40 • 



stem p-ives origin to a number of small irregularly alternate branches, averaging about 4 mm. 

 apart. The main branches divide in the same manner, except that one of them gives oft several 

 pairs of branchlets. There is extensive anastomosis of the branches and twigs, producing a loose 

 reticulation. 



The calyces are closely approximated, and are distributed on all sides of the branches, 

 the distance between them being from .5 to i mm. There are no terminal calyces. 



The individual calyces are low Verrucae or truncated cones, rarely attaining a height 

 of I mm. and averaging not much more than .5 mm., with a diameter of .9 mm. The calyx 

 walls are filled with spindles, a few basal ones being horizontal, while the remainder are vertical 

 and project in conspicuous points around the margin. Often the calyx wall will be occupied by 

 a single row of spindles arranged vertically and extending above the margin to form the points. 

 They are more closely approximated than in V. operailata. The polyps are completely retractile. 

 An irregular operculum is formed by bundles of large spindles bending inward from the calyx 

 margin and covering the tentacle bases. 



Spicules. Here, as in other species of the genus, the spicules are all in the form of 

 warty spindles. Those of the stem and branches are in two layers, and are not greatly larger 

 than in the calyx walls ; but an occasional spindle of the outer layer measures as much as 

 2 mm. The outer layer is more closely packed than in the last species. 



Color. The colony is light yellowish brown, the axis very dark brown, and the spicules 

 colorless. 



Specimens from Station 272 are closely reticulated and the calyces are more crowded 

 than in the type from Station 310. 



7. Versbiysia argcntca new species. (Plate V, figs. 3, 3«; Plate XX, fig. i). 

 Stat. 289. 9°o'.3 S., 1 26° 24. 5 E. Timor Sea. 112 meters. Mud, sand and shells. 



The type of this species is a fragmentary specimen, probably a single branch, 8.7 cm. 

 in height. About 3 cm. from its proximal end it divides into two parts each of which sends 

 forth irregular branchlets, the terminal ones being about 6 cm. in length. There are no terminal 

 polyps. The calyces are unevenly distributed on all sides of the branches, tending, however, 

 to be lateral in position. They are quite closely approximated on the sides of the branches, 

 where they are about i mm. apart. 



The individual calyces are in the form of low cones or tubercles, usually less than i mm. 

 in height and with a diameter of about 1.5 mm. The proximal part of the calyx walls is 

 encircled by quite heavy bent spindles, sometimes short and almost oval in form. Above these 

 a number of considerably smaller spindles stand erect, their ends forming a crown of points 

 around the margin. Within this margin, and sunk considerably below its level, is an operculum 

 which is much more definite and .symmetrical than is usual in this genus. It is in the form of 

 a low cone, each opercular flap being distinct from the others and an elongated triangle in 

 shape, consisting mainly of two long curved longitudinal spindles. Below the proximal ends of 

 these is a distinct collaret composed of a single row of slender spindles encircling the tentacle bases. 



