Stephens — Report on Sponges collected off the Coast of Ireland. 5 



The single small specimen in the collection is growing on a coral (Caryo- 

 phyllia clavus). This species was recently described (13) from specimens 

 dredged by the Irish Fisheries Branch off the west and south-west coasts of 

 Ireland, all of which, with two exceptions, are also growing on Caryopkyllia 

 clavus. 



Laxosuberites ectyoninus Topsent. 



E.D.S. Survey. Station 124, 50 miles W. of Bolus Head, 220 fathoms. 



The two specimens form small thin encrustations on coral {Lophdhelia 

 prolifera). The spicules agree exactly in shape and size with those of the 

 type, of which a detailed description and figures are given by Professor 

 Topsent (16). The species has been obtained only once previously, namely 

 off Banyuls, at a depth of 500-600 metres. 



Suberites carnosus (Johnston). 



B.I. A. Kxp., 1888. Log 70, Berehaven, 5 fathoms, one specimen. 



B.D.S. Survey. Blacksod Bay, two specimens : Station 33, Clifden 

 Harbour, 6 fathoms, two specimens ; Station 133, Dingle Bay, 40 fathoms, 

 two specimens. 



This species is widely distributed round the Irish coast, but is not very 



common. 



Ficulina ficus (Linn.). 



E.I.A. Exp., 1885. Log 3, 40 miles off south-west Ireland, 51°lo'X., 

 10° 31' W., 80 fathoms, one specimen. 



R..I.A. Exp., 1888. Log 70, Berehaven, 5 fathoms, one specimen ; log 73, 

 probably off south of Ireland, 50 fathoms, one specimen. 



E.D.S. Survey. Blacksod Bay, eight specimens ; station 33, Clifden 

 Harbour, 6 fathoms, one specimen and fragments ; station 73, Killary Bay, 

 15-9 fathoms, three specimens ; Kenmare River, three specimens ; station 114, 

 off the Skelligs, SO fathoms, one specimen. 



The usual forms assumed by this polymorphic sponge are represented in 

 the collection, namely, encrusting, massive, and " suberea " forms. The last- 

 named, which covers shells inhabited by hermit crabs, is very common off the 

 coast. Mr. Holt (8) records the species, under the name Suberites domunculus, 

 for station 38, Blacksod Bay. 



Family U aplosclewha k. 



Sub-family GELLIINAE. 



Gellius flagellifer Ridley and Dendy. 



E.D.S. Survey. Station 124, 50 miles W. of Bolus Head, 220 Eathoina 



One small specimen belonging to this species is growing on coral 



