88 
larger branches, which are very conspicuous, are composed, properly speaking, of a number of 
branches of always higher order, since the at once swiftly tapering branch is continued in 
diameter and direction by the branch of higher order, about in the same manner as in a dichasium. 
In this manner an explication is given of the sinuousness of the stems, since at every moment 
the branch of higher order must curve before it can follow the principal direction. — The 
branches are inserted at an angle of over 45 0 ; on their further course they are curved towards 
the top of the colony; this curving occurs principally in the basal part of 
the branch; even the ultimate branches, which are a few mm. to 0.5 cm. long, 
are always somewhat curved. The angle of insertion of the ultimate branches 
often approaches to 90°. They have a rather big appearance with a swiftly 
tapering .top; at their base they are somewhat constricted, also the branches 
of lower order, which gives a typical aspect to the colony (figs. 75, 76). 
There are no fusions between the branches in any part of the colony. — 
The spines (fig. 74) are very long and slender and their surface is entirely smooth but with a 
narrow diaphragma and greatly magnified a very fine granulation is visible, which easily 
escapes our notice. I he length is 375 p. to 450 p, and even more, varying without regularity; 
Fig. 74. Aphanipathes 
undnlata sp. n. Spines; 
52 X- 
Fig. 75. Aphanipathes undulata sp. n. 
Polyps; 14 X- 
Fig. 76. Aphanipatlies undulata sp. n. Part 
of the colony to show the successive swel¬ 
lings; the dotted lines approximately give 
the polypar limits; 7.5 X- 
larger and smaller spines are intermingled, without preference for a special side of the axis. In 
the polypar areas the spines are distinctly longer and more heavily built. Sometimes the spines 
are arranged in rows and a quincunx, but usually this regularity is entirely absent. — The 
mutual distance of the spines varies from 150 p. to 225 p.; they are distally inclined, ensiform, 
sometimes with a slightly sinuous top. Near the top of the branch the spines are already fully 
