30 



over the tentacle bases. The rest of the dorsal surfaces of the tentacles bear a number of 

 slender longitudinally disposed spindles. 



A cross section of a branch shows practically the same structure described in connection 

 with other species of this genus. 



Spicules. The spicules of the ccenenchyma are much more typical spindles, especially 

 in length, than those of other species described. The oval spicules so characteristic of other 

 species are here almost completely lacking, and the spindles are proportionally much more 

 slender. They are covered with conspicuous verrücke which are not ordinarily in regularly 

 disposed whorls. The spicules of the axis are smooth and are joined by cross connections into 

 a sort of mesh. 



Color. The colony is a light reddish brown in color. 



A number of fragments from Station 204 apparently belong to this species. Some are 

 more delicate than the type, but there are no other important differences. 



7. Sjiberogorgia pitlcJira new species. (Plate VI, figs, i, \a-^ Plate XI, fig. 9). 



Stat. 315. Anchorage East of Sailus Besar, Paternoster Islands. Up to 36 meters. Coral and 

 Lithothamnion. 



Several fragments, perhaps of the same specimen, were secured. The largest was 

 flabellate, but strao^grlinsf in habit, 2^.=; cm. in heig^ht. The main stem and branches are some- 

 what flattened, the former having a cross section of 6 mm. X 4 mm. 1.3 cm. above its 

 proximal end it gives off a simple undivided branchlet 14.8 cm. long, and 1.3 cm. higher it 

 bifurcates. Each of the resultant branchlets gives off a single branchlet on one side and several 

 usually simple ones, on the other. The ultimate branches are slender, slightly flattened and 

 about 3 mm. in greater diameter. All of the stem and branches are traversed by distinct 

 median grooves on one side, and most of them on two opposite sides. The calyces are all 

 lateral in position, in two or three interrupted rows on each side of the branch. 



The individual calyces are almost completely included, leaving little indication of their 

 presence except in the very fine 8-rayed slits surrounding the calyx mouth. These slits are like 

 sharp cuts radiating from the centre. The polyps are completely retractile, very small, and the 

 dorsal surfaces of the retracted tentacles show a heavy armature of longitudinally placed red 

 spindles showing conspicuously against the yellow substance of the tentacles. 



A cross section of the stem shows the characteristic features of this genus. 



.Spicules. These are of much the same character as in Subcrogorgia appressa. The 

 ccenenchyma is packed with oval or disk-shaped forms which have their surfaces thickly crowded 

 with coarse Verrucae, which, however, are not arranged in regular whorls, but are emplanted 

 irregularly but closely over the entire surface. The spicules of the axis form an agglutinated 

 mass of tortuous bodies which unite in a sort of network or mesh. 



Color. The entire colony is a yellowish red or terracotta, with the mouths of the 

 calyces showing yellowish. The opercular spindles are crimson. 



