Alcyonaria G 25 



than thick; some are about 0-28 mm. long and 0-03 mm. in diameter; others 

 0-25 by 0-38, 0-25 by 0-03; the larger spindles are about 0-31 mm. long and 

 0-05 thick. The superficial layer of the stalk contains very small rough warty 

 spicules, but not enough to make it rigid or firm. 



The American specimen, described above, is from Richmond gulf, east 

 side of Hudson bay, in 15 to 30 fathoms, collected by A. P. Low, June, 1899, 

 accompanied by G. rubiformis. This specimen, which is a main branch of a 

 large one, is only partially contracted in alcohol. It is 26 mm. long and 30 mm. 

 broad. It divides near the base into three main branchlets, each of which 

 has numerous smaller branchlets, most of which are clavate, with small clusters 

 of exsert polyps; besides these are some single polyps arising both from the 

 stem and from the stalks of the branchlets. The integument of the stalks is 

 everywhere much wrinkled, showing considerable contraction, perhaps 50 per 

 cent or more. The exsert polyps (PI. Ill, fig. 5), when full grown, not including 

 the tentacles, are from 1-8 to 2-5 mm. long, and the thicker distal part is from 

 0-8 to 1-00 mm. in diameter, in alcoholic specimens. Three specimens were 

 collected in Richmond gulf, in 15 to 20 fathoms, 1920, by F. Johansen. Young 

 of Gorgonocephahis lamarcku adhered to these. 



The numerous generic and specific names that this species has received, 

 are most of them due to too much importance being given to different states 

 of contraction and variations in the forms of the colonies, also due partly to 

 different stages of growth. 



According to Jungersen this species has already been referred to thirteen 

 genera, and has had twenty-five specific names. Yet none of the combinations 

 of names given by him seem to be tenable. 



This species must be considered the type of Gersemia (Marenzeller, 1883), 

 and should receive the earhest specific name, fruticosa (M. Sars), as Molander 

 has used it. 



It shoidd not be referred to the earlier genus Eunephthya, for its calicles 

 contain only minute spicules, not in the least thorny nor with rough spinose 

 projecting lobes, as explained above. 



Ktikenthal and Jungersen also referred to this species with doubt the 

 Gersemia longiflora, described and figured by me in 1883 and 1885, from deep- 

 water off' Delaware bay. The latter, however, seems to be quite distinct from 

 all the Arctic forms. It has larger and very much longer polyp-bodies, and its 

 spicules are much smaller and more slender; mostly delicate rods and slender 

 spindles (see PI. IV, fig. 8, PL XIV, figs. 3, 3a). 



As shown above in the synonymy, both Kukenthal and Jungersen united 

 under this species a large number of genera and species well described and 

 figured by Danielssen (op. cit. 1887). They were without full agreement in 

 several cases. Molander accepted most of this consohdation, but kept G. 

 mirabilis, G. clavata, and G. twceformis as distinct species. At the same time 

 he recognized several marked varieties of G. clavata, viz.; arctica, loricata, frigida, 

 pallida, and rigida} 



\ By including in the synonymy given above, so many of the nominal genera and species described 

 and figured by Danielssen, I do not assume to express any personal opinion as to so much consolidation, 

 for I have not seen many of the forms described, nor have I given any adequate study to the larger num- 

 bers of forms received from our northern fishing banks, and now in the U.S. National Museum. In general 

 they received only superficial examination when brought in and listed for the weekly records, for other 

 duties required more attention. Danielssen saw all or most of those he described while in the living 

 or at least fresh condition, and gives life-like colours, for he was one of the naturalists of the Expedition. 

 Moreover he evidently made careful studies of the spicules, and other microscopic details. In this group 

 appearance in life should, no doubt, count for considerable value. Therefore those numerous names are 

 included entirely on the authority of Jungersen and Kukenthal. "Very likely several should be omitted 

 from this synonymy. . . ■,,.■,. 



Danielssen described and figured Nannodendron elegans as having numerous siphonozooids, which 

 contained ova. I have never seen such structures in any Gersemia. In general appearance it is otherwise 

 much like G. rvbiformis. having the same lobulate form of branches with small retractile polyps, but it 

 has no anthocodial wreath of spicules. It is probably a valid genus. 



