MONTGOMERY : GORDIACEA. 53 
numerical abundance, occur usually in groups close together. They are much 
larger than the preceding, round on cross section, usually considerably longer 
than broad, slightly thickened at the base but with nearly parallel sides, and 
with rounded summit. In a few cases the sides of these papilla: may be some- 
what denticulate, On the margin of the rounded or flattened apex occur from 
three to six short thick spines, which are broadest at the base and pointed 
at the tip ; these spines curve upwards and outwards, and are shorter and 
thicker than those of the preceding category of papilla. These papille vary 
considerably in form, and sometimes are nearly square in lateral outline. 
3d Kind of Papillæ: These are of the same form and size as the preceding, 
but are less numerous (the groups which they compose are smaller), and differ 
from them in the absence of spines on their summits; the apex of most of them 
is elliptically rounded, rarely flattened, and then somewhat denticulate with 
short conical processes; some of these papilla are expanded at the summit. 
On surface views (Fig. 118) of the cuticle, seen with a low power of magnifi- 
ation, only the second and third kinds of papillæ are seen, and they appear as 
small brown disks with a clearer central point. The cuticle of the male differs 
from that of the female only in that the larger kinds of papillæ are less 
abundant, and the groups formed by them smaller. 
Color, The males are uniform pitch-black, the head somewhat lighter ; in 
the female the whole body is deep black. 
Dimensions, Length of largest male, 165 mm.; greatest diameter, 1 mm. 
Length of female, 280 mm.; greatest diameter of body, 1.6 mm.; greatest 
diameter of tail swelling, 1 mm. 
Especial Diagnostic Characters. The dense arrangement of the usually 
pencil-shaped papille, and the union of the larger of them into large and 
irregular groups, together with the black color of the body, serve to distinguish 
this form. 
Comparisons. In color this species resembles C. brasiliensis Janda, and 
C. feste Camer. ; but it differs from the former as well as from C. morgani, n. Sp», 
in the form and arrangement of the papille. In the structure of the cuticular 
papillæ it also differs from feste, judging from Camerano’s description: but 
unfortunately most of the South American Gordiacea described by this author 
have not been figured, and for a clear understanding of the form and arrange- 
ment of areoles and papille figures are absolutely necessary. 
Postscript, — The preceding descriptions of body form, color, and dimen- 
sions have been based entirely upon a study of alcoholic specimens, with the 
consequence that the particulars in regard to coloration and dimensions could 
be only approximately ascertained, since the action of the aleohol would prob- 
ably produce shrinkage, and certainly obscures the brightness of the coloration. 
Formaline would probably be a superior fluid for the preservation of museum 
specimens. For purposes of histological fixation rapidly penetrating fluids are 
necessary, such as picro-formaline or picro-nitric acid, 
VOL. XXXII. — NO. 3. 3 
