4 R. KTRKPATRICK. 



The ' Gauss ' Expedition obtained six specimens, wliieh are all young and small, 

 beins from 2-10 mm. in diameter. 



The difference in the size of the megasclercs of the ' Discovery ' and ' Gauss ' 

 specimens may be attributed to differences in the age and size of the specimens ; 

 but the difference in the size of the sigmata of the two sets of specimens is more 

 notable — those of the ' Gauss ' being 14-20m, and of the ' Discovery ' being only 12 • 3/x 

 to 13)u. in length as viewed in the C aspect. In my opinion difference in size of 

 sigmata has not the importance that is sometimes attached to it. 



All the specimens were dredged in the neighbourhood of Winter Quarters in depths 

 of 10-130 fms. Also 'Gauss' Expedition, near its Winter Quarters, 350-385 m. 



Graniella sagitta var. pachyrrhabdus. 

 (1*1. VIIL, figs. 14, 15 ; PI. IX., figs. 17, 18, 19.) 

 11)07. Tethija sagitia Lendenfdd (Ua. p. 30(i). 



This variety is represented by several oblong pieces about G cm. in length, deeply 

 blackened by osmic acid, and forming part of a large sponge, which had been cut up 

 for preservation in that reagent. 



The fragments are sufficient to show that the surface of the sponge, was covered 

 with a spicular pile about 4 mm. in height. 



Mr. Hodgson informs me that ,tlie bulk of the specimen was lost. He was under 

 the impression that this sponge, which was obtained from the same locality as the 

 var. microsigma, and which resembled the latter iu general appearance, was identical 

 with it iu all its characters. An examination of a section, however, shows that the 

 radiating fibres of the skeleton contain numerous large thick strongyles and styles, 

 about 7 X 0"116 mm. in dimensions (VIII. figs. 14, 15); the sigmata are 18-20 /a 

 long, and slightly thicker and rougher than in the var. microsic) ma. 



■ Plate IX. figs. 18, 19 show collar cells, stained in gentian violet. The cells are 

 here seen to be separate, and the collars apparently not coalescent ; but the tissues are 

 not very well preserved ; and, though much care was taken in the drawing, a renewed 

 inspection of the preparation from which the illustrations were drawn has shown that 

 the figures of the collars are not satisfactory. The fiagellated chambers usually contain 

 only a few collar cells in the normal position (IX. 17), the rest forming detached 

 masses in the centre of the chambers. The fiawellum originates from the end of the 

 large oval nucleus, which is situated a little below the surface of the body of the cell. 



Locality. Winter Quarters, Hut Point, 25 fms. 



Craniella leptoderma. 



(Plate XI., figs. 4-14.) 

 1888. Telilla leptoderma Sollas (21. p. 3). 



Sponge, club-shaped or pyriforni ; with verruculate surface ; with one large oscule 

 near the summit ; with root-tuft. Surface pile of spicules absent in the adult state, 

 and only slightly developed in early stages, large protriaenes being very raie or absent. 



