Simpson — A Revmon of the Gorgonellidae. 107 



throughout the colony, being slightly thinner in the older portions. Tlie 

 surface is finely granular. 



The general colour of the colony is ochreous-yellow ; but the tip.s of the 

 verrucae and the anthocodiae are white. 



The polyps are distributed in two longitudinal series situated laterally — 

 that is, on the aspects perpendicular to the plane of ramification. In each 

 series there are from three to four irregular rows. The two bare spaces are 

 quite distinct,- and only here and there are median depressions to be seen. 



The verrucae vary considerably according to the stage of retraction. When 

 expanded they are mammilliform, are directed upwards, and adpressed to thi^ 

 coenenchyma. This is well seen near the tips of some of the smaller liranclies 

 where the coenenchyma is relatively thicker and where tliey are depressed 

 into the coenenchyma (fig. 98). When partially retracted they are wart-like 

 or sometimes like short truncated cones standing perpendicular to the 

 coenenchyma (fig. 99). When still further retracted tliey appear as small 

 rounded projections or may be even sunk beneath the surface of the 

 coenenchyma (fig. 100). 



In all stages an eight-rayed figure is discernible. Tliey are about 1 mm. 

 in diameter, and may attain a height of over 1 mm. 



Two large main canals corresponding in position to the Ijare tracts are 

 plainly visilile in a cross-section. The small canals ai'e very numerous 

 owing to the large number of the polyps in a transverse row. 



The axis is cylindrical and calcareous. It is about 3 mm. in diameter at 

 the base, but gradually tapers to an almost liair-like fineness. It is composed 

 of concentric laminae. The surface is greenish-brown in colour, Init towards 

 the centre it is whiter owing to the greater amount of calcareous matter; there 

 are indistinct longitudinal striae. 



The spicules (fig. 101) are pale yellow or colourless; they consist of the 

 following types, of which the measurements in millimetres are given : — 



(a) Large double-clubs, witli almost hemisplierical ends, and a very sliort 



median constriction : O'OT X 00:55 ; GOT X 0-0;5 ; OOGo X 0-04 ; 



0-06 X 0-04. 

 ib) Smaller double-clubs with more openly warted lieads and a longer 



constriction : 0-045 X 0-03. 

 (c) Elongated double-clubs with comparatively few irregularly distributed 



warts: 0-08 x 0023; 0-08 x 0-02; 0-OG X 0-015. 

 ((/) Spindles (these may be modifications of type (r'; in whidi I be ccm- 



striction is not visible) : 0-09 X 0-02. 



Locality. — Andamans. 



P2 



