REPORT ON THE ALCYONARIA. 227 



narrow limitation of Kolliker's definition. Several of the genera included by us exhibit 

 again a near relationship to the Alcyonidse, especially to Alcyonium. This holds good of 

 Paranephthya as regards the condition of the polyp tubes, and of Chironephthya as 

 regards the structure of the polyps, which exhibit a distinct calyx, and as regards the 

 distribution of tlie poly|is on the branches. 



Genus Paranephthya, n. gen. 



Upright, ramified colonies, on whose terminal twigs the polyps are placed in thick 

 clusters. The polj'ps are not retractile. The canals of the colony are narrow and 

 divided from one another by relatively thick partition walls which contain scattered 

 spicules. The outer covering is smooth. The spicules of the outer covering and of the 

 polyps, as well as those of the canal walls, are foliaceous and spiny clubs, with various 

 outgrowths. 



The fact that the spicules are still developed in rather small numbers in the partition 

 walls of the canals brings this genus near to the preceding division. As regards the form 

 and build of the colony it stands nearest to Duva, Dan. and Kor., and certain forms of 

 Nephthya. 



The canal-system in the stem and branches is peculiar and different from that of all 

 the representatives of the division Spongodinse. In the branches there are numerous 

 fine canals, separated by thick dividing walls from one another ; these canals are still 

 more numerous in the stem, whose transverse section appears like a fine sieve. Hence 

 the stem has a much more compact character than in the Spongodinse, in which it is 

 penetrated by less numerous and wider canals. 



In the arrnugemeut of the canals no definite boundary can be recognised. They are 

 direct prolongations of the digestive cavities of the polyps, which are thus continued 

 directly into the stem without alteration of their width. 



The polyps ai-e club-shaped, not retractile. In repose the tentacles are simply laid 

 together over the mouth. In the contracted condition they bend towards their support, 

 as in Eunephthya and as in the Primnoidse. The spicules are very uniformly developed 

 as foliaceous and spiny clubs, which lie close together. When in spirit the stem, branches, 

 and polyps appear smooth ; when dried the polyps in particular acquire a finely 

 granular surface, which appears scaly when slightly enlarged. 



The most nearly related genus is Ammothea, Sav. 



Paranephthya capitulife.ya, n. sp. (PI. XXXVIa. figs, la, lb; PI. XLIl. fig. 8). 



The upright stem arises from a broad base growing over a fragment of coral. 

 Gradually diminishing in size it gives off on different sides a number of irregularly 



