5. Stereonephthya macrospiculctta Th. and MacK. (Plate VII, Fig. 7). 
For description see: THOMSON and MacKinnon, Alcyonarians of Percy Sladen Expedition. 
Trans. Linn. Soc. 1910, XIII, p. 186, 2 figs. 
Stat. 12. 7 0 15' S., 11 5 0 1 5'.6 E. 289 M. Mud and broken shells. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 154. o^^N., i30°25 / .5 E. 83 M. Grey muddy sand, shells and Lithothamnion. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 257. In Du-roa-strait, Kei-islands. To 52 M. Coral. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 260. 5°36 / .5S., I32°55 / .2E. 90 M. Sand, coral and shells. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 289. 9 0 o'.3S., 1 26° 24'.5 E. 112 M. Mud, sand and shells. 1 Ex. 
A small densely spinose colony from Station 12. standing 2.5 cm. high and with three 
or four short branches, may be referred to this species, with the description of which it closely 
agrees. The following points are distinctive: (1) There are somewhat hockey-club-like spindles 
in the points, two in each point. There are also irregularly disposed small spindles between the 
points. (2) The base of the point forms a pseudo-crown of two, three or even four transverse 
rows. (3) The tentacles are heavily armoured on their dorsal surface. (4) The supporting bundle 
is massive but does not project. (5) Some of the densely warted spindles are of very large 
size, up to 5 mm. A few of these are forked at one or both ends. Some simple forms are 
broad at one end and narrow at the other, but there are no true clubs. Many of the spindles 
are relatively very broad, 0.5 mm. in breadth and 5 mm. in length. It may be noted that none 
of the large spicules approach the huge dimensions of 9 mm. X 1.5 mm. previously described; 
but this may depend on age. 
A young form of this species from Station 289 is represented by a small yellowish white 
colony, 1.8 cm. in height, bearing only a few polyps. The massive spindles may attain a length 
of 3.5 mm. 
A specimen from Station 260 has a total height of 1.9 cm., of which the stalk occupies 
1.2 cm. The polyparium has a breadth of 1.8 cm. 
Another small complete specimen from Station 257 is 1 cm. in height, while the maximum 
breadth of the polyparium is 1.3 cm. 
We have figured a striking fragment from Station 154 (Plate VII, Fig. 7) on account 
of its gigantic spicules, which appear to be identical with those of the outside of Stereonephthya 
macrospiculata. The fragment has a length of 2.9 cm. and a maximum breadth of 6 mm. The 
spicules are rough curved spindles, often rather blunt. Some of them attain a length of 7 mm. 
Previously recorded from the Solomon Islands. 
6. Stereonephthya pedzmciil'ata n. sp. 
• > 
Stat. 260. 5°36 / .5S., i32°55'.2E. 90 M. Sand, coral and shells. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 305. Mid-channel in Solor-strait off Kampong Menanga. 113 M. Stony. 1. Ex. 
This remarkable species is characterised by: 
(1) a long, slender, rigid, sterile stalk suggestive of a Siphonogorgid rather than a Nephthyid. 
This stalk is traversed by numerous canals (at least ten) ; 
(2) the fact that the polyps are restricted to the apex, where they form either one or more 
definite clusters; 
(3) the short polyp stalks (about 1 mm.); 
