ALCYONARIA— J. A. THOMSON AND DORIS L. MACKINNON. 681 



Three of the four specimens are practically intact. The largest 

 has a height of 18*5 cm. with a diameter near the base of 3 mm., 

 the corresponding dimensions of the smallest are 8*5 cm. and 2 

 mm. 



The ccenchyma is very thin, and allows the dark, bronze-like 

 axis to shine through. 



The p©lyps occur very rarely in two lateral rows ; generally 

 they are arianged in a spiral, which becomes closer in the upper 

 part of the colony. 



The polyps are 1-1-5 mm. in length. They stand out markedly 

 from the branch at an angle of 45°-60°. They are armoured with 

 eight close-set longitudinal rows of overlapping " ctenoid " scales ; 

 there are from eight to twelve in a row on the abaxial side, and a 

 rather smaller number on the adaxial. The uppermost scale of each 

 row is more strongly developed than the rest, and its upper edge 

 is somewhat reflexed, so that it stands out from the operculum. 

 In this way a sort of collar or circum-operculum is formed. Above 

 this eight triangular scales form a well-defined, conical operculum. 



The dimensions of the '" ctenoid " scales in millimetres are 

 •316 X -181 ; -255 x -272 ; -204 x -153. Their free edge is entire 

 or crisply waved, around the well-marked nucleus numerous 

 warts are grouped, and the clear border round the exposed portion 

 of the scale bears strongly-marked radiating ridges. 



The opercular scales are isosceles triangles with a strong con- 

 cavity to the outer surface, and a corresponding ridge internally, 

 which extends for about three-quarters the length of the scale. 

 The surface is elaborately warted, and the narrow clear margin 

 bears ridges. The following measurements were taken of length 

 and breadth in millimetres. — -415 x -204; -34 x '221. 



The spicules of the coenenchyma are approximately circular 

 scales, with a central nucleus, round which warts are grouped. 

 The border is clear, with at most a few low ridges ("187 x -17 

 mm. ; '136 x -119 m.m. ; -112 x "112 mm.). 



The colour of the specimens is fawn to biown. 



This species differs from Amphilaphis regularis, Wright and 

 Studer, in the following points : — (1) its much more slender 

 build, and bushier, more luxuriant branching ; (2) the almost 

 invariable arrangement of the polyps in spirals, and their much 

 denser crowding ; (3) the smaller size of the polyps, and (4) the 

 greater number of scales in the abaxial rows of the calyx. 



From Amphilaphis abietina, Studer, it is distinguished: — (1) by 

 the close spiral arrangement of the polyps; and (2) by showing 

 no tendency for tlie branches to come ofi at right angles from the 

 rStem. 



Locality. — Eleven miles E. by N. of Barrenjoey, 30-40 fathoms. 



