500 SYDNEY J. HICKSON. 



From these two atolls no less than nine species might be made which could be fairly well 

 defined by measurements of nodes and internodes and by colour; but on the other hand the 

 three or four varieties from Miladumadulu, one from North Male, two from Suvadiva, and 

 one from Felidu, make up a series which is almost complete between the extremes. The 

 examination of the spicules does not help us in the matter very materially. There is so much 

 variation in the size and shape of the spicules in every individual specimen that the com- 

 parison between one specimen and another is very difficult, but of the many preparations of 

 spicules that I have made there is not one that can be recognised as belonging to a distinct 

 form of growth. The jjreparations prove that the spicules of all varieties have a general 

 family resemblance, but beyond that it is impossible to speak definitely. 



The problem, however, is complicated in this case by the fact that Mr Gardiner from 

 observations on the reef came to the conclusion that there is more than one species. I feel, 

 therefore, that it is necessary, before definitely expressing my own opinion, to submit some of 

 the specimens to a further anatomical examination. The publication at the present moment, 

 however, of the fact that this interesting series of Melitodes varieties does occur, appears to 

 me to be advisable, although the detailed description of them must be necessarily delayed. 



LITERATURE. 



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2. " The Xeniidae." Willey's Results, Pt. iv. 



3. H. M. Bernard. " On the Unit of Classification for Systematic Biology." Proc. 

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4. G. C. Bourne. " On the Structure and Affinities of Heliopora coerulea, etc." Phil. 

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5. J. D. Dana. "Zoophytes." Philadelphia, 1846. 



6. C. Genth. " Ueber Solenogorgia tubulosa." Z. f. Wiss. Zool. xvii. 1867. 



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Cape Town, 1900. 



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