I 29 
through a shifting of the rows they are sometimes at irregular levels, compared with one another, 
while also an arrangement in verticils may occur. The spines are 80 p and 30 p long, but 
Fig. 152. Stichopathes variabilis n. n. 
Long spines (a) and short one 
(b) on the base and the middle 
of a colony; a, b 52 X- 
at 
Fig. 153. Stichopathes variabilis n. n. 
a Back of the axis with grooves; b arrange¬ 
ment of the spines; a, 'b 11.3 X. 
Fig. 154. Stichopathes 
variabilis n. n. Polyp; 11.3 )(, 
often the difference between the spines on opposite sides of the axis is less conspicuous; their 
mutual distance is 39 ° 5 2 5 [ J - Their shape (fig. 15 2 ) 1S also possible in the wide range of 
variability ot the general type, especially since they may be distally inclined to a higher degree, 
chiefly on the base of the colony. The polyps (figs. 153, 154) have the characters of the general 
type, as may be found by comparing these figures with those of the great Saleyer-group. 
Stat. 173. 3 0 27'.o S., i3i°o'.5 E. Ceram-sea. 567 M. Fine, yellow grey mud. 1 spec. 
This fragment without polyps, 5.5 cm. long, regularly 
tapering, has 7 longitudinal rows of spines, alternating in a 
quincunx. Length of the spines: 90 p. and 45 p, with a 
mutual distance of 495 — 525 p. Their shape (fig. 155) is 
the same as in the general type; the top is only slightly 
granulated (indicated only in one of the spines of fig. 153). 
Fig. 15 5 • Stichopathes variabilis n. n. 
Spines; 52 X- 
Stat. 7. 7 0 5 5'.5 S., 114 0 26' E. Near Batjulmati (Java). 15 M. and more. Coral and stones. 5 spec. 
Three of these specimens have a stem, which is irregularly curved; one specimen has a 
spiral stem and one colony is partly wound in a spiral. The length of the stem is at the 
utmost 1.5 dm. In two of the colonies the diameter increases 
in the basal part, before diminishing. There are 8—9 longi¬ 
tudinal rows of spines, alternating in a quincunx; one colony 
has 6 rows and another only 5 ; it is true that both are only 
thin fragments but usually the number of rows is already 
constant on the higher parts of a colony. — The length of 
the spines is 60—195 p for the long ones and 35—125 p 
for the short spines; their mutual distance is 405—675 p, 
usually rather variable on various levels on one and the same 
colony; there is an inclination to a greater mutual distance when the length of the spines is 
greater. The shape of the spines is rather variable, but the smooth spines of fig. 156 as well 
Fig. 156. Stichopathes variabilis n. n. 
Spines: a on the base of a colony; b forked 
spine on the base of the colony; c on higher 
part; d on the top; a , Z>, r, d 52 X- 
SIBOGA-EXPEPITIE XVII. 
17 
