884 DR. J. STUART THOMSOX OX 



The spicules of the coi'tex are mostly spindles with irregular, 

 bhint processes. Some have a simpler form than others. The 

 spicules of the centre resemble those of the cortex, but simpler 

 forms occur such as rods (with small processes) and crosses. The 

 spicules of the polyps are very minute, needle-like or rod-like 

 spicules, with blunt processes. 



The dimensions of the spicules are as follows : — Spindles of the 

 cortex, from 0059 X 0-034 to 0-085 x 034 mm. ; spindles of the 

 centre, from 0-051 x 0-034 to 0-085 x 0-051 mm.; rod-like spicules 

 of the polyps, from 0-064 x 0-008 to 0-112 x 0-034 mm. 



This species resembles Euplexmira hraueri Kiikenthal, E. alhida 

 Kiikenthal, and E. parciclados Wright & Studer. It has the 

 closest resemblance to Enqylexaura hi'cnberi Kiikenthal, the spicules 

 of which are almost identical with it except in size. My specimen 

 differs, however, from Eajilexaura braueri in the arrangement of 

 the polyp spicules and in other points. Fi'om the shape of the 

 spicules alone, one would probably conclude that they belonged to 

 the same species. 



Locality, etc. — P.F. 742. Between Roman Rock and Cape 

 Recife. Depth, 17 fathoms. By dredge. Nature of bottom, 

 corals. Date, December 12, 1898. 



Family Malacogorgiid.e. 



Malacogorgia capensis Hickson. 



The colony consists of a main stem (with an expanded, basal, 

 attaching pai't) which divides at some distance fi-om the base into 

 two primary branches ; one of the latter gives rise to three, the 

 other to eleven secondary branches. The polyps are situated on 

 the secondary branches. The main stem is cylindrical and 

 measures 50 mm. in length by 4 mm. in diameter. The basal, 

 attaching part has a diameter of 6 mm. The polyp-bearing 

 branches are long and slender, the longest in my specimens being 

 80 mm., the shortest 27 mm. in length. 



The branches originate in the manner shown in Hickson's 

 figure, coming off right and left in one plane. 



There are no polyps at the bases of the secondaiy branches, thus 

 leaving bare areas, 3-7 mm. in length. The younger polyps are 

 situated near the bases of tlie branches. The polyps are fully ex- 

 panded ; a large one measures 1 mm. in length and about -75 mm. 

 in diameter. The general appearance of the polyp i-eminds one 

 superficially of a contracted Hydra. On the lower part of the 

 branches the polyps have a bilateral arrangement, but higher up, 

 and especially near the apices, they originate on all sides and form 

 a dense cluster. 



The tentacles are about 0-4 mm. in length and have 12 pairs of 

 pinnules. 



The axial part of the secondary branches has a diameter of O'S 

 to 1 mm. 



