1919. ] N. ANNANDALE: Sponges, Hydrozoa and Polyzoa. 85 
var. rhadinaea, nov. 
The chief diagnostic character of this variety lies in the shape 
of the skeleton-spicules, a large proportion of which are bluntly 
pointed. This I have not seen in any Indian specimen. ‘The 
flesh-spicules, which are scattered singly among the interstices of 
the skeleton, are very thin and vary in length; they taper to the 
extremities and have their spines, which are extremely minute, 
congregated in the central region. The gemmule-spicules have 
all their spines straight. The sponge is compact but friable, 
containing little chitinoid substance. The external membrane 
Léa, NOV., X 250. 
Fic. 1.—Spicules of Spongilla alba var. viiad LH 
has disappeared from my specimens, which coated the stems of 
reeds in a layer not more than 1 cm. thick. They contain abun- 
dant gemmules of a perfectly normal character, but rather small and 
bleached white. ; 
Measurements of spicules, etc. 
Length of skeleton- spicules . 0°402-0°414 mm. 
Greatest diameter of skeleton spicules 0°0123-0°025 mm. 
Length of flesh-spicules .. .. 0°'0826-0°135 mm. 
Length of gemmule-spicules .. 0°082-0°094 mm. 
Diameter of ee Bs 0°425-0°5I mm, 
Type-specimen.—P. %*, Z.S.1. (ind. M us.). 
