1 si! 01 CD ; CD a m CD V O A Commonwealth of Australia. DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND CUSTOMS. FISHERIES. /y 2- 4 / Zoological Results of the Fishing Experiments carried out by F.I.S. " Endeavour" 1909-10 under H. C. DANNEVIG, Commonwealth Director of Fisheries. VOLUME I. PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION OF THE MINISTERS FOR THADE AND CUSTOMS, HON. FRANK GWYNNE TUDOR AND HON. LITTLETON E. GROOM. SYDNEY, 1911-1914. CONTENTS. PAET I. PUBLISHED 22xo DECEMBER, 1911. Page Plates Report on the Fishes obtained by the F.I.S. " Endeav- our" on the Coasts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. Part 1. By Allan R. McCulloch ... 1 I. -XVI. Report on the Mollusca obtained by the F. I. S. "En- deavour" chiefly off Cape Wiles, South Australia. Part 1. By Charles Hedley ... 90 XVII.- XX. PART II. PUBLISHED 9TH JULY, 1912. Report on the Sponges obtained by the F. I. S. "En- deavour" on the Coasts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tas- mania. Part 1. By. E. F. Hallmann 117 XXI.- XXXVI. PART III. PUBLISHED 29TH AUGUST, 1912. A new Species of Asymmetron from the Great Austra- lian Bight, South Australia. By Janet W. Raff ... 304 XXXVII. Report on a sample of Globigerina Ooze from 1122 fathoms, East of Tasmania. By F. Chapman ... 309 PART IV. PUBLISHED 4rH JULY, 1914. Title Page, Contents, and Index. LIST OF THE CONTRIBUTORS. With References and Catalogue Numbers. Chapman, F.- 59.312 (26.5 : 94.6). Report on a Sample of Globigerina Ooze from 1122 fathoms, East of Tasmania. Zool. Res. End.,i., 3, 1912. Hallmann, E. F.- 59.34 (26.5: 94.2-5L Report on the Sponges obtained by the F. I. S. "Endeavour" on the Coasts of New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania. Part 1. Zool. Res. End. i., 2, 1912, Hedley, Charles 59.4 (26.5: 94.2). Report on the Mollusca obtained by the F. I. S. "Endeavour" chiefly off Cape Wiles, South Australia. Part 1. Zool. Res. End. i., 1, 1911. McCulloch, Allan R.- 59.7 (26.5: 94.2-6). Report on the Fishes obtained by the F. I. S. " Endeavour" on the Coasts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. Part 1. Zool. Res. End., i., 1, 1911, Raff, Janet W. 59.71 (26.5: 94.2). A New Species of Asymmetron from the Great Australian Bisfht. Zool. Res. End., i., 3, 1912. I ilDemonam " Had I been any god nt power, I would Have sunk the sea within the earth or ere It should the good ship so have swallow'd and The fraughting souls within her." The Tempest. H. C. DAXXEVIG, DIRECTOR ; G. W. C. PIM, MASTER ; C. T. HARRISSON, BIOLOGIST; And eighteen others, comprising the crew of the F.I.S. "Endeavour," who were lost at sea in December, 1914. The pages of this Part are numbered in Roman numerals to enable the render to insert the letterpress in any position in Vol. III. he may think fit. HARALD CHRISTIAN DANNEVIG, DIRECTOR, and the Work and Loss of the F.I.S. " Endeavour." " There dwells a wife by the Northern Gate, And a wealthy wife is she ; She breeds a breed o' roviii' men And casts them oversea."- -Kipling. ON 20th November, 1914, the Fisheries Investigation ship left Hobart for Macquarie Island. She arrived there on Lst December, and, after a delay of two days occasioned by bad weather, fulfilled her mission of relieving an operator at the Wireless Station. She started on her retiirn journey on 3rd December. A brief view by the solitary officers stationed at the island of the staunch little ship as she disappeared into the sea mists, a terrific gale two days later, and that, perhaps, is all we shall ever know of the end of our friend, Harald Dannevig, who, in his knowledge of the mysteries of the sea knew no superior ; of Captain Pirn, a capable navigator, whose pre- vious career in tropical seas knew every resource of defence from storm or danger ; and of a good and true ship's company. The sea has taken toll, and the " Endeavour's work is finished. In years to come that work will be appreciated at its proper value. No more capable man could have been chosen to direct it than Harald Christian Dannevig, who combined a knowledge of the habits and of the life of fish, acquired from childhood, with the enthusiasm of one who loved his profession and lived almost solely for it. Out in all weather, in storm and sunshine, when he could have readily directed the work from a comfortable office on shore, his one thought and ambition was to succeed in bringing home to the many doubting minds in Australia that there is a rich reserve of food supply in the fisheries of our coast, simply waiting to be harvested. From the coast of Queensland to those of Western Australia a great portion of the sea-bed has been explored, and extensive areas suitable for trawling and rich in food fishes have been surveyed and charted. There is no monopoly of the sea- bed ; there are no fences. It waits for enterprise and industry ; and with care and reasonably good management must yield profit to the harvester and, what is of greater IV. concern to our people, a certain and abundant cheap supply of fish food. That was the objective of the " Endeavour's ' work during the brief period of her existence less than six years and the foundations have been laid for what in time will prove to be a flourishing and permanent industry. Harald Christian Dannevig was born at " Flodevig Hiso," an island owned by his father, on one of the fiords of Norway, near Arendal. His father, Guniiar Mathias Dannevig, was the first to introduce fish culture into Norway, and the Norwegian Government established the first fish hatchery on his island. Harald Dannevig was thirteen years old at the time, and he thus became familiar with the work from childhood. He studied at the Christiania University under the eminent Professor G. 0. Sars, and chose those subjects most likely to be of practical value in the work of fish culture and acclimatisation. In 1894 he was selected by the Fisheries Board of Scotland to supervise the completion of the Marine Hatcheries at Dunbar, and later on he selected the new site at Aberdeen, designed the new plant, and constructed the tidal spawning pond. In 1895 he was consulted by the Lancashire Fisheries Board, and again designed the necessary plant, and in the same year visited Italy for a similar purpose at the invitation of the authorities. Still engaged in the service of the Fisheries Board of Scotland, he spent a considerable portion of his time at sea on fishing vessels and trawlers, investigating the various methods of capture and the habits of fish life. In 1902 the Agent-General for New South Wales was requested to consult the best authorities and obtain, as far as possible, the most competent fisheries expert available. Harald Dannevig was recommended and appointed. On his journey to Australia Mr. Dannevig conducted, with unqualified success, an experiment which until then was unexampled. He fitted in the between decks of an Orient mail steamer two tanks in which he succeeded in bringing to Sydney from England several hundred live adult plaice, turbot, and other fish. He secured sufficient fish food before leaving, which he kept in the freezing room of the ship. Sleeping alongside the tanks he regulated, as far as practicable, the temperature, and kept his charges under continual obser- vation. On arrival in Sydney the fish ponds provided were found to be ill-constructed and unsuitable ; a heat wave occurred soon afterwards, and it became necessary to release the fish in the deeper and freer waters of the sea. That incident was characteristic of the man patient and thorough, with only one thought, his work. ^^^^^H v. He designed and constructed the Fish Hatchery at Gunna- inatta Bay, Port Hacking, New South Wales. In 1906 he succeeded in transferring from Hobart to the Hatchery 2,000 adult flounders, from which he hatched and liberated 20,000,000 fry. He conducted a later similar experiment with greater results. Amongst the more important original works which, in addition to his work on the 'Endeavour," will prove an enduring record of his valuable services, may be mentioned investigation in regard to the reproduction of food fishes ; where fish eggs are deposited ; the natural dangers and troubles of fish life ; periodicity in the abundance of fish and its causes (a paper on which he read before the Royal Society) ; fresh water fish culture in New South Wales ; the habits and migrations of the Mullet ; the life history of the Cray Fish, together with many other interesting and useful features associated with the history of fish life. Harald Dannevig was an interesting man personally, as well as in regard to his particular work. Kind hearted, of splendid physique, he will be sadly missed by those who knew him. To the Government he has rendered good service. There was no necessity for him to visit Macquarie Island. The vessel was engaged in work apart from her ordinary responsibilities. He was, however, above all, a courageous man. Scenting danger, he thought his proper place was with his crew on board the ship. He went and died in what he conceived to be the performance of his duty. He leaves, mourning, a widow, a daughter of sixteen, and a son of five years of age. Captain George Pirn was in command of the " Endeavour ' from 9th October, 1911, and she never had a more capable master. He had held a command since he was 22 years of age without an accident of any kind. He had considerable experience of the Pearl Shell and Beche-de-mer Fisheries in Torres Straits and Northern Australia, and for some time had sole charge of a number of vessels engaged in the pearling industry. He was a member of the Scientific Expedition to New Guinea in 1905 of Major Cooke Daniels, who wrote : " I count myself lucky to have found so good a skipper. Your loyalty to my interests, which were those of the whole expedition, and your enthusiasm of helpfulness, earned the reward of a very great deal of work. Topography, Hydro- graphy, Technology and general Ethnography, you did them all more than well. So on the side of actual work you did not only all you ought to have done as the master of the ' k Kori," but all you could do as a man of many capabilities VI. in many directions." High but deserved praise for a quiet, modest, capable man ; and it is comforting to know, what- ever happened to the " Endeavour " two good men were in charge, and no accident which could possibly have been avoided by those on board contributed to the disaster. Some unforeseen disaster overwhelmed the ship and her crew. Captain Pirn has left a widow to mourn her sad loss. There are sorrowing hearts for others who were on board the " Endeavour," and these equally claim our sympathy for their loss, and a kindly memory for those for whom they grieve. The names of those on board were : Director of Fisheries Master Mate Biologist Second Mate & Chief Fisherman Fisherman Chief Engineer Second ,, Third Fireman Ordinary Seaman . . . Chief Cook and Steward Assistant Cook Messroom Boy Clerk, Meteorological Bureau Harald Christian Dannevig George William Charles Pirn Joseph Reyiioldson Burkitt Charles Turnbull Harrisson Alfred Ackers Herbert A. Farrant L. Olsen ( Jeorge Cooper Harold E. Samson Angus Ross Mackay Stanley Dit chain Richard Charles Hoe Alfred Holmes Nils Rasmussen J. Byrne Thomas Rice J. W. Jackson A. Wythe Harry Kitching Thomas Scott Harold Power. They now lest in the depths of the sea. th<- mysteries of which they had been seeking to understand. May they rest in peace ! N. LOCKYER. GEORGE WILLIAM CHARLES PIM, MASTER MARINER. " And now the storm- blast came, and he Was tyrannous and strong : He struck with his o'ertaking wings, And chased us south along." Coleridge. ('ATTAIN G. W. C. PIM was born at Gloucester, England, on !>th March. 1866, the son of Mr. John Robert Pirn, a gentle- niau of means. He came of a well-known nautical family, the eldest son in every instance having been in the Royal Xavy, a practice extending backwards for upwards of two hundred years. The subject of this notice was the first who, although he had been entered as a Naval cadet, was in conse- quence of unforeseen caiises unable to continue a naval career. The family of Pirn, or Pym, as originally written, has left its mark in British history. There is reason to believe that Captain Pirn is a lineally descended kinsman of the celebrated English parliamentarian, John Pym, who. with John Hampden, equally eminent in the same direction, was one of the "five members' impeached by Charles l.in 164-2. The name appears to have originally been Pym, but in the reign of James 1. some of the younger and gayer members, it is said, became courtiers. Iu1 this step not meeting with the approbation of the older Quakers, the latter expressed their resentment by changing the family name to Pirn. The name is well known in naval history. -From 1798 to 181O one Lieutenant Samuel Pym (subsequently Captain and finally Admiral Sir Samuel Pym) did great service in the Anglo-French naval fights in the West Indies. His most important commands appear to have been the 74-gun ship " c Atlas," and the frigate " Sirius." In recent years the best known naval member of the family was Admiral Bedford Clapperton Pirn (grand-uncle to Captain Pirn), who was born at Bideford in Devonshire in 1826. He took part, amongst other achievements, in the Franklin Search Expedition to the Arctic regions under Sir K. Belcher, in 1852. After severing his connection with the naval training ship, George Pirn, to use a colloquial phra.se, " went to sea " about 1881, serving in various capacities in at least three sea-going vessels until 1886, when, being then in Queensland, he entered the Lighthouse service and was attached to the Proudfoot Lightship on the Proudfoot Shoal, Torres Strait. After some vm. months of this monotonous life Pim transferred to the Moreton Bay Pilot service. Henceforth tired of subordinate positions, he struck out for himself, and either alone or in partnership occupied himself for some years in " sandalwood getting ' on the Queensland coast ; then migrating to Thursday Island he entered the " beche-de-mer " trade, and to some slight extent that of 'pearl shelling" also. He successively owned, or part owned (it is uncertain which), and commanded, when not more than twenty-three years of age, in 1888 the "Violet," a cutter of nine tons ; in 1889, the ' Alice " and the " P.G.E." respectively, a lugger of ten and a cutter of nineteen tons ; and finally the " Whaup," a ketch of thirty-four tons. In this last venture Captain Pim was in partnership with a Mr. Luff, of Thursday Island. in these several voyages the subject of our notice made money, which was spent in scientific research in New Guinea and North Queensland. Towards the end of 1903 Mr. Pim was in Sydney with the view of obtaining a certificate ; he passed as ''only mate' for fore-and-aft vessels 011 llth February, 1904. Towards the end of 1903 there arrived in Sydney Major W. Cooke Daniels, of the United States Army, who had been Adjutant-General of Division in the Cuban campaign, accom- panied by certain scientific friends. It was his purpose to carry out anthropological and ethnologica 1 researches in South- east New Guinea. For this purpose a schooner-yacht of 67 tons, called the " Kori." with auxiliary steam power and a sea-going steam launch was brought from England. Mr. Pim was appointed master, and the expedition left Sydney in April, 1904. During the cruise he did excellent work by surveying and charting Tokunu, or Alcester Island, in the Trobriand Group, and Gawa Island, in the Marshall Bennett Group. He also furnished a description of Kwaiawata Island, in the same group, and this, with the above charts, appeared in the " Geographical Journal " for April, 1906, as portion of a paper by Drs. C. G. Saligmann and W. M. Strong, members of the expedition, the former of whom expressed his thanks to Captain Pim for the latter 's excellent services. After navigating the ' Kori ' to Singapore on the break up of the expedition Mr. Pim, in 1906, became con- nected for a time with the Celebes Trading Company at the Aru Islands. Mr. Pim was appointed master of the "Endeavour" on the 9th October, 1911, and so remained until disaster brought about the untimely death of himself and companions, some- where betAveen Macquarie Island and either Xew Zealand or Tasmania. IX. He is described as an indefatigable worker, a careful navi- gator, and ever on the watch for trouble when the "Endea- vour " was at work. The nature of her investigations called for much marine surveying and hydrographic work for the charting of rocks and other irregularities ; these duties had often to be carried out by Captain Pirn under the most trying circumstances. The investigation of new areas called for unremitting care and attention, and he was to be seen in all parts of the ship watching the trawl-warps and controlling the soundings, etc., whilst at the same time keeping a sharp eye on the navigation. When Mr. Dannevig was not on board the whole responsibility of the trawling operations and scientific work fell upon Captain Pirn's shoulders. The difficulties of working with comparatively so small a vessel in exposed areas made his task a very difficult one. He was a keen collector, with a sharp eye for anything unusual, and many interesting and new organisms in the ' ; Endeavour's ' collections were personally secured and preserved by him. Whilst master of the "' Endeavour " Captain Pirn, in 1913, conveyed Captain Brewis, R.N., who was engaged in re- porting upon the lighthouses around Australia, from Fre- mantle to Busselton in Western Australia. Captain Pirn was a man of indomitable resolution, keen and persevering in his professional duties, quiet and rather reserved in demeanour, but, beneath all, of a kind and sym- pathetic nature. His end, and those of his companions, was. alas, only another exemplification of the fate of many " that go down to the sea in ships that do business in great waters." R. ETHERIDGE. CHARLES TURNBULL HARRISSON, BIOLOGIST. " We bring no store of ingots, Of spice or precious stones, But that we have we gathered With sweat and aching bones."- Kipling. THE zoological knowledge of Charles T. Harrisson was gathered not in a laboratory nor from lectures, but under the open sky, from beach, mountain and forest. This type of pioneer, to whom Biology owes so much, seems more and more rarely bred under modern conditions. Yet there is work to be done on the frontiers of science that none do so well as that self-taught, self-reliant, keen free-lance the field naturalist. He belonged to a family long settled in Tasmania, which, like the Atkinsons and the Hulls, were mostly naturalists, and to whom such scientific leaders of the last generation as Tate and Tenison Woods expressed their indebtedness. Charles was the eldest son of Frank Harrisson, who had an extensive orchard on the Brown River Road, south of Hobart, and for some years was a near neighbour of Lieut. C. E. Beddome, the well-known Conchologist. The second son, Ernest Harrisson, was also a keen and successful collector. The brothers were smart yachtsmen, and explored with the dredge a wide area of the Derwent Estuary and D'Entrecasteaux Channel. As far back as 1882, Beddome dedicated Cemori harrissoni and Alexia harrissoni to Mr. Charles Harrisson ;{ one of my fellow workers." Ornithology was one of the first subjects to interest him, and he formed a large collection of Tasmanian birds and their eggs. On the death of the parents, the home broke up, and Harrisson tried various occupations without much success. For a time he had a dairy farm at Long Bay. Then he set up a studio in Melbourne, but though a clever artist, with especial ability in landscapes, he failed to obtain sufficient recognition. A small post in the Government service at Hobart was then offered him, in which position he lived pleasantly for several years, and during the tenure of which he married and had a son. The local Scientific Society found in him a zealous and active member. With success he entered on the study of Tasmanian Crustacea. So that when Sir Douglas XI. Ma \vson required a good all-round collector for hi;-' Antarctic expedition, the seiviccs of Mr. Harrisson were recommended, and he was enrolled. The position of Naturalist to the Western Party, under .Mi'. F. Wild, was allotted to him. Opportunities for zoological collecting were scarce, but what could be done was done. Ever cheerful, ever helpful, he was a comrade whose energy and good temper were proof against starvation and such miseries as Antarctic explorers endure. In the " Home of the Blizzard," Wild writes, " many of the gusts must have exceeded one hundred miles per hour, since one of them lifted Harrisson, who was standing beside me, clean over my head and threw him nearly twenty feet." A number of Harrisson's coloured drawings of Antarctic scenery em hellish Mawson's book. A shipmate on the " Aurora " (Mr. J. H. Collinsoii Close) has supplied the following information : ' Mr. C. T. Har- risson was deeply respected and liked by us all. He impressed one, on my first acquaintance, as being one whom the Ex- pedition Leader and we, his comrades, would ill have afforded to dispense with. Usually preoccupied in thought, and of earnest, serious manner, his slow, deliberate conversation was listened to attentively by the most thoughtful among us. Whether it was heaving on the ' Noah's Ark ' windlass to \\eigh anchor, turning out in the 'wee sma' hours of a dirty morning to haul in bitter icy gale on frozen topsail- halliards and weather braces, or taking a trick at the wheel, manning a boat in a : jobbly' sea or shovelling coal in the stoke-hole, Harrisson was ever to the fore. Harrisson's sledging exploits around the ' Second Base ' of the Expedition need no comment here, beyond remarking that he did as much if not more sledging than anybody else in the party, or indeed in the Expedition, with the exception of our courageous leader, Sir D. Mawson, and his own Base-leader, Mr. Frank Wild. "His artistic work with brush, crayon and pastel universal admiration. The first icebergs we encountered, steaming south, he transferred to canvas, sketching with remarkable fidelity and rapidity the various shaded azure tints of the crevassed ice, and snow mantles of virgin white enshrouding the bergs. Harrisson was always ready to impart useful information from knowledge born of his years of practical training and experience, to any caring to avail themselves of the opportunity. In view of his many admir- able talents, and the circumstances that he was, in all things, a shining example to younger men, his presence on such an XII. expedition was invaluable. The news of his loss with the ill-fated " Endeavour ' throws an indescribable sadness over his comrades of other clays, and it is safe to say the hearts of all beat with the deepest sympathy for his dear ones left to mourn his loss." On his return from the Antarctic he was appointed by the Federal Government Biologist to the Fisheries Bureau. In this capacity his work was admirable, large collections \vere sorted out, and despatched with a skill and neatness much appreciated by those A\ hose duty it was to deal with them at a later stage. As an expression of this appreciation a new shark has been called by Mr. McCulloch Centrophorus hanissoni. In the interests of Australian Marine Biology it Oi/ was hoped that he would long continue such excellent work. When he embarked on the last cruise of the " Endeavour ' he had reached the age of forty-seven. Mr. W. L. May, a life-long neighbour, writes : " He was a man of most courteous and pleasant manner, and his loss will be deplored by a large circle of friends, of whom I am one." C. HEDLEY. INTRODUCTORY NOTE. The Reports comprised in the "Zoological Results of the Fishing Experiments carried out by the F.I.S. 