Order V. STELECHOTOKEA, Bourne. 



SECTION ASIPHONACEA. 



Family Telestid.e. 



Telesto ai'thuri, Ilickson and Ililes. 

 „ rubra, Hickson. 



Telesto arthuri, Hickson and Hiles. 



This species is rej)resented by two fragments, one of which is attached by a 

 liroad basal membrane to a broken piece of coral. Both pieces are simple, un- 

 brauched, with numerous polyps. Tlieir heights are 43 and 39 mm. They 

 present a rough appearance owing to the projection of many of the spicules, 

 especially at the oral surfaces of the polyps. The colour is white. The polyps are 

 arranged in a very irregular manner, either in short spirals of 2-4, or in whorls. 

 Between the spirals or whorls single polyps occur. A portion boiled with caustic 

 potash disintegrates and leaves no axial skeleton. The following measurements 

 were taken of the length and breadth of the spicules in millimetres : 



1. Those with rough warts, 



a. SjDindles straight or curved, 0-8xO-l; 0-6x0-15; 0-5x0 -08; 



0-3x0-05. 

 h. Tri- and quadri-radiate forms, 0"6x0'35 ; 0"3x0"15. 



2. Those with sharp spine-like projections, 



a. Spindles straight or curved, 0-8x0-07; O-GxO-07; 0-5 x 0-04; 



0-4X0-05. 

 h. Quadriradiate forms, 0-2 X 0-18 ; 0-3x0-15; 0-4x0-16. 

 Many of the spicules seem to be a combination of 1 a and 2 a. They are 

 l)ent at an angle, and liave one of the ends covered with rough warts and tlie otlier 

 covered with sharp spines. 



The specimens agree with T. arthuri (1) in having no grooving, (2) in there 

 being no axis, (3) in the arrangement of the polyps, and (4) in the shape of many 

 of the spicules. They differ in not having the secondary polyps so crowded ; l)ut 

 this probal)ly means that the specimens are young forms, as is also indicated by 

 the ready disintegration of the skeleton when boiled with caustic potash. 

 Locality : Station 232 ; 7° 17' 30" N., 7G° 54' 30" E. ; 430 fathoms. 

 Previously recorded from Blanche Bay, New Britain. 



