222 FUNAFUTI ATOLL. 



There are three stems about equal in height and in distance 

 apart; they are 10mm. high, 3 to 5mm. in diameter at their 

 bases, and from 6 to 9 mm. at their summits. 



The polyps commence at the bases of the stems, where they are 

 arranged singly, irregularly, and at a considerable distance apart. 



On the upper portions of the stems the polyps are in clusters 

 of from three to twelve, and arise from very short secondary 

 branches ; on the central stem there are about thirteen such 

 clusters, the largest of which is 3 mm. high and 5 mm. wide. 



The polyp heads together with the stalks are from 1 to 1 -5 mm. 

 high, and from '07 to 1 mm. in diameter. 



The solitary polyps are given off from the stem at right angles, 

 whilst the clusters on the branches are radiate, and the apertures 

 of many of the lower ones are directed towards the base of the stem. 



The stem spicules are arranged transversely, and consist of 

 slightly curved spindles with obtuse ends, having their surfaces 

 closely beset with low rounded tubercles, which are generally 

 smooth, but in some of the larger forms they are minutely 

 denticulate. 



Size -5 by -09, 1-5 by -2mm. 



The spicules of the branches are shorter, stouter, and A little 

 more curved than those of the stem. 



The polyp heads have at their bases a number of transversely 

 arranged spiny spindles with acute points. Size '4 by '03 mm., 

 75 by -09 mm. From these there arise larger and longitudinally 

 disposed spicules in pairs, each pair converging at their apices 

 and separated at their bases. Usually one of each pair is longer 

 and projects beyond the margin of the calyx. 



These spicules are curved at; the base, pointed at their free end, 

 and covered with sharp spines. Size '6 by '03, '8 by '05mm. 



The tentacular spicules are distantly spinose, and are arranged 

 en chevron. Size -12 by -02mm. 



The colour of the colony is uniform creamy-white. Obtained 

 by the tangles at a depth of from 40 to 70 fathoms outside the reef. 



Reg. No. G. 1543. 



SPONGODES CURVICORNIS, Wright & Studer. 



Spongodes curvicornis, Wright & Studer, Chall. Rep., Zool., xxxi., 

 p. 220, pi. xxxvi., D., figs. 2, a, b. 



One specimen dredged in about 20 fathoms in the lagoon. 



The lower branches are connected and foliate or rosette-like as 

 in the type specimen. 



