68 



ME. H. J. CARTER ON" A COLLECTION OF 



Axinella yirgttltosa, n. sp. (Plate V. fig. 11.) 



This specimen, which is well represented by the figure of Dictyo- 

 cylindrus virgultosus, Bowerb. (Mori. Brit. Spongiadae, vol. iii. 

 pi. 19. fig. 14), consists of a number of filaments or fringe-like 

 shreds about J inch long and inch in diameter at their base, 

 where they rise from a continuous layer, about 2 J inches square; 

 they taper upwards and become bifurcated towards the extre- 

 mities. Their spiculation consists only of smooth acuates bent 

 towards the large end, many of which are subterminally inflated, 

 and by their projection on the surface give the whole filament a 

 hispid character. Superficial area of specimen coextensive with 

 that of the basal layer above mentioned. 



Hah. Growing on hard objects. 



Log. King Island. 



Ohs. The general character of this species has led to the above 

 specific designation, and the absence of any echinating spicule to 

 its being placed in the second family of my Echinonemata, viz. 

 the " Axinellida " (I. c. p. 145). If one may be permitted to con- 

 jecture, it would appear that the filaments, which in the following 

 species are united together into one mass, remain separate in 

 this form. 



Axikella yirgultosa, var. massa, nov.. (Plate VII. figs. 6 

 &7.) 



Massive, lobate, rather compressed and crested, somewhat 

 plumose in external appearance. Consistence firm. Colour grey 

 or brown. Surface irregular, more or less hispid. Vents on the 

 crests of the lobes. Internal structure fibro-plumose, traversed 

 by the branches of the excretory canal-system. Spicules of one 

 form only, viz. acuate, cither stout or thin, frequently subter- 

 minally inflated, indeed precisely like those of the foregoing 

 species, arranged in tufts which, projecting beyond the surface, 

 her< also produce the hispid character. Largest specimen about 

 (5 inches long, 3j inches high, and 2 inches thick, thus being 

 Home what compressed. 



Ilah. Growing on hard objects. 



Loo. E Log Island, 



Ohs. This appear! to me, by the speculation and structure, 

 to be nothing more than a condensed and massive variety of 

 A. viryulloxa. 



