54 
In some specimens, here anti there, at tolerably regular intervals, may he 
observed groups of comparatively small-sized corallites, Avith thicker walls and 
larger acanthopores. An explanation of this has already been offered on a 
jn-evious page. 
The presence of tabulm is an equally variable feature with the 
acanthopores in S. crinita. They are developed from the nodal points, some- 
times very few, or none, being present in one set of tubes, whilst, on the other 
hand, they may be developed from almost every successive pair of nodal points 
in another series. Purthermore, the tabulic aiipcar to bo complete (PI. VI, 
Pig. 6, PI. VII, Pig. 1.) 
The chief specific points which may be employed for the determination 
of Stenopora erinita are — 1. Its massive rounded and lobato outline ; 2. The 
highly stratified mode of groAvth, Avhether in the axial or peripheral regions ; 
3. The jiresence of long internodes between the moniliform swellings, as 
compared with those of other species ; 4. Complete and imperforate tabulre ; 
5. Presence of monticules ; 6. Acanthopores, when present, develoj)ed at the 
angles of the corallites, rarely elsewhere. 
Some doubt has hitherto existed in the minds both of Prof. H. A. 
Nicholson and the WriteP regarding the specific value of Stenopora informis^ 
Lonsdale." Only tAvo specimens are known to me, AAdiich can, AAdth any 
jAossible certainty, be referred to this coral — the type in the British Museum, 
London; the other a very beautiful fragment from near Hobart, Tasmania, 
2 )resentcd by Mr. John JVaterhouse, M.A. The moi^iliform annulations are 
so strongly marked, as close set rings placed hwariably at corresponding levels 
throughout the corallum, added to the fact that a marked difference exists in 
the size of the corallites— one-third millimetre in the case of S. informis, and 
one-half millimetre in S. erinita — that it is still necessary, in the absence of 
further details, to retain the .species separate. The height of the Tasmanian 
specimen referred to is one inch, and throughout this extent the sAvellings are 
croAvded together Avith the greatest compactness, but still retaining their 
perfect outline and shape. They arc much more distinct and regular than 
those of S. erinita, and throughout the specimen do not show any of the 
comparatively long internodes of that species. Is it j)ossible that Ave have 
here the final period of growth of S. erinita ? 
' Ann. M.ag. Nat. Hist., 1886, XVII, p. 181. 
2 Strzelecki’s Fhys. Descrip. N. .S. AA^ales, &c., 184j, t. 8, f. 4 & 4a, 