'Endeavour 1 have been prepared at the Australian Museum, Sydney, under the authority of the Trustees, and at the request of the Hon. The Minister for Trade and Customs. The material for investigation is sent direct from the "Endeavour" by the Director of Fisheries (Mr. H. C. Dan- nevig) to the Australian Museum, and, after elaboration, is distributed as follows : All "types" are held in reserve for the Fisheries Branch of the Department of Trade and Customs ; a set of "co-types" are retained by the Trustees; the remainder of the specimens are distributed to the other Aus- tralasian State Museums in the name of the Minister for Trade and Customs. The Reports deal with the Fishes collected on the coasts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tas- mania. The Asteroidea and Sponges are from the same waters with the addition of those of the Queensland coast. The Mollusca are a more specialised series, chiefly obtained off Cape Wiles, South Australia. The new Asymmetron comes from the Great Australian Bight, and a sample of (ilobigerina Ooze was obtained to the east of Tasmania. A 2 y/3. I. Report on the Fishes obtained by the F.I.S. " Endeavour,' on the Coasts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. PART I. BY ALLAN R. McCULLOCH, ZOOLOGIST, Australian Museum Sydney. Plates r-xvi. ; Text figs. 1-20. 1. REPORT ON THE FISHES. PART I. I. INTRODUCTION. The collections dealt with in this Report were obtained by the Federal Fisheries Investigation Ship "Endeavour," under the direction of Mr. H. C. Dannevig. They were obtained at many localities along the New South Wales, Victorian, Tasmanian and South Australian coasts at various depths down to ninety fathoms. The present part deals with the greater number of the fishes forwarded for examination to the Australian Museum from this area, but the Scleroparei and jugulares of the Acanthopterygii and the Pediculati and Plectognathi are reserved for a second part. In all about 1070 specimens, representing 94 species, have been critically examined, which, in conjunction with the large collections in the Australian Museum, have afforded excellent material for a detailed study of variation in many hitherto little known species. With a series of forty or fifty specimens from wide-spread localities before one, it is often a simple matter to recognise the identity of fishes which have been regarded as distinct when isolated examples afford no clue. In the follow- ing pages I have endeavoured to clear up the synonymy of species of ('. 180. 4 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. SCYI.IORHIXUS VINCEXTI, Zietz. (Plate ii., fig. 3, and fig. i.) Scyllium vincenti, Zietz, Trans. Roy. Soc. South Australia, xxxii., 1908, p. 287. Through the kindness of Professor E. C. Stirling, Director of the South Australian Museum, I have been able to compare one of Mr. Zietz's specimens with another taken by the "En- deavour" in 20 fathoms off the mouth of the Murray River, South Australia. They differ slightly in the relative positions of the fins which, however, I find to be equally variable in allied species. According to Zietz, the origin of the first dorsal is behind the middle of the total length. In both I have examined it is a little nearer the tip of the snout than the extremity of the tail. In the "Endeavour" specimen the base of the anal is shorter than that of the co-type and terminates below the anterior portion of the second dorsal instead of nearer the middle of that fin. The end of the bases of the ventrals is in advance of the origin of the dorsal, not below it, as described by Zietz, though in his specimen the flesh is shrunken around the base of the dorsal, making it appear farther forward than it really is. Finally, the colour in the better preserved example is a dark chocolate brown above, with numerous creamy-white spots all over the body and fins, except on the front half of the head. The dark cross-bands are ill-defined, and there appears to be a series of darker blotches on the sides. The belly is creamy-white in colour. The following is a description of the "Endeavour" speci- men: Head to last gill-opening 5.3 in the length, its width 1.5 in its length; eye 6.5 in the head and about equal to half the length of the snout which is 3. i in the head. The inter- orbital space is greater than the length of the snout. Preoral portion of the head 1.5 in the width of the mouth which is 2.4 in the head and greater than the snout. Body elongate, slightly compressed. Head depressed, flat above; snout rounded, blunt in profile, its width before the eyes one-third greater than its length. Eyes lateral, with the inferior fold well marked. Spiracle large, oval, and place-d just behind the eye. Gill-slits decreasing in size back- wards, the last being about half as wide as the first and placed over the base of the pectoral. Nasal valves produced as lobes directed outwards and backwards, with emarginate posterior borders ; they are separated from each other and from the mouth, the space between them being rather more than the FISHES. MCCULLOCH. - width of one lobe. \o cirrus. A well-marked labial fold extends round the angle of the mouth, its anterior limb rather shorter than its posterior which extends less than half way towards the middle of the lower jaw. Teeth similar in both jaws, arranged in several rows, tricuspid, with the median point longer than the lateral ones. FKJ. 1. First dorsal originating a little behind the posterior base of the ventrals and slightly in advance of the middle of the total length. The length of its base is much greater than its height ; its anterior margin is very oblique, and the posterior nearly vertical, and the lower angle is pointed. The second dorsal is a trifle higher than the first, and is of similar form, though the posterior angle is slightly produced ; its origin is over the posterior portion of the anal, and the hinder angle is midway between the posterior insertion of the first dorsal and the tip of the caudal. The anal is considerably larger than either of the dorsals, and its base is longer than its dis- tance from the caudal ; the posterior angle acute. Greatest breadth of the caudal a little less than one-third of its length. Posterior angles of the ventrals acute and the margins united in the male. Scales quadrilateral and keeled on the head, becoming tri- angular and acutely pointed dorsally and tricuspid on the sides. Colour. Chocolate brown above, with ill-defined darker cross-bars. There are indications of some dark blotches on the sides, and the hinder half of the head, body, tail and fins bear many creamy-white spots which tend to form rings. Total length of adult male 414 mm. 6 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. The following key will serve to distinguish the four species of Scyliorhinus hitherto recorded from Australia: a. Nasal valves separated from each other and from the mouth. b. Labial fold extending along the lower jaw half or less than half the distance to the symphysis. c. Body lighter with brown spots and sometimes cross- bands. Ventral fins of males not directly in con- tact behind the claspers but with an intermediate integument : analis. cc. Body darker, with white spots and obscure cross- bands. Ventral fins of males in contact behind the * claspers : vincenti. bb. Labial fold extending along the lower jaw nearly to the symphysis. (I. Body with scattered darker spots: tuaciilatnm. aa. Nasal valves overlapping the edge of the upper lip. e. Body with darker spots, sometimes confluent into cross bands or ocelli: marmoratus. GENUS CEPHALOSCYLI.IUM, Gill. CEPHALOSCYLLIUM ISABELLA, Ronuutcrre. $ iv ell Shark, Carpet Shark. L'Isabelle, Broussonet, Mem. Acad. Sci. Paris, 1780, p. 648 (non binomial). Squahis Isabella, Bonnaterre, Encycl. Meth., Ichth., 1788, p. 6. Squalus (i)sabella, Gmelin, Linn. Syst. Nat., 1780, p. 1489, Scyllium laticeps, Dumeril, Rev. et Mag. Zool., 1853, p. 84,, pi. iii., fig. 2. Cephaloscyllium laticeps, Waite, Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., No. 2, 1909, p. 6., pi. xiv. , fig. i, and pi. xxi., fig. i. Cephaloscyllium sabella, Waite, Trans. N. Zeal. Inst., xlii., 1910, p. 384. A small example is in the collection which was trawled off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait. FJSH KS. McCULLOCH. FAMH.V ORECTOLOBIU/K. GENUS PAKASCYLLIUM, dill. PARASCVI.I.II:M VAKIOI.ATI*M, Dunicril. (Plate ii., fig. i.) Hetniscyllium variohitum, Dumeril, Rev. et. Mag. Zool., 1853, p. 121, pi. iii., fig. I. Parascyllium variolatutu, Ogilby and McCulloch, Proc. Roy. Soc. N.S.Wales, xlii., iS, p. 269. Two fine female examples were taken off Port Phillip Heads in November, 1909. PAKASCYLUUM COM.AKK, Ramsay and Ogilby. Collared Cat Shark. I'arascylliuni collate, Ramsay and Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales (2), iii., 1889, p. 1310; id., Ogilby and McCulloch, Proc. Roy. Soc. N.S. Wales, xlii. ,1908, p. 267. Three males from Shoalhaven Bight, New South Wales, i 5-45 fathoms. PARASCYLLIUM FERRUGIXEUM, sp. HOT. (Plate ii., fig. 2, and fig. 2.) Head to last gill-opening, 5.8 in the length, its width if in its length. Eye 9 in the head, 2.8 in the snout which is 3.2 in the head. Interorbital space almost equal to the snout. Preoral portion of head equal to half the width of the mouth which is 1.3 in the snout. Body elongate, somewhat depressed anteriorly, cylindrical posteriorly. Head much depressed with its upper surface flat; snout broadly rounded, obtusely conical in profile and increasing in width backwards. Eyes lateral with a prominent fold below. Spiracle minute and situated half an eye-diameter from the infero-posterior angle of the eve. Gill-openings in- creasing regularly in size from the first to the fourth, the last very large, 35 the width of the first and more than half as long as the snout ; the last two are placed over the base of the pectoral. Nasal cirrus short and thick, just reaching to the lips ; exterior nasal fold with two or three small lobes posteriorly, the outer the longest and pointed. Lower labial fold extending about half way towards the middle of the jaw and continued round the angle of the mouth. Teeth similar in . A small specimen is preserved taken off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, and six others from the Victorian coast - FAMILY CLUPEID^. GEXUS CLUPEA, Linnceus. CLUPEA (POMOLOBUS) BASSEXSIS, sp. twv. Australian Sprat. (Plate iv., fig. 2.) Clupea sprattus, Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. , 1871, p. 672 (nee C. sprattus, Linnaeus). D. 18; A. 18-20; P. 17; V. 8; C. 19; Scales 44, 12. Body elongate, its greatest breadth less than half its height,, which is 4.4 to 4.8 in the length from the snout to the hypural. Belly somewhat rounded, the scutes small, twenty-one between the head and the ventrals, and eleven more to the vent. Scales large, cycloid, commencing above the preopercle and extending onto the base of the tail. Head 3.5 to 4 in the length, and either very little or con- siderably longer than the body is deep. Eye 3.1 to 3.6 in the head, with a narrow adipose lid before and behind. Inter- orbital space flat, equal to about two-thirds of the eye. Maxillary verv large, its greatest width one-third its length, reaching to below the anterior third or almost to the middle of the eye ; supplemental bone very large. Upper posterior border of the operculum emarginate ; hindermost portion formed of a skinny flap. Cheeks and upper portion of oper- culum covered with translucent flesh, the rest of the head naked. Lower margin .of the maxillary microscopically denticulate. A few microscopic teeth are placed at widely- spaced intervals on the anterior part of the jaws. 1 Origin of the dorsal well in advance of the middle of the total length and just behind the vertical of the ventral fins ; 1 Giinther stated that he found palatine teeth in his specimens "as well developed as in Cl. sprattus." I have failed to find any in either species, hut this character is generally admitted to he inconstant. FISHES. MCCULLOCH. } _ the length of its base is just about equal to the distance from the tip of the snout to the hinder margin of the eye and longer than the anterior rays. Anal low, its length much greater than that of the dorsal. Ventrals as long as half their distance from the vent. Colour. Silvery, the upper third of the body dark blue. Scattered darker specks are found on the jaws and preorbitals and on the caudal peduncle. Rays of the dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins also dark spotted. Length of largest specimen 117 mm. Described from two specimens from off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait. Others are from the entrance to Storm Bay, Tas- mania. It is only after a detailed comparison of these specimens with many others of C. sprattus from the London markets that I venture to regard them as distinct. They appear to differ by their more elongate form, my deepest specimen, the one figured, having the depth of the body less than the length of the head, whereas in C. sprattus it is considerably deeper. That species further seems invariably to have but seven rays in the ventral fin without counting the imperfect short one in front. All of C. bassensis have eight. C. antipodum, Hector, is a very distinct species with a much shorter body, well developed abdominal scutes, and with the ventral placed below instead of just in advance of the anterior portion of the dorsal. From C. saja.\, Jenyns, the new species is at once distinguished by the position of its ventral fin. In 1867 a note from Mr. J. E. Calder was published 1 in which he recorded an immense shoal of these" Herrings being driven ashore in Simmons' Cove, Bruni Island, Tasmania, by Barracouta, Kingfish and others. He considered there were about one hundred tons of them on the shore and fully two hundred more at the bottom of the water, all dead. Carts and boats were used to take them away for manure, yet they were scarcely lessened in quantity. Mr. Allport also noted that a similar shoal had been observed in 1844, and numbers of the fish had passed far up into the Derwent River. CLUPEA (CLUPANODON) XEOPILCHARDUS, Steindachner. Pilchard. Clupanodon neopilchardus, Steindachner, Denk. K. Akad. Wiss. Wien., xli., 1879, p. 12. Three specimens from 26-30 fathoms, eight miles off Wooded Bluff, Clarence River, New South Wales, are of 1 Calder Proc. Koy. Soc. Tasm.. 1367, p. 5. ,3 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. interest as showing how far north this species extends on our coast. It extends around southern Australia and up to Hout- man's Abrolhos on the west coast, and is also known from Tasmania and New Zealand. FAMILY ARGENTINID^E. GENUS ARGENTINA, Linncens. ARGENTINA ELONGATA, Hutton. Argentina elongata, Hutton, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), iii., 1879, p. 53; id., Waite, Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., 1911, p. 161, pi. xxiv. Thirteen examples of this species, 65-125 mm. long, differ from a larger one from New Zealand only in the colour-mark- ings. All have a dark band above the silvery lateral line on which are arranged six to nine blackish spots. Near the tail there is a second series on the lateral line and more or less alternate to those above them. There is also a dark mark on the side of the snout. Though they can be traced, these markings are very indistinct in the larger specimen. They were taken at the following localities : Entrance to Oyster Bay, Tasmania. Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 30 fathoms. Fifteen miles off Norah Head, New South Wales, 45-58 fathoms. No species of this genus has been previously recorded from Australian waters. FAMILY SYMBRANCHID.E. GENUS CHEILOBRANCHUS, Richardson. CHEILOBRANCHUS RUFUS, Macleay. Red-banded Shore Eel. Chilobniuchiis rufns, Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. X.S. Wales, vi., 1881, p. 266. Cheilobranchiis rufns, Waite, Rec. Austr. Mus., vi., 1906, p. 195, pi. xxxvi., fig. i. Numerous specimens were obtained in Oyster Bay, Tas- mania. FAMILY LEPTOCEPHALID/E. GENUS CONGERMUR/ENA, Kaup. CONGERMUR/ENA HABENATA, Richard SOU. Little Conger EC]. Congrus hubenalns, Richardson, Zool. Ereb. & Terr., Fishes, 1848, p. 109, pi. 1., fig. 1-5- FISHES.-MCCTJLLOCH. T g -Congromurcena longicauda, Ramsay & Ogilby, Proc. Linn. \Soc. N.S. Wales (2), ii., 1888, p. 1022. A single specimen from Port Arthur, Tasmania, belongs to the long-tailed form of this species. Comparison with five other Australian specimens and one from New Zealand shows that the lengths of the body and tail are variable and have no specific value. As this is the only character which can be relied upon to distinguish (\ longicuuda from C. habeiiata, the former name can no longer stand. FAMILY MYRID^E. GENUS MUR.-EXICHTHYS, Bleeker. MUR^ENICHTHYS TASMANIENSIS, Sp. HOV. (Fig- 50 Body worm-like, the depth 3.3 in the head. Head 12.8 in the total length, and 4.3 in the space between the gill opening and the vent. Eye 3.2 in the snout, which is long and obtusely pointed, and 4.8 in the head. Cleft of mouth extending far behind the eye, and 2.7 in the head; a longitudinal fold below the end of the mouth. Tube of anterior nostril with a minute exterior lobe ; flap covering the posterior nostril overhanging the lip and placed below the anterior portion of the eye. Teeth in single rows on the jaws and palate ; three or four larger ones on either side of the vomer. Rows of widely- spaced pores extend along each jaw, on the upper surface of the snout and behind the eyes. Gill-opening narrow, about as wide as the eye. The lateral line appears to be almost straight anteriorly, but the sides of the head between the gill-opening and the preoperculum are considerably damaged and render this character uncertain. Vent well in advance of the middle of the length, its distance from the tip of the snout 1.4 in the t:iil. Dorsal and anal fins very low, almost rudimentary. Origin of the dorsal a trifle nearer the tip of the snout than the tail, its distance from the vent equal to the length of the head. Colour. Pale green in formalin, the upper portion speckled with minute brown dots which are of uniform size. Anteriorly they are confined to the upper half of the body, but posteriorly they approach the lower surface. On the head they extend onto the sides and the lower jaw. Length 170 mm. One specimen from the entrance to Oyster Bay, Tasmania. 20 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. This species differs from the specimen I have identified as M. breviceps, Giinther, in the position of the origin of the dorsal which is behind instead of far in advance of the vent. It has also a much longer and sharper snout, smaller eye, and more rudimentary fins ; the colour-marking is different, the spots on the back being similar to those on the sides, and they extend onto the sides of the head and the lower jaw. It is very closely allied to, and possibly identical with M. australis, Macleay, but differs from the five specimens I have examined of that species in having the origin of the dorsal far instead of only slightly behind that of the anal. The snout is also somewhat longer, being 4.8 in the head instead of 5.3. MUR.-ENICHTHYS AUSTRALIS, Macleay. (Fig. 6.) PMurcenichthys gymnotus?, Giinther, Chall. Kept., Zool., i., 1880, p. 30 (nee Bleeker). Murcenichthys australis, Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, vi., 1881, p. 272. Body terete and vermiform, its depth behind the gill open- ing 3.3, behind the vent 3.9 in the head. Head 13 in the total length, and 4.5 in the trunk. Eye very small, nearly 3 in the snout, which is obtusely pointed and 5.3 in the head. Cleft of mouth extending far behind the eye, its length from the tip of the snout 2.7 in the head ; a longitudinal fold below the end of the mouth. Tube of anterior nostril with a minute exterior lobe ; flap covering the posterior nostril overhanging the lip and placed below the anterior margin of the eye. Teeth in single rows on the jaws and palate ; three or four larger ones on either side of the vomer. Rows of widely-spaced pores extend along each jaw, on the upper surface of the snout, behind the eye and up towards the origin of the lateral line. Gill opening as wide as the eye. Lateral line a little arched over the branchial sac. Vent well in advance of the middle of the length, its distance from the end of the snout 1.35 in the tail. Dorsal and anal fins very low except near the end of the tail where they are a little broadened out and extend around the point. The origin of the dorsal is a little behind that of the anal, not over the vent as stated by Macleay. FIG. 6. Colour. After long preservation, uniform brown, with minute darker specks above the lateral line and on the head where they extend onto the sides and lower jaw. FISHES. MCCULLOCH. 