314 CEYLON PEARL OYSTER REPORT. 



The spicules agree with those described and figured in the ' " Challenger " Report, 

 and are (a) unsymmetrical double clubs, and (6) double stars. The measurements, 

 length by breadth in millimetres, are of (a), 0'12 X 0'04 ; O'll X 0'04 ; O'lO X 0'04 ; 

 and of (/;), O'lO X O'OG. A few single clubs and rough needles were seen. 



The colour of the specimens in spirit is bright red with tints of orange when 

 closely examined ; the polyps appear white. 



Locality : Gulf of Manaar ; Vankali Paar ; Muttuvaratu. 



Previously recorded from Red Sea ; Torres Straits ; Queensland and Mermaid's 

 Straits, N.W. Australia. 



Juncella juncea, PALLAS. 



The collection includes numerous fragments of various species of Juncella, more 

 numerous than we could examine ; some of these belong to Juncella juncea which 

 RIDLEY reported from Ceylon (1883). 



Juncella fragilis, RIDLEY. 



This species is represented by several fragments, in which the axis is marked by 

 longitudinal grooves or striae. In some of the fragments the verrucse measure nearly 

 2 millims. in height and the axis has a diameter of 1 millim., while in the other 

 fragments the verrucee are much smaller and the axis measures 2 millims. in diameter. 

 The spicular measurements in the one set of fragments are almost identical with 

 those previously given for Juncella fragilis, but in the other set they measure as 

 follows, length by breadth in millimetres : 



Unsymmetrical clubs, 0'08 X 0'03 ; O'OG 5 X 0'03. 



Double clubs, 0'08 X 0'04 ; 0'075 X 0'03. 



Juncella fragilis (RIDLEY), var. rubra, n. 



This species is also represented by one complete specimen on which this new variety 

 has been founded. The specimen shows no trace of branching, and measures 

 508 millims. in length. It is long and flexible, and tapers very gradually throughout 

 its entire length to the pointed apex. The cortex is thick and red coloured, with 

 numerous reddish-brown verructe. There is no trace of a lateral line or groove 

 throughout the entire length of the stem, but the cortex has been rubbed off the 

 lower part. 



The verrucse are numerous and closely appressed, measuring about 1 millim. in 

 height. The axis is grooved arid very flexible, measuring 3 millims. in diameter at 

 the base and becoming hair-like near the tip where the stem measures 2 millims. in 

 diameter. The base consists of a broad flat plate which has a diameter of 14 millims. 



Tiie spicules are double clubs and double stars, which measure, length by breadth 

 in millimetres, as follows : 



Double clubs, 0'08 X 0'03 ; 0'087 X 0'04. 



Stars, U 05 X 0'03 ; O'OG X 0'03. 



