Simpson — ,1 Revision of the Gorqonellidae. 



103 



(fig. 90&) ; the two serit-s approach so closely togetiier as to appear as if 

 merged into one, covering the whole of the coenenchyina, especially towards 

 the middle of the colony. The verrucae are low, broad, and mound-like; 

 they are sometimes 2'5 mm. in diameter at tlie base. Towards tiie base 

 (fig. 90rt) they are almost level with the coenenchyma ; while near the tip 

 they are often sunk into depressions in tlic coenenchyma (fig. 90f). The 

 oj^ening is circular, sometimes elongated, and has eight li]is amuiid it, giving 

 a very definite pattern. 



The canal system is typical ; the two main canals are large. The axis is 

 brown at the base, but yellow in tlie younger part ; it is composed of 

 concentric laminae, and is markedly calcareous. Tliere are definite 

 longitudinal striae, especially in the older part. Fig. 91 shows the 

 predominant spicular types. 



Locality. — Ofi' Malabar Coast, 36 fms. 



Amongst the Alcyonaria collected by the writer in Ihe Mergui .Arclu- 

 pelago, Burma, there are six specimens which undoubtedly belong to tiiis 

 species. Five of these are long and llagdlifcirm, and represent a series in 

 development ; they are very slender, and taper only slightly from base to 

 apex. The following measurements will serve to illustrate tlie most salient 

 features : — 



The coenenchyma is very thin, as may be seen from the above measure- 

 ments ; it is finely granular and very compact. 



The mode of distiibitlion of the polyps is very pronoiniced. Two of the 

 specimens, (namely, 1. and IV.) bear the di.sk of altncliment, so tliat in these 

 the arrangement may be studied fiom the base. The lower portion, for a 

 considerable distance, is devoid of polyps ; in the polyp-ltcaring region of tlie 

 colony the verrucae are distinctly separated into two series by two longitu- 

 dinal bare spaces, whose position is sometimea indicated by depressions. 



