ON THE ALCYONARIANS. 3 



but like the others, with one exception, it lacks the basal attachment. The single 

 complete specimen is a graceful bush, 9 cm. in height by 4 cm. in maximum breadth, 

 with an axis I mm. in breadth at the base, and an expanded disc of attachment almost 

 1 cm. across. Of the other specimens the following measurements were taken : 



(a) 14 cm. in height by 3 in breadth, a single branch, with an axis 4 mm. in breadth ; 



(b) 11 cm. in height by 9 '5 cm. in maximum breadth, a bushy colony with an axis 

 3 mm. in breadth at the base ; (c) 8 cm. in height by 9 cm. in maximum breadth, a 

 bushy colony with an axis 2 mm. in breadth. The colonies bear Comatulids attached 

 by their cirri, encrusting Polyzoa, hydroids, and several sponges. 



The branching of the specimens differs from that of the previously described species 

 of Thouarella. A main stem, 1 to 5 mm. in diameter, gives off strong branches almost 

 as thick as itself, and sometimes attaining a length of 12 cm. They arise in at least 

 three directions and at irregular intervals. From these branches, as also from the 

 intervals between them on the main stem, slender twigs arise on all sides, and at 

 varying angles. But the strong branches of the first degree may also bear strong 

 branches of the second degree, likewise carrying slender twigs. The larger branches 

 show a tendency to curve inwards towards the main stem. 



In all cases the slender, graceful twigs spring from all sides at very irregular 

 intervals, and are equally developed all round. As a result of the repeated branching, 

 of the incurving of the larger branches, and of the very numerous close-set twigs, the 

 colony bears a characteristic resemblance to a thickly-growing sturdy bush. 



Where the coenenchyma has been rubbed off in the lower parts of the colonies, the 

 stout, almost inflexible axis is exposed. It is tawny-brown in colour, with in some 

 places a yellowish sheen ; but it becomes lighter in colour (honey-yellow), as well as 

 very flexible, towards the tips of the branches and in the twigs. It is composed of 

 horny and calcareous materials, and is circular in cross section. 



The calices, which are about 1 mm. in height, are borne chiefly on the twigs, but 

 they are occasionally borne by the twig-supporting branches and by the main stem. 

 On the twigs they are closely approximated, arising in all directions and without any 

 definite arrangement. They are pear-shaped, and generally bent inwards to the axis. 



The number of transverse rows of scales varies slightly, but five is a very common 

 number. The number of longitudinal rows is about seven. The scales appear to be 

 similar in size and structure on all sides of the polyp, there being none distinctively 

 dorsal or ventral. They have a convex upper edge, frequently assume an almost 

 quadrangular form, and are thickly tuberculated. Fusion of the tubercles occasionally 

 gives rise to very slight ridges running outwards from the nucleus. The embedded 

 edges of all the scales are more ragged than the free edges. 



The rows of scales are surmounted by about seven opercular scales, all of which have 

 a ridge projecting for a considerable distance, usually bordered by a narrow leaf-like 



wing. 



This species is marked off from others previously described by the origin of strong 



(ROY. soc. EDIN. TRANS., VOL. XLI., 853.) 



