Simpson — A Revision of the Gorgonellidae. 331 



perpendicularly in many cases ; but more frequently they are slightly turned 

 towards the stem (fig. 49). A very noteworthy feature in this connexion is 

 to be observed. The colony has been broken and preserved in two portions. 

 In the longer upper part the polyps are nearly all directed towards the tip ; 

 while in the lower part thoy are almost all turned downwards. Taking these 

 points into consideration, it may be inferred that the verrucae have power of 

 rotation through 180° both longitudinally and vertically, or, in other words, 

 the anthocodiae may take up any position on the surface of a hemisphere 

 whose radius is the length of a polyp. 



The canal system is well developed, but there are very few canals, owing 

 to the small number of polyps which occur on the colony. The two main 

 canals are very lai'ge ; and their position is indicated on the surface of the 

 coenenchyma by two very delicate depressions on the axis ; also by two 

 grooves larger than the others. 



The axis is hard and densely calcareous ; it is yellow in colour ; and the 

 surface is marked by longitudinal ridges and furrows. 



Attached to the colony is a young bivalve (probably Pteria macroptera). 



The spicules of this specimen consist of the following types (fig. 50) : — 



(1) Double-clubs with a long, narrow constriction, and with almost 



hemispherical ends. The warts are irregularly disposed, are few in 

 number, and are almost smooth: 0'07 X O'Oo; 0'065 x 003; 

 0-065 X 0-023. 



(2) More elongated double-clubs with the same characteristics, and with 



blunt ends. 



A noteworthy feature about this specimen is the fact that there are very 

 few double-spindles or types with conical ends. 



Locality. — Naples. 



We have also referred to this species a specimen in the Cape Collection. 

 The spieulation is typical ; and the only difference is the very close disposition 

 of the verrucae. We have shown, however, that this is a character in which 

 the species shows great variability. It is a very characteristic colony, growing 

 on a piece of branching coral (like Lophohelia) (fig. 51). It is 9 cm. in length, 

 and bears one branch (which has been broken) at a distance of 2 cm. from 

 the base. The coenenchyma is thin and coarsely granular. The general 

 colour of the colony is creamy-white. 



The lower 2'5 cm. of the main stem and also the part of the branch which 

 is present (1"5 cm.) are devoid of polyps. On the remainder of the main 

 stem the verrucae are disposed on two sides, and alternate almost regularly. 

 They have the form of fiatteued domes, and give the sides of the colony a 



