78 



by long warted spindle-shaped spicules of various sizes up to 

 a maximum of about .15 mm. in length by .025 in breadth 

 (Plate VI., C). The red spicules at the base of the retractile 

 portion of the autozooids are double clubs with a very short 

 connecting bar .03 mm. in length, .02 mm. in breadth (C). 

 The other spicules, which are densely packed in the super- 

 ficial parts of the coenenchym, are of the same shape and size 

 as these spicules. 



This species differs from all the known species of Sarcophy- 

 tum in several characters, of which the more important 

 are : — The constriction of the base, the colour of the spicules, 

 of the tentacles, and of the coenenchym round the autozooids, 

 the small size of the spicules (i.e., about one-tenth the length 

 of the average of Sarcophytum spicules), and the relatively 

 large size and prominence of the siphonozooids. 



SUB-ORDER GORGONACEA. 



One of the most difficult points in the morphology and 

 classification of the Alcyonarian is the determination of a 

 satisfactory boundary between the Alcyonacea and the Gor- 

 gonacea. The present system is certainly not satisfactory,, 

 but as an improved one must depend upon the results of a 

 series of observations which are not yet completed I have 

 decided to adhere to it in this paper. 



I have very little doubt that the genera Gorgonia, Juncella, 

 Eunicella, Villogorgia, and Primnoisis are rightly included 

 in the sub-order Gorgonacea, but I have considerable hesita- 

 tion in separating Spongioderma and Melitodes from genera 

 which are usually included in the Alcyonacea. 



FAM. : BRIAREIDAE, 



Spongioderma verrucosum Mob. 



Two specimens were sent to me obtained off Algoa Bay, 

 close to Rij Bank, long. 25° 51' 30" E., lat 33° 58' S. Depth r 

 25 fathoms. Bottom: dark sand with black specks. 



