Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. {Polyzoa. 



Queens cliff. 



This species is easily distinguished from M. Buskii by the simple 

 opercular spine, as well as by the cells being much more elongated 

 and narrow. The avicularia are frequently absent. 



Explanation of Figures. 



Plate 58. — Fig. 5, specimen, natural size. Fig. 5a, portion, magnified. Fig. 5b, internode 

 (of bifurcation), more highly magnified. 



Plate 58, Fig. 6. 

 MENIPEA BUSKII (Wyv. Thomson). 



Description. — Cells three in an internode ; connecting tubes short and double ; 

 cells short and wide ; aperture round, with a thickened, granular, calcareous margin, 

 straightened below ; usually 4 spines at the upper margin, of which the second or 

 second and third from the outer edge are much larger and thicker, and there is 

 frequently another smaller one on the inside. Opercular spine attached to the inner 

 and lower part of the aperture, clavate. Avicularium opening opposite the middle 

 or upper third of the aperture. 



Reference. — Wyville Thomson, Dublin Nat. Hist. Review, vol. v., p. 144, 

 plate xii., fig. 1. 



Queenscliff. 



Forms small tufts adhering to algse and zoophytes. Keadily 

 distinguished by the three cells in an internode and the peculiar 

 clavate opercular spine. I have not seen ovicells, but they are 

 described by Thomson as being " spherical, with a richly granular 

 surface, imbedded among the cells, on the cavity of two of which 

 it encroaches. 



Explanation of Figures. 



Plate 58. — Fig. 6, specimen, natural size. Fig. 6a, portion, magnified. Fig. 6b, internode, 

 more highly magnified. 



I am indebted to Mr. MacGillivray for the specimens and de- 

 scriptions illustrated by this plate. 



Frederick McCoy. 

 [ 35 ] 



