REPORT ON THE REEF-CORALS. 87 
isolate themselves. This is, however, very irregular. In certain parts, especially towards 
the outer portion of the corallum, the edges of the calicles are quite free, the fusion of 
the walls taking place about 5 mm. below the edge of the calicle, thus leaving a well- 
marked, rather deep furrow, which is more or less distinctly marked by subspinulose 
cost; but towards the centre the fusion of the walls is often complete, and but a slight 
furrow is present between the septa from adjacent calicles. The size of the calicles is very 
variable, being from 3 to 4 em. wide and from 1 to 1°5 cm. deep. The septa are unequal and 
thick, eight or nine to 1 cm., but smaller intermediate ones are often present. The teeth 
are much more marked at the middle part of the septa, becoming smaller near the edge 
of the calicle, and somewhat so near the columella. This last is always well developed. 
The corallum in this specimen is somewhat turbinate, about 8 em. high, 12 cm. long, 
and 9 em. broad. A well-developed epitheca is present, rising to from 3 to 8 mm. from 
the border. The costee are well marked near the calicles, and are subspinose. 
Locality. Bermuda. 
8. Lsophyllia aspera (Duchassaing and Michelotti). 
Symphyllia aspera, Duchassaing and Michelotti, Mém. Cor. des Antilles, p. (ile 
The specimen which I have referred to this species agrees in every respect with the 
short description as given by Duchassaing and Michelotti, and seems to be quite distinct 
from those obtained at Bermuda. The calicles are sometimes separate, but are more 
frequently in long and sinuous series, which contain from two to fifteen calicinal centres. 
These centres are easily distinguished by the thickening of the columella at these points 
and by the great development of pairs of opposite septa which enclose them. The 
calicinal valleys are rather shallow, being from about 7 to 10 mm. deep. The walls are 
strong and thick, marked with a small furrow between the septa of opposite sides, but not 
flattened at the top, their width is very variable, ranging from 15 to 30 mm., the greatest 
width being generally that of a terminal calicle of a series. The septa are prominent, 
nearly subequal, generally much inclined, but sometimes nearly perpendicular at their 
outer edges, with few, from four to seven, strong unequal teeth. 
The specimen is a very large one, being about 15 cm. in diameter. A large portion 
of it has grown under unfavourable conditions, and the wall at that part has become less 
elevated, thicker and broader, the septa much less prominent and thicker, with shorter, 
more rounded, and almost suppressed teeth. On comparison with this portion of the 
specimen, it would seem that the Symphyllia conferta, Duchassaing and Michelotta, 
is but a variety of this species. 
Locality.—St. Thomas, West Indies. 
