OF THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION. 853 
but like the others, with one exception, it lacks the basal attachment. The single 
complete specimen is a graceful bush, 9 cm. in height by 4 cm. in maximum breadth, 
with an axis 1 mm. in breadth at the base, and an expanded disc of attachment almost 
1 cm. across. Of the other specimens the following measurements were taken :— 
(a) 14 cm. in height by 3 in breadth, a single branch, with an axis 4 mm. in breadth ; 
(b) 11 cm. in height by 9°5 cm. in maximum breadth, a bushy colony with an axis 
3 mm. in breadth at the base; (c) 8 cm. in height by 9 cm. in maximum breadth, a 
bushy colony with an axis 2 mm. in breadth. The colonies bear Comatulids attached 
by their cirri, encrusting Polyzoa, hydroids, and several sponges. 
The branching of the specimens differs from that of the previously described species 
of Thouarella. A main stem, 1 to 5 mm. in diameter, gives off strong branches almost 
as thick as itself, and sometimes attaining a length of 12 cm. They arise in at least 
three directions and at irregular intervals. From these branches, as also from the 
intervals between them on the main stem, slender twigs arise on all sides, and at 
varying angles. But the strong branches of the first degree may also bear strong 
branches of the second degree, likewise carrying slender twigs. The larger branches 
show a tendency to curve inwards towards the main stem. 
In all cases the slender, graceful twigs spring from all sides at very irregular 
intervals, and are equally developed all round. Asa result of the repeated branching, 
of the incurving of the larger branches, and of the very numerous close-set twigs, the 
colony bears a characteristic resemblance to a thickly-growing sturdy bush. 
Where the ccenenchyma has been rubbed off in the lower parts of the colonies, the 
stout, almost inflexible axis is exposed. It is tawny-brown in colour, with in some 
places a yellowish sheen ; but it becomes lighter in colour (honey-yellow), as well as 
very flexible, towards the tips of the branches and in the twigs. It is composed of 
horny and calcareous materials, and is circular in cross section. 
The calices, which are about 1 mm. in height, are borne chiefly on the twigs, but 
they are occasionally borne by the twig-supporting branches and by the main stem. 
On the twigs they are closely approximated, arising in all directions and without any 
definite arrangement. ‘They are pear-shaped, and generally bent inwards to the axis. 
The number of transverse rows of scales varies slightly, but five is a very common 
number. The number of longitudinal rows is about seven. The scales appear to be 
similar in size and structure on all sides of the polyp, there being none distinctively 
dorsal or ventral. ‘They have a convex upper edge, frequently assume an almost 
quadrangular form, and are thickly tuberculated. Fusion of the tubercles occasionally 
gives rise to very slight ridges running outwards from the nucleus. The embedded 
edges of all the scales are more ragged than the free edges. 
The rows of scales are surmounted by about seven opercular scales, all of which have 
a ridge projecting for a considerable distance, usually bordered by a narrow leaf-like 
wing. 
This species is marked off from others previously described by the origin of strong 
