Knowledge of the Alcyonaria. 127 
branches slightly clavate ; diameter at base 2 millim., just be- 
fore apex of branches 1°5 millim., at apex 2 millim. Verruce 
low, broad at summit, about ‘5 millim. high and ‘9 millim. 
across, alternate, 1 to 3 millim. apart, almost entirely confined 
to the anterior and lateral aspects of the branches. Colour of 
general cortex dirty white (the spicules white, outlined with 
an umber pigment), of verrucee umber-brown, their centres 
white when closed. Axis flexible, thin; pale brown at ends 
of branches. Spicules of general cortex:—(i.) Large, modified 
fusiform, consisting of a body tapering more or less towards 
the ends and of several (about ten) large monticular promi- 
nences arranged on the outer side of the spicule; the whole 
spicule and the prominences densely covered with low broad 
tubercles, themselves very elaborately tuberculate; size of 
spicule very varlous—average maximum about 1°8 millim., 
shortest diameter about °28 millim., largest diameter (that 
which includes the monticular processes) about °45 millim.; 
height of these prominences °07 to ‘14 millim. These large 
forms pass by gradation into smaller ones of about -62 by -14 
millim., with the monticular processes often very small. (ii.) 
Squamous, with monticular process in the centre of the outer 
side; the margin cut into lobes of different forms and sizes, some- 
times divided into secondary lobules; average maximum size 
about *7 by °52 millim. (i11.) Spicules of verruce, horizontal 
series surrounding the base of the verruce, and forming a 
ring by the apposition of their ends, fusiform, bent at the 
middle, tapering gradually to slender pointed ends, covered 
closely with small simple tubercles, largest at the middle; 
size about °45 by ‘07 millim. (iv.) A modified form of (ii.), 
consisting of flattened tuberculate basal portion fixed at the 
outer margin of the verruca, and an elongate projecting 
part, which rises up from and (with its companions) forms a 
crown upon the margin of the verruca ; it is much roughened 
by tubercles, chiefly ridge-like, serrate, and directed forwards ; 
the apex of the spicule is irregular; size about °47 by °14 
millim. (v.) Fusiform, radiating from the interior of the 
wall of the verruca (meeting in its middle in the contracted 
state of the polype); they taper to sharp points, and are 
covered with thin, ridge-like, mostly forwardly-projecting 
tubercles ; size about °28 to 42 millim. by ‘053 to ‘07 millim. 
Hab. Mauritius, 80 fathoms. 
Obs. The species is represented by three specimens growing 
on a mass of sponges and other forms, including Cirripathes 
and another Primnoid Alcyonarian. 
The larger specimen is 90 millim. (32 inches) high and 
70 millim. (24 inches) broad. 