21 Described from the type, 248 mm. long, from Lane Cove, Port Jackson. Two other specimens are in the Macleay Museum without data, and two in the Australian Museum from Port Jackson. I am indebted to Professors W. A. Haswell and T. W. E. David for the opportunity of redescribing and figuring Macleay's original specimen. It is very probable that the specimen from Port Jackson which Giinther doubtfully identified as M. gymnotus, Bleeker, is not that species but is A/, australis. The two may be easily distinguished, the latter having but a single row of maxillary teeth instead of several, and its mouth extending not slightly but far behind the eye. Ogilby has proposed the genus Scolecenchelys 1 for this species, and in a letter he informs me that it "differs from Murcenichthys in the much more slender and elongate body and the origin and development of the dorsal fin (as comparing australis with breviceps)." I regard these as specific rather than generic characters. MUR^NICHTHYS BREViCEPS, Gunther. (Fig- 7-) PMurtenichthys macropterus, Klunzinger, Arch. Nat., xxxviii., i., 1872, p. 43 (nee Bleeker). MurcBnichihys breviceps, Gunther, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (4), xvii., 1876, p. 401. A small specimen, 195 mm. long, from South Australia, is possibly the young of this species. As will be seen by the figure, its proportions do not quite agree with those of the type, which is twenty inches long, but the differences may perhaps be accounted for by its small size. The following is a description of the "Endeavour" specimen: Body worm-like, the depth 4 in the head. Head 10.8 in the total length and 2.7 in the trunk. Eye 2.6 in the snout, which is 4^ in the head. Cleft of the mouth extending far behind the eye and 2.7 in the head; a longitudinal fold below the end of the mouth. Tube of the anterior nostril very large, with a minute external lobe ; flap covering the posterior nostril over- hanging the lip and placed just before the eye. Rows of large widely-spaced pores extend along each jaw, on the upper sur- face of the head and behind the eye. Lateral line arched above the branchial sac. Dorsal and anal fins very low, extending 1 Ogilby Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxii., 189V, p. 24o. 22 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULT^. around the end of the tail. Origin of the dorsal a trifle nearer the tip of the snout than the vent, its distance from the gill opening 2.3 in that from the vent. T^^^-'^^^- -. .;.; '2/^yv^j.^-'. ^yr^ FIG. 7. Colour. Pale green in formalin, speckled with minute brown dots which are very small and crowded on the upper surface, and larger near the lateral line ; anteriorly they scarcely extend below the middle of the body, but posteriorly they approach the ventral surface. Extreme end of the dorsal and caudal darker, the fins otherwise colourless. Trawled in 35 fathoms, south of St. Francis Island, South Australia. The specimens identified as MurcBnichthys nmcropterus, Bleeker, from Port Phillip and the Murray River, are probably not that species, but are A/, breviceps, which is said by its author to differ from the former by its comparatively shorter head and longer snout. FAMILY AULOPID/E. GENUS AULOPUS, Cuvier. AULOPUS PURPURISSATUS, Richardson. Sergeant Baker. Aulopus purpurissatus, Richardson, Icones Piscium, 1843, P- vi., pi. ii., fig. 3. Already known from western and eastern Australia, this species is now recorded from South Australia, a specimen having been trawled in 75 fathoms, fifty miles south of Cape Wiles. FAMILY SUDID^E. GENUS CHLOROPHTHALMUS, Bonaparte. CHLOROPHTHALMUS NIGRIPINNIS, Giinther. Cucumber Fish. Chlorophthalmus nigripinnis, Giinther, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), ii., 1878, p. 182, and Chall. Rept., Zool., xxii., p. 193, pi. Ii.. fig. a; id., Waite, Proc. N.Z. Inst., 1910, p. 25, and Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., 1911, p. 164, pi. xxv. This species exhibits considerable variation in its markings according to age, young specimens of about five inches long having the sides blotched and spotted with bluish-grey, whereas others of eleven inches are immaculate. The mark- FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. 23 ings on the fins also differ in intensity in a large series of specimens. ( '. iii^i'ipinnis was, until rerentlv, known only from the deeper waters of New South Wales. Waite has recorded it from Xew Zealand, however, and it must now be added to the Victorian and Tasmanian lists, about one hundred and lilty specimens having been preserved from the following localities : Oyster Bay, Tasmania, 40-60 fathoms. Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 40 fathoms. Between Port Stephens and Newcastle, New South Wales, 22-60 fathoms. FAMILY MACRORHAMPHOSID^. GENUS MACRORHAMPHOSUS\ Lacepede. MACRORHAMPHOSUS ELEVATUS, Waite. Bellows Fish. (Fig. 8.) Macrorhamphosus scolopax, var. elevatus, Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 59, pi. vii., fig. i. Macrorhamphosus gallinago, Ogilby, Proc. Roy. Soc. Qld., xxi., 1908, p. 6. In the Report of the "Thetis" Expedition, W 7 aite noted certain characters in which his specimens differed from the published descriptions of M. scolopax, but in consideration of the variations to which members of this genus are subject, he regarded the Australian representative as but a variety of that species. Having compared specimens of each, I am able to point out that there are well marked specific differences between them. Examples of M. elevatus of the same size as others of ^[. scolopax are much deeper and have shorter and thicker snouts. The variations in the lengths of the spines in different specimens of iW. scolopax have been tabulated by Giinther, 1 and I find similar though less striking variations in the Australian species, but it is always longer and usually much longer than the snout in M. elevatus, whereas it appears to be usually if not always shorter in M. scolopax. The large series of specimens available to me shows that the relative depth of the body increases considerably with age, but it is also clear that the exact form of the body differs even in specimens of the same length. Under these circum- stances I have no hesitation in regarding M. gallinago, Ogilby, as identical with .U. elevatus, especially as there are "Thetis" specimens which only differ from Ogilby's descrip- 1 Giinther Brit. Mus. Cat, Fish., iii., 1861, p. 519. 24 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. tion in having eighteen instead of sixteen anal rays. 1 The last dorsal spine is minute and often rudimentary, while the position of the base of the second spine is altered by the development or otherwise of the hump on the back. FIG. 8. In order to show the change with growth more clearly I give a figure of the smallest specimen of the series for com- parison with Waite's figure of the adult. It is 66 mm. long and was trawled off Cape Three Points, New South Wales, in 32-40 fathoms. As Centriscus scolopax, this species has been recorded from Tasmania by Johnston, 2 and there is a specimen in the Aus- tralian Museum collection from Ulverstone. The "Endea- vour" trawled it at the following stations: Twenty miles off Babel Island, Bass Strait, 68 fathoms. Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 60 fathoms. Disaster Bay, New South Wales, 45 fathoms. Between Port Stephens and Sydney, New South Wales, 22-65 fathoms. Ogilby's specimen of M. gallinago came from the Tweed River Heads at the northern boundary of New South Wales. GENUS CENTRISCOPS, Gill. CENTRISCOPS HUMEROSUS, Richardson. (Plate v., and fig. 9.) Centriscus humerosus, Richardson, Voy. "Erebus" and 'Terror," Fishes, 1846, p. 56, pi. xxxiv., figs. 5-6; id., Gunther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., iii., 1861, p. 522. 1 Mr. J. D. Ogilby has very kindly compared "Thetis" specimens with his type and he informs me that he considers them to be identical. He further notes that the latter has eighteen and not sixteen anal rays as described, a mistake due to a printer's error. Z Johnston Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882 (1883), p. 123. FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. As Richardson's description and figure of this species were prepared from a dried specimen which had apparently shrunk considerably, they are very inaccurate. Certain errors were corrected by Giinther in his later description of the same specimen, so that it only remains to give reliable figures to place the species on a sound basis. My specimens differ from the original description in the following details. None show the mesial row of small scutes before the dorsal spine, while those on the sides and around the vent are so differently arranged that they must have been considerably distorted in the type. The "acute curved teeth at the base in front" of the dorsal spine really represent a small detached spine anteriorly, and a pair of lateral ones, the latter being only occasionally developed. Finally, the skin is not nearly so rough as figured, but is covered with closely-set microscopic spines which give a velvety feel to the touch. The form of the body changes greatly with growth, the body becoming much deeper and the snout longer, while the dorsal spines are greatly reduced. The eye is comparatively larger in young specimens. Full grown specimens develop a peculiar patch of bristles on the dorsal line just before the hump of the back. They are also very beautifully coloured in life, though the only tints remaining in my specimens are delicate rose-pink areas on the breast and upper portion of the sides which bear numerous large silvery spots and bars. A silvery pink bar is present on the snout below and before the eye. A broad oblique dark bar extends from behind the 2 6 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. pectorals to the origin of the anal, behind which is a similar lighter band, and both are bordered with silvery streaks. The smallest and largest specimens in the collection are the two selected for illustration, and measure 70 mm. and 265 mm. respectively. Mr. Dannevig says this species is exceed- ingly abundant in the deeper waters of southern Australia, and one hundred and seventy-eight specimens were preserved from the following localities : Oyster Bay, Tasmania, 40-60 fathoms. Off Storm Bay, Tasmania. Babel Island, near Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 68 fathoms. East from E. Sister Island, Bass Strait, go fathoms. Sixty miles south of Cape Everard, Victoria, 60-70 fathoms. FAMILY SYNGNATHID^E. GENUS CORYTHROICHTHYS, Kdllp. CORYTHROICHTHYS PHILLIPI, Lucas. (Fig. 10.) SyngnatJins phillipi, Lucas, Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet. (n. sen), iii., 1891, p. 12. Four specimens of this species were obtained in Oyster Bay, Tasmania. They differ from Lucas' excellent descrip- tion only in having the osseus rings and fin rays rather more numerous which brings the formula up to the following : D. 25-28, osseus rings 18-19 + 44"4^- This species is very closely allied to the more northern C. margaritifer, Peters, but is distinguished by having a larger number of tail rings, the dorsal fin placed a little farther back in relation to the vent, and by the greater development of the ridges of the head and body, particularly the ventral keel. FIG. 10. [Corythroichthys intestinalis, Ramsay. Having had occasion to compare the above-mentioned specimens with Syngnathns intestinalis, Ramsay, 1 I dis- covered that the types of that species were not Australian, as has been generally supposed, but came from Bougainville Island in the Solomon Group. Ramsay gave no locality, but merely stated that they were taken from the intestinal cavity 1 Ramsay Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, v., 1881, p. 494. FISHES. MCCULLOCH. 2 - of Holotluti'iit'. Duncker 1 considers this species to he syn- onymous with ('. conspicillatus , Jenyns, 2 together with several other species described by Jordan and his colleagues. Having examined all the material available to me, I am sure that ( '. iHtcslinalis and C. waitei, Jord. & Seale, 3 are identical, and, as I have recorded 4 the latter from Cooktown, Queens- land, Ramsay's species is rightly included in Australian literature. ] GENUS SOLEGNATHUS, SOLEGNATHUS SPIXOSISSIMUS, G-llnthcr. Spiny Sea-Horse. Solenognathus spinosissimus, Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish. viii., 1870, p. 195; id., Waite, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. \\"ales, ix. (2), 1894, p. 222, pi. xvii., figs. 5 and 8. Sixteen specimens of this species were preserved. They were obtained in 15-45 fathoms in Shoalhaven Bight, New South Wales. SOLEGNATHUS FASCIATUS, Giinther. Solenognathus fasciatus, Giinther, Chall. Rep., Zool., i., 1880, p. 30, pi. xiv., fig. B. ; id., Waite, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, ix. (2), 1894, pp. '220 and 227. Duncker 5 considers this species to be identical with the pre- ceding. I have carefully compared the thirteen specimens obtained with those of S. spinosissimus and have endeavoured to find some more definite character than the form of the scutes to distinguish the two. They are, however, identical in every other respect, and though this one difference holds good in a large number of specimens, yet the species cannot but be considered to be based on a very uncertain footing. - o The scutes are well shown by Waite in the figures quoted. Though several specimens have the pseudo-marsupium in such a condition that it is evident that they were carrying eggs when obtained, only two have them still attached. The most perfect of these bears forty-five eggs, and it would seem that only a very few are missing. They are very similar to those of S. spinosissimus as described by Waite, but are in a less advanced stage of development, and are arranged in about five very irregular rows commencing directly behind the vent 1 Duncker Faun. Siidwest-Austr., ii., 1909, p. 237. 2 Jenyns Zool. Beagle, in., 1842, p. 147, pi. xxvii., fig. 4. 3 Jordan and Seale Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish., xxv.. 1905 (1906). p. 212, fig. 17. 4 McCulloch Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxxv.. 1910, p. 432. 5 Duncker Faun. Sudwest-Austr., ii., 1909, p. 235. "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC EESULTS. and occupying thirteen tail-rings. They were collected in the latter part of November, 1909. The specimens are from the following localities : South-east from Babel Island, off Flinders Island, Bass .Strait. Disaster Bay, southern New South Wales. SOLEGXATHUS ROBUSTUS, Sp. HOV. (Plate ix., fig. 2.) D. 34, P. 24-25. Body rings, 26 + 50. Head 6*4 in the length and 3*7 in the trunk. Length of tail a little less than the distance between the vent and the pec- torals, its depth behind the dorsal 3*2 in the base of that fin. Snout i '7 in the head, its depth nearly 5 in its length, and less than the diameter of the eye which is 4' i in the snout. Narrowest interorbital width a little less than half the diameter of the eye. Dorsal fin occupying ten body rings, the length of its base almost equal to the distance between the tip of the snout and the posterior border of the eye. The lateral row of scutes is not continued along the side of the tail as in S. hardwickii, but passes upwards and merges into the supero-lateral row, though, owing to the upper surface being very convex, this is less conspicuous than in S. spinosissimus and 5. fasciatus. Scutes of the body with radiating lines of well-developed spines, and each with a stronger flattened one in the centre. On the anterior portion of the body and sides these central spines are higher than broad and widely separated, but before the dorsal on the mid-line they become broader ; on the tail, especially along the median superior and inferior lines, they are much broader than high, and are arranged so closely together as to form an almost continuous keel. The whole head and space before the pectorals is covered with uniform upstanding spines which are arranged in radiating lines on the opercles. The last thirty tail rings are prehensile and are provided with fleshy excrescences on their inferior surfaces. Total length, 300 mm. One specimen from 37 fathoms off Flinders Island, South Australia, August 3oth, 1909. This species is easily distinguished from the others by its broad snout and very thick tail, and also by the form of the scutes. The following is a key to the Australian species : a. Lateral row of scutes extending along the sides of the tail, not merging into the upper row. b. Scutes rugose but with scarcely any spines : hardwickii. FISHES. MCCULLOCH. 2 g aa. Lateral row of scutes merging into those on the upper edge of the tail behind the dorsal fin. c. Depth of the tail behind the dorsal 4 or more in the base of that fin. Depth of snout 6 or more in its length. d. Scutes intensely spiny and convex : -spinosissimus. dd. Scutes rugose with one spine and flatter: fasciatus. cc. Depth of the tail behind the dorsal about 3 in the base of that fin. Depth of snout 5 in its length. e. Scutes with rows of spines and little convex : robustus. GENUS HIPPOCAMPUS, Rafinesque. HIPPOCAMPUS ABDOMINALIS, Lesson. (Plate vi., fig. i.) Hippocampus abdominalis, Lesson in Ferussac, Bull. Sci. Nat., xi., 1827, p. 127; id., Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., viii., 1870, p. 199; id., Klunzinger, Sitzb. Akad. Wiss. Wien., Ixxx., i., p. 420; id., Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882 (1883), p. 135; id., Waite, Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., No. i, 1907, p. 15; id., loc. cit., 1911, p. 175, pi. xxviii. ; id., Duncker, Faun. Siidwest-Austr. ii., 1909, p. 247. The specimen figured is a very large one from Merimbula, near Twofold Bay, New South Wales, where this species is said to be common. It is recorded from New Zealand, Tas- mania and Victoria, while Giinther records a specimen in the British Museum from Sydney which was presented by Sir John Richardson. If this specimen really came from Port Jackson the species must be very rare here, as it has not been included in any of the catalogues of New South Wales fishes, nor have any local specimens come under my notice. HIPPOCAMPUS GRACILIFORMIS, sp. nor. (Plate vi., fig. 2.) D. 27? P. 16. Rings 12 + 45. Body slender, its greatest depth being only 1*5 the width behind the pectorals. Tail nearly twice as long as the dis- tance between the tip of the coronet and the vent. Snout very short and thick, as long as the postorbital portion of the head. Eye if in the snout. Supra-orbital spines low and triangular, converging before the eyes where they form a prominent keel on the proximal portion of the snout. Behind the eyes the profile extends obliquely upwards to just before ^o "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. the coronet where it is notched. The coronet is quadrangular with very indistinct tubercles and ridges. Tubercles of the body almost uniformly obtuse, the lateral row a little more developed than the others ; below the dorsal fin those of the back are somewhat enlarged. On the tail the fifth, ninth and twelfth are prominent. None of the tubercles bear filaments. The dorsal fin stands on four body and three tail rings ; its- anterior portion is damaged but it appears to have had twenty-seven rays. Colour. Light brown, the tail with nine darker cross- bands. The head has large scattered dark spots arranged around the eye and on the snout, and there are others on the sides and under surfaces of the anterior portion of the body. Total length 87 mm. One specimen taken somewhere near Bass Strait, but the exact locality is unknown. The large number of rays in the dorsal fin distinguishes this from all other Australian species except H. abdoniinalis, Lesson. From that species it is easily separated by its slender body, the form of the supraocular spines and coronet, and the poor development of the tubercles. FAMILY SCOMBRESOCID^. GENUS SCOMBRESOX, Lacepede. SCOMBRESOX FORSTERI, Cuvier and Valenciennes. Scombresox forsteri, Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., xviii., 1846, p. 481. A single specimen was taken in a landing net at night, one hundred and twenty miles south-south-west of St. Francis Island, South Australia. FAMILY EXOCCETID/E. GENUS EXONAUTES, Jordan and Evermann. EXOXAUTES SPECULIGER, Cuvier and Valenciennes. Flying P"ish. Exocce-tus speculiger, Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., xix., 1846, p. 94. Cypsilurus speculiger, Jordan and Scale, Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish., xxv., 1905 (1906), p. 209, fig. 13. A single specimen agreeing perfectly with the descriptions and figure quoted was obtained between Port Stephens and Newcastle, New South Wales. i- ISHES.-McCULLOdl. . r FAMILY ATHERINID.^. GEN T US ATHERIXA, Linnccus. ATHERIXA DANXEVIGI, sp. no-v. (Plate xvi., fig. 2.) D. viii.-ix., i. 11. A. i., 12-13. P- I 3~ I -I- ^- ' 5- C. 17. Scales 73-75. Body very elongate, the depth 6' 5 to 7*3 in the length to the hypural. Head 4 to 4*3. Eye 3 to 3^ in the head, equal to or longer than the snout. Mouth oblique, not very large, the gape reaching almost to the anterior orbital rim ; maxillary continued backwards to below the anterior th'ird of the eye. The teeth are exceedingly minute and appear to be present on the jaws, vomer and palatines. Gill-rakers slender, equal to about half the length of the eye, sixteen on the lower limb of the first arch. Upper surface of the head flat, the interorbital width equal to the diameter of the eye. Muciferous system well developed, with large open pores. A row of about nine commences on the snout and extends over the eye, then downwards and along the upper margin of the opercles. Nine more are arranged from behind the eye, around the angle of the preoperculum to the mouth, where they join another row running along the margin of the preorbital. Five more pores are found along each ramus of the lower jaw. Scales extending forwards on the back as far as the hinder portion of the eye, and there are about thirty-nine along the mid-line of the back to the first dorsal, and twenty-four between the two dorsals. Those on the sides of the body are rounded but for a small median lobe which gives them an angular appearance. There are three rows on the cheeks and about seven on the operculum. They also extend well onto the base of the caudal fin. Origin of the first dorsal behind the ventrals but well before the middle of the distance between the tip of the snout and the base of the tail ; second spine longest, equal to two-thirds or more of the space between the tip of the snout and the hinder orbital margin. Soft dorsal commencing over the first third of the anal, its third ray a trifle shorter than the longest spines. Anal similar to the soft dorsal but with a longer base. Origin of ventrals almost midway between the snout and the end of the anal, or a little nearer the latter. Pectorals reaching to above the base of the ventrals. Vent between the ventrals and rather nearer their tips than their bases. Colour. Sandy yellow (in formalin), each scale of the back margined with a row of minute brown dots. A silver o 2 "ENDEAVOUE" SCIENTIFIC EESULTS band, which is rather \vider than the row of scales it covers, is uniformly dotted with minute brown specks, and may or may not be denned by a black line above. Occiput darker. Described from three specimens 75 to 85 mm. long from two stations Spencer's Gulf, South Australia, 20 fathoms, and the entrance to Oyster Bay, Tasmania. Selected type 75 mm. long from the latter locality. This is distinguished from all other Australian species by its very small scales. It is apparently nearest to A. hep- setoides, Richardson, 1 but the description of that species is so imperfect I am unable to compare it satisfactorily. Richardson, however, compared his species with ,4. hepsetus, Linn., to which, as his name denotes, he considered it very similar. The "Endeavour" specimens are so very different in appearance from the latter that I have little doubt they are distinct from Richardson's species also, and this, together with the fact that they come from somewhat deep water induces me to describe them as new. GENUS T^ENIOMEMBRAS, Ogilby. Tceniomembras, Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxiii.. 1898, p. 41. Ogilby has erected this genus for Atherina micro stoma, Giinther, considering that it differs from Atherina by (i) its more elongate body, (2) pointed snout, (3) small mouth, (4) stronger dentition, (5) shorter, stouter and fewer gill-rakers. I regard i , 2 and 4 as being of specific value only, but 3 and 5 may perhaps be conveniently used to split up the large number of Australian species of Atherina. Notwithstanding Giinther's statement, "teeth conspicuous in the jaws and on the vomer," Ogilby describes the latter as smooth, while he finds a single row on the palatines. These are lacking in the specimens described below, but the vomerine teeth are well developed. T^ENIOMEMBRAS MICROSTOMA, GUnther. (Plate x., fig. 2.) Atherina microstoma, Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., ii., 1861, p. 401 ; id., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, vi., 1881, p. 39; id., Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882 (1883), p. 122, and 1890 (1891), p. 34. Br. 6-7; D. vi.