Stephens — Report on Sponges collected of) the Count of Ireland. 11 



specimens Professor Topsent is inclined to think may have to be assigned to 

 Grayclla pyrula (Carter), a species which is typically pedunculate, and which 

 has, typically, considerably longer megasclera than these sponges possess. 

 Professor Topsent states that he has tried to establish a distinct species for 

 these specimens, but found there was too little difference in the size of their 

 spicules and those of a globular Grayella which he had referred (17) to 

 Grayella. pertusa (Topsent), and which Lundbeck later regarded as identical 

 with Grayella pyrula (11). It may be stated here that encrusting specimens 

 of Grayella pyrula are known. 



As Professor Topsent says, the species of Grayella must be increased in 

 number to a large extent or a great variability must be admitted in Grayella 

 pyrula. It would be necessary to study a large series of specimens before 

 these questions could be decided, so that the only course is to leave the Irish 

 specimens unnamed for the present. 



The species Grayclla pyrula (Carter) has been taken off the Irish 

 coast (14). 



Sub-family Ectyoninae. 

 Hymedesmia paupertas (Bowerbank). 



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



The sponge is growing in a small patch on coral {Lophohclia prolifera). 

 The species was first obtained off the Irish coast in the course of the Clare 

 Island Survey (12), and it has since been taken at other stations by the Irish 

 Fisheries Branch. 



Hymedesmia pansa Bowerbank. 



R.D.S. Survey. Blacksod Bay. 



The sponge is growing in a thin encrustation on an oyster shell. A 

 description of it has been published in the report of the sponges of the Clare 

 Island Survey (12). 



Hymedesmia Dujardini (Bowerbank). 



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

 Several small specimens are growing on Lophohclia prolifera. The species 

 has previously been obtained on several occasions within the Irish area. 



Hymenancora conjungens Lundbeck. 



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

 The sponge is growing in two patches on Loplwhelia prolifera. 

 This species was taken only once previously, namely, to the soul 1 1 of 

 Iceland in 29G fathoms (11). The spicules of the Irish specimen agree 



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