128 Mr. 8. O. Ridley’s Contributions to the 
The species differs from both the West-Indian forms in 
the possession of flat squamiform in addition to the fusiform 
cortical spicules, and in the guarding of the mouth by the 
projecting points of the modified squamiform spicules. I find 
no trace of the “‘ very fugitive ” surtace-layer of ‘‘ squamules ”’ 
stated by Duchassaing de Fonbressin and Michelotti (Suppl. 
Mém. Cor. Ant. p. 108) to overlie the larger fusiforms, 
although the specimens are as fresh and perfect as dried speci- 
mens can be. 
Muricella perramosa, sp. n. 
Corallum branching abundantly, commencing at or near 
the common spreading base; branches decreasing gradually 
in diameter towards apex. Branching primarily dichotomous ; 
but most of the branches are pinnate alternately with terminal 
or branched twigs set about 4 millim. apart; the larger branches 
given off at angles of about 45°, the smaller ones and the 
terminal twigs at about 80°. Most branches subcylindrical, 
the lateral diameter being slightly the largest (some terminal 
twigs appear decidedly flattened out laterally, owing to the 
lateral position of their verruce). All the branches are more 
or less curved ; owing to this and to the profuseness of the 
branching, the frond has a broad fan-like outline. Branching 
takes place, as a rule, in one plane; but the frond is curved 
in and out of this plane, and secondary fronds more or less 
parallel to the axis of the main frond are not uncommon. 
Greatest diameter of main branches about ‘18 millim., of 
terminal twigs (excluding verruce) -018 millim., length of 
latter about 7 millim. 
Cortex compact, thin, rendered slightly uneven by the 
thickness of the largest spicules below described. Verruce 
hemispherical (sometimes extended in the direction of the long 
axis of the branches), rising sharply from the cortex; height 
and basal diameter both about °5 millim.; frequent on all 
parts of the corallum, and only 1 millim. apart on the terminal 
twigs (occasionally absent on one side of the branches for 
considerable distances, and almost confined to the lateral mar- 
gins of many of the terminal twigs). Colour of entire coral- 
lum dull crimson-red, inclining to brick-red. Spicules of 
general cortex :—(i.) fusiform elongated, lying parallel to the 
axis of the corallum, tapering to moderately sharp points from 
the middle, straight or slightly flexuous, densely covered with 
prominent tubercles, which are simple and more or less pointed 
towards the ends of the spicule, but towards the middle become 
terminally swollen and roughened (these median tubercles 
measure °2 to ‘3 millim. in height by °017 to :025 in maxi- 
