MADREPORARIA OF THE DEEP SEA. 309 
III. Descriptions of THE SPECIES, AND REMARKS. 
ZOANTHARIA SCLERODERMATA. 
Section APOROSA. 
Group Turbinoliide, 
Genus CaryoPpHyLiisA, M.-Edwards & Haime. 
Syn. Caryophyllia (pars), Lamarck. 
Cyathina, Ehrenberg. 
This genus comprehends numerous species, many of which are peculiar to the recent 
coral faunas; but some belong both to the present and to the past assemblages of corals. 
The species are usually very variable; and the depth of habitat and the peculiar nature 
of the sea-floor appear to influence the amount and persistence of the variation. MM. 
Milne-Edwards and Jules Haime divide the genus into groups of species which are 
characterized by the persistence of particular septal numbers; and this method, if not a 
very natural one, is excessively convenient to the student. When a considerable series 
of closely allied species is examined, great variation will be noticed in the shape and 
size of the base of attachment in different specimens. Some, which evidently belong to 
the same species, and which have all the other structures in common, may have a broad 
and adherent base, or a narrow and pedunculate attachment; and a few may have a 
sharp and pointed or even a rounded end, indicating a former state of adhesion to a 
foreign body. 
Thus the specific identity of the forms formerly called Caryophyllia borealis, Fleming, 
and Caryophyllia smithii, Stokes, is beyond doubt: yet the first-named has a narrow and 
curved peduncle attached to the Ditrupa-case and to shells; and the last has a broad 
base, which is adherent to rocks and shells. 
When Caryophyllia borealis locates itself on stones or flat shells, it frequently assumes 
the form of Caryophyllia smithit, and grows with a broad base. And when a deposit 
collects around the normal Caryophyllia borealis its peduncle may diminish in size and 
become separated. This is a common occurrence in the neighbourhood of Valentia and 
Dingle Bay. 
I trust that this statement will facilitate the absorption of the genus Ceratocyathus', 
Seguenza, into Caryophyllia, as they are only distinguished by the character of the 
peduncle. 
It is therefore proposed to include the Ceratocyathi amongst the Caryophyllie 
described in this communication; and the last-named genus will be subdivided accord- 
ing to the plan adopted by MM. Milne-Edwards and Jules Haime’. 
1 « Disquisiz. Paleont.,” Mem. della Reale Acad. dell Sci. Torino, serie ii. tom. xxi. 1864, 
? Hist. Nat. des Corall. vol. ii. p. 13 et seq. 
