bulletin of the united states fish commission. 
28 2 
thin, filled with various-shaped warty and spinulOse spindle-shaped spicules, often curved. Axis 
dark, horny, cylindrical. 
Not having access to the original description of this species there is some doubt as to its exact 
identification, though it would seem to be more nearly allied to this than to other described species. 
In case it should become necessary to give it specific separation I would propose the name spinutifera. 
A single specimen, not perfect, from station 6067; depth, 97 to 120 fathoms; coral bottom; dredge. 
January 20, 1899. 
Muricella megaspina Hargitt, nov. sp. 
A small fragment of a single specimen in the collection has characters much resembling those of 
the genus Muricella, namely, the general form of the colony, thin eoenenchyma, small verrucas, large 
spiny and warty spindles, the larger measuring from 2 to 3 mm. in length. It would also seem to have 
Fig. E. — (1) Colony of Pannnuricea hirta, nut. size. (2-5) Spicules of 
same, x 75. (2, 3) Leafy clubs from stem. (4) Spindle from callcle. 
affinities more or less close with Acis, chiefly, ^however, in the size and disposition of the spicules. In 
the numerous calyces, and their oblique aspect upon the stem and branches, it seems, however, quite 
unlike the typical Acis. The verrucae arise from the axis of stem and branches, not at right angles, as 
seems to be the more common form for this genus, and are covered with a series of much smaller 
spiny and somewhat warty spindles which cover the apex of thecalicles, forming a hoodlike covering. 
In height the fragment is about 70 mm. The axis is horny, light brown to almost white in the 
terminal branches, very flexible. Coenenchyma very thin, almost wholly comprised of a layer of large 
spindle-shaped spicules arranged horizontally longitudinally over the axis. Color of specimen (alco- 
holic) white, spicules all colorless. It would seem to be specifically distinct, the very large size of 
its spicules alone being sufficient to justify specific separation. I would therefore propose for it the 
name megaspina. 
