Simpson — A Revision of the Gorgonellidac. 1 1 3 



of four main longitudinal canals, and Ihe consequent distribution of llie 

 verrueae in four longitudinal series. 



The colony is complete, simple, and flagelliform ; the basis of attachment 

 is conical, covered with coenenchyma, and spread over a piece of rock. The 

 total height of the colony is 35 cm. ; the diameter at the base is 4-5 mm. ; 

 near the tip it is 2 mm. 



A very noticealjle feature in the general appearance of tlie colony is the 

 fact that it is markedly square in section. 



The coenenchyma is thin ; near the base it is 0'75 mm. in thickness ; 

 but near the tip it approaches 1 mm. Around the periphery of the axis 

 there is a system of longitudinal canals, of which /o^o- are markedly lai-ger 

 than the others; these are arranged symmetrically, equidistant from one 

 another; and thus forming the corners of a square (fig. 111). No outer 

 system of longitudinal canals was visible ; but the coenenchyma isso thin that 

 these may be easily overlookiid. It is extremely difficult to cut through the 

 coenenchyma without damaging it, so that it is quite possible that these are 

 present. 



The polyps are disposed in a very characteristic fashion. They are 

 grouped in four definite longitudinal series, separated by four bare spaces 

 which correspond in position to the four main canals (fig. 112). Each 

 series consists of a single row ; but near the middle of the colony they 

 are somewhat crowded, and give an appearance of two rows, duo in great 

 part to displacement. 



Near the l)ase and towards the tip they are more openly arranged, 

 but always in four series. 



The verrueae are low and dome-like, and have a maximum height of 

 0-5 mm. Towards the tip of the colony and near the base they tend to 

 become almost level with the coenenchyma; while tl»e extreme basal portion 

 is quite destitute of polyps. When partially closed they show a very distinct 

 eight-rayed figure. The anthocodiae are very small, and arc all retracted 

 w^ithin the verrueae. 



The axis is made up of concentric laminae ; it is extremely limy and very 

 hard ; the colour of the outside is brown, but the core is white ; the surface 

 is marked by faint longitudinal striae. Near the base the diameter is .S mm. ; 

 but towards the tip it becomes almost hair-like and less limy. 



The spicules are quite distinctive. We have figured six types (fig. 113). 



(ff) Double-clubs with very densely warted and regular heads; the 

 constriction is very short; and the warts are symmetrically 

 arranged : O'OG x O'O.j ; O'OTO x 0040 ; O-OTG x 0-046. 



