Knowledge of the Alcyonaria. 129 
mum diameter at apex). Two sizes are distinguishable, 
though approximately connected by intermediate sizes; they 
are (1) about 1 by :18 millim., and (2) about -42 by -053 
millim., and :017 to ‘025 in apical diameter. No. 1 occurs 
scattered singly among the far more numerous no. 2, and 
may be seen on the surface of the coenenchyma with a lens. 
(u.) Smaller irregular linear spicules, with approximately 
pointed ends and two more or less distinct whorls of coarse, 
rough, and often divided tubercles, about -035 millim. high ; 
length of spicule -12 to :14 by ‘07 millim. Proper spicules 
of verruce subfusiform, with rounded ends, and covered with 
low tubercles;. length 28, breadth -038 millim. 
Hab. Mauritius, 90 fathoms. 
Obs. Very fine specimens of this graceful species have been 
obtained from Mr. de Robillard; the largest measures 20 
inches (500 millim.) in height by 19 inches (475 millim.) in 
extreme breadth. It seems to be the abundance and slender 
proportions of the branches and the number of curved lines 
which they present that give this form so light and elegant 
an appearance. 
It differs in slenderness of habit from 1. humosa and WM. tu- 
berculata, Esper, and in its uniform red colour from all the 
other known species. 
Echinomuricea coccinea. 
In my former paper (ser. 5, vol. ix. p. 184) I included 
Nephthya coccinea, Stimpson, among the species to be dis- 
tinguished in the genus Nephthya, overlooking the fact 
that Verrill had re-examined Stimpson’s specimens, and 
found it necessary to place the species in the genus Acantho- 
gorgia, and subsequently (Amer. Journ. Sci. xlvii. p. 285) 
formed the genus Lchinomuricea (Proc. Hss. Inst. iv. pp. 152, 
188) to contain it. As an examination of specimens in the 
British Museum shows the propriety of Verrill’s proceeding, 
I shall in future allude to the species as Hehinomuricea 
- Coccined. 
Fam. Gorgoniide. 
Eunicella pergamentacea, sp. n. 
Gorgonia viminalis, var., Esper, Pflanzenth. ii. p. 51, pl. xi. A. 
This species appears to be distinct from G. viminalis of 
Esper; the few and long terminal branches, the distance which 
separates the verruce, and the loose character and whitish 
colour of the cortex (causing it to wrinkle when dried) appear 
points of sufficient importance to separate it from that species, 
Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. x. 9 
