64 



in its o-reater diameter, while the other parts are about 2 mm. thick. The calyces are closely 

 approximated, usually contiguous, and are equally distributed on all sides of the stem and 

 branches. The branchlets end in a close cluster of polyps, neither of which is certainly terminal. 

 The individual calyces are dome-shaped Verrucae within which the polyps are capable 

 of complete retraction. The walls of the calyces are crowded with the very remarkable spicules 

 which characterize the genus. Each spicule has its tuberculated basal part immersed in the wall, 

 while its foliaceous expansions form a small whorl of thin processes surrounding a central 

 space, which is often tubular. Often these tubular spaces are not evident, being closed above 

 by the approximation of the expansions. The relatively small polyps have the usual operculum 

 composed of two bent spindles which have their proximal ends divaricated and their distal 

 portions contiguous, while a third, much smaller, spindle lies between their bases. This latter 

 spindle is not always evident and then the divaricated ends of the other two rest immediately 

 upon the collaret. 



Spicules. These are remarkable both for their form and uniformity. Each consists of 

 a basal part composed of several ray-like densely tuberculate points radiating from a common 

 centre. Above this centre arises a cluster of smooth, more or less convoluted, leaf-like expan- 

 sions enclosing a central space. Each of these expansions is heavily keeled, the keel being its 

 most conspicuous part and having its free edge finely dentate. The central space is bounded 

 by the bases to which the keels are attached, and when these are closely approximated the 

 space is obliterated and a very heavily ribbed dome is formed, the ribs being meridional and 

 very conspicuous. Besides these there are relatively few triradiate forms, crosses, double stars, 

 etc., and a few ordinary spindles 



Color. The colony is light pinkish brown, the coenenchyma somewhat darker than the 

 calyces. The axis is dark brown and the spicules colorless. 



General distribution. The type was from the Indian Ocean. Studer reports it 

 from Northwest Australia from a depth of 50 fathoms. 



The specimens secured by the .Siboga Expedition, and which I have referred to this 

 species, agree quite well with the figure given by Esper, although the writer would hesitate to 

 identify it were it not for the further agreement with the figures of spicules given by Kölliker. 



3. Echinogorgia psciidosassapo Kölliker. 



Ecliinogorgia sassapo var. reticulata Esper. Pflanzenthiere, II, 1794, p. 48, plate IXa. 

 Echinogorgia pscitdosassapo Kölliker. Icones Histologicse, II, 1856, p. 136. 

 (?) Echinogorgia pscitdosassapo Wright and Studer, Challenger Reports, the Alcyonaria, 1889, p. 119. 

 Echinogorgia pseudosassapo Thomson and Henderson. Ceylon Pearl Oyster Reports, Alcyo- 

 naria, 1905, p. 292. 



Stat. 80. 2°35'S., II7°43'E. Borneo Bank. From 50—40 meters. Coral sand. 



Stat. 273. Jedan Island, east coast Aru Islands. 13 meters. Sand and shells. 



Stat. 310. 8°3o'S., ii9°7'.5E. Flores Sea. 73 meters. Sand. 

 *Pulu Missa near Flores de Siso don. 

 *Aru Islands Dr. J. W. R. KoCH leg. Dutch New Guinea Expedition 1904. 



