256 Transactions. — Zoology. 



however, that imich 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. 



Art. XXYII. — On the New Zealand Sertularians. 

 . By Capt. F. W. Hutton, C.M.Z.S. 



[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 20th October, 1872.] 



Family Sertularid^. 



Hydrosoma fixed, plant-like, horny, variously branched; polypites hydraform, 

 sessile, protected by hydrothecse, and connected by a csenosarc, never terminal ; 

 reproductive organs contained in horny deciduous cells scattered over the 

 hydrosoma. 



Genus Sertularia, Linnaeus. 



Hydrosoma variously branched ; hydrothecse alternate or paired, biserial, 

 urceolate. 



Sertularia johnstoni. 

 Sertularia johnstoni, Gray, " Dieff. N.Z.," II., p, 294. 



Hydrosoma lax, spreading, dichotomously or sub-pinnately branched, pale 

 brown. HydrothecEe 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. Hydrothecae 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. Hydrothecse distant, alternate ; aperture with two blunt teeth on 



