510 Miscellaneous . 



several directions by the folds of the impression of the animal. Al- 

 though neither head nor tail can be detected, and this Annelide 

 is consequently far from being entire, these convolutions correspond 

 to a length of about 2*20 metres. 



The body appears to have been about 0*04 metre broad; its segments 

 are thick. At some places there are externally some indentations, 

 which appeared to me to have arisen rather from some folds of the 

 body than from true feet. The smooth outline of the greater portion 

 of the impression leads me to think that this Annelide was apodous. 

 Within the segments of the body the interannular dissepiments are di- 

 stinctly visible ; they are as close together as in our large species of 

 Eunices. These imperfect septa do not reach the intestine. The 

 space separating them communicates with the general cavity of the 

 body, which is perfectly distinct. In the centre of this cavity is seen 

 the intestine, which is free and extends the whole length of the 

 body. It varies in diameter generally from 0*005 to 0*009 metre. 

 It is folded transversely, and these folds have nearly everywhere an 

 imbricated appearance ; but at some points where this intestine is 

 distended transversely, and where it has acquired almost 0*015 metre 

 in diameter, these folds are seen not to reach from one side of the 

 intestine to the other, and form rhomboids. 



The common cavity of the body evidently contained no other organ. 

 This circumstance consequently removes this Annelide from the Lum- 

 brici, the Hirudines, and the Nemertes. It appears probable to me, 

 that the existing group to which it comes nearest is that of the Anne- 

 lides Errantes. 



The number of fossil naked Annelides is very small. None of the 

 specimens known furnish any idea of the anatomy of these ancient 

 inhabitants of the primitive oceans. On this account the specimen 

 from the bay of St. Sebastian appears to me of considerable import- 

 ance. — Ann. des Sci. Nat., Nov. 1849. 



Description of a new species of Gorgonia from Australia. 

 By J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S. 



PrIMNOA AUSTRALASIA. 



Coral elongate, unbranched, rather tapering ; cells numerous, re- 

 gular, placed in close regular circles round the stem, each formed of 

 two series of imbricate calcareous scales. 



Inhab. Australasian seas, on oyster-shell and stones. 



Several specimens of this very interesting coral were sent to the 

 British Museum by the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land. 



This coral is often covered with various species of smaller Coral- 

 lines and Algce. It varies from two to three feet in height. The 

 axis is known from the unbranched species of Gorgonia by being more 

 calcareous, and of a pale greyish colour. 



Joseph Millingin, Esq., F.L.S., the Secretary of the Royal Society 

 of Van Diemen's Land, has kindly sent me the following particulars 

 of this coral : — 



" It was fished up from a depth of some fathoms in D'Entrecas- 

 teaux Channel, between the mainland of Tasmania and Bruce' s Island. 

 It is found, as you will see, affixed to rocks and stones, and to dead, 



