236 AXINELLA. — SPIEOPHORELLA. 



Axinella inflata, n. sp. 



Exceedingly soft and resilient ramifying sponges, with cylindrical terminally 

 inflated branches. The whole sponge has the shape of a bush, which attains a 

 height of 100 millim. 



The skeleton consists of scattered styli measuring 0*1 x 0-006 millim., and 

 bundles of similar spicules in the axial and plumose spiculiferous fibres in the 

 superficial part of the sponge. 



Geogeapiiical Distribution.— East coast of Australia: Port Jackson, 

 N. S. W. {Ramsay). 



Axinella obtusa, n. sp. 



Small dichotomously-branched sponges, attaining a height of 60 millim. 

 The branches are slightly flattened, and about 5 millim. thick; they become 

 more compressed towards their distal ends, where they are only 1-2 millim. 

 thick, 8 millim. broad, and appear truncated. The branches are mostly 

 situated in one plane, so that the whole sponge attains a decidedly flabelliform 

 appearance. 



The skeleton consists of a dense mass of slightly curved styli, measuring 

 0-12 X 0*006 millim., pervaded by bundles of similar spicules 0-02 millim. thick 

 in the axial part of the sponge. In the superficial lacunose portion no scat- 

 tered spicules are observed. The plumose spiculiferous fibres abut on the 

 surface with trumpet-shaped extensions, and their terminal spicules protrude 

 beyond it, rendering its appearance velvet-like. 



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



N. S. W. (Lendenfeld). 



Genus SPIROPHORELLA, n. gen. 

 Axinellidae with abundant spiral microsclera *. 



Spirophorella digitata, n. sp. 



Irregular massive sponges of small size, with large prominent oscula. The 

 colour of spirit-specimens is light grey. 



The skeleton consists of radial main and simple unbranched transverse 



* This genus appears very similar to the genus ^qnretta, above described (p. 42), which 

 belongs to the order Chondrospougite. I am not in a position to decide the question wliether 

 this similarity is due to relationship or converging development. 