-vii. 10-11; A. 11-12; P. 13-14; V. i. 5; .17; Sc. lat. 38-40; Sc. tr. 8. 1 Richardson Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., xi. (1). 1843, p. 178. F1SHES.-MCCULLOCH. 23 Height of the body 5-4-7, length of the head 4-4^ in the length to the hypural. Eye 3, a little wider than the inter- orbital space, snout 4^ in the head. Depth of the caudal peduncle a little less than the width of the eye. Body moderately elongate, somewhat compressed, its breadth equal to about two-thirds of its height. Head flat above with a series of very large pores extending from the snout, over the eye, to a canal above the operculum. A second series crosses the snout in front of the eye and follows the preorbital, joining another which extends around the margins of the preoperculum. There is a series on each ramus of the lower jaw, and a single pore behind the eye. A few large scales on the upper surface of the head extending forward to the eyes, snout and preorbital region bare. A single row of large scales on the cheek, and three rows on the operculum ; a single row on the sub- and interoperculum. Mouth small, the maxillary not reaching the anterior margin of the eye ; jaws subequal. Teeth minute but distinct, in several rows on the anterior parts of both jaws, none on the sides ; a well-developed patch on the vomer, palatines tooth- less. Gill-rakers short and stout, the longest less than a third the length of the eye ; about fifteen on the first arch. Scales of the body large, cycloid and concentrically striated. There are thirty-eight to forty on the silvery lateral band from behind the base of the pectoral to the hypural, and eight in a transverse series not counting the median ones on the back and belly. There are fourteen to fifteen between the nape and the first dorsal fin. Origin of the dorsal a little behind that of the ventrals, and a little nearer the end of the snout than the hypural. The spines are very weak and flexible, the second and third the longest, subequal, and about half as long again as the eye. The distance between the first spines of the two dorsals equals that between the end of the second and the hypural. Anal originating well in advance of the second dorsal, the length of its base once and a half in its distance from the hypural. Margins of the pectorals rounded, the second and third upper rays the longest, not quite reaching the vertical of the ventrals. Ventrals reaching back a little more than half their distance from the anal, the vent placed between their tips. Colour. Whitish in formalin with a broad dark sil\f'\ lateral band along the fourth row of scales. The upper parts of the head and back are densely spotted with minute olive green dots, which also border the scales of the body above the lateral band and sometimes those below it as well. All the fins with more or less numerous scattered dots on the ravs. 34 "ENDEAVOUE" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Described from five specimens, about 63 mm. long, taken in the estuary of the Derwent River, Tasmania, by Mr. E. F. Lovett, who presented them to the Australian Museum. Two other very battered specimens are in the "Endeavour" collection from Storm Bay. Tasmania. They differ from Giinther's description only in being rather more slender, in having one ray less in the anal fin, and in the position of the silvery lateral band, but I do not regard any of these as being of much importance. FAMILY STROMATEID^E. GENUS SERIOLELLA, Guichenot. SERIOLELLA BRAMA, Gunther. Snot gall Trevally, Trevalla. (Plate ix., fig. i.) Neptonemus brama, Gunther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., ii., 1860, p. 390; id., Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882 (1883), pp. 85 and 120. Neptonemus? travale, Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc. Viet., i., 1872, p. 119. Seriolella brama, Regan, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), x., 1902, p. 129; id., Waite, Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., 1911, p. 229, pi. 1. Notwithstanding the numerous differences appearing in the two descriptions of S. brama and S. trevale, I agree with Regan that they represent but one species. I think there can be no doubt that my specimens are correctly identified with 5. brama, while the fact that they were recognised as the common trevalla or trevally of the Melbourne markets by Mr. Dannevig bears out their association with 5. trevale which was originally obtained from that source. I have examined over a dozen specimens from various localities extending from Tasmania to Port Jackson and find the variation in the number of fin-rays and spines to be con- siderable, as the following selected examples will show : (i) D. vii., i., 30; A. iii., 22; P. 21. (2) D. vii. ii., 33; A. iii. 23; P. 21. (3) D. vii. ii. 26; A. iii. 21 ; P. 20. (4) D. vi. ii. 32 ; A. iii. 23 ; P. 20. The lengths of the spines before the second dorsal are very variable, and the second may be replaced by a jointed ray. The disagreement in the propor- tions of the head and body, as given by the two authors, is doubtless accounted for by a different system of measuring adopted by each. The depth in my specimens is about 2 '6 in the length to the hypural and 3*4 in that to the tip of the tail. The only other important difference is in the armature of FISHES. MCCULLOCH. 35 the preoperculum, as described by Castelnau, but I find this to be a very unreliable character, some specimens having the ridges and denticulations distinctly, though feebly, developed, while in others there is no trace of them. The following description is drawn up from all the material available to me : D. vi.-vii. i.-ii. 26-33; A. iii. 21-23; P- -0-2 1 ; V. i. 5; C. 17; 1. lat. about 90. Depth 2*6, head 3^ to 3^, pectoral 3 to 3'4, base of dorsal 1*7, base of anal 3 to 3*2 in length to the hypural. Caudal peduncle 3' 5. Eye-opening 4 to 4*5. Vertical diameter of orbit 3'4 to 4 in the head. Body compressed, rather deep, its dorsal and ventral pro- files almost equally arched, covered with moderate cycloid scales, those of the lateral line somewhat smaller than the others. Caudal peduncle narrow. Whole upper surface and sides of the head covered with a thick fleshy skin which largely hides the scales and other characters beneath it. Snout tumid, the nostrils placed close together and nearer the end of the snout than the eye, the anterior the largest and rounded, the posterior slit-like. Mouth oblique, maxillary small and weak, and reaching to or a little beyond the vertical of the anterior margin of the eye. Preorbital narrow, its margin smooth or crenulated. Eye large, placed in the middle line of the head. Bones of the head very weak, their margins either feebly denticulated or smooth ; posterior margin of the preoperculum emarginate, the angle produced and broadly rounded. Oper- culum terminating in a very thin flat point margined with skin. Teeth extremely fine and small, arranged in a single row on each jaw ; vomer, palatines and tongue toothless. Dorsal fin commencing a little before, over, or behind the base of the pectoral ; the spinous portion is low and the middle spines the longest. If present, the second spine of the second dorsal is generally higher than any of those of the first ; the second and third rays are the longest and about as long as the distance between the tip of the snout and the hinder margin of the eye. The two first spines of the anal are short and thick and somewhat detached from the rest of the fin ; third spine longer and weaker and adpressed to the first ray. Soft portion of the fin similar to, but lower than, the second dorsal. Pectoral falcate reaching to or beyond the vertical of the first anal ray. Ventrals rather small, placed below the posterior base of the pectorals, and reaching about two-thirds of the distance between their insertion and the vent. Caudal deeply forked. Colour. Body with large somewhat irregular blotches dis- tributed over its upper half, of which the most conspicuous is a 06 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. dark rounded one at the origin of the lateral line. Two large and less distinct marks descend from the origin and middle of the second dorsal to below the lateral line, and besides these there are numerous smaller markings scattered over the body. These markings have not been noted by Castelnau, whose description was prepared from fresh specimens, and as all mine have lost most of their scales it may be that they are not shown or are indistinct in perfect examples. A dark bar extends vertically across the eye which is otherwise golden. Dorsal, anal, pectorals and ventrals dusky, especially towards their margins. Fifteen specimens were preserved from the following localities : Spencer Gulf, South Australia, 20 fathoms. Forty miles west of Kingston, South Australia, 30 fathoms. Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 40 fathoms. Oyster Bay, Tasmania. SERIOLELLA PUNCTATA, Forster. (Plate x., fig. i.) Gasterosteus punctatus, Forster, in Bloch and Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, p. 36. Neptonemus bilineatus, Hutton, Trans. N. Zeal. Inst., v. , 1872, p. 261, pi. viii. Seriolella bilineata, Regan, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), x., 1902, p. 128. Seriolella punctata, Waite, Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., 1911, p. 231, pi. li. D. vi.-vii. 34-39; A. iii. 22-24; P. 20-22; V. i. 5 ; C. 17. Depth 3'3 to 4, head 3*4 to 3*6, pectoral about 4, base of dorsal 1*7, and base of anal 3*8 in the length to the hypural. Caudal peduncle 4 to 4' 5, eye-opening 4*8 to 5*5, vertical diameter of the orbit 3*4 to 3*8 in the head. Body compressed, elongate, the dorsal and ventral profiles evenly arched, upper parts covered with large pores. Caudal peduncle narrow. Upper surface and sides of the head covered with a thick fleshy porous skin which hides the scales and other characters beneath it. Snout somewhat fleshy and rounded. Nostrils close together, nearer the tip of the snout than the eye ; the posterior longer than the anterior which is round. Mouth oblique ; maxillary rather narrow and weak. FISHES. MCCTJLLOCH. 27 extending to or beyond the vertical of the anterior margin of the eye. Preorbital narrow. Eye moderate, placed a little above the mid-line of the head. Opercular bones very weak, and with smooth margins in all my specimens, but they are doubtless subject to the same variation as in 5. brama. Posterior margin of the preoperculum oblique and usually a little emarginate, the angle produced and broadly rounded ; operculum terminating in a very thin flat point margined with skin. Dorsal fin commencing a little behind the vertical of the base of the pectoral ; the spinous portion is low and the middle spines are the longest. The third or fourth rays are the longest, but are shorter than the distance between the tip of the snout and the hinder margin of the eye. The two first spines of the anal are very small and more or less hidden in the skin ; the third is longer and adpressed to the first ray. Soft portion of the fin similar to, but lower than that of the dorsal. Pectoral falcate not nearly reaching the vertical of the vent. Ventrals small, inserted just behind the pectorals and reaching one-third or more of the distance between them and the anal. Caudal forked. Colour. Body with numerous small round spots along the middle line, and a large dark mark behind the head, near the base of the lateral line, which is deeper than broad. A dark vertical bar across the eye. Pectorals, dorsal and anal fins dusky, especially towards their margins. Ventrals and caudal lighter. Longest specimen 280 mm. Seriolella porosa, Guichenot, 1 is said to differ from S. punctata in being more slender, the depth being 4 to 4^ in the length as against 3! to 3! . The original figure of that species, however, agrees very well in this respect with my specimens of .S'. punctata. Regan 2 considers the Tasmanian S. dobula, Giinther, to be synonymous with S. porosa, and I think it possible that both will prove to be merely variations of Forster's species, though I have seen no specimens in which the depth is 4^ in the length as described by Giinther. Two specimens were preserved which were taken between Port Stephens and Newcastle, New South Wales, 22-60 fathoms, and seven others from the Victorian coast and from Oyster Bay, Tasmania. 1 Guichenot in Gay Fauna Chilena, Pisces, 1847, p. 238; Atlas ii., Ichth. pi. vii., fig. 2. 2 Began Ann. Mag. Nat Hist. (7), x., 1902, p. 128. 38 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. FAMILY GADID/E. GENUS PHYSICULUS, Kaup. PHYSICULUS BARBATUS, Gunther. Rock Cod, Cape Cod, Red Cod. Pseudophycis barbatus, Gunther, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (3), xi., 1863, p. 116; id., Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Acclim. Soc. Viet., i., 1872, p. 162; id., McCoy, Prodr. Zool. Viet., pi. xx., 1878; id., Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882 (1883), pp. 88 and 126. Physiculus palmatus, Klunzinger, Arch. fur. Naturg., xxxviii., i., 1872, p. 38. LoteUa grandis, Ramsay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, v. , 1 88 1, p. 462. Physiculus barbatus, Waite, Mem. N.S. Wales Nat. Club, 1904, p. 24. Only one specimen of this common southern species was preserved. It is fifteen inches long and was obtained off Cape Everard, Victoria, in 70 fathoms. There seems to be little doubt that P. palmatus, Klunzinger, from Hobson's Bay, Port Phillip, is identical with the common Victorian Rock Cod since the description agrees perfectly with that given by McCoy of the latter species. The fact that Klunzinger compared his fish with P. breviusculus, Richard- son, only, indicates that he was unaware of Giinther's species. FAMILY MACROURID/E. GENUS CCELORHYNCHUS, Giorna. CCELORHYNCHUS AUSTRAi.is, Richardson. Lepidoleprus australis, Richardson, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1839, p. 100, and Trans. Zool. Soc., iii., 1849, p. 151, pi. viii., fig. i. Macrurus australis, Gunther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., iv., 1862, p. 391 ; id., Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882 (1883), p. 127; id., Gunther, Chall. Rept., Zool., xxii., 1887, p. 127. Coelorhynchus mortoni, Ogilby, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1896 (1897), p. 83. Coelorhynchus australis, Waite, Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., 1911, p. 177, fig. i, pi. xxix., fig. i. When recording Optonurus denticulatus from New South Wales I noted 1 that several specimens lacked the ends -of their 1 McCulloch Rec. Austr. Mus., vi.. 1907, p. *46. F1SHES.-MCCULLOCH. ^g tails, and that in one the dorsal and anal fins had grown together around the injured portion, thereby giving it the appearance of being perfect. Many examples of C. australis in the "Endeavour" collection exhibit this same peculiarity, some having the tail so truncated and the anal rays so com- plete around it that they almost seem to have heterocercal instead of leptocercal tails. Dissection shows that the injured vertebra spreads out into a cartilaginous fan somewhat resembling a true hypural bone, to which the rays are movably articulated. A large series of specimens, seventy-five in number, con- clusively proves that C. mortoni, Ogilby (the type specimen of which is lost), is identical with Richardson's species, and that the differences noted between the two are nearly all due to the one having a more perfect and therefore longer tail than the other. The only character that cannot be so explained lies in the armature of the scales, Ogilby counting 1 8 to 23 ridges in C. mortoni, while C. australis is said to have 12 to 1 8 only. I find that the number varies according to the size of the specimens, my smallest having only six ridges, whereas a large scale in a big example has twenty-two. When fresh, the specimens were greyish with darker bands extending along the body and occupying the overlapping por- tions of each row of scales. There is a more or less distinct dark band between the eyes, and the operculum is blackish. Upper half of the first dorsal black with a lighter margin. Anal dark with a white border. Pectorals and ventrals dusky with lighter edges. Specimens were preserved from off Storm Bay, Tasmania, 60 fathoms, and from Oyster Bay, Tasmania. FAMILY BERYCIDyE. GENUS AUSTROBERYX, gen. nov. Body rather deep, compressed, covered with moderately large, ctenoid scales which are regularly arranged. Abdomen trenchant, with a row of slightly enlarged, keeled scales. Head large, with thin bones and high ridges which have deep muciferous cavities between them ; the exposed bones rough with raised striae. Snout short, mouth oblique, the chin prominent. Eye large. Jaws, vomer and palatines with villiform teeth. Opercles serrated ; operculm with two spines, preoperculum with more or less strongly developed spines on its inner border. Dorsal with six or seven spines which in- crease regularly in height, and eleven to fourteen soft rays. Anal with four spines and twelve to fourteen rays, its base shorter than that of the dorsal. Yentrals with one spine and seven rays. 4 -ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS Type Beryx affinis, Giinther. B. gerrardi, Giinther, and B lineatus, Cuvier and Valenciennes, also belong to this genus. They are distinguished from Beryx, Cuvier (type B. decadactylus , Cuv. and Val.), by having the anal shorter than the dorsal and composed of only 12-14 rays instead of 26-30. The bones of the head also appear to be more strongly armed, and the suborbitals are broader. Regan 1 has placed Beryx affinis, Giinther, and its allies in the genus Hoplopteryx, Agassiz 2 , of which most of the species are Cretaceous fossils. Judging from Woodward's restoration of H. lewesiensis, 5 Mantell, however, the recent forms seem to differ in having the opercular bones more strongly armed and in having much smaller scales. Note on the genera Trachichthys, Shaw and Nodder, and Hoplostethus, Cuvier and Valenciennes. It would seem that Tracliichthys (type T. australis, Shaw & Nodder) is a mono- typic genus characterised by having three dorsal and two anal spines which are placed close together, and, like the rays, are entirely covered with minute asperities. Minute tuberculiform teeth are crowded on the jaws, vomer and palatines. Giinther 4 counted three spines and twelve rays in the dorsal, and two spines and ten rays in the anal of the type specimen of T. australis. McCoy 5 describes iv./u and iii./9 (10) respectively, but has mistaken the anterior rays for spines, while Waite 6 expressly states that there are three and not two anal spines in Trachichthys. I have counted nine specimens of T. australis, and find the number of spines and rays to be as stated by Giinther. Boulenger 7 has united Hoplostelhus with Trachichthys, re- garding some Australian and New Zealand species (T. inter- medius, Hector, and T. elongatus, Giinther) as intermediate between the two. Both these fishes, however, bear little resemblance to T. australis, having four and six dorsal spines and three anal spines which are well separated, and which, together with the rays, are not covered with minute asperities. They are much nearer to Hoplostethus (type H. mediter- raneus, Cuv. & Val.), but both differ from that genus, as defined by Jordan and Fowler, 8 in possessing microscopic 1 Regan Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (8), vii., 1911. p. 5. 2 Agassiz Poiss. Foss., iv., 1838, p. 4. 3 Woodward Brit. Mus. Cat. Foss. Fish., iv., 1901, p. 398, fig. 31. 4 Gunther Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., i., 1859, p. 10. 5 McCoy Prodr. Zool. Viet., 1886, pi. cxiv. 6 Waite Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 66. 7 Boulenger Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), ix., 1902, p. 202. 8 Jordan & Fowler Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., xxvi., 1902, p. 7. FISHES. MCCULLOCH. ^ r vomerine teeth, \vhile T. elongatus also has only lour instead of six dorsal spines. In all other respects, however, they agree with Hoplostethus, T. intermedius indeed being very closely allied to H. mediterraneus, so that I think it better to expand the limits of that genus to include them rather than form an unnatural group by uniting Hoplostethus and Tra- chichthys. AUSTROBERVX GERRARDi. G-unther. (Plate viii.)