178 Xaturai. History Bulletin. 



central cord is so shrunken and twisted that the ••tasters" are 

 usually less than one-half inch apart. Other sets of append- 

 ages are doubtless tactile organs and reproductive persons. 

 The anterior end of the colony is furnished with a float con- 

 taining a bubble of oil or gas. A microscopic investigation 

 showed that the nematocysts are after the pattern found in 

 the Portuguese man-o'-war. being almost globular and having 

 the thread coiled in a regular spiral. The thread-cells in the 

 Pieropkysa were considerably larger, apparently, than those 

 of the Physalia. Their sting seemed to be felt more quickl}-, 

 but th^ pain did not last so long. It was also noticed that 

 they could not effect the palms of the hands, but were quite 

 severe when applied to the opposing lateral surfaces of the 

 lingers, or back of the hand. 



A rich harvest of hydroids was secured here, twenty-three 

 species, many of them new, or otherwise of special interest, 

 being noted in the collection. ^ Indeed nearly half of these 

 species are apparently new, a fact which will indicate the real 

 importance of this part of our work. 



Halecium jilicula Allman was secured at depths of from 

 fifty-six to two hundred fathoms, and two new species were 

 added to this genus. One of these was a particularly beauti- 

 ful form, having the margins of the hydrophores gracefully 

 reflected, and showing the mysterious circles of brilliant dots 

 like necklaces of jewels, an ornamentation as beautiful as it 

 is inexplicable. Another new species of this genus is still 

 more striking, having very large cylindrical hydrophores 

 with numerous margins which are abruptly rolled outward 

 and have very brilliant ••necklaces."" The hydranths are 

 unusually large and capable of great expansion. An elegant 

 new form of branching Campanularian, probably an Obeli'a. 

 has verv thin, glassy, sub-conical hydrotheca\ the upper parts 

 of which are thrown into longitudinal folds or pleatings, which.. 



'The author wishes to note the \ erv faithful work of Professor S. 

 •Stookev and Miss Margaret ^yiIliams in attending to the Hvdroida during^ 

 the cruise. The really superb collections of these forms are due largely 

 to their painstaking care and perseverance. 



