RENIERA. 143 
partly of crystalline silica. Traces of the axial canal are present in some 
examples. 
These spicules are distinctly smaller and more evenly arcuate than those of 
R. Carteri, from the Carboniferous of Ayrshire. They were obtained by Mr. J- 
Wright from the decayed chert-bed at Ben Bulben, and described by Mr. H. J. 
Carter, F.R.S., as “‘sausage-shaped spicules like those of some of the Reniera of 
the present day. 
Distribution.—Upper beds of Carboniferous Limestone, Ben Bulben, Sligo, 
Ireland. 
21. Reniera oravata, Hinde, sp. nov. Plate IX, figs. 5, 5a, 56. 
The spicules of this species are cylindrical, gently arcuate, with slightly inflated 
extremities, their surfaces smooth and even. ‘They vary from °36 mm. to 53 mm. 
in length, and from ‘06 to ‘09 mm. in thickness. They are smaller than the pre- 
ceding species, and characterised by their slightly tumid extremities. 
These spicules are the most abundant and widely distributed forms in the 
Carboniferous Sponge-beds, which in places are filled with them. 
Distribution.—Yoredale series: Richmond, Arkendale, Harrogate, Yorkshire ; 
Halkin, Henblas, near Holywell, Gt. Orme’s Head, North Wales. Carboniferous 
Limestone: Clitheroe, Lancashire. Middle Limestone or Calp series: near Dublin. 
22. Reniera virGa, Hinde, sp. nov. Plate IX, figs. 6, 6a, 6b. 
This name is proposed for elongated cylindrical spicules, smooth, evenly 
rounded at both ends, and gently arcuate. In some specimens one end of the 
spicule is slightly smaller than the other. They vary from °5 to °65 mm. in 
length, and from ‘05 to ‘06 mm. in thickness. They are distinguished from 
tt. clavata by the absence of any inflation at their ends, and they are much more 
slender forms than KR. scitula. 
Distribution.—Carboniferous Limestone: Clitheroe, Lancashire. Yoredale 
series: Richmond, Yorkshire; Trelogan, Flintshire. Upper Limestones: Ben 
Bulben, Sligo. 
