Simpson — A Revisimi of the Gorgonellidae. 327 



Tho branching is distinctly dichotomous, and the branches enclose an 

 acute angle ; this is also very marked Ellisella eoccinea. 



The coenonchyma is very thin, and in the dried state extremely brittle ; 

 it is densely spiculose. 



The canal system is not easily recognized, owing to the fact that Ijotli 

 the specimens are very old, and have been preserved in a dry condition ; 

 but it is still possible to detect two large longitudinal canals. I'hcir ]iosition 

 is, however, very marked externally. 



The polyps are disposed throughout the whole colony in two very definite 

 longitudinal series, separated by very wide and distinct bare tracts, which, 

 in the lower region, are depressed and furrow-like. In the older branches 

 there are four to six rows of polyps in each series ; these are situated in 

 what appears to be diagonal arrangement. In. the younger branches and 

 twigs the number diminishes to two, and eventually to a single row 

 situated laterally and irregularly alternating. 



The verrucae are slightly elevated, with the oral aperture directed 

 upwards, but they are very much shrivelled, owing to desiccation. 



The axis is typically Gorgonellid in structure, and is very hard, especially 

 in the lower portions. The fact, however, that the specimens are dry renders 

 the axis harder and more brittle. 



The spicules of this species are extremely characteristic and very 

 minute. They consist of (1) small double-clubs with closely set, almost 

 smooth warts ; (2) double-clubs with more irregular heads ; (3) small- 

 slender, elongated double-clubs ; and (4) spindles. (See figs. 48 and 48a.) 



The following are some of the measurements, length by breadth, in mm.: — 



(1) 0-068 X 0-042 ; 0-065 x 0-042 ; 0-053 x 0-038. 



(2) 0-061 X 0-03 ; 0-057 x 0-025 ; 0-057 x 0-03. 



(3) 0-061 X 0-023; 0-061 x Q-OID; 0-057 x O'OIS. 



(4) 0-06 x 0-023 ; 0-058 x 0'015. 



locality — West Indies. 



Flagellum-Group. 

 This is a very distinct group, and is characterized cliiotiy by the nature of 

 the spicules. These are remarkable for the great length of the constriction, 

 the open disposition of the warts, and llic hIiuusI sniootli nature of tlie 

 latter. 



p. I. A. PROC, VOL. XXVUI., SECT. B. ['2 X] 



