76 DR. AV. RAE SHERRIFFS OF EVOLUTIOX 



ouce that it is almost precisely that of D. piltteri (Divaricate) 

 and not far from D. lutea (Umbellate, but with interrupted 

 contour). The length of the point spicules is about 0-75 mm., 

 but one is often slightly smaller than the other. Between the 

 points there lies a pair of much smaller intermediates. At the 

 base of the points there is a crown of about 3 roAvs of curved 

 spindles, but some of these are often displaced so as to appear 

 like the lower point spicules in B. lutea, in regard to which 

 Kiikenthal notes that an approach to a horizontal position 

 sometimes occurs. This dislocation of what is really a horizontal 

 band suggests the need of examining numerous polyps. 



There is a strongly developed supporting bundle, the largest 

 spicule of which, about 2 mm. in length, projects beyond the 

 polyp for about 0*75 mm. It is abutted by two strong spindles 

 on each side and by a number of smaller ones transitional to the 

 polyp. The supporting-bundle spicules are slightly curved 

 spindles, densely covered with relatively minute blunt and narrow 

 cones. The spindles of the 8 points are similar, but show the 

 characteristic hockey-club-like bend at the base. 



7. Other spicules. All over the cortex there is a felting of 

 more irregular and stouter spindles, often "f" shaped, with 

 larger and often compound blunt tubercles. No stellate forms 

 occur, but very numerous, quite irregular types are found which 

 might be derived from spindles and club-like ends or from 

 boomerangs. Their compound warts are often very strong and 

 stronger on one side. 



Locality : — tStation not marked. 



22. Dendronephthya hyalina (Kiik.). 



Described by Kiikenthal in 'Versuch einer Kevision der 

 Alcyonarien,' ii. pp. 688-689 (1905). 



Diagnosis : — Umbellate ; flaccid ; hyaline ; umbels not in 

 large hemispherical groups ; outline not uniform ; distinct foli- 

 aceous collar ; polyps loosely aggregated ; polyp stalks medium ; 

 supporting bundle strong; point spicules 4-5 pairs, without pro- 

 jection of the top pair; crown absent; grade III.; spicules: sterile 

 stalk has niimerous stellate and multiradiate forms ; colour : 

 cortex verj hyaline, with loosely disposed white spicules. 



Anthocodial Grade and Formula : — 

 III. = 4-5 p -f Cr + strong S.B. 



Descriptive Notes : — 



1. Colons/ as a ivhole. Eight young colonies, the largest of 

 which measures 6*5 cm. high. They are very flaccid in texture 

 and hyaline in appearance. The youngest forms show little hint 

 of umbellate branching, but this is well marked in the biggest. 

 As the umbels do not compose large hemispherical groups, the 



