29 



dichotomous fashion with a more or less marked predominance of oue of the 



components of the first division. 



On the older parts there is one polyp to each intemode, placed almost at the 

 point of the next division, but sometimes a little below the bifurcation, especially 

 in the younger parts of the colony. At the end of the twig there are two polyps, 

 one at or near the tip and the other about half-way down the inlrniodr. Tin- 

 polyp has a large swelling at the base which almost surrounds the stem, it i- (hen 

 contracted, and it again swells out at the tentacular portion, thus appearing very 

 like a globular vase with a neck. On the swollen portion of the polyp placed near 

 the tip of the twig, the spicules are arranged transversely and then longitudinally, 

 but in the others they are arranged longitudinally. On the aboral surface of the 

 tentacles there is a baud of spicules. The polyps vary in height from r9-2'3 mm. 



The coenenchyma is very thin and membranous, and allows the axis to shine 

 through. Though much weathered, it shows in parts a single layer of closely 

 apposed spicules 



The polyp spicules are spindles, sharp or blunt at the ends, straight or curved, 

 and covered by minute tubercles. The following measurements were taken of 

 length and breadth in millimetres : 



0-6x0-08; 0-5x0-06; 0'42x0'06; 0'25x0'05; 0'13xO-03; 0'06x0'02. 



Some of these dimensions are large, for in the Siboga specimens they were 

 0-12-0-26-0-33 mm. in length by 0'06-0'07 mm. in breadth, and in the Challenger 

 specimens 0'25-0'41 in length by 0'03-0'07 in breadth. 



The polyp spicules include several irregularly shaped spindles, and a f <-w 

 incipient quadriradiate forms with a distinct X-shaped marking in the middle. 



The spicules of the coenenchyma are flattish spindles, blunt at the ends, and 

 covered by small tubercles with a serrated appearance at the edges. A number 

 have an X-shaped marking at the middle. Their measurements are as follows : 

 0-22x0-04; O'HxO'OS; Oxl3x0'03; O'OGxO'03. 



Embryos were found in several of the specimens. 



Localities: Station 333; 6 31' N., 79 38' 45" E. ; 401 fathoms. Station 

 267 ; 7 02' 30" N., 79 36' 10" E. ; 457-589 fathoms. Station 254 ; 11 16' 30" 

 N.,9258'E. ; 669 fathoms. Station 241 ; 10 12' N., 92 20' 30" E. ; 606 fathom*. 



Previously recorded from coast of Chiloe and East Indian Archipelago. 



Chrysogorgia dichotoma, n. sp. Plate VI. fig. 3. 



This species is represented by a damaged specimen, apparently the upper 

 portion of a colony. 



The close-set branches are arranged in a sinistrorse but quite irregular spiral. 



The axis is very brittle and is slightly kneed at the origin of each branch, so 

 that it has an apparently spiral course. It is brown with a tinge of green in the 



