Simpson — A Revision of the Gorgonellidae. 267 



type of Juncdla jtincea." The position of these specimens is discussed later 

 on, so that it is unnecessary to enter into it here. 



A short discussion on the distribution of the vcrrucae in a nunihcr of 

 specimens which have come under our observation may prove useful in 

 arriving at some general conclusion. It is unnecessaiy to take these in any 

 definite order ; but a division into three groups may serve to emphasize some 

 of the more salient characteristics. 



1. Scirpmria profunda. — The polyps are disposed in two longitudinal 

 series ; this arrangement may be obscured in the older parts, and then the 

 disposition may simulate a spiral. Near the base four rows may occur in each 

 series ; but this number diminishes in the younger parts, so that near the ti]i 

 there is only a single row alternating on opposite sides. 



Scirpearia pectinata. — In no case do the polyps occur on the main stem. 

 On the primary branches they are restricted to the outer aspect, i.e., the side 

 diametrically opposite the one from which the secondary branches arise. On 

 the secondary branches they are disposed on the two inner surfaces. In the 

 upper half of the secondary branches the polyps may encroach on the bare 

 spaces and appear as if distributed all over the coenenchyma. 



Scirpiearia anomala. — The polyps are confined to two longitudinal lateral 

 tracts separated by two bare spaces. Near the base of the colony and also 

 in the younger parts near the tip there is a single row of polyps in each 

 series ; but in the intermediate portion there are two irregular rows owing to 

 crowding and the interposition of young polyps. 



Scirpcaria verrucosa. — The distribution of the polyps is as follows : — The 

 lower part bears no polyps ; this is followed by two bare tracts which 

 diminish in size to two distinct lines from which the polyps diverge at acute 

 angles. 



Bcirpcaria fiagelhim. — The lower part of the stem is devoid of polyps; 

 this is surmounted by two opposite longitudinal bare tracts which persist to 

 the tip of the colony. On the other two sides the polyps are disposed in a 

 single row in each series. This gives the colony a markedly bilateral 

 appearance. The verrucae stand sometimes in opposite pairs, but the more 

 common arrangement is alternate. 



Scirpcaria thomsoai. — The polyps are disposed in two longitudinal series 

 on opposite faces, each of which consists of from two to four irregularly 

 alternating rows. 



Scirpcaria furcata. — The polyps are arranged in two longitudinal series 

 separated by two narrow bare strips which become more indistinct, but still 

 visible towards the tip. In each series the polyps appear in rows diverging 