- Beryx (ierranli, Gunther, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), xx., iSS 7 , p. 238, fig. Br. 8; D. vi., 13; A. iv., 12-13; P- T 3: ^- i-i 7! C. 19; 1. lat. 36-39; 1. tr. 6 + ii. Height iv*-2, head 2^-2% in the length to the hypural. Eye 2\ in the head. Interorbital width slightly less than f of the eye, and equal to the length of the snout. Base of the anal f that of the dorsal which equals the length of the head. Caudal peduncle | of the eye and almost equal to the post-orbital portion of the head. Body short and deep. Upper profile very convex from the snout to the first dorsal spine which marks its highest point. The curve from the snout to the ventral fin is much less than that of the back ; the line between the ventrals and the anal is straight and bears 9-11 keeled scales which decrease in size backwards. Maxillary reaching to below the posterior third of the eye, stiliform anteriorly but very broad behind ; there is a small rough patch of spines on the narrow portion which is in con- tact with the supplemental bone, but the rest is smooth. Supplemental bone with numerous ridges each ending in spines. Turbinal bones bilobed and margined with sharp spines. Preorbital denticulated, without a curved spine but with a slight notch at its upper end to receive a blunt spine projecting from the maxillary. Bones of the infraorbital arch spine-like and roughened. Interorbital space narrowest above the middle of the eye, becoming a little wider forwards, then narrowing again towards the nostrils. Supraciliary edges finely denticulated, terminating anteriorly above the nostrils; between these are two curved, slightly roughened ridges which approach each other at either end and enclose a some- what elliptical area, with truncate ends, which is 3^-4 times as long as broad. Above the first third of the eye these ridges each give off a branch which again divides and passes back- wards ending in some rather strong spines some distance before the suprascapular. Preoperculum with two parallel margins, the hinder borders of which are serrated ; the angle of the inner margin is formed 42 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC EESTJLTS. of two flattened, denticulated spines, while that of the outer is armed with smaller simple spines. Both lower borders- finely denticulated. Operculum narrow, its anterior half covered with scales, the posterior portion with coarse stria? ending in marginal points ; two strong spines on the upper portion of the bone. Subopercle with one or two small spines at its lowest point. Interoperculum with a broad notch near its junction with the subopercle, its angle and lower border striated and finely denticulated. Margin of the suprascapular denticulated, its lower portion with an oblique ridge terminat- ing in some enlarged spines. Nostrils more widely separated than in A. affinis, the hinder ones being very close to the orbital margins. First bran- chiostegals very slender, second to fifth broad and denti- culated below, the others smooth. Gill-rakers very long and slender posteriorly, about half as long as the eye ; twenty-two on the lower limb of the first arch. Exceedingly fine villiform teeth on the jaws without larger ones near the middle. A small triangular patch on the vomer and a long cuneiform band on each palatine bone. With the exception of the form of the ridges on top of the head, the position of the nostrils and the absence of enlarged teeth, all the characters of the head are almost exactly similar to those of young A. affinis. Dorsal spines gradually increasing in length, the last ij-i as long as the eye and f the length of the second ray ; all are more or less angular and striated. Second ray the longest, about 2^ as long as the last. The first anal spine is placed below the third dorsal ray, the fourth equals the fifth dorsal spine in length and is about f as long as the second ray ; the last ray is placed far behind that of the dorsal. Pectoral not quite f in the head and reaching to above the base of the anterior anal rays. Ventrals with strong, flattened, striated spines, f as long as the rays which extend to the base of the fourth anal spine. Caudal deeply forked, the lobes somewhat pointed and about equal to the head in length. All the scales rather coarsely denticulated, the external half of their exposed surfaces with smooth ridges ending in mar- ginal teeth. Bases of the dorsal and anal fins protected by sheaths formed of several rows of scales, the outermost of which is the largest. A small patch of scales on the cheeks. A large angular scale at the axil of the ventral fin. Lateral line straight, each scale with a median excavation. Colourless in formalin. Described from twelve specimens, 150-200 mm. in length. FISHES MCCULLOCH. 43 This species is distinguished from .4. affinis and A. lineatus by its small number of scales on the lateral line, different fin formulae and by its short and deep form. Trawled in 37 fathoms off Flinders Island, Investigator (Iroup, South Australia. AUSTROBERYX AFFIMS, G-UTlther. Nanny gai. (Fig. ii.) Beryx affinis, Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., i., 1859, p. 13, and Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), xx., 1887, p. 238, fig.; id., Ogilby, Ed. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1893, p. 69, pi. xxi. ; id., Stead, Ed. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1908, p. 48, pi. xvii. Hoplopteryx affinis, Regan, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (8), vii., p. 5, pi. i. This species is extremely variable with age, the young being short bodied and round, and the depth only 2 in the total length, while large specimens are much more elongate with the depth 3^. The form and armature of the bones of the head is essentially the same in both, but those of the young have much more spinate edges, and their surfaces are smooth and with but few ridges. The same remarks apply to the FIG. 11. scales which have very coarsely denticulated edges and almost smooth surfaces ; in the adult the denticulations are much finer and they are continued back as ridges almost half way across the exposed portions of the scales. The accompanying figure represents my smallest specimen (70 mm. long). 44 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Constant characters appear to be afforded by the number of spines and rays in the dorsal and anal fins, and the number of perforated scales along the lateral line. In nine examples 2f-i6 inches long, I find them to be as follows: D. vii./n-i2, A. iv./J2, lateral line 42-44. Giinther has stated that the length of the head equals the height of the body. As this character has been used in com- parison with other species, it is worth noting that it is con- siderably shorter in all the specimens I have seen, and is shown to be so in all the figures published. Only three specimens were preserved in the "Endeavour" collection which came from the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, and sixty miles south of Cape Everard, Victoria, 60-70 fathoms. GENUS PARATRACHICHTHYS, Waite. PARATRACHICHTHYS TRAILLI, H niton.. Paratrachichthys trailli, Hutton Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 65. Waite noted that the number and form of the abdominal scutes of his single specimen differed slightly from the des- criptions and figure of Trachichthys macleayi, Johnston, and T. trailli, Hutton. In the "Endeavour" specimens I find from twelve to sixteen scutes, and the first either divided or single, and with one median or two lateral spines. This, therefore, proves the identity of T. macleayi with Hutton's species. Referring to the vomerine teeth, Waite states that the patch could be covered by a pin's head. This agrees well with most of my specimens, but in others they are entirely wanting. The collection includes seventeen specimens from off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 40 fathoms, and Oyster Bay, Tasmania, 40-60 fathoms. FAMILY MONOCENTRID^E. GENUS MONOCENTRIS, Block and Schneider. MONOCENTRIS GLORIA-MARIS, de Vis. Knight Fish. Monocentris gloria-maris (de Vis.) Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 67, pi. viii., figs. 1-2, and Rec. Austr. Mus., vi., 1905, p. 60. Two specimens were obtained fifteen miles off Saddle Hill, New South Wales, in 35 fathoms. FISHES. MCCULLOCH. ,. - 4:> FAMILY PEMPHERID^. GENUS PEMPHERIS, Cuvier. PEMPHERIS MULTIRADIATA, Klunzinger. Pempheris multiradiatus, Klunzinger, Sitzb. Akad. Wiss. Wien., Ixxx., i., 1879, p. 381. Pempheris macrolepis, Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, v., 1881, p. 516; id., Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 73, pi. x. Pempheris lineutus, Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, x., 1886, p. 447. Having carefully examined all the material at my disposal, I have no doubt that P. multiradiata is identical with P. macrolepis, as has been suggested by Macleay. 1 Klunzinger's description agrees exactly with my specimens which come from various localities between the Bellinger River, New South Wales, and Kingston, South Australia. In twelve examples I find the following number of fin-rays and scales : D. v. /i 1-13, A. iii./32-38, lateral line to the hypural 46-50. Waite (loc. cit.) has suggested that P. nniltiradiata is identical with P. compressa, Shaw, but I can see no reason for this conclusion. The former has most of its scales cycloid, only those on the anterior and lower portion of the head, breast, and on the back before the dorsal fin being ctenoid. In P. compressa all are very distinctly ctenoid, and they are much smaller, there being 62-64 along the lateral line instead of only 46-50. The "Endeavour" specimens were taken at the following stations : Off Bellengen, New South Wales, 40-52 fathoms. Between Port Stephens and Newcastle, New South Wales, 22-60 fathoms. Shoalhaven Bight, New South Wales, 15-45 fathoms. Off the east coast of Flinders Island and north of Goose Island, Bass Strait. Forty miles off Kingston, South Australia, 30 fathoms. PEMPHERIS AFFINIS, sp. nov. (Plate vii., Fig. i.) D. v., lo-n ; A. iii. 38-41 ; P. 16-17; v - i- 5? C. 17; 1. lat. 60-62 ; 1. tr. 7 + 19. Depth 2\-2\, head 3^-3^ in the length to the hypural. Eye 2-2 J in the head; interorbital width i- ij in the eye and about twice as wide as the snout is long. Depth of caudal peduncle f of the eye. 1 Macleay Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, ix., 1884. p. 21 46 "ENDEAVOUK" SCIENTIFIC EESULTS. Body rather deep ; the profile arched to the first dorsal, thence straight to the tail. Lower profile forming an even curve to the origin of the anal, the base of which is very oblique. Interorbital space convex. Maxilla reaching to slightly behind the middle of the eye, and covered with large, rough ctenoid scales. Preoperculum with a very strong spine at the angle and one or two weaker ones on each border. Operculum with two very small flat points separated by a broad excavation ; above and close to the upper one are several small points which may be indistinct. Whole head, with the exception of the tip of the snout and the lips, covered with moderately large scales which are mostly cycloid, only those of the preorbital and lower portion of the head being ctenoid. Upper jaw with an outer row of large canines which increase in size as they approach the median toothless excavation ; anteriorly there is an inner row of smaller teeth behind them. Lower jaw with a few large teeth directed outwards anteriorly, and two rows of smaller teeth along the sides which become united into one about half way back. A row of small conical teeth is present on each side of the vomer, and still smaller ones form bands on the palatines. Posterior gill-rakers long and slender, more than one-third the length of the eye ; there are twenty-three on the lower limb of the first arch. On the back, in front of the dorsal fin, and also on the ventral surface, except on the bases of and between the ven- trals, the scales are extremely rough and ctenoid ; their edges are turned obliquely outwards from the body, and they are firm and adherent. The rest of the body is covered with large, flat, cycloid scales which are only marked with very fine con- centric stride, and are very deciduous. The lateral line is continued to the end of the middle caudal rays, and has 60-62 scales as far as the hypural and fifteen more to the end. The exposed portion of each scale is smooth and smaller than those on either side of it, and the edges are broken both above and below the canal by small rounded indentations. Origin of the dorsal well behind the vertical of the ventral spine ; the distance between it and the end of the snout is slightly less than half that between the same point and the end of the middle caudal rays. The fifth spine is more than two-thirds the length of the second ray, which is equal to three-fourths or more of the length of the head. The base of the anal is 2\ that of the dorsal, and its anterior rays are as long as the last dorsal spine ; the first spine is placed below the last dorsal ray. Third pectoral ray the longest, reaching to above the fourth anal ray, Ventrals placed beneath the pectorals and reaching backwards to the vent. FISHES. MCCULLOCH. 4-, Colour. Body everywhere closely speckled with minute red- dish-brown dots which are more crowded on the back and head. Dorsal, caudal and ventrals tipped with black, while the anal also has a narrow black border. With the exception of these markings and some crowded dots on the anterior portion of the dorsal and on the caudal lobes, the fins are colourless. Described from four specimens 96-135 mm. long. Length of type (B. 7332) 135 mm. This species is very closely allied to P. multiradiata, but may be at once distinguished by its much smaller scales. It has also a somewhat different number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins, and the tail portion of the body is longer, while a good recognition character lies in the black tips to the fins. Three small specimens were taken by the "Endeavour" in thirteen fathoms off Nobby's Head, Newcastle, New South Wales. A larger and somewhat better preserved example is in the Australian Museum collection from Port Jackson, and has been selected as the type. PEMPHERIS KLUNZINCERI, nom. nov. Pempheris miilleri, Klunzinger, Sitzb. Akad. \Viss. W r ien., Ixxx., i., 1879, p. 380, pi. vi. (nee P. millleri, Poey, 1860). Both Macleay 1 and Waite 2 have suggested that this species is identical with P. compressa, 5 Shaw, but it appears to be distinguished by its much more elongate form, somewhat larger number of anal rays and smaller scales. I have counted eight specimens of P. compressa and find the number of fin-rays and scales to be as follows: D. vi./g-io, A. iii./ 35-38, lateral line to the hypural, 62-64. Klunzinger gives for the same in his species: D. v./io, A. iii./39~4o, lateral line 75. The different forms of the two species may be seen by comparing Klunzinger's figure with that of Stead of P. com- pressa.* The type came from King George's Sound. It was not obtained by the "Endeavour," nor have I seen any specimens. PEMPHERIS ELONGATA, sp. nov. (Plate iv., Fig. i.) D. iv.-v., 10-12; A. iii., 24-27; P. 17-18; V. i., 5; C. 17; 1. lat. 68-71; 1. tr. 8-9 + 18-20. Height 3'! to 2*7 in the length to the hypural. Profile slightly arched to the dorsal fin, thence straight to the tail ; lower profile considerably more curved than the upper one. Caudal peduncle narrow, i "3 in the eye. 1 Macleay Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, is., 1884. p. 21. 2 Waite Mem. Austr. Mus., iv.. 1899, p. 74. 3 Shaw in White Voy. N.S. Wales, 1790, p. 267, fig. 2. 4 Stead Ed. Fish. N.S. Wales. 1908, p. 49. pi. xviii. 4 8 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Head 2'S to 3'! in the length. Orbit 2 '4 in the head, much greater than the interorbital width which is rather more than one-fourth of the head, convex, and one-third longer than the snout. Operculum with two very weak spines which are almost hidden by scales. With the exception of the snout and lips the whole head is covered with small scales set in a fleshy skin, beneath which are numerous muciferous canals with small pores opening onto the surface. Teeth minute, in a single row on the jaws and in very narrow bands or almost single rows on the vomer and palatines. Median portion of the scales of the body more or less pro- duced and usually with several microscopic points which are variable both in number and degree of development. There are from sixty-eight to seventy-one scales along the lateral line to the hypural and about ten more extend onto the base of the caudal ; they are enlarged, those of the anterior portion being almost twice as broad as long, and have either truncate or excavate spiny margins. Below the lateral line the scales are arranged in oblique rows which descend backwards towards the lower surface of the body. The distance between the origin of the dorsal and the end of the snout is usually somewhat less, sometimes rather more than half that between it and the tip of the caudal. The first spine may be either well developed, small or absent ; the others increase regularly in height, the last being about two-thirds the length of the first ray. The latter is simple and a little longer than the space between the end of the snout to the hinder orbital margin. The length of the base of the anal is i '5 to i '7 that of the dorsal; its anterior rays are much higher than the posterior ones, but are only two-thirds, or less, the length of the first dorsal ray. The first spine is placed either below the hindermost portion of the dorsal or entirely behind that fin and is often minute and hidden in the scales. Third upper ray of the pectoral the longest, reaching almost to or a little beyond the vertical of the anal. Ventrals placed below the pectorals and not reaching so far back as the vent. Colour. Upper surface of the head, back and upper portion of the sides closely speckled with microscopic brown dots which give them a greyish colour. Breast, lower jaw and lips more or less similarly dotted, and the specks also'extend onto the dorsal and caudal rays. Otherwise colourless in preserved examples. Described from sixteen specimens 90 to 132 mm. long, the longest of which is selected as the type. This species is allied to P. unwini, Ogilby, but is at once distinguished by its much less spiny and more numerous FISHES.- MCCULLOCH. g scales. The dorsal and anal fins also have several more rays each, but otherwise the two are very similar. The specimens were trawled off Flinders Island, Bass Strait, in 40 fathoms, and off Wilson's Promontory, Victoria. The following key will serve to distinguish the Australian species of Peniphcns : a. Anal fin with more than 30 rays ; body rather deep. h. Scales mostly cycloid, ctenoid anteriorly, deciduous. c. Scales large, 46-50 on lateral line (to the hypural) : multiradiata. cc. Scales smaller, 60-62 on the lateral line: affinis. bb. Scales ctenoid, adherent. d. 62-64 scales on the lateral line : jompressa. dd. 75 scales on the lateral line : klitnzingeri. aa. Anal fin with less than 30 rays, bod}' rather elongate. e. Edges of the scales with minute, irregular points, though scarcely ctenoid : clougaia. FAMILY SERRANID.E. GENUS EPINEPHELUS, Block. EPINEPHELUS SEPTEMFASCIATUS, Thunberg. Grey-banded Rock Cod. Plectropoma snsuki, Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1867, p. 100. Epinephelus septemfdsciatus, Boulenger, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., i., 1895, p. 226; id., Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 75; id., Jordan & Richardson, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., xxxvii., 1910, p. 458. Jordan and Richardson have recently expressed the opinion that the Australian records of this species are probably in- correct. I have compared the specimen taken by the 'Thetis," another of unknown origin, and two in the "En- deavour" collection with the description given by these authors of Japanese specimens, and find that they differ in two small details only. None show the small patch of very fine scales near the tip of the maxillary, nor in any is the sixth band divided as described. Giinther stated, however, that the colouration of his Port Jackson specimens was as in that figured by Schlegel, so that, though I think it possible that the Australian fish represents a distinct subspecies, it is best to leave the matter open until examples from both localities can be compared. Two specimens trawled off the Clarence River, New South Wales, in 26-30 fathoms. CQ "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS- GENUS HVPOPLECTRODES, Gill. HVPOPLECTRODES SEMICINCTA, Cuvier and Valenciennes. Half -banded Sea Perch. Gilbertia semicincta, Boulenger, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., 2nd 1 ed., i., 1895, P- 37- A single specimen was preserved from six miles off Port Stephens, New South Wales, 43 fathoms. GENUS ANTHIAS, Blocli. Anthias, Boulenger, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., 2nd ed., i., 1895, p. 320. A careful examination of fourteen specimens of .4. pulchel- lus, Waite, shows that the differences between this genus and Ccesioperca are very slight. Comparing the definitions of the two, as given by Boulenger (loc. cit., pp. 311 and 320), it appears that the only reliable differences between them are as follows : Scales rough on the border, denticulated; tubes'' of the lateral line bifurcate, short. Dorsal with 19-23 rays. Anal with 9-10 rays: Ccesioperca. Scales ciliated, smooth. Tubes straight or with an ascend- ing tubule and extending along nearly the entire scales. Dorsal with 14-18 rays. Anal with 6-8 rays:-- Anthias. In .4. pulchellus I find the number of fin rays agrees with Anthias, while the characters of the scales are distinctly those of Ccesioperca. In the fourteen specimens the number of fin- rays and scales is as follows : D. x./i6-i7; A. iii./8; P. 15-16; 1. lat. 41-45. My colleague, Mr. E. F. Hallmann, very kindly pre- pared microscopical mounts for me of the scales of Anthias plenrotcenia, Bleeker, .4. pulchellus, Waite, Ccesioperca rasor^ Rich., and C. lepidoptera, Forster. In the first-named only are they smooth \vith ciliated edges. Those of the other three have their borders roughened for varying distances FIG. i within the ciliated edges. In none do I find the tubes of the lateral line bifurcate, as stated by Boulenger, though they extend further across the scales in .4. pleurotania than in the others. FISHES. MCCULLOCH. It follows, therefore, that if A. pulchellus be admitted as a true Authias, the differences in the number of fin-rays alone can be used to distinguish Ccesioperca from that genus. AXTHIAS PULCHEI.LUS, I (Fig. 12.) Anthias pulchellus, Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus. , iv., 1899, p. 77, pi. xii. Of eleven specimens preserved only three bear the black spot on the dorsal fin. They were obtained off Norah Head, New South Wales, in 65 fathoms, and 60 miles south of Cape Everard, Victoria, 60-70 fathoms. GENUS CALLANTHIAS, Lowe. CALLANTHIAS ALLPORTI, Gunther. Allport's Perch. Callanthias allporti, Giinther, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (4), xvii., 1876, p. 390; id., Boulenger, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., 2nd ed., i., 1895, p. 335, pi. xv.; id., Waite, Prelim. Rept. "Thetis" Exped., 1898, p. 31, pi. ii. Cnllanthias platei, Boulenger, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), Hi., 1899, p. 346; id., Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 80; id., ibid., Rec. Austr. Mus., v., 1903, p. 56 (nee C. platei, Steindachner). Callanthias platei atislralis, Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxiv., 1899, P- J 73- In 1898 W T aite (Prelim. Rept. "Thetis") recorded six speci- mens from the New South Wales coast as C. allporti, Giinther, but noted that they did not wholly agree with the published descriptions of that species. Boulenger (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist.), with Giinther's type before him, considered that Waite's figure represented a distinct species and identified it with r. platei, Steindachner, 1 which had just been described from Juan Fernandez. Later, Ogilby (Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W.), noting certain differences between Steindachner's figure and the Australian fish, proposed to separate the latter under the varietal name anstnilis, but this name was not adopted by Waite, who referred to it simply as (". platei (Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., and Rec. Austr. Mus., v.). With twenty-three specimens taken by the "Endeavour" and four others in the museum collection before me, I find that the "Thetis" specimens were correctly identified as C. allporti, and that C. platei australis is merely the young form 1 Steindac-hner Faun. Chilensis. Zool. Jahrb., Suppl., iv., 2. 