23 



origin of a branch, a numljcr of long flat spindles arranged longitudinally. In 

 the younger parts of the branches this arrangement is replaced by one in which 

 the long spindles predominate. These are longitudinally arranged, and very few 

 discs are to be seen. 



The following measurements were taken of length and breadth in millimetres : 

 2-2X0-35; l-4x0-35; 0-6x0-'2; 0-5x0-25; 0-4x0-22; 0-4x0-35; 0-35x0-l. 



The tentacle spicules are 0"11-0"15 in length by 0"02-0"03 in breadth. 



This form comes very near Keroeides gracilis, but the following diiferences 

 may l)e noted : 



Keroeides i/racilis, Keroeides gracilis 



Whitelegge. (Indian Ocean form). 



Branches alternate. Branches not strictly alternate. 



Polyps alternate. Polyps irregular on main stem and 



larger branches, tending to become 



alternate on smaller branches. 



Spicules are spindles and irregular forms ; Spicules on the older parts of stem and 



placed transversely on and in the branches very irregularly arranged ; 



neighbourhood of the verrucse. in the younger parts long spindles 



regularly arranged predominate. 

 Spicules reaching 2 mm. Spicules 2 mm. and over-. 



Spicules bright brick red. Spicules colourless or faint pink. 



Colour of colony coral red. Colour of colony pale pink, and in this 



respect agreeing with the specimen 

 described by Miss Hiles. 

 Locality : Andamans ; 270-45 fathoms. 

 Previously recorded from Funafuti and British New Guinea. 



Family MelitouibjE. 

 Parisis indica, n. sp. Plate IV. figs. 4, 5, 8, and 9. 



This species is represented by several fragments, the longest of which is 45 

 mm. in length. 



The colony is white in colour, and much branched in one plane. The branches 

 rise from both sides of the axis, but on the main l)ranches the secondary branches 

 often rise from one side only. 



The axis is composed of alternate horny and calcareous joints, the latter being 

 from 4-6 times as long as the former, and giving off the branches. Externally it 

 is deeptly grooved, and numerous solenia surround it, one in each groove. The 

 calcareous internodes are composed of spicules closely cemented together, and in 

 the horny nodes there are numerous small spicules. The grooves are seen on the 

 nodes as well as on the internodes. 



