row (fig. 125, 126^; sometimes the spines of the same pair are curved in opposite directions 
CK 
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Fig. 124. Stichopathes variabilis n. n. 
Spines : a on the middle of a colony; 
b on the base of the same colony ; 
a, b 52 X- 
Fig. 125. Stichopathes variabilis n. 
Doubled spines; 52 X- 
n. 
Fig. 126. Stichopathes variabilis n. n. 
Spines: a on the base of a colony; 
b on a higher part; c doubled; 
a, h c 52 X- 
(A 
127). On the top of various colonies the young spines are furnished with two or three 
tops (fig. 128); the young spines 
ac 
355 
6 
are usually entirely smooth. All 
described deviations of the normal 
type of spines are linked together 
by transitions. 
The polyps are placed in a 
single series, but this series may 
be sinuous, however without being 
anywhere broken off, so that there 
is no question about parallel parts 
of a number of spirals (fig. 129). 
sinuous arrangement and a number of spiral 
rows, there is in this case no reason to 
think about an arrangement as is typical for 
the subgenus Eucirripathes . On one colony 
Fig. 129. Stichopathes variabilis n. n. Polyps; 7*6 X- the r0W of polyps is Sometimes WOUnd 
once or more than once round the axis over a short distance. — The very diverging shape 
of the polyps is the best proof how cautious one should be in making use of the polypar 
structure and dimensions as specific or even generic differences. Very widely distributed is the 
Fig. 127. Stichopathes variabilis n. n. 
a normal spines; b doubled spines on 
the same colony; a, b 52 X* 
Fig. 128. Stichopathes variabilis n. n. 
Abnormal spines on the top of 
a colony; 52 X- 
Although there is no great choice between a 
Fig. 130. Stichopathes variabilis n. n. Polyps; 7.6 X- 
type of polyp of fig. 130. The polyps are yellowish and they do not rise very high above the 
axis; the tentacles are usually inclined distally, sometimes lying against each other (fig. 131^ 
and c). The sagittal tentacles are inserted at a slightly lower level than the lateral ones. There 
