It came from the West Indies. The figure shows only three columns, and 

 for a long time that was considered its specific character. It is well known, 

 however, that the number of columns varies in other species and undoubtedly 

 also in this. 



LATERNEA PUSILLA (Fig. 60). This is known from a single speci- 

 men from Cuba, preserved at Kew. The character of this specimen is the 

 two columns and its exceedingly small size. As Laternea pusilla has never 

 been found since and was never figured, we have used for our illustration n 

 photograph of the type specimen. When these small Laterneas are known 

 from more ample collections, it will probably not be possible to draw any line 

 between pusilla and triscapa and perhaps also columnata. 



Fig. 

 LATERNEA SPEGAZZINI. 



Fig. 57. 



LATERNEA COLUMNATA. 



LATERNEA RHACODES (Fig. 61). In this species the inner 

 cells of the columns are torn and lacerated, and on that account has 

 been made into a new genus (Blumenavia). As the same character 

 is afforded by more than one Clathrus, which are not separated on this 

 account, we feel it better to include this in Laternea, with which it 

 otherwise agrees. Laternea rhacodes was originally from Brazil, 

 where it is reported to be common. It is not otherwise known. 



LATERNEA ANGOLENSIS (Fig. 62). This, from the picture, which is 

 all that is known about it, is very similar to columnata except that the columns 

 are more slender and reduced at the top, and the color is white. It is probably 

 only a white form of Laternea columnata. It is the only record of the genus 



50 



