Simpson — A Revision of the Gorgonellidae. 21 



type of Juncella juncea." The position of these specimens is discussed later 

 oil, so that it is unnecessary to enter into it here. 



A short discussion on the distribution of the verrucae in a number of 

 specimens wliich liave come under our observation may prove useful in 

 arriving at some general conclusion. It is unnecessary to take these in any 

 definite order; but a division iutu tliree groups may serve to emphasize some 

 of the more salient characteristics. 



1. Scirpearia 'proftrnda. — The polyps are disposed in two longitudinal 

 series; this arrangement may be obscured in the older parts, and then the 

 disposition may simulate a spiral. Near the base four rows may occur in each 

 series; but this number diuiinislies in tlie younger parts, so that near the ti]i 

 there is only a single row alternating on opposite sides. 



Scirpearia pcctUiata. — In no case do the polyps occur on the main stem. 

 On the primaiy branches they are restricted to the outer aspect, i.e., the side 

 diametrically opposite the one t'nnu which the secondary branches arise. On 

 the secondary branches they are disposed on the two inner surfaces. In the 

 upper half of the secondary branches the polyps may encroach on the bare 

 spaces and appear as if distributed all over the coenenchyma. 



Scirpearia anomala. — The polyps are confined to twd li'iigitudinal lateral 

 'tracts separated by two bare spaces. Near the base of the colony and also 

 in the younger parts near the tip there is a single row of polyps in each 

 series ; but in the intermediate portion there are two irregular rows owing to 

 crowding and the interposition of young polyps. 



Scirpearia verrucosa. — The distribution of the Jiolyps is as follows : — The 

 lower part bears no polyps ; this is followed by two bare tracts which 

 diminish in size to two distinct lines from which the polyps diverge at acute 



angles. ' 



Scirpearia flngeUum.—lhc lower part of the stem is devoid of polyps; 

 this is surmounted by two opposite hmgitudiiial Imre tracts which persist to 

 the tip of the colony. On the other two sides the polyps are disposed in a 

 single row in each series. This gives the colony a markedly bilateral 

 appearance. The verrucae stand sometimes in opposite pairs, but tiic more 

 common arrangement is alternate. 



Scirpearia thomsoni. — The polyps are disposed in two longitudinal series 

 on opposite faces, each of wliieii consists of from two to four irregularly 

 alternating rows. 



Scirpearia furculu. — The polyps are arranged in two longitudinal series 

 separated by two narrow Ijare strips whieh lieeoiiu- nioiv indistinct, but still 

 visible towards the tip. In ourh series the polyps appear in rows diverging 



