UUSKIA NITENS. 533 



Crisia cornuta, and even running up its long slender setae, 

 which were literally clasped by the spinous base of the 

 cell. 



There is very great irregularity in the development of 

 the processes round the base of the zoo3cium. They seem 

 to be occasionally wanting altogether; in other cases they 

 are short and very numerous, in others again, fewer in 

 number and more produced. 



The neck-like prolongation of the zooecia in front is 

 variable in length; it is quite free and slightly turned 

 upwards, and its underside is occupied by the aperture, 

 which is closed in by a membranous covering. The cells 

 are laid alongside the stem, to which they are attached by 

 the lower extremity. They are remarkable for their 

 smooth and shining surface ; and the species well deserves 

 its name. 



HABITAT. On various kinds of Hydroida and Polyzoa, 

 &c., and occasionally on stone, from tide-marks to deep 

 water. 



LOCALITIES. Northumberland, on Hydrallmania, Lqfoea, 

 &c., deep water, rather rare (Alder) : Whitley, on stone 

 at low-water mark (J. Coppin) : Guernsey ; Salcombe 

 Bay, on Lafo'ea dumosa ; off Lulworth Cove ; Llandudno ; 

 Filey ; Whitby (T. H.) : Wick, on Serf, abietina (C. W. 

 P.) : Shetland, on Halecium labrosum (Barlee) . 



GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. Davis Straits, on Hy- 

 droids, 100 fathoms (Wallich) : White Sea, on Lafoea 

 (Mereschkowsky) . 



Fig. 28. 



nit ens. 