1898, p. 284. pi. xv. $2 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS of that species. C. allporti varies greatly with age both in the depth of the body and height of the vertical fins, so that Waite's figure represents the half-groAvn fish about 200 mm. long, Avhile that in the British Museum Catalogue is the figure of an adult specimen. Though closely approaching the figure of C. platei in its younger stages, C. allporti nevertheless appears to be dis- tinguished by its larger eye and higher A-ertical fins. The other characters used by Ogilby to differentiate the variety anstralis are dealt with below. My series includes specimens from less than five inches to others over eleven inches long, and they show that the body is much more slender in young individuals than in adults. The greatest depth in the smallest specimen is 3*21 in the length from the snout to the hypural, and it regularly increases Avith age until in the largest it is 2'66 in the same. The height of the vertical fins also varies \vith age, as Avell as indiA'idually. In the smallest specimen the longest anal rays are 7*3 in the above length, while a large example has them 5*04 in the same. In none are they so short as in the figure of <". platei Avhich shows them to be about 8*3 in that length. The length of the head varies from 3 '88 (young) to 4"6i (adult) in the length from the snout to the hypural. In his comparison of C. platei with C. p. anstralis, Ogilby's figures show the head to be much smaller in the first-named. My specimens, however, and a comparison of Steindachner's and Waite's illustrations show tnat this difference is not so great as is indicated. The eye of the young is larger than that of the adult, being .2'7 as against 3 in the length of the head. The eye of C. platei is proportionately smaller. The maxillary generally extends to below the anterior margin of the pupil, but in one specimen reaches almost to the middle of the eye. Ogilby's counting of the fins and scales agrees with mine. Ogilby has erected the genus Anograinma for C. allporti regarding the strength of the vomerine teeth to be of generic importance. I have large specimens agreeing in every other way with the figure of (". allporti in which these are either small or absent, Avhile others of the anstralis form haA'e them well developed. A nogranima is therefore unnecessary. The "Endeavour" collection includes forty-three specimens, most of which come from off Flinders Island, Bass Strait. Six Avere preserved from eleven miles east of Barrenjoey Head, New South Wales, 40 fathoms. FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. 53 GEXUS C.KSIOPKRCA, Castelnau. C/ESIOPERCA RASOR, Richardson. Reel Perch. Serranns rusor, Richardson, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1839, p. 95, and I rans. Zool. Soc., iii., 1849, p. 73, pi. iv., fig. i. Anthias rasor, (iiinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., i., 1859, p. 93; id., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, v., 1881, p. 311; id., Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882 (1883), p. 109; id., Lucas, Proc. Roy Soc. Viet., 2 ser.. ii., 1890, p. 17. CcBsioperca rasor, Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc. Viet., i., 1872, p. 49; it]., Boulenger, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., 2nd ed., i., l8 95< P- 3i3- Anthias rasor var. extensns, Klunzinger, Arch. fur. Nat.. xxxviii., i., 1872, p. 17. Anthias extensns, Klunzinger, Sitzb. Ak. Wiss. Wien, Ixxx . i-, P- 339. P 1 - CcBsioperca extensa, Boulenger, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., 2nd ed., i., 1895, P- 3 ! 3- The "Endeavour" specimens show that the colour markings of this species are subject to great variation. The black mark on the side may be large or only moderately developed, or altogether absent. One specimen shows a large black spot on one side and none on the other, while in a second example it covers fifteen scales on the left side and two on the right. The blue bands around the eye and on the body are well developed in some and wanting in others. Having counted fifteen specimens I find the number of scales and fin-rays to be as follows: D. x.-xi./i9-22 ; A. iii./9-io; P. 14-15; V. i./ 5 ; C. 15; 1. lat. 49-55. In separating hisAnthias extensns from /I. rasor, Klunzinger considered that it had a. more slender body, longer pectorals, smooth preorbital, and lacked the characteristic markings of Richardson's species. The above notes prove that the latter character has no specific value, while Boulenger shows that the length of the pectorals does not differ in the two. Castel- nau described the preorbital as strongly ciliated, but in all my specimens it is either entire or somewhat crenulate, and therefore agrees \\ith both Klunzinger 's and Richardson's figures. I find that the depth of the body varies from 2*75 to 3'o in the length to the hypural, so that but one character, the smaller scales, is left to distinguish extensns. Klunzinger counted 62-63 scales on the lateral line, but it seems that he- included some unperforated ones on the base of the tail, as his figure, which is by that most accurate artist, Konopickv, shows only 58. - 4 'ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC KESULTS. Having disposed of these apparent differences I have no hesitation in following Macleay 1 in uniting the two species. The "Endeavour" collection includes fifteen specimens from the following stations : Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 40 fathoms. Oyster Bay, Tasmania. Forty miles west of Kingston, South Australia, 30 fathoms. Flinders Island, Investigator Group, South Australia, 37 fathoms. Five others are in the Australian Museum from Tasmania and South Australia. C.^SIOPERCA LEPIDOPTERA, Forster. Bastard Longjin. Ccesioperca lepidoptera (Forster), Boulenger, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., 2nd ed., i., 1895, p. 312; / or almost half as long as the head. The ninth spine is the shortest and is separated from the second dorsal by an inter- space a little longer than its own length. Spine of the second dorsal slightly less than half as long as the rays, which are about equal to the length of the longest spines. Anal com- mencing below the third or fourth dorsal ray ; the first spine is short and stout, the second shorter than but usually much stronger than the third which is but little shorter than the rays. Yentrals placed below the anterior part of the base of the pectoral and not nearly reaching to the vent ; the spine is about two thirds the length of the second ray which is the longest. Pectorals very long, f-f as long as the head, the upper ray rather longer than the others. Colour. Brownish or greyish above, lighter below ; oper- culum, thorax and abdomen silvery. A series of about fixe dark blotches along the sides which are less distinct or absent in large specimens. Two darker patches on the scaly portion of the tail. Upper portion of the dorsal fin with a blackish patch between the second and fifth spines. Described from two specimens, 54 and 122 mm. long, the smaller one being the type of the species. Fin formula and lateral line counted in nineteen specimens. Forty-three specimens were preserved from the following localities : Between Port Setphens and Newcastle, New South Wales* 22-60 fathoms. Twenty-five miles south-west of Cape Fverard, Victoria, 83-98 fathoms. Thirty-six miles off Cape Everard, Victoria, 75 fathoms. FAMILY AMBASSID/E. GKXUS PRIOPIS, Knhl and ]'an Hasselt. PRIOPIS RAMSAYI, Macleuv, (Plate xvi.. fig. 3.) Pseudoambassis ninisayi, Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, v., 1 88 1, p. 340. A nihussi* nimsayi, Ogilby. Cat. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1886,. p. 14. 58 -ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Chanel a ramsuyi, Waite, Mem. N S. Wales Nat. Cluh, No. 2, 1904, p. jcj. Ambassis gymnocephalus, Ramsay and Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, i. (2), 1887,' p. no-?.' (Perhaps not A. gymnocephalus (Lacepede) Bleeker. ) Ahasassis, sp., Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, iii. (2), f "o V / 1889, p. 1559. Chanda gymnocephalus, Waite, Mem. N.S. W T ales Nat. Club, No. 2, 1904, p. 29. D. vi.-vii., 10-11; A. iii., 10-11; P. 14; V. i.-^ ; C. 17; sc. lat. 25-26 ; sc. tr. 3 + 7. Depth nearly 2 $, head 3^ in the length to the hypural. Eye 2^-3, orbit 2\ in the head, and twice as long as the snout. Interorbital width \\ in the orbit. Caudal peduncle 2 in the head. Body rather deep, compressed. Upper anterior profile interrupted over the eye, the back between the nape and the dorsal more or less keeled. 'Supraorbital ridge smooth anteriorly, armed with three to five spines on its posterior portion which is bent downwards. Antero-inferior orbital ring crenulate or spinulate. Preorbital strongly denticulate. Lower limbs of preoperculum denticulated, all the other bones smooth. Maxillary reaching to below the anterior margin of the eye. Two rows of scales on the cheeks, one behind the eye; operculum with large irregular scales, a single row on the interoperculum. Minute teeth on the jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue. Gill-rakers flattened, spinulate on their inner edges, the longest about half as long as the eye. Scales of the body extending forwards to above the middle of the eye and onto the bases of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Lateral line interrupted below the spine of the second -dorsal or farther forward, each scale with its free margin notched. There are ten to thirteen scales on the first portion which is arched, and twelve to fourteen on the straight portion. Origin of the first dorsal a little nearer the end of the second than the tip of the snout. The first spine short, the second strong and subequal to the third and \\ to \\ in the head ; the last is joined to the second dorsal by membrane. Spine of the second dorsal two-thirds as long as those of the first, shorter than the anterior rays. Anal commencing and terminating behind the second dorsal, its base either slightly longer or shorter than that fin ; the first spine short, the second and third long and stout, the last as long as the rays but shorter than the second dorsal spines. Pectorals almost reaching the vertical of the first anal spines. Yentrals reach- ing to or slightly beyond the vent which is placed well in .advance of the anal fin. Caudal deeply forked. FISHKS.-MCCULLOCH. -^ Colour. \\"hitish, the scales of the upper portion of the body margined with olive-green dots. A thin dark line on the median line of the tail, and a silvery lateral band in specimens in spirits. L'pper portion of the head, lips and lower jaw densely spotted with olive-green. Membrane between the second and third dorsal spines blackish, and the tips of the soft dorsal and anal are darker. Caudal more or less spotted, its margin darker. Described from two specimens, So and 88 mm. long, recently collected in a prawn net at San Souci, Botany Bay, toy Mr. J. H. Wright, and presented by him to the Australian Museum. Two very imperfect specimens are in the "Endea- vour" collection which were taken near Sydney. I have examined the type of Pseudoambassis ranisayi in the Macleay Museum. It is very shrivelled and has lost many of its scales, but leaves no doubt that the specimens described above are correctly identified. I have also examined the specimens from the Parramatta River, identified by Ramsay and Ogilby as .4. gymnocephalus , and find them to be identical with Macleay's species, though whether they are really zvwnocepliahis also I am unable to say. They appear, how- ever, to have a much deeper body and less slender caudal peduncle than that species. FAMILV SILLAGINID^. References to the Australian species of this family are in an extremely confused state. I have endeavoured to sort some of them into the order I believe they should be, and furnish a key which is drawn up principally from an examination of a number of specimens of each species : a. Dorsal fins united, the first with 12-14 spines. Scales in about 130 rows:- ISOSII.L AGO. h. D. xii.-xiv., 25-27; A. -'4-25. Body with small dark spots:- pntictata. aa. Dorsal fins separate, the first with 10-12 spines. Scales in 65-75 rows : SILLAGO. c. A conspicuous dark mark at the base of the pectoral. d. Caudal peduncle as broad as the postorbital portion of the head. e. D. xi., 18; A. 17-18; 1. lat. 63-65:- ciliata. dd. Caudal peduncle narrower than the postorbital por- tion of the head. /. D. xi.-xii., 20-21 ; A. 21 ; 1. lat. 70-71 : nniculata. 00 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS cc. No black mark on the base of the pectoral. g. Yentrals placed below the origin of the first dorsal. /;. D. xi., 18; A. 20; 1. lat. 65: robusta. gg. Yentrals placed in advance of the origin of the dorsal. i. D. x.-xi., 18-20; A. 20-22; 1. lat 66-68 : b a s s e n s is . ii. D. xi., 21-22; A. 19-21 ; 1. lat. 69-74 : ~ bostockii. iii. D. xi., 22-23; A. 24-25; 1. lat. 70: sihama. Neosillago nianuorata, Castelnau, 1 having only five spines in the first dorsal, is evidently not a member of this family, but possibly belongs to the NototheniidcB. Having had the opportunity of examining the types of Isosillago maculata, Macleay, 2 I find that the number of spines and rays in the dorsal and anal fins are incorrectly stated in the original description. There are thirteen spines in the first dorsal and one spine and twenty-four or five rays in the second ; the anal has twenty-four spines and rays in all. In these and all other characters they agree with Sillago pnnctata, Cuv. & Yal., but may very well form the type of a distinct genus IsosiUago, characterised by the union of the two dorsals, larger number of spines in the first, and by having very small scales. I am unable to find any specimens marked as the types ot SiUago gracilis, Alleyne and Macleay, 3 in the Macleay Museum, but there are two small specimens labelled "Sillago sp? Torres Straits," which I have no doubt are the types. Through the kindness of Professor Haswell and Professor David, I have been allowed to borrow them for examination. One is a little larger than the other, and from the snout to the end of its broken tail is almost 82 mm. long, which is exactly the length of the figure of S. gracilis. In other details also, such as the form of the damaged tail and the pronounced shrinkage marks on the head, it agrees perfectly with the figure, though it has lost all trace of the colour markings with the exception of the silvery lateral band. Both differ from the description in the number of fin-rays in the dorsal and anal, there being only one spine and twenty rays in each instead of one, twenty- 1 Castelnau Res. Fish. Austr. (Viet. Rec. Philad. Exhib.), 1876, p. 16. 2 Macleay Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, iii., 1878, p. 34, pi. iv., figr. 3. 3 Alleyne and Macleay Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, i., 1877. p. 279, pi. vi., fig. 2. K1SHKS.-MCCULLOCH. 5, two as stated. I regard this of little importance, however, since Macleay also counted the same fins wrongly in his much larger specimens of Isosillago niaciilaia, as noted above. If these two specimens be regarded as the types ol .S. gnu-ilia, that species must be sunk as a synonym of S. macu- lata, Q. & G., as both the specimens and the figure agree well with that species. GENUS SILLAGO, Cuvier. SII.I.AGO BASSKXSIS, ('ui'it'f and 1 'iilencit'nues. Baas Whiting, School irhiting. Sillago bassensis, Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iii., 1829, p. 412; id., Ogilby, Ed. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1893, pp. 99, 101, 102; id., Waite, Rec. Austr. Mus., iv., 1902, p. 190; id., Stead, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxx., 1906, p. 574, and Ed. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1908, p. 65, pi. xxxv. SiUago maculata, Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc. Viet., i., 1872, p. 94; id., Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882 (1883), p. 116; id., Lucas, Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet. (n. ser.), ii., iScjo, p. 26 (after Castelnau); id., Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, P- ICK ): (nee. S. maculata, Q. & 7 G.). Sillago ciliala, Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882 (1883), pp. 80, 116 (nee S. cilia tu, C'uv. & Yal.). Many specimens of this common southern species were preserved. I have counted the fin-rays and scales of forty specimens from New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and West Australia and find them to be as follows: -1). x.-xi./ 18-20; A. 20-22; 1. lat. 66-68. The "Endeavour" specimens were taken at the following stations : Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait. Off the mouth of the Murray River, South Australia, 20 fathoms. South-east of Flinders Island, Investigator Group, South Australia, 37 fathoms. SILLAGO MACVI.ATA, Onoy and (human.!. Trumpeter II liiting. Sillago maculata, Quoy & Gaimard, Yoy. "Uranie," 1824, p. 261, pi. liii., fig. 2 ; id., Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., ii., 1860, p. 245 (part.); id., Steindachner, Sitzb. Ak. Wiss. Wien., liii., p. 444; id., Alleyne & Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, i., 1,^77, p. 270; id., Castelnau, 62 'ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, iii., 1879, pp. 380-381 ; id.,. Klunzinger, Sitzb., Ak. Wiss. Wien., Ixxx. i./p. 370;! id., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, v., 1881, p. 566; id., Woods, Fish. N.S. Wales, 1882, p. 65, pi. xxiii. !_/., Og-ilby, Cat. Fish. N.S. W r ales, 1886, p. 31;. id., Kent, Gt. Barrier Reef, 1893, PP- 2 9 2 , 3/o ; id., Ogilby, Ed. Fish. N.S. Whales, 1893, P- I01 (part.); id., Waite, Rec. Austr. Mus., iv., 1902, pp. 190, 191; id., Waite, Mem. N.S. Wales Nat. Club, No. 2, 1904, p. 31; id., Stead, Ed. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1908, p. 64, pL xxxiv. Sillago burrus, Richardson, Icones Piscium, 1843, p. 5, pi. ii.,. fig. i; id., Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, ii., 1878, p. 232. Sillago gracilis, Alleyne & Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, i., 1877, p. 279, pi. vi., fig. 2. These are all the Australian references I know of which can be definitely associated with this species. I have examined specimens from the neighbourhood of Sydney, the Gulf of Carpentaria and Fremantle, West Australia. SILLAGO CILIATA, Cnvicr and Valenciennes. Sand Whiting. Sillago ciliala, Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iii., 1829, p. 415; id., Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., ii., 1860, p. 245; id., Steindachner, Sitzb. Ak. Wiss. Wien., liii., 1866, p. 443; id., Kner, Reise Novara, Fische, 1869,. p. 127; id., All. & Macl., Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, i., 1877, p. 279; id., Klunzinger, Sitzb. Ak. Wiss. Wien, Ixxx. i., 1879, p. 369; id., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc.. N.S. Wales, v., 1881, p. 567; id., Woods, Fish. N.S. Wales, 1882, p. 65, pi. xxiv. ; id., Ogilby, Cat. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1886, p. 31 ; id., McCoy, Prodr. Zool. Viet.,. 1889, pi. clxxxii. ; id., Kent, Gt. Barrier Reef, 1893, PP- 292 and 370, pi. xlv., fig. 2; id., Ogilby, Ed. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1893, p. 102, pi. xxvii. ; id., Waite, Rec. Austr. Mus., iv., 1901, p. 47; id., Waite, Mem. N.S. Wales. Nat. Club, No. 2, 1904, p. 31 ; id., Jordan & Scale, Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish., xxv., 1905 (1906), p. 277; id., Stead, Ed. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1908, p. 63, pi. xxxiii. Sillago terrce-regincE, Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, ii., 1878, p. 232. Sillago bassensis, Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, iii., 1879, p. 381 ; id., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, v., 1881, p. 567; id., Kent, Gt. Barrier Reef, 1893, p. 291 ; id., Tosh, Proc. Roy. Soc. Qld., xvii., 1903, p. 175, pis. viii-xiv. (nee. S. bassensis, C. & V.). F1SHES.-MCCULLOCH. 63- This species occurs all along the eastern coast of Australia, and has been recorded from Cape York to Port Phillip. A. specimen in the British Museum is said to be from Tasmania. The specimens recorded by Castelnau from Fremantle dis- trict, West Australia, as .S'. ciliata 1 are not that species. The Australian Museum has recently received some fine examples from the same locality, from Mr. A. Abjornssen, which differ from S. ciliata in having smaller scales, a much narrower caudal peduncle, more rays in the dorsal and anal fins, and in lacking the characteristic dark mark at the base of the pectorals. They are evidently identical with Castelnau's specimens and must, therefore, receive the alternative name, boslockii, which he proposed in case they should prove distinct from the eastern species. FAMILV SCL^NIML GENUS CYNOSCIOX, Gill. CYXOSCIOX ATELODUS, Gunther. Teraglin. Otolithns atelodiis, Ogilby, Ed. Fish. X.S. Wales, 1893, p. 75, pi. xxiii. Cynoscion atelodus, Stead, Ed. