398 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



some examples grow to even greater size, being 1.25 iuclies loug. In 

 our siiecimens (see Trans. Conn. Acad., v, pi. 44, fig. 10 a) the rostrum 

 is usu ally longer and narrower than in the specimen figured by Sars, 

 approaching in this respect his figure of N. glacialis, but with the 

 cartilage-pit as large and broad as in his iV". arctica. In fact, the ma- 

 jority of our specimens may be described as intermediate between the 

 two forms figured by Sars. 



Neaera obesa Lovdn (184G) = N. pellucida Stimpson (1852). 



Associated with the preceding, in most of the localities named, I have 

 found another form, often .5 of an inch or more in length, which I con- 

 sider identical with Keccra obesa of Loven, aud M'hich often agrees well 

 with the figures of this species given by G. O. Sars, but with the ros- 

 trum more commonly somewhat shorter. The cartilage-pit has the same 

 form as the one figured by Sars. The young of this shell is the Kecvra 

 Ijellucida of Stimpson, without doubt. I have rei^eatedly dredged it in 

 his origiual locality. 



Neccra ohesa^ as thus determined, is closely allied, in form aud struct- 

 ure, to N. arctica and var. glacialis. Its texture is thinner, more deli- 

 cate, more translucent, and smoother, or with less conspicuous lines of 

 growth, and freer from adherent mud. These dilierences are not merely 

 due to age, for I have examined both forms, of various sizes, from .10 of 

 an inch or less, in length, up to the full-grown specimens. 



The largest specimens of X. ohesa are, however, rarely more than .50 

 of an inch in length. The shell is usually very swollen and ventricose, 

 rather abruptly contracted postej'iorly at the base of the rostrum, which 

 is rather narrow and not very long, but varies considerably in leugth 

 and breadth. The cartilage plate is prominent, and projects inward so 

 as to form a distinct angle. 



Ne8sra jugosa S. Wood. 



G. O. Sars, op. cit., p. 83, pi. 6, figs. 9 a-c. 



This species is easily distinguished from all others found on our coast 

 by its concentric raised lamellae. Station 894, 3G5 fathoms, off oS^ew port, 

 R. I. 



Nessra rostrata (Spongier) Lov^n. 



G. O. Sars, op. cit., p. 89, pi. 6, figs. 7 a, h. 



Several fine, large specimens of this species were dredged by us about 

 70 to 75 miles south of Martha's Vineyard, in 85 to 115 fathoms, and 90 

 to 100 miles south froui ]S'ewport, R. I., in 120 to 500 fathoms. It is 

 easily distinguished from the forms above mentioned by its very long 

 and narrow iiosterior beak or rostrum, and by the oval form of the shell. 

 It has a nearly smooth surface. 



Neaera multicostata Verrill & Smith, sp. nov. 



This is a large and very distinct species, easily distinguished from all 

 oth<3rs known on our coast bv the strong radiating ribs which cover the 



