Narrative of Bahama Expedition. i8i 



form, with loi\<;\ sharp, nuedle-like spicules radiating from the 

 surface; PhakcUia tenax, a flabellate form strangely resemb- 

 ling some of the sea-fans, with freely anastomosing branches 

 covered with projecting bristles or spicules, giving the appear- 

 ance of a fur or felt. The color of this species when fresh is 

 brown, but this color fades out to a gray after long immer- 

 sion in alcohol. 



This ends our hurried surve\- of the assemblage of animal 

 forms secured from the Pourtales Plateau, and the shallower 

 water between it and the reefs, a region of surpassing interest 

 to the naturalist, or to any one else who can be interested in 

 Nature's handiwork. This was probably the most profitable 

 part of our cruise, although there were no such striking 

 novelties as the Pentacrini. The collection as a whole was of 

 greater scientific interest than any secured from other locali- 

 ties. The amount of labor involved in bringing up these 

 thousands of specimens from the sea bottom, and caring for 

 them after they were secured, was at times calculated to 

 destroy the enthusiasm of any but the most persistent workers. 

 But our young men and women labored most faithfully day 

 after dav in the intense heat without complaint, and with 

 cheerful compliance with every reasonable demand made upon 

 their energies. The time was emphatically well spent, and 

 the educational value of constantly handling and observing so 

 many and varied animal t\pes was incalculable. 