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1908, p. 67, pi. xxxviii. Three examples of this species, each about a foot long, were taken fifteen miles off Saddle Hill, New South Wales, in 35 fathoms. FAMILY GERRID^E. GEXUS CHTHAMALOPTERYX, Ogilby. CHTHAMALOPTERYX MKLBOURXF.XSIS, Castehutn. Gem's nii'lbonrnensis, Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc. Viet., i.,. 187-', p. 158, and ii., 1873, P- 37- Chtlutnialopteryx niclhounn'nsis, Ogilby, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1887, p. 616, fig. The "Endeavour" collection includes many specimens of this species which were taken at the following stations : Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 40 fathoms. Off the mouth of the Murray River, South Australia,, 20 fathoms. Forty miles west of Kingston, South Australia, 30 fathoms. Spencer Gulf, South Australia, 20 fathoms. South-east of Flinders Island, Investigator Group, South: Australia, 37 fathoms. 1 Castelnau Proc. Zool. Soc. Viet., ii., 1873. p. 133. 64 "ENDEAVOUK" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. FAMILY CHEILODACTVLID.-E. GENTS GoxnsTirs, Gill. GONIISTIUS VIZOXARIUS, Kent. Magpie Perch. (Plate xi.) Chciludtictyliis gibbosus, Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc. Viet., i., 1872, p. 75; id., Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm.] 1882 (1883), p. 112 ; id., Lucas, Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., (n. ser. ), ii., 1890, p. 21 (after Castelnau) (7?c. C. gibbosus, Richardson). Chilodactylus vizonarius, Kent, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1887, pp. xxx., xxxi. and 48; id., Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc'. Tasm., 1890 (1891), p. 31. Chilodactylus bizonanus, Kent, Naturalist in Austr., 1897, pp. 165, 1 66, pi. xxviii., fig. 13. D. xviii., 25-28; A. Hi., 10; P. 8 + 6; V. i., c; C. 15: 1. lat. 65-68. Height of the body j'6 to 2 '8, length of the head 3-50 to 3'66 in the length to the hypural. Snout much longer than the diameter of the eye which is 4^2 to 4*8 in the head. Nostrils large, close together, the anterior with two skinny lobes. Mouth rather small, the maxillary reaching to below the posterior nostril. A band of villiform teeth in each jaw; vomer, palatines and tongue toothless. There is a large conical projection in front of each eye, extending slightly outwards and upwards. First dorsal originating a little behind the vertical of the preoperculum, the fifth spine generally the longest, and either equal to the distance from the snout to the preoperculum or considerably shorter. Anterior rays subequal in length, gradually decreasing backwards, the longest somewhat longer than the snout. Third anal spine longer than the second ; the second ray the longest and equal to the length from the snout to the preoperculum. The simple rays of the pector.il are very variable in their relative lengths ; the second is always the longest and reaches either to the origin or middle of the anal fin. Ventral spine slender, generally equal to the fourth dorsal spine in length ; the first ray reaches to, or almost to the vent. Caudal deeply forked. Scales large anteriorly, becoming smaller behind. They form a sheath to the bases of the dorsal and anal fins. On the head they are very small and extend forwards to the anterior margin of the eyes above and to the maxillary below, leaving the snout bare. They are very small on the breast FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. 6- also, and on a narrow band which extends backwards to the ventrals. Lateral line feebly arched, its course directed to the upper part of the caudal peduncle, whence it extends onto the base of the tail. Colour. Silvery, the scales with or without darker margins. A broad black band occupies the space between the fifth and thirteenth dorsal spines and extends to the ventrals, narrowing considerably as it approaches them. A second similar band extends from the soft dorsal to the anal, while there is another less distinct one enveloping the anterior por- tion of the head and denned posteriorly by a line descending from the nape, behind the eye to the throat. These two last bands are usually not so well defined as the first, and may be altogether absent. Pectorals, ventrals and anal blackish ; dorsals and caudal light or dusky, the dark bands of the body sometimes continued onto the former. Described fi*om six specimens, the largest being 380 mm. long. This species is so far recorded from Tasmania and Victoria only, but there is a specimen in the Australian Museum from Adelaide. Castelnau confused it with Cheilodaciylus gibbosus, Richardson, and as such recorded it first from Hobson's Bay and later from Port Jackson. 1 The Victorian record un- doubtedly refers to G. visonarins, while the second is based on the true G. gibbosus w r hich is occasionally seen around piles, etc., in Port Jackson in small numbers. This species is undoubtedly a member of the same genus as the Cheilodactylus vittatus, Garrett, described and figured by Jordan and Evermann. 2 but whether this really belongs to Lacepede's genus is doubtful. I therefore place vizonarius in Goniistius, to which genus Waite referred G. vittatus. 5 The specimens preserved in the "Endeavour" collections came from Anderson Bay, Tasmania, 14 fathoms, and off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait. GENUS DACTVLOSPARUS, Gill. Dactylo spams, Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1862 (nir- ponemus, Cuv. & Val.). This genus appears to be distinguished from Cheilodactyht* . Lacepede, chiefly in having the anal fin oblong and nearlv uniformly high instead of short and highest anteriorly. 1 Castelnau Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, iii., 1879, pp. 351, 363. 2 Jordan & Evermann Bull. U.S. Pish. Comm.. xxiii., pt. 1. 1903 '1905i. p. 447, pi. liv. 3 Waite Rec. Austr. Mus.. iv.. 1902, p. 185. 66 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. DACTVLOSPARUS CARPONEMUS, Curler and Valenciennes. Morwong. Chilodactylus carponennis (Cuvier and Valenciennes), Ogilby, Ed. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1893, P- 55? P h xv iii- The collection includes six young examples. 125-145 mm. long, which have much deeper bodies than adult specimens, and are marked with a round dark spot on the lateral line below the posterior part of the spinous dorsal. They were obtained off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, and between Port Stephens and Newcastle, New South Wales, 22-60 fathoms. DACTVLOSPARUS MACROPTEKUS, Forster. Jackass Fisli, Silver Perch, Terakihi. (Plate xii.) Chilodactvlns tnacropienis (Forster), Ogilby, Ed. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1893, p. 57. This common species is represented from the following localities : Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait. Off the mouth of the Murray River, South Australia, 20 fathoms. Forty miles west of Kingston, South Australia, 30 fathoms. FAMILY TERAPONID^. GENUS HELOTES, Cuvier. HELOTES SEXLIXEATUS, Ouoy and Gaimard. Butter Fish. Terapon sexlineatus, Quoy and Gaimard, Yoy. "Uranie," 1824, p. 340, pi. lx., fig. i. Two specimens of this species were secured in the Mel- bourne market by Mr. Dannevig, which probably came from South Australia. They were called Butter-fish by the fisher- men. FAMILY M^NID^E. GENUS EMMELICHTHYS, Richardson. EMMELICHTHYS NITIDUS, Richardson. Emmelichthys nitidus, Richardson, Zool. Ereb. & Terr., Fishes. 1845, p. 47, pi. xxix., figs. 7-8. Two small specimens were obtained thirty-six miles off Cape Kverard, Victoria, in 75 fathoms. It is probable that they FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. 67 entered the net as it neared the surface, since the species has been taken in a surface net, swimming with pilchards and mackerels. 1 This fish has been recorded from West Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales and New Zealand. FAMILY HISTIOPTERID^E. GENUS ZANCLISTIUS, Jordan. Zanclistiiis, Jordan, Prnc. L'.S. Nat. Mus. , xxxii., 1907, p. 236 (elevatus}. Anal spines three ; soft dorsal very high, usually falcate, \\ith about twenty-six rays. ZAXCLISTIUS ELEVATUS, Rutnsay and Ogilby. Short Boar Fish. (Figs. 14-18.) Hisliopterus elevatus, Ramsay and Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales (2), iii., 1888, p. 1311; id., Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 114, pi. xxvi. .Zanclistiiis elevatus, W f aite, Proc. N. Zealand Inst., pt. i, ujio, p. 25, and Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., 1911, p. 216; id., Kershaw, Viet. Nat. xxviii , 1911, p. 93. Fifty-two specimens, of all sizes between 75 and 300 mm. long, exhibit a remarkable range of variation in certain of the characters that are usually relied upon to differentiate the species of this family. That these are not due to either age or growth is adequately shown by this splendid series, while it is also clear that they cannot be entirely connected with sex. Figures 14-18 illustrate five selected variations, their relative sizes being shown by the inch-line accompanying each. The most striking variation is in the angle and form of the dorsal profile. In some specimens the line from the first dorsal spine to the base of the snout is almost straight, being broken only by a slight convexity over the eyes. In others it is an irregular arch interrupted by a large bony boss on the occipital region, and another smaller one over each eye. From these last the profile may extend obliquely forward so that the nostrils are placed nearly an eye-diameter in Iront ot the anterior margin of the orbit, or it may follow the curvature of the eye so that they are only very little in front of the eye. The size of the eye is also subject to variation. 1 Stead Add. Fish Faun. N.S.Wales. No. 1 'Dei.-t. Fi-h. N.S.W.i. 1907. p. 16 68 'ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS FIG. 14. FIG. 15. FISHES. -MCCULLOCH. 60 Two very young specimens have the bones of the head more strongly ribbed than in the larger examples, and they bear some prominent flattened spines on the occiput and above the eyes. Smaller spines are found on the lower end of the pre- orbital and on the suprascapular, and the angle and adjacent borders of the preoperculum are armed with strong teeth. PIG 111. The dorsal fin may originate over the preoperculum or as far back as the extremity of the operculum. The spines vary greatly in length and are either short and thick or long and slender. When laid back the longest rays may reach to just beyond the base of the caudal or as far again. The third anal spine is either longer or shorter than the second, and the soft "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. portion of the fin may be rounded or else the anterior rays are much the longest. The ventral spine is placed below the middle of the pectoral in some specimens and well in advance of it in others. Notwithstanding the variable form and posi- tion of the fins, their numbers of rays and spines are fairly constant, and in twenty-five specimens I find them to be as follows: D. vi./25-28, A. iii./i2-i5, P. 14-16, V. i./5, C. 17 FIG. 17. A constant character is afforded by the black ocellus on the dorsal fin, it being present in all the "Endeavour" specimens. One very small example, 75 mm. long, is covered with large brown spots distributed evenly over the body and in no way correlated with the darker bands which appear in older specimens ; others of the same size, however, show no such marking. FISHES MCCULLOOH. 71 'I'he specimens came from the following stations: Shoalhaven Bight, New South Wales, 15-45 fathoms. Disaster Bay, New South Wales. Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 40 fathoms. North-west of Greei.ly Island, South Australia, 44 fathoms. Flinders Island, Investigator Group, South Australia, 37 fathoms. KIG. is. GEXUS PENTACEKOPSIS, Steimlachner. PENTACEROPSIS RECURVIROSTKIS, Richardson. Striped Boar Fish. Histiopterus recurvirostris, Richardson, Zool. Ereb. & Terr., Fishes, 1845, P- 34> P^ xxi-< fig- 5-6; id., Canestrini, Arch. Zool. Anat., i. (2), p. 152, pi. ii. ; / P 1 - vi. Pentaceropsis recurvirostris, \Yaite, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., xii. (7), 1903, p. 288; ibid., Rec. Austr. Mus., v., 1905, corrigenda, p. xiii. ; ibid., loc. cit., vi., 1905, p. 62; id., Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., xxxii., 1907, p. 236. This species has been recorded from southern New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Fremantle, West Australia. Three specimens are included in the "En- deavour" collection which were trawled off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait. GENUS MACCUI.LOCHIA, Waite. Richardsonia, Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Acclim. Soc. Viet., i., 1872, p. 112 (insignis = labiosa, not Richard sonia, Stein- dachner, 1866). Richardsonia, Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., xxxii., 1907, p. 236. Macullochia, Waite, Proc. N. Zealand Inst., pt. i, 1910, p. 25 (labiosa), substitute for Richardsonia. Maccullochia, Waite, Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., 1911, p. 217. Anal spines two. Dorsal spines seven, the fourth longest and very high ; soft dorsal low and short, with about seventeen rays. MACCULLOCHIA LABIOSA, G-iinther. Histiopterus labiosus, Gunther, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1871, p. 658, pi. lix. ; id., Klunzinger, Sitz. Ak. Wiss. Wien., Ixxx. i., p. 376; id., Ogilby, Ed. Fish, and Crust. N.S.Wales, 1893, p. 29, pi. vii. Richardsonia insignis, Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Acclim. Soc. Viet., i., 1872, p. 112. Histiopterus farnelli, Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 1 16, pi. xxvii. Macullochia labiosa, Waite, Proc. N. Zealand Inst., pt. i, 1910, p. 25. Eleven specimens, 170-380 mm. long, prove that H. farnelli, Waite, is the young of Giinther's species. From the deep-bodied form, with striking dark colour-markings, this fish changes into an elongate and uniformly coloured adult. The largest specimen in the collection is especially interesting in that it is just intermediate between the two extremes. While having the general appearance of labiosus, it has the long spines and markings of farnelli, but these latter, instead of being uniformly black, are composed of brown reticulating FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. j^ lines enclosing spots of the lighter ground colour. Mr. Waite has examined these specimens with me and agrees that they leave no doubt as to the identity of the two species. A point worthy of consideration is the difference noted by Waite in the number of scales on the lateral line as counted by Ogilby and himself. I find that the lateral line may either follow the curvature of the body in an even line or else pursue an undulatory and irregular course. Bearing this in mind, together with the difficulty of counting the scales of these fishes, the seeming discrepancy disappears. Shoalhaven Bight, New South Wales 15-45 fathoms. Disaster Bay, New South Wales. Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait. FAMILY POMACENTRID/E. GENUS CHROMIS, Cuvler. CHROMIS HVPSILEPIS, Gtinther. Broitm Puller. (Plate xiv.) Heliastes hypsilepis, Giinther, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (3), xx., 1867, p. 66; id., Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Hi., 1879, p. 388; id., Klunzinger, Sitzb. Ak. Wiss. Wien, Ixxx. i., 1879, p. 398; id., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, vi., 1881, p. 71; id., Ogilby, Mem. Austr. Mus., ii., 1889, p. 66. Br. v. ; D. xiii., 14 ; A. ii., 13 ; P. 20 ; V. i., 5 ; C. 15 ; 1. lat. 20 ; Sc. 27. The height of the body is 2\ to 2^, the length of the head 3~t * 3^ in the length from the snout to the hypural. Eye 3 to 2f, caudal peduncle 2\ in the head. Snout two-thirds as long as the eye. Body ovate, compressed, the dorsal profile a little more arched than the ventral, and evenly curved from the snout to the first dorsal spine. Margin of the preoperculum striated, but smooth. Operculum ending in a single flat spine which is almost hidden by scales. Preorbital not very broad, equal to about one-third of the eye at its narrowest part. Inter- orbital space strongly convex, equal to or somewhat wider than the eye. Nostril round, a little nearer the eye than the end of the snout. Maxillary reaching a little behind the anterior margin of the eye; mouth small, oblique. Teeth conical, acute and spaced, arranged in a band in front, but gradually changing into a single series on the sides, the outer teeth larger than the others. 74 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Entire body and head, with the exception of the chin and the tip of the snout, covered with ciliated scales; on the upper parts of the head they are small and irregular, larger on the cheeks, and very large on the operculum and body. They extend about half-way up the vertical fins between the spines and rays, and there is a scaly sheath at the bases of the spinous dorsal and anterior part of the anal ; small scales also cover the base and sides of the tail and basal portion of the pectoral. A large pointed scale at the base of the ventral. Lateral line curved and terminating below the middle of the soft dorsal ; a second, less distinct, series of tubes runs along the middle of the caudal peduncle, covering eight or nine scales. There are twenty-seven scales between the head and the hypural. Origin of the dorsal over or a little behind the opercular spine. The first spine is short, two-thirds as long as the eye, the fifth and sixth the longest and half as long as the head ; thence they decrease -slightly, the last being three-fourths the length of the fifth. The soft dorsal is somewhat angular, its sixth ray the longest and one and a half in the head. Anal oblong, the first to the tenth rays subequal, one and a third in the head ; second spine very strong and but little shorter than the rays. Upper rays of the pectoral longest, longer than the head. Yentrals pointed, the first ray produced and reaching beyond the vent. Caudal forked, the upper lobe longer and more pointed than the lower. Colour. Olive-green above, the head and lower surfaces yellowish, each scale of the back and sides with a darker centre. Spinous dorsal dusky, especially towards its margin. Soft dorsal and anal each with an indistinct dark median band. Base of the pectoral with a conspicuous blackish spot covering its upper half. A whitish spot on the upper part of the caudal peduncle immediately behind the dorsal. Described from three specimens, one 188 mm. long, from the coast near Sydney, and two others in the Australian Museum from Lord Howe Island, 123-160 mm. long. CHROMIS? IMMACUI.ATUS, Ogilby. He.liastes immaculatus , Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, x., 1886, p. 446; id., VVaite, Mem. Austr. Mus., i'v., i8qc), p. 86, pi. xiv. When writing on this species, Waite (loc. cit.) suggested that it was identical with C. hypsilepis, and later, in his Catalogue of the Fishes of New South Wales, 1 he quotes his 1 Waite Mem. N.S. Wales Nat. Club. No. 2, 1904. p. 37. FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. / o figure of Ogilby's species under that name. C. ininiuculatus, however, is readily distinguished from C. hypsilepis bv its much rounder body, shorter and broader caudal peduncle, larger number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins, and by the absence of the dark mark on the base of the pectoral and the white spot on the caudal peduncle. The teeth of the two species also are very different. Ogilby has described the teeth as conical and arranged in a single series, but this is not altogether correct. In five specimens, including the type, there is an enlarged outer series of subcylindrical teeth with blunt points, arranged close together as in Glyphisodon. Behind these there is a second row of much smaller but similar teeth closely adpressed to the outer series, each tooth of which is placed behind the inter- section of two front ones ; this is doubtless a growing set to replace the outer one as it becomes worn or damaged, and an exactly similar arrangement is found in many species of Glyphisodon and Hypsypops. On the median line of the palate there is usually a single large depressible tooth of the same form as, but more slender than those of the outer row. These teeth are very different from those of Chromis chromis, Linn., or C. hypsilepis, Giinther, which are conical, somewhat spaced, and arranged in a band ; they approach much nearer to those of Glyphisodon, but are subcylindrical instead of compressed. Three specimens were taken by the "Endeavour" at the following stations : Sixteen miles off the Bellenger River. New South Wales, 40-52 fathoms. Six miles off Port Stephens, New South Wales, 43 fathoms. Shoalhaven Bight, New South Wales, 15-45 fathoms. * GENUS HYPSYPOPS, Gill. HYPSYPOPS MICROI.EPIS, Giinther. Scaly fin. Hypsipops rnicrolepis, Giinther Waite, Rec. Austr. Mus., vi., 1905, p. 67, pi. xii. Two specimens are in the collection from the Xew South Wales coast, one from five miles off the South Solitary Light- house, 35 fathoms, and the other from six miles off Port Stephens, 43 fathoms. It is surprising to find this common littoral species occurring in such deep water. It does not appear to have been previously recorded north of Port Jackson. 