9i 
into two main branches rising to a height of 6 cm. The branches give off numerous secondary 
branches which bear lappets either directly or on separate racemes These lobes vary consider¬ 
ably in size and shape — the longest are somewhat rounded cones, 5.5X3 mm., but very 
commonly several very small lobes, some conical, some practically round in shape, are closely 
crowded together and form a dense rounded mass of polyps up to 7 mm. high and 7 mm. in diameter. 
This specimen in many respects approaches most nearly to N. crassa Ktikenthal, agreeing 
closely with that species in regard to mode of growth and especially in the spiculation of the 
stem, both in the rind and the canal walls. It differs, however, from it in the size, shape and 
armature of the polyp, and especially in the shortness of the polyp stalk. 
The polyps are very small and, what is most characteristic, have an extremely short and 
ill-defined polyp-stalk on which the head is borne at an obtuse angle, the whole forming a rather 
curved Capnella-like polyp. The inner wall of the stalk is so short that in many cases the polyp- 
head seems to arise on the inside directly from the twig. In some of the polyps it is quite 
impossible, so small is the flexure, to measure polyp-head and stalk separately. Such a one may be 
up to about 0.7 mm. from tip of polyp to base of stalk on the outer side. In those showing 
more distinct separation of the head the stalk is 0.3—0.4 mm. and the height of the polyp 
is also 0.3—0.4 mm. The average breadth of a polyp head is 0.35 mm. The supporting bundle 
is not strongly developed, and consists of a varying number of loosely disposed spindles in an 
irregular longitudinal arrangement sometimes showing fairly definite chevron rows, which spread 
round the sides of the stalk. There are frequently about 6 spindles in a bundle. The maximum 
length measured was 0.55 mm., but the majority do not exceed 0.4 mm. They are covered with 
rather distant simple low prominences which tend to be exaggerated in number and size towards 
the two ends. The armature of the polyp is very dense on the dorsal surface and a little 
distance round the sides, numerous thorny spindles being irregularly arranged in a thick mass. 
These vary in length from about 0.18 mm. to much smaller, rather smoother forms, 0.04 mm. 
long. The very short inner wall of the polyp is most commonly devoid of spicules, but sometimes 
shows one or two very small sclerites. 
The spicules from the canal walls are massive warty spindles densely covered with small 
compound warts, often disposed in transverse rows. Two very distinct types occur, with pointed 
and with verv obtuse ends. 
The following measurements were taken : 1.1 mm. X 0.18 mm.; 0.7 mm. X 0.2 mm. 
In the rind of the upper branches, tending to a transverse arrangement, lie numerous 
short spindles with prominent simple projections with an average length of 0.18 mm. and breadth 
of 0.02 mm. In the lower cortex are found slightly larger stouter spindles thickly covered with 
high conical prominences. Average dimensions are 0.3 X 0.05 mm. 
There are also numerous irregular spicules including short jagged cylinders, and a few that 
approach clubs with a slight flattening of the broader end ; 0.18 mm. X 0.08 mm.; 0.1 mm X 0.02 mm. 
16. Nephthya cervispiculosa n. sp. (Plate X, Fig. 4; Plate XXII, Fig. 8). 
Stat. 43. Sarassa. 30 M. Coral. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 49. 8 °2095 s., Ii9°4 / .5E. 369 M. Coral and shells. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 50. Labuan Badjo, Flores. Up to 40 M. Mud, sand and shells according to locality. 1 Ex. 
