320 



CEYLON PEARL OYSTER REPORT. 



Virgularia loveni, KOLLIKER. 



This species is represented by three fragments, the largest of which measures 

 106 millims. in length, and appears to consist of nearly the whole rachis, while the 

 other two fragments represent the upper portions of two specimens. 



The axis shows slight differences in form ; in one it is cylindrical, in another 

 quadrangular, with two of the sides rounded, while in the third it returns to the 

 cylindrical shape, but with one surface slightly flattened. It is covered by transverse 

 ridges or by tubercles, which gives it a pitted appearance. On the prorachidial face of 

 the rachis there is a well-defined narrow groove. The diameter of the axis is 

 1'5 millims. ; the rachis measures 106 millims. in length by 5 '3 millims. in width. 



The pinnules are folded so as to form a double S-shaped figure. They are almost 

 touching one another near the tip, but lower down they stand considerably apart 

 (3'5 millims.). They vary from 3'5 millims. to 4'8 millims. in breadth, and from 

 2 millims. to 2 '5 millims. in height. The polyps are well defined, arranged in one 

 row on the pinnule, and vary in number from 19 to 24. 



The specimens agree with the description of Virgularia loveni given by KOLLIKER 

 (1872), although there are a few slight differences. 



Locality : Trincomalee. 



Virgularia, sp. Plate IV., fig. 2. 



The collection includes two fragments which approach Virgularia loveui. As they 

 may be young forms, in regard to which little is known, and as they are only fragments, 

 we have been content to give a brief description. The measurements are stated in 

 the following table : 



The pinnules are folded so as to form a double S-shaped figure. The polyps are 

 well defined. There is a distinct groove on the prorachidial surface which measures 

 0'4 millim. from edge to edge. 



At the tip the pinnules are almost touching, but lower down the distance between 

 them is 3 '4 millims. 



The axis is almost rectangular in one specimen, with two shorter sides slightly 



