66 ARVID R. MOLANDER, ALCYONACEA. 
now mentioned, G. loricata does not prove to be anything but a form of adaptation. 
Compared with Gersemia fruticosa it shews great similarities as regards the armature 
and the shape of the spicules. The possibly somewhat stronger armament of G. loricata 
is the one typical of younger and smaller specimens, and is to be found very marked also 
in the investigated specimen of G. fruticosa. Small differences in the shape of the spicules 
may occur within the limits of the variety. A more exact description of Gersemia lori- 
cata is unnecessary, after MARENZELLER's and KUKENTHAL's carefully prepared de- 
monstrations. I classify this species with G. fruticosa. "The biological peculiarity adduced 
as to its mode of growth has led me to retain it as a forma toricata. 
tersemia abyssorum. 
By an investigation of DANIELSEN's type specimens I have convinced myself that 
we are dealing with a Gersemia fruticosa, with forma loricata. As regards the spicules, 
their shape, size, and distribution in the anthocodia, it is in no case distinct from Gerse- 
mia fruticosa and the forma loricata. Brock (1911) pointed out that Sympodium abys- 
sorum might possibly be homologous with Gersemia loricata MARENZELLER, and in 1913 he 
classed S. abyssorum, too, with Gersemia, but distinguished it from &G. loricata. I have 
in no case found any differences between S. abyssorum and G. loricata, as regards the ar- 
mature and the shape of the colony. Both are forma loricata, of G. fruticosa. The some- 
what powerful thorns of the spicules in the anthocodia and in the branch bark are some- 
what usual in small specimens, where the armature is vigorous, and in this respect Sym- 
podium abyssorum proves no exception. 
Habitat: 
- Norwegian Sea, 2,030 met. (Norwegian North Atlantic exp., 1/, 1878), 2 sps. 
Further Distribution: 
Norwegian Sea, 2,030 met. (DANIELSEN, 1887), west coast of Norway, 140—200 
met. (BrocH, 1913); Franz Joseph land, 183—203 met. (MARENZELLER, 1878), Siberean 
Sea, 38 met. (KUKENTHAL, 1910 b). 
Forma membranea. 
To forma membranea belong Sympodium hyalinum, GRIEG, and Clavularia frigida, 
DANIELSEN. 
Sympodium hyalinum. 
This species is very unlike the forms already examined, but is, however. to be classed 
with Gersemia and G. fruticosa. In this case the reduction of trunk and branches has 
proceeded much further and the whole colony is a membrane. The anthocodiae are scat- 
tered above the whole of the membrane. The substratum is tube-like and the colony 
has so adapted itself to this that it has the appearance of a Clavularia, and BRoCH classi- 
fies it as one. But, first of all, the anthocodiae are completely retractile, and Clavwlaria 
has never any such thick membrane with an extension over such a great area. In other 
respects, this case is analogous with that pointed out by v. KocH, with regard to Alcyo- 
j 
i 
