34 



This species differs from Acanella rigida in the arrangement of the polyps, 

 and in the details of the spiculation. 



Locality: Station 325 ; 18 18' N., 93 25' E. ; 843 fathoms. 



In another specimen the brandies arise from the main stem in twos or in 

 threes, and from the main branches the secondaries arise singly or in twos. 



The axis is composed of alternate horny and calcareous joints, the latter many 

 times longer than the former, and marked by longitudinal furrows. The first 

 calcareous internode is very short, 3 '5 mm., while the second measures 17 mm. in 

 length. The lowest joint is calcareous, and from its base large root-like processes 

 spread out, pure white in colour and very brittle. 



The arrangement of the polyps cannot be definitely made out ; in some places 

 they seem to be placed more or less alternately, in other places they seem to be 

 restricted to one side of the branch. They are long, 375 mm. in height, and 

 stand up sharply from the axis. They are somewhat contracted near the middle, 

 and then swell out again just below the base of the tentacles. The spicules are 

 arranged on the polyps at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis, and none reach 

 the whole length of the polyp. On the aboral surface of each tentacle there is a 

 narrow band of two rows of spicules arranged longitudinally ; on the lateral 

 surfaces narrow bauds formed of very small spicules run out to form supports for 

 the bases of the pinnules. 



The coenenchyma is very thin, and contains minute scattered spicules. 



The spicules of the polyps are straight or slightly curved spindles, and a few 

 rod -shaped forms. All are covered by minute spine-like tubercles. The following 

 measurements were taken of length and breadth in millimetres : 



2x013 ; 1-4x0-12 ; 0'4x0'05 ; 0'22xO-05; O'OSxO'OL 



Some of the larger spicules have a narrower part near the middle, and the 

 smallest have more prominent spines. The spicules of the ccenenchyma are short 

 rods, either blunt or pointed at the ends, and in some cases constricted near the 

 middle. The following measurements were taken : 



0-3x0-04; 0-25x0-045; 0'14x0'02. 



Locality : Station 254 ; 11 16' 30" N., 92 58' E.; 669 fathoms. 



