MADEEPOBAETAN SUBFAMILY LOPHOSEEIN"^. 305 



but near the newest calices these cross structures commence 

 a,s junction-structures superadded to the septa and independent 

 of the base. Some very delicate synaptieula may be seen there. 



In LopJioseris explanulata the specimen examined gave no in- 

 dications of synaptieula when seen from above ; only a solid wall 

 was to be seen between the calices surrounded by the septo-costae. 

 Synaptieula exist on either side of, and close to, the wall on the 

 septa ; and they are close and plainly visible at the very extremity 

 of the septal interloeuli. In this species, as in the other, these 

 growths are many times thicker than granules, and have nothing 

 in common with them. 



The vertical direction of the synaptieula and tbeir considerable 

 dimensions cause them to close much of the interseptal loculi. 

 The growth into a structure which acts as a wall and shuts off 

 thevisceral cavities of the neighbouring corallites is very in- 

 teresting. 



III. Genus Mseandroseris and its necessary Division. 

 Genus M^ajstdeoseeis, L. Rousseau* . 



A zoophytologist who only studies the recent coral-fauna would 

 examine the species included in this genus without much interest ; 

 for it is one which at first sight falls readily into association with 

 other Lophoserine compound corals. It comprises Lophoserines 

 with confluent calices with distinct centres, but which are in 

 series, the series beiug separated by long or short collines, over 

 which pass the septo-costse. A palaeontologist will study the 

 forms with great interest ; for they recall the Maeandriform 

 Lophoserines of the Jurassic age. Externally the similarity is 

 complete ; and, indeed, MM. Milne-Edwards and Jules Haime 

 decide that the only distinction is the presence of an epitheca 

 in Comoseris. An examination of the minute structures of the 

 species is requisite before any change in the classification can be 

 decided upoii ; and it adds to our knowledge of the Lophoserinse 

 in a marked manner, showing how closely allied forms indicate 

 aporose and perforate affinities. 



There are two species of Mceandroseris recorded — one the type 

 of the genus, M. Bottce of the Eed Sea ; the other, M. australice 

 of the Australian seas. 



The generic diagnosis of Mceandroseris is as follows : — 

 * D'Urville, ' Voyage au Pole Sud, Zool.' t. v. p. 121. 



