SPONGIIDA, 



395 



more in the secondary fibres) than is the case with the mounting 

 which the Museum possesses from Prof. Schmidt. The spicules are 

 chiefly aoerate, tapering gradually to sharp points, characters which 

 I have already described in those of Schmidt's specimen (P. Z. S. 

 1881, p. 114) ; but here I find also a considerable number of 

 cylindricals, in some places with well-rounded extremities ; the size 

 of both kinds is -08 by -0025 millim., which is almost exactly the 

 size I gave for those of Schmidt's slide (I. c. p. 114). On re-exami- 

 nation of the latter, I find a few of the cylindricals present there 

 also, and the position of the spicules in the fibre is normally axial 

 on the whole, and not superficial only, as I stated in the paper referred 

 to : I was misled as to these points by the scantiness and badly pre- 

 served condition of the small mounting which represents the species. 

 Thus, with the exception of the more strongly spicular character 

 of the fibre, the present specimens do not differ essentially from 

 West Indian specimens of the species. The diameter of the stem varies 

 from 5 to 9 miUim. (exclusive of the spines), and the spines are strong, 

 viz. 2 to 3 millim. high. Vents at intervals of 6 to 12 millim. 

 along the stem. 



Hah. Thursday and Alert Islands, Torres Straits, 3-7 fms. ; Port 

 Denison, Queensland, 4 fms. 



Distribution. Caribbean Sea {Dueh. Sf Mich.) ; Florida, 9 fms. 

 (Schmidt). 



It is interesting to have such a well authenticated case of identity 

 of a "West-Indian and an Australian sponge. 



23. Cladochalina, sp. 



A spirit-specimen, of sub-erect habit, with stout amber-yellow 

 homy fibre and fusiform aeeratee, uni- or biserial, measuring -28 by 

 •016 millim. Stem subcylindrical, about 12 millim. thick, without 

 surface aculeations. I prefer to await more perfect specimens rather 

 than risk an incorrect determination and description. 



Hab. Prince of Wales Channel, Torres Straits, 5-7 fms. ; bottom 

 sand and shells. 



24. Cladochalina nuda. (Plate XLI. fig. i.) 



Decumbent. Stems solid, slender, tortuous (branches? ; none occur 

 in the specimens), irregularly cylindrical, more or less compressed 

 from above in places, especially at points at which large vents occur ; 

 generally buUately swollen out laterally at the same points ; diameter 

 irregular, 2 to 7, or 5 to 9 millim. in diflferent specimens. Surface 

 even, minutelj' rough to the touch, with occasional low pointed pro- 

 jections. Vents uniserial, approximately confined to upper surface, 

 6 to 12 millim. apart, circular, opening level with the surface, or 

 occasionally with edges drawn up, 1 to 3 millim. in diameter, 1 to 

 3 millim. deep; walls cavernous, perforated by numerous excretory 

 canal-openings. Texture in spirit compressible, but resistent, very 

 elastic ; outer wall parchment-like, tough ; colour pale umber-brown. 



