REPORT ON THE ALCYONARIA. 271 



It is possible to distinguish two main groups : — 



(a) Those in which the polyps are distributed over the basal membrane at nearly equal 

 distances. The retractile portion can be more or less withdrawn into the calycine portion, 

 the spicules are smooth, lenticular, circular, or spindle-shaped bodies. 



Tropical Species. ^ — This group is closely allied to Anthelia, and includes Sympodium 

 cceruleum, Ehrbg., Sympodium fulvum, Forsk., Sympodium fuliginosum, Ehrbg., and 

 Sympodium purpurascens, Ehrbg. 



(h). Those in which the polyps have a tendency to form elevated Alcyonium-like 

 groups. The calyces are comparatively large, and are beset with prickly or spinose 

 spindles and clubs. The tentacles also contain spicules. These lead on to the forms 

 belonging to the Alcyonidse. 



Northern and deep-sea forms, including Sympodium abyssorum, Danielssen, Sympo- 

 dium norvegicum, Kor. and Dan., Sympodium coralloides, Pall., and the following new 

 species. 



Sympodium verrilli, n. sp. (PI. XLII. fig. 12). 



The membranous basis of the colony grows over a fragment of dead coral, and from 

 it rise polyps, standing close together. Their calyx portions protrude but little beyond 

 the surface of the membrane, and the anterior portion can be entirely retracted into the 

 calyx. The calyces are never associated in groups. The margin of the colony is smooth, 

 and bears no polyps. The polyps stand at distances of 1 to 2 mm. from each other. 

 The calyces have a diameter of 2 to 4 mm., and a height of 1 to 1'2 mm., their walls 

 exhibit eight distinct longitudinal ridges separated by deep furrows. When the retractile 

 portion is withdrawn, the calyx is reduced to a low wart forming an eight-rayed star. 

 The retractUe portion of the polyp includes the crown of tentacles, which, when at rest, is 

 folded together over the oral-disc, and the oesophagus. It is 5 mm. long, and its walls 

 have elevated ridges. The wall of the basal membrane, like that of the calyx, contains 

 numerous spicules. 



The spicules are straight spindles, which bear two or three circlets of spine-like, 

 rectangular projections, and are surrounded at the ends w'ith spines and dentations. 

 Sometimes one end is broadened out and more thickly beset with spines so as to produce 

 a club-shaped spicule ; sometimes the longitudinal axis is shortened, and a wheel-shaped 

 spicule is the result. In length and breadth they vary respectively as follows : — 016 

 and 005 ; Ol and 0*04 ; O'lS and 0-04 ; 0-13 and 0-05 mm. 



The retractile portion of the polyp is also richly provided with spicules. These are 



