Simpson — A Revision of the GorgonelUdac. 55 



Thomson and Henderson to establish a new species (J. miniacca) for a small 

 specimen from the Indian Ocean. Tlu> long spindles described for the latter 

 species have since proved to be extrinsic. 



An examination of the type specimen, and also of the spicules of 

 J. racnnosn in the British Museum, has proved beyond question that 

 J. miniacm is not distinct from J. racemosa. This has already been pointed out 

 (Thomson and Simpson, xli.) in connexion with another specimen which 

 occurs in the collection of Littoral Alcyonaria of the Indian Museum, 

 Calcutta (figs'. 20, 21, and 22). 



In the same collection, but hitherto undescribed, is a small portion of a 

 delicate colony branched in one plane (fig. 21). The l)ase is wanting; and 

 what appears to be the main stem may be only a primary branch which, has 

 been broken off at the point of attachment of an acorn shell. It is 30 mm. 

 in length, and is distinctly crescentic in shape. Five thread-like branches 

 arise from the convex side, and one only from the concave. The longest of 

 these is 55 mm. ; and it is noteworthy tiiat the branches are also curved. 

 They in turn give origin to finer branchlets, which, with very few exceptions, 

 arise from the convex side. Two acorn-shells have become attached to the 

 colony; and these are overgrown with polyp-bearing cocncnchyma : while 

 one of them has given rise to a proliferation of the axis. 



The coenenchyma is very thin; and it is impossible to discover the nature 

 and number of the main canals. 



The axis is thread-like, and is impregnated with lime. 



The polyps are more scattered than in any of the previously described 

 specimens, and stand almost perpendicularly. The arrangement of these is 

 not easily determined. In the finer twigs they occur in two single rows 

 (fig. 22); but the intrusion of young polyps and consequent development 

 tend to obliterate this symmetry, and give an irregular arrangement. 



The verrucae, when expanded, are cylindrical, and higher than broad ; in 

 this condition an eight-rayed structure is seen at the top. On contiaction 

 they become dome-like, and no trace of the rays is to be seen. The colour of 

 the colony is a pale brick-red throughout. 



The spicules are of the types characteristic of this species. 



Locality. — Andamaus. 



Diagnosis of J. racemosa. 



Colony delicate, branched in one plane ; the branches tend to arise from 

 one side of the stem, and the branchlets show a similar tendency ; 

 coenenchyma thin ; polyps in the finer twigs and at the tips of the branches 

 are usually disposed in two lateral rows ; in the older parts of the branches 



