256 Transactions. —Zoology. 
however, that much more has to be done in the geology and natural history, 
not only of our own islands, but also of the surrounding countries, before they 
can be considered as satisfactorily proved ; but I think that it will be easier 
afterwards to prove this hypothesis, or to disprove it and point out a more 
correct one, than it would be to detect it if the discussion had been postponed 
to a future period, when the more salient points will probably be obscured by 
the mass of facts which will then have accumulated. Such at least is my hope, 
but whether I am mistaken or not I leave others to judge. 
Arr, XXVII.—On the New Zealand Sertularians. 
By Capt. F. W. Horton, C.M.Z.S. ` 
[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 20th October, 1872.] 
Family SeRTULARID. 
Hyprosoma fixed, plant-like, horny, variously branched; polypites hydraform, 
sessile, protected by hydrothece, and connected by a cenosare, never terminal ; 
reproductive organs contained in horny deciduous cells scattered over the 
hydrosoma. 
Genus Sertularia, Linneus, 
Hydrosoma variously branched ; hydrothece alternate or paired, biserial, 
urceolate. 
SERTULARIA JOHNSTONI, 
Sertularia johnstoni, Gray, “ Dief. N.Z.,” TI., p. 294. 
Hydrosoma lax, spreading, dichotomously or sub-pinnately branched, pale 
brown. Hydrothecæ distant, short, alternate ; aperture with two blunt teeth. 
Ovarian cells ovate, transversely wrinkled, truncated at the top. 
Lyall Bay. (F.W.H.) Common. 
SERTULARIA SUB-PINNATA. sp. nov. 
Hydrosoma lax, erect, dichotomously or sub-pinnately branched, reddish 
brown. Hydrothece distant, alternate, ovate with two or three rather acute 
teeth. Ovarian cells — ? 
Lyall Bay. (F.W.H.) 
SERTULARIA DELICATULA. sp. nov. 
Hydrosoma lax, slender, erect, dichotomously branched, pale yellowish 
brown. Hydrothece distant, alternate ; aperture with two blunt teeth on 
