516 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [4] 



thick and swollen, while lower down, more distally from the float, it 

 tapers gradually aud becomes flat, as in the first specimen. On the 

 one side of the thickened region of the stem there arises a small cluster 

 of flask-shaped bodies, in the form of elongated, digitiform structures, 

 which may be undeveloped polypites. Below (more distally from the 

 float) the latter structures we find a number of polypites', more or less 

 thickened by contraction, which are arranged in clusters. No tentacles 

 observed attached to them. Nine polypites (one broken in examina- 

 tion) were counted in the largest cluster. 



The distal end of the stem now (distally from the float) diminishes in 

 diameter, and a second cluster of flask-shaped bodies is seen. When 

 this second cluster is closely examined it is found to be composed of 

 four polypites, brought together by a contraction of the stem. These 

 polypites have ptera, but no tentacles. The last of the second cluster 

 of polypites, the most distant from the float of any yet considered, is 

 GO"" 11 from the apex of the float. The stem, between the first and sec- 

 ond clusters of polypites, is muscular, more or less folded and nodose 

 by contraction. It sometimes shows an infolded groove on one side. 



The diameter of the stem distally from the second cluster of polypites 

 diminishes very considerably, and after the addition to the number of 

 existing polypites of two more, we find a long bare interval of the axis. 



In addition to the long fragment of Pterophysa in No. 2, there are 

 two other fragments of large size, which seem to belong to the same 

 animal. Both of these fragments have a nodose stem, which appears 

 much twisted and contorted. The first fragment is about 250 mm long, 

 and at one end is flat, and seems to be broken from the axis of the larger 

 specimen in the same bottle. It is enlarged about midway in its length, 

 aud at one end bears a swollen nodose body, from which arises a poly- 

 pite. This polypite has a tentacle, which arises from one side.* 



If we compare this fragment and its polypite with the terminal poly- 

 pite of the specimen already described (No. 2), we find a close resem- 

 blance in many particulars. A swollen nodose body is present in both. 

 Tentacles exist in both. The fragment is therefore regarded a terminal 

 polypite. 



In another fragment of No. 2 we have a long undivided part, which 

 bifurcates and becomes nodose at the free ends, while a botryoidal body, 

 homologous with a sexual gland, arises from one of the bifurcations. 



Pterophysa, sp. incog". 



In the collection made by Mr. Agassiz in the Caribbean Sea there are 

 a few mutilated specimens of a Pterophysa, the polypites of which have 



* It is possible that in my account of the polypites of Pterophysa collected by the 

 Albatross in 1883, 1 have exaggerated the grasping power of the ptera of these oi-gaus. 

 As I then stated, "It is difficult to determine definitely the function of the ptera and 

 the peculiar structure of the polypites of Pterophysa, unless we study the animal 

 alive." 



