GEODIA VAUIOSPICULOSA. 



09 



the fact that in var. intermedia and var. micraster the size of the dermal strongy- 

 losphaerasters is also in true proportion to the size of the sponge. 



Formerly (Tetraxonia. Tierreich, 1903, 19, p. 107) I united var. clavigcra 

 with the typical Gcodia variospiculosa, but now, having been able to examine 

 sponges belonging to this species I think it better to keep these two sys- 

 tematically apart. In view of the above discussion on the germinal nature 

 and systematic importance of the differences between the two "Albatross" 

 specimens here described and between them and Thiele's sponges referred to 

 above, I establish varieties for them. Thus Geodia variospindosa TJiiele is 

 divided into four varieties : the typical Geodia variospicidosa, for which I jjropose 

 the name var. typica, var. clavigera Thiele, var. intei-media, and var. micraster. 



DIMENSIONS OF THE SPICULES OF GEODIA VARIOSPICULOSA THIELE. 



' The dimensions marked * are taken from Thiele's figures. 



