ORDER IV. AXIFERA, G. von Koch. 

 Family ]).\xy<;oi:uiiii.K. 



Lepidogorgia verrilli, Wright and Studer. 

 Chrysogorgia orientalis, Versluys. 



flexilis, Wright and Studer. 



,, dichotoma, n. sp. 



,, irregularis, u. sp. 



,, indica, n. sp. 



Lepidogorgia verrilli, Wright and Studer. Plate III. figs. 5a and 5b. 



This species is represented by three fragments which apparently compose one 

 specimen and a portion of another. 



In one the basal attachment is present, and consists of a number of root-like 

 processes very calcareous and translucent. 



The axis is thin and hair-like, very calcareous and brittle, but slightly flexible 

 near the tip. 



The polyps are 3'3 mm. in height, arranged uniseriallyat intervals of nearly 6mm. 



The coenenchyma is moderately thick, slightly more so on the side bearing 

 the polyps. 



On the stem the spicules are arranged side by side ; on the polyp an eight- 

 rayed pseudo-operculum is formed by spicules on the bases of the tentacles, 

 and for a short distance below the origin of the tentacles the spicules are arranged 

 in eight rows. The spicules are irregular in shape, curved or straight, and some- 

 times reaching a length of 2 mm. 



Locality : Andaman Sea ; 375-490 fathoms. 



Previously recorded from off Japan and from Macassar Straits. 



Two other specimens (B and C) agree on the whole with A, but differ in 

 minor details, as shown in the following table : 



Axis. 



Coenenchyma. 



Polyps. 



Square at base, cylindrical a little 

 farther up ; slender, 07 mm. in di- 

 ameter, becoming hair-like ; brittle, 

 very calcareous, slightly flexible 

 near the tip ; iridescent ; surface 

 ridged. 



Very thin, axis 

 shining through. 



At distances of 

 5 '5 mm. Height 

 2-2'S mm. 



