972 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



[46] 



sarily be au unprofitable one, the fact remains that the genus Physalia 

 in its systematic position is widely isolated from other Physophores, 

 and it is surprising that the gap between its nearest ally, Bhizophysa, 

 and itself is unoccupied. 



I believe that the additions to our knowledge in the last years have 

 shown that Physalia and Rliizopliysa are more closely related than the 

 former genus and the Velellidse and Porpitidae ( Velella, Bafaria, and 

 Porpita). 1 think this is shown by the relative size and position of the 

 float, the anatomy of the sexual organs, and the character of the ap- 

 pendages to the tentacles. It seems to me that the resemblances are so 

 close that they ought to be placed together in a scheme of classification. 

 Additions to our knowledge of the species of EMzophysa confirm me in 

 that belief. Still the gap between the two genera is a great one, and we 

 must earnestly expect from the study of genera which connect them, if 

 such exist, a^reater or less modification in our ideas of Siphonophore 

 morphology. Angela is a genus whose anatomy would throw much light 

 on this subject, but I had, up to the present, supposed that Angela was a 

 mutilated Physojjhora, the float representing the bag-like enlargement of 

 the distal end of the stem from which hang the circle of tasters, sexual 

 bells, and polypites, and that the remnant of the necto-stem was seen in 

 the buttoji-shaped apical prominence figured by Lesson. This interpre- 

 tation of Lesson's figure leaves much to be desired and signally fails to 

 interpret many structures which he figures. It may provisionally be 

 supposed that Angela is a good genus and that later studies will again 

 bring it to light. 



Still the gap between Rliizopliysa and Physalia may be filled by the 

 discovery of new genera, and these may or may not be allied to Angela 

 as well. Among the medusas collected by the Albatross is a pair of spe- 

 cimens which are considered the closest allies yet found of Angela, and 

 which at the same time have relations with Physalia more intimate than 

 any other known genus excej)t the ])roblematical medusa of Eang and 

 Lesson. On account of its supposed afiinities it is placed in a new 

 genus of doubtful relationship to which is given the name Angelopsis. 

 Angelopsis recalls the family of Pectyllidae and may be found to be a 

 transition form from the latter to the Pneumatophorae. 



Angelopsis globosa, sp. nov. 



(Plate X, Figs. 4,5.) 

 Two specimens which are placed in this species are from the follow- 

 ing locality : 



' If my interpretation of organs in this genus is correct it is probably a " surface jelly-flsh," 



