but the majority are 

 globular. The nature and length of the stalk are worthy of note. C. hahereri, 

 Moroff, was distinguished from C. Uitkciui by the rudimentary nature of the stalk. 

 In one of the largest specimens in this collection the stalk is reduced to a 

 minimum, while in some of the smaller specimens it is almost as long as the 

 trunk. The other differences are (1) furrowed nature of stalk, and (2) siphono- 

 zooids in longitudinal rows. But, as we have noted in the case of C. ohesa, 

 a survey of a number of specimens shows that these are only relative differences 

 and not a basis for specific distinction. 



