TEDAKlA. 191 



The skeleton consists of irregular bands of spicules which extend longitudi- 

 nally. These are connected by numerous single spicules, scattered irregularly 

 in the ground-substance. The spicules are so abundant that they appear as 

 dense masses in thin sections. The sjpicules are straight or slightly curved, 

 usually S-shaped tylota. They are of uniform thickness throughout. The 

 rounded end is often divided from the body of the spicule by a slight constric- 

 tion. The spicules attain a length of 0-3 millim. and a thickness of 0-005 

 millim. Besides these also styli and oxea of similar dimensions and trichites 

 are met with ; these, however, are rare. 



Geographical Disteibution. — East coast of Australia : Port Jackson, 

 N. S. W. {LendenfeU). 



Tedania laxa, n. sp. 



The sponge consists of irregular branches growing out from a central, more 

 or less spherical m.ass, attached by a small base. These processes converge 

 above and stand close together. The whole sponge attains a height of 200 

 millim. and a thickness of 150 millim. The branches are very irregular, slender 

 and knotty, on an average 3 millim. thick. Grenerally there is a spherical 

 swelling at the distal end, similar to the annular thickenings or knots which 

 are observed further down. The surface is smooth. The oscula are not 

 apparent. The colour of the living sponge is bright brick-red. 



The skeleton consists of irregular longitudinal bauds of spicules, which are 

 connected by single spicules, very abundantly scattered in the ground-substance. 

 Although the spicules are so numerous, the sponge is very soft. The megasclera 

 are styh, tylota, and oxea. The styU are prevalent ; they are on an average 

 0*3 millim. long and 0*005 millim. thick. Trichites rare. 



Geogeaphical Disteibution. — East coast of Australia: Port Jackson, 

 N. S. W. {Ramsay). 



Tedania rubra, n. sp. 



Massive sponges, attached by a broad base ; from the upper surface pro- 

 cesses arise ; those nearest the centre of the sponge are dome-shaped. The 

 surface is smooth. The oscula are inconspicuous, circular, 2-3 millim. wide, and 

 particularly abundant on the summits of the processes. The sponge attains a 

 height of 80 millim. and a width of 120 millim. 



The skeleton consists of frequently branched and anastomosing longitudinal 

 fibres. In the meshes of this network dense masses of irregidarly scattered 

 spicules are observed. The fibres consist of regularly longitudinally disposed 

 spicules, and are on an average 0*025 millim. thick. The spicules are styli, 

 tylota, and oxea. The prevalent styli are generally slightly curved, and on an 



