ALCYONAKIA. 285 



probably zoochlorellse. In many cases there appears to be no aperture to the 

 exterior. 



The colony is extremely hard, the surface being rough and granular to the touch. 

 The colour of the spirit specimen is medium brownish-grey, which becomes deeper 

 towards the base of the stalk. 



There is no doubt that this interesting form is near Paranephthya capitulifera, 

 WBIGHT and STUDER ; but it is a quite distinct species. 



Chironephthya variabilis, HICKSON. 



This species is represented by a magnificent specimen, measuring 21 centims. by 

 20 centims. The base measures 3 '5 centims. by 4 centims. There is a very marked 

 " weeping willow " appearance, as almost all the twigs are pointing downwards. This 

 is probably the finest specimen of its kind that has been hitherto obtained. There 

 are also numerous fragments, and one or two specimens which may be complete young 

 forms. 



The colour is very variable in the different specimens and even in the different 

 parts of the same specimen. In several fragments the general coenenchyma is white 

 with red spots here and there on the surface ; in others it is yellowish-white with red 

 spots. When the general ccenenchyma is white in colour, a pinkish tinge becomes 

 gradually more marked in the branches until it finally predominates, thus giving the 

 tips of the branches and twigs a deep pinkish -red colour. In the specimens with a 

 yellowish -white general coenenchyma the pinkish tinge increases as before, but in this 

 case the tips of the branches have an orange colour. In other cases the tips of the 

 branches may be pinkish-red with the projecting edges of the calyces an orange- 

 yellow. 



There is also great variation in the colour of the polyp spicules ; in some the spicules 

 of the crown and points are red, in others they are yellow, while in others the crown 

 spicules are red and the point spicules orange-yellow. Considerable variation is also 

 found in the measurements of the crown and the point spicules ; so great is the range 

 of variation, in fact, that they do not appear to be of any value as a specific 

 distinction. The crown spicules vary in one specimen from 0'24 millim. to 0'5 millim. 

 in length, and the point spicules from 0'3 millim. to 0'55 millim. in length, while in 

 the same specimen the breadth of the crown spicules varies from 0'026 millim. to 

 0'06 millim. 



Locality : Deep water off Galle ; Pearl banks, Gulf of Manaar. 



Siphonogorgia pustulosa, WBIGHT and STUDER. 

 Locality : Ceylon seas. 



Siphonogorgia miniacea, KUKENTHAL. 

 Locality : Ceylon seas. 



