132 VERRILL, SYNOPSIS OF * 



pinnae as well as their anterior edges, are covered by small 

 polyp-cells; basal half of the lower surface densely covered 

 by small papillae. Axis strong, pointed at the ends ; interior 

 cavity of the base small. Length of a large specimen in 

 alcohol 6 inches, breadth across pinnae 3.5, length of pe- 

 duncle 2.75. 



"Color (in life) white, bases of the polyps dirty white, 

 on the stalk there are a few scattered blackish spots. 



It lives with the stalk immersed in the mud like Renilla; 

 undulating, moving contractions are often seen in the stalk, 

 resembling those of a Holothuria." 



Bays opposite Hong Kong, China. Common in 6 fath- 

 oms, mud, April, 1854. Dr. Wm. Stimpson. 



Leioptilum Gray. 



This genus is most nearly allied to Pennatvla, but differs 

 in having soft, fleshy pinnae, with even borders and no ap- 

 parent spicula. The polyps are in two or more rows 

 along the edges of the pinnae. The peduncle is enlarged 

 into a conspicuous, contractile bulb. The axis is very 

 slender, quadrangular, and extends only through the mid- 

 dle portion of the body. The rudimentary individuals on 

 the back are developed in the form of conspicuous papilla?. 



Leioptilum undulatum Verrill, nov. sp. 



Basal portion smooth, pointed at the end, swelling into 

 a large bulb just below the pinna?. Posterior part of the 

 body, except along a narrow median band, covered with 

 large verruciform rudimentary polyps, forming rounded 

 papilla?, some of which are a tenth of an inch in diameter. 

 Pinna? large, very broad and rounded, with narrow bases, the 

 edges thrown into undulations or frills. Polyps rather 

 large, arranged in three alternating rows along the edges 

 of the pinna?. Axis very slender, about two inches long, 

 extending from about an inch above the basal end to 

 about the middle of the pinnate portion. The naked base, 

 of a specimen 4.25 inches long, is 1.75; the largest pinna? 

 .75 long and 1.12 wide. This specimen has twenty-five 

 pinna? on each side. Pinnacati Bay, Cal. Mr. Stone. 

 (Coll. Smithsonian Inst.) 