7b 'ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. FAMILY LABRID^. GEM'S PSEUDOLABRUS, Bleeker. PSEIJDOLABRUS CYANOGEKVS, Ramsay and Ogilby. Lilac-banded Parrot-fish. (Plate xiii.) Labrichthys cyanogenys, Ramsay and Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales (2), ii., 1887, p. 242. ?Labrichthys ephippium, Giinther, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (3), xi., 1863, p. 116; id., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, vi., 1881, p. 84 (nee Labrus ephippium, Cuv. and Val.). ?Labrichthys vestita, Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc. Viet., i., 1872, p. 151. PLabrichthys cuvieri, Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc. Viet., ii., l8 73> P- 53; id-, Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, vi., 1881, p. 84. The collection includes three specimens, one of which is figured, though, as all traces of the bands on the body have disappeared in formalin, these have been copied from the type specimen. A second example agrees exactly with the first, but the third is of a dark purplish tint in which the body bands can be traced, together with the blue markings on the pectorals, operculum and throat, while the ventrals, pectorals and spinous dorsal are yellowish. A careful comparison with the type specimen, which is badly stuffed, leaves no doubt that they are the same species. The scales on the cheeks appear to vary somewhat, there being two rows in some specimens, while others have a single row of larger scales on the upper portion which splits into three below. The presence or absence of the posterior canines is unimportant since one, or even two may be well developed on one side of the mouth and wanting on the other. Apart from these characters, the original description fits the "Endeavour" specimens so well that it is unnecessary to redescribe them here. P. cyanogenys is so far recorded only from the southern half of the New South Wales coast, but it is almost certain that it is identical with some of the earlier described species from Victorian or Tasmanian waters, though until the types can be examined it is impossible to be certain on this point. The "Endeavour" specimens were obtained in Oyster Bay, Tas- mania, in 40-60 fathoms. The largest example is 410 mm. long. [Since the above was set up I have examined a series of specimens 8i-i6 inches long from Tasmania and the Mel- bourne markets. The smaller ones have the dark brown FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. -- bands on the bod}' and other characteristics of P. vestitus, while the larger ones are undoubtedly P. cyanogenys, and they also agree with the adults described by Castelnau. The others exhibit every intermediate stage between the two, so that there can be no doubt as to the identity of P. vesiita and P. cyanogenys. ] PSEUDOLABRUS PSiTTACUL.us, Richardson. (Fig. 19.) Labrus psittacnliis, Richardson, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1840, p. 26, and Trans. Zool. Soc., iii., 1849, p. 141. Labrus, Tautoga, psittacula, Richardson, Zool. Ereb. and Terr., Fishes, 1848, p. 129, pi. Ivi., figs. 7-10. Labrichthys psittacula, Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., iv., 1862, p. 114; id., Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc. Viet., ii., !8?3' P- 5 2 - Labrichthys rubicunda, Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, vi., 1881, p. 89. Labrichthys mortoni, Johnston, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1884 (1885), p. 256. D. ix. ii ; A. iii. 10; V. i. 5; P. 12; C. 12; 1. lat. 25-26; 1. tr. 2 + 8. Height of body 3-3^, length of head 3^-3! in the length to the hypural. Eye 4^-5, snout 3-3^, caudal peduncle 2\-2\ in the head. Interorbital width \-\ in the orbit. Body compressed, highest at the origin of the dorsal, the profile from the snout slightly convex or almost straight. Head conical, the snout somewhat pointed. Caudal peduncle very broad and flattened. Mouth slightly oblique, extending to below the nostrils. Anterior canines strong and curved, decreasing in size backwards ; a second row of small teeth on the anterior portion of each jaw. Posterior canine strong and curved. Interorbital space convex over the eyes, flattened or slightly concave on the median line. Upper portion of the head, snout and space around the eyes, and the margin of the preoperculum covered with muciferous canals. Cheeks with four rows of small scales ; operculum with four or five rows of large irregular scales. A broad skinny flap on the end of the operculum.. Lateral line following the curve of the back to below the last two dorsal rays, where it bends abruptly downwards to the mid-line of the tail. Scales extending over the base of the caudal fin, and series of smaller scales are continued up between the rays. yS "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Dorsal spines increasing in length backwards, the last once and a half to twice as long as the first and about as long as the snout ; the filament of each spine is produced beyond its point. Rays of the dorsal longer than the spines, the second or third last the longest and 2-2^ in the head. Anal similar to the dorsal. Second and third upper pectoral rays the longest ; the upper portion of the hinder margin is either straight or slightly concave, while the lower angle is broadly rounded. Yentrals rather small and pointed, not reaching backwards to the vent. Hinder margin of the caudal truncate the upper lobe, and usually the lower one also, produced. KKi. 19. Colour. Pink, with a large yellow spot in the centre of each scale on the sides. The head and back are darker, and there is a light green spot on the operculum. A black spot on the back at the base of the last dorsal rays may be present or absent, and may be followed by a second less distinct one on the free portion of the tail. Alter long preservation, the colour is almost uniformly whitish with only faint indications of longitudinal yellow bands along the rows of scales below the lateral line. There are very indistinct traces of light spots on the dorsal and anal fins which also appear to have had slightly darker margins with lighter inframarginal bands. Described from eight specimens, 148-215 mm. long. There are also three specimens in the Australian Museum which were received from the Tasmanian Museum as Labrichthys mortoni, Johnston, with the description of which they agree very well. They were afterwards identified by Ogilby as Pseudolabrus psittaculus, and they are certainly identical with the "Endeavour" specimens which I determine .as that species. FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. 79 A specimen in the Macleay Museum is labelled " Labrichthys rubiciincla, Macleay, Tasmania," which, notwithstanding that that species was said to come from King George's Sound, I have no doubt is the type. It agrees with the description in every detail, even in the colours of the scales and in having two dark spots on the back, the second being indistinct and situated on the free portion ol the tail. Its length, however, is only 8^ inches, or 8 {--,1 to the extreme tip of the upper caudal lobe, not 9 as stated. It is undoubtedly identical with the "Endeavour" specimens, and I would therefore regard Tasmania as the correct locality of the specimen. The eight "Endeavour' specimens were taken at the following stations : Oyster Bay, Tasmania, 40-60 fathoms. Off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait, 40 fathoms. Twenty miles north-east of Babel Island, Bass Strait, 68 fathoms. FAMILY CARANGID^. GENUS TRACHURUS, Rafinesqne. TRACHURUS DECLIVIS, Jenyns. Yellowtail, Horse Mackerel. Caranx declivis, Jenyns, Zool. Beagle, iii., 1842, p. 68, pi. xi\ . Two large specimens sixteen inches long were obtained off the mouth of the Murray River, South Australia, in 20 fathoms, and another nearly eighteen inches long from the Victorian coast. Two small ones are in the collection from between Port Stephens and Newcastle, New South Wales, 22-60 fathoms. Adult examples of this species have the last rays of the dorsal and anal fins much enlarged and forming a semi- detached finlet, thereby approaching Decapterus. This con- dition can also be traced in young examples, but it is much less striking than in the larger ones. GENUS CARANX, Lacepede. CARAXX PLATESSA, Cuvier ami Valenciennes. Trevally. Caranx platessa, Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., ix., 1833, p. 84; id., Jordan and Scale, Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish., xxv., 1905 (1906), p. 437. Caranx georgianus, Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., ix., 1833, p. 85. . Many young specimens were obtained off the east coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait. 8o "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. FAMILY SCOMBRID^. GENUS SCOMBER, Linncens. SCOMBER JAPOMCUS, Houttuyn. Mackerel. Scomber japonicus (Houttuyn), Jordan and Evermann, Bull. U.S. Fish. Comm., xxiii., pt. i, 1903 (1905), p. 169, fig. 62. Eighteen young examples, four and a half inches long, were preserved from sixteen miles off Port Stephens, New South Wales. The trawl was shot in 75 fathoms, but the mackerel doubtless entered it as it neared the surface. FAMILY TRICHIURID^. GENUS THYRSITES, Cuvier. THYRSITES ATUN, Euphrasen. Barracouta. Scomber atnn, Euphrasen, Vetensk. Acad. Nya. Handl., xii., '79 1 . P- 3!5- Several young examples were preserved from off Flinders Island, Investigator Group, South Australia, 37 fathoms, and from forty miles w r est of Kingston, South Australia, 30 fathoms. The species does not appear to have been previously recorded from this State. FAMILY BRAMID/E. GENUS SCHUETTEA, Steindachner. Schuettea, Steindachner, Sitzb. Ak. Wiss. Wien., liii. i., 1866, p. 449 (S. scalaripinnis). Bramichthys, Waite, Rec. Austr. Mus., vi., 1905, p. 72 (B. woodwardi). The genus Schuetta, with scalaripinnis for its type, was described by Steindachner in 1866 from four small specimens taken in Port Jackson, but does not appear to have been again noted by later writers. The Australian Museum collection includes both young and adult examples which agree perfectly with the definition. In 1905 Waite described a new genus and species, Bramiclithys woodwardi, from Western Aus- tralia, but a comparison of specimens of that species, recently received from Mr. A. Abjornssen, with others of S. scalari- pinnis shows that they are undoubtedly congeneric. The two species may be readily distinguished by the differ- ent form of their bodies : a. Depth at the origin of the dorsal less than half the length to the hypural : scalaripinnis. aa. The same depth more than half the same length : woodwardi. FISHES. -MCCULLOC II. Si SCHUETTEA SCALAR1PINNIS, Steindiichtlt'r. (Plate xv.) Schuettea scalaripinnis , Steindachner, Sitzb. Ak. Wiss. \Vien, liii., i., 1866, p. 440, pi. vi., fig. i; id., McCullorh, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxxvi., 1911, p. 82. Bramichthys woodwardi, Stead, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxxi., 1906, p. 496; id., Stead, Add. Fish. Faun. N.S. Wales (Dept. Fish. N.S.W.), 1907, p. 23 (tiec B. wood- ivardi, Waite). D. v. 28-30; A. iii. 28-33; P. 16; V. i. 5; C. 17; 1. lat. 53-56; 1. tr. 8+ 1 8. Height of the body about 2^, length of the head, 3^-3^ in the length to the hypural. Eye very large, about 2^, caudal peduncle 2 to 3 in the head. Interorbital width , snout rather more than ^ of the eye. Body broadly ovate, compressed, the dorsal and ventral profiles almost evenly rounded. Back between the eyes and the dorsal fin with a well-developed keel in young specimens which is less marked in adults. Interorbital space more or .less convex,' snout flattened above, a slight concavity usually present over the nostrils. Maxillary reaching to below the anterior third of the eye; the distal end expanded, its breadth only a little less than the length of the snout, and either truncate or with the angles rounded. Preorbital narrow, smooth. Angle of the preoperculum broadly rounded, the interior border minutely serrated in the young, almost or quite smooth in adults, the hinder border very thin. Oper- culum with two weak, flat spines separated by a broad, deeply concave interspace ; above the superior one the bony margin forms three small points which are not always distinct. With the exception of the tip of the snout and the lips, the whole head is covered with small scales which extend backwards to the dorsal fin and form a marked line on the sides of the nape where they meet those of the body. Teeth minute, movable, in bands on both jaws but absent near the symphyses of each ; they form a triangular patch on the vomer and a band on each palatine. Gill-rakers long, compressed, the longest about half as long as the eye, and roughened on their inner surfaces ; there are about twenty-six on the lower limb of the first arch. A large pore is present on either side of the symphyses of the lower jaw. Scales of moderate size, very thin, cycloid and finely striated. They are arranged in oblique rows on the sides and are largest above the pectoral fin ; they cover the greater 82 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. portion of the dorsal and anal fins, especially anteriorly, and also extend onto the caudal and basal portion of the pectorals. Lateral line more or less arched anteriorly, thence straight to the hypural and continued to between the tips of the middle caudal rays. Origin of the dorsal over the interspace between the ven- trals and the anal, and about twice as far from the end of the middle caudal rays as from the snout. The spines increase regularly in height and are closely adpressed to one another. The second and third rays are the longest and are from two- thirds to three-quarters as long as the head ; the next three or four rays become rapidly shorter, and the following decrease regularly to the last. Anal originating below the second or third dorsal rays and terminating well behind that fin ; its base is a little shorter than, but the rays are of similar form and length to those of the dorsal. Pectoral pointed, the third upper ray the longest and reaching backward to above the anal spines or even as far as the third ray of that fin. Ventrals short, reaching to or a little beyond the vent. Caudal forked. Colour. Silvery, tinged with pink, the upper parts of the head and back darker. Most of the scales dark edged, par- ticularly at the bases of the dorsal, anal and pectoral fins. Tips of the dorsal and anal black. Caudal dusky, especially at the tips of the lobes, the outermost rays darker. Specimens long preserved in spirits are colourless, with the lower half of the body silvery. Described from four specimens 100-190 mm. long, from Port Jackson and its vicinity. The "Endeavour" collection includes two specimens from near Sydney, while nine others were presented to the Australian Museum by Mr. J. Blair, who caught them in a meshing net at Bondi, near Sydney. FAMILY ZEID/E. GENUS ZEUS, Linnceus. ZEUS FABER, Linnaeus. John Dorey. Zeus fuber, Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., ii., 1860, p. 393; id., Day, Fish. Gt. Brit, and Ireland, i., 1880-4, p. 138, pi. xlviii. ; id., Klunzinger, Sitz. Ak. Wiss. YYien, Ixxx. i., 1879, p. 370; id., Waite, Rec. Cantb. Mus., i., 1907, p. 25, and /or. cit., 1911, p. 188. Zeus australis, Richardson, Zool. Ereb. and Terr., Fishes, 1845, p. 36, pi. xxv., fig. i ; id., Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc^ Viet., i., 1872, p. 108; id., Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 89. FISHES.-MCCULLOCH. S- Having compared fifteen specimens from New South Wales with the descriptions and figures of the European species, I fail to find any specific differences between them. As has been pointed out by Waite, the characters relied upon to dis- tinguish Z. auslralis from Z. faber are variable, and one must therefore follow Giinther in icgarding the two as identical. Eight small specimens, 63-140 mm. long, differ from the larger ones in having much deeper bodies, which are marked with many wavy, dark lines extending from the snout to the tail. This species was taken between Port Stephens and New- castle, New South W'ales, in 22-60 fathoms ; in Disaster Bay, New South Wales ; and thirty-six miles off Cape Everard, Victoria, 75 fathoms. GENUS ZENOPSIS, Gill. ZENOPSIS NEBUI.OSA, Schlegel. Mirror Dorey. (Plate xvi., fig. i.) Zeus nebulosus, Schlegel, Fauna Japonica, Poiss., 1847, p. 123, pi. Ixvi. Zenopsis nebulosa, Jordan and Fowler, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., xxv., 1902, p. 515. D. viii.-ix., 27-28; A. iii., 25-27; V. i. 5; P. 12-13; C. 13 + 2. Height of the body i '6 to i '8, length of the head 2 '8 in the length from the snout to the hypural. Snout twice as long as the eye which is 4' 3 in the head and a little wider than the interorbital space. Maxillary very large, its greatest width o 75 to 0*85 in the eye. With the exception of the rough orbital margins, the head is quite smooth, though the pre- operculum ends in a broad spine below, and there is another more or less distinct flattened spine just below the end of the maxilla. Teeth small, conical, acute, arranged in two groups in front on the upper jaw, becoming rudimentary on the sides ; in the lower jaw, though they are largest anteriorly, they are also quite distinct laterally. They form two groups on the vomer. Skin wholly naked except for the bony bucklers which art- each armed with a central spine, curved backwards and out- wards, and ornamented with radiating ridges. There are twelve to fourteen bucklers along the base of the dorsal, the anterior ones being somewhat indistinct and commencing in advance of the third dorsal spine ; those beneath the middle of 84 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. the soft dorsal are the largest. Eight or nine are arranged along the base of the anal. There are two or three median plates and two to four pairs in front of the ventrals, while between that fin and the anal there is one median and six to eight of the paired series. Generally the bucklers of one side do not correspond to those of the other but are more or less alternate to one another. Lateral line strongly arched anteriorly, straight posteriorly. Dorsal originating over the middle of the operculum. The second spine is usually the longest, and is either almost equal to the length of the head or somewhat shorter. The membrane of the spines is produced beyond their tips, the filament of the anterior ones being from one-fourth to one-half as long as the spine. The rays are all simple, and increase rapidly in length to about the fourteenth, which is more than twice as long as the first ; behind this they are more uniform. Anal spines decreasing in length backwards, the first equal to about three-fourths the length of the eye ; the rays are similar in form to those of the dorsal. Ventrals large, reach- ing to the first anal spine in old specimens and to the first rav- in younger ones ; the first ray not closely adpressed to the spine. Upper pectoral rays the longest, once and a half to twice as long as the eye. Caudal truncate or slightly rounded when expanded, its peduncle about two-thirds the diameter of the eye. Colour. Silvery, the first dorsal, ventral and hinder portion of the caudal blackish. A large dark spot on the middle of the sides in fresh specimens, which disappears in preserved examples. The above description is drawn up from thirteen specimens 230-360 mm. long. In large examples the profile from the chin to the vent is evenly rounded, but in the smaller ones it descends obliquely to the ventrals, where it forms a sharp angle with the belly line. The latter is either straight or convex. The specimen figured on plate xvi. is 242 mm. long, and represents the angular stage, while the rather crude figure in "Fauna Japonica" shows the rounded profile char- acteristic of the larger fish. Relying on the descriptions and figure quoted above, and with only the smaller specimens before me, I at first con- sidered the Australian examples distinct from Z. nebulosus, as none showed the clouded body markings of Schlegel's figure, nor has the angular form been described in the fapanese works. Having since obtained a specimen from Tokio Bay, however, and larger ones from the Victorian coast, I find that they agree in every detail. FISHBS.-MCCULLOCH. 5 The thirteen specimens were Ira \vled at the following stations : Off Cape Everard, Victoria, 70 fathoms. Twenty miles north-east of Babel Island, Bass Strait, 68 fathoms. Disaster Bay, New South Wales, 45 fathoms. The genus Zeuopsis is commonly regarded as pelagic, but this is obviously incorrect, though it would seem that some of the species pass through their earlier stages near the surface. GENUS CYTTUS, Gunther. CVTTUS \OY.*:-ZELA\DI.*:, Arthur. (Plate vii., fig. 2, and fig. 20.) Zeus novce-zelandicF , Arthur, Trans. N.Z. Inst., xvii., 1885, p. 163, pi. xiv., fig. 3. Cyttus novfB-zelandics, McCulloch, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxxv., 1910, p. 307; ;'sse e- - Fischer. Puncturella fumarium, Hedlev. Puncturella demissa, Hedley. tiibbula ocellina, Hedley. Monilea oleacea, Hedley c : ~~ Petlerd. Monilea philippensis, U'atson. Calliostoma allporti, Tenison Woods. Calliostoma columnarium, Hedlev &' Muv. Calliostoma legrandi, Teuison IT'ooJ.v. Calliostoma meyeri, Philip pi. Calliostoma retiarium, Hedley &" Mav. Danilia telebathia, Hedley. Euchelus tasmanicus, Tenison Woods. Leptothyra fugitiva, Hedley. Leptothyra rosea, Tenison Woods. Cirsonella \veldii, Tenison ]]'ood.s. Cyclostrema denselaminatum, I'erco. Cyclostrema homalon, I'erco. Cyclostrema jaffaensis, I'erco. Liotia annulata, Tenison ll'oods. Liotia denselineata, Tate. Liota incerta, Tenison Woods. MOLLUSCA. HEDLKV. y~ Phenacolepas calva, Verco. Cocculina tasmanica, Pilsbry. Nacella crebristriata, Verco. Helcioniscus illabratus, Verco. Rissoa hulliana, Tate, var. eucraspeda, Hedley. Rissoa incompleta, Hedley. Rissoa lockyeri, Hedley. Rissoa verconiana, Hedley. Amphithalamus costatus, Hedley. Amphithalamus pyramidatus, Hedley. Epigrus ischnus, T (lalliff. Odostomia mayi, Tate. "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Cymatium kampylum, Watson. Cymatium olearium, Linne. Natica elkingtoni, Hedley & May. Natica sticta, Verco. Polinices beddomei, Johnston. Eunaticina albosutura, Verco. Ancilla petterdi, Tate. Cancellaria pergradata, Verco. Marginalia altilabra, May. Marginalia biplicata, Tate & May. Marginalia columnaria, Hedley & May. Marginalia flindersi, Prit chard &-' Gatliff. Marginalia fulgurata, Hedley. Marginalia gabrieli, May. Marginalia allporti, Tenison Woods. Marginalia indiscreta, May. Marginalia lodderae, May. Marginalia microscopica, May. Marginalia multiplicata, Tate & May. Marginalia ovulum, Soiverby. Marginalia Stanislaus, Tenison l] r oods. Marginalia stilla, Hedley. Marginalia vercoi, May. Conus superstes, Hedley. Daphnella bathentoma, Verco. Daphnella fenestrata, Verco. Daphnella legrandi, Beddome. Daphnella triseriata, Verco. Mangilia gatliffi, Verco. Mangilia hilum, Hedley. Mangilia kingensis, Petterd. Mangilia spica, Hedley. Drillia agrestis, Verco. Drillia denseplicata, Dunker. Drillia dilecta, Hedley. Drillia dulcis, Sowerby. Drillia hectorguia, Verco. Drillia hedleyi, Verco. Drillia jaffaensis, Verco. Drillia lacteola, Verco. Drillia saxea, Sowerby. Drillia tricarinata, Tenison Woods. Drillia trophonoides, Verco. Drillia woodsi, Beddome. Mitromorpha alba, Petterd, var. axiscalpta, Verco. Mitromorpha axicostata, Verco. MOLLUSCA.-HEDLEY. Alitromorpha pallidula, Hedley. Mitromorpha paucilirata, Verco. Mitromorpha paula, Verco. Mitromorpha solida, May. Hemipleurotoma mayi, Verco. Mitra retrocurvata, Verco. Mitra scalariformis, Tenison IVoods. Mitra stadialis, Hedley. Mitra tasmanica, Tenison IVoods. Imbricaria porphyria, Verco. Pisania schoutanica, May. Pyrene atkinsoni, Tenison }l'oods. Pyrene axiaerata, Verco. Pvrene beachportensis, Verco. Pyrene calva, Verco. Pyrene jaffaensis, Verco. Trophon plicilaminatus, Verco. Trophon recurvatus, ]'erco. Trophon segmentatus, Verco. Coralliophila lischkeana, Dunker. Typhis bivaricata, Verco. Actaeon retusus, Verco. Ringicula meridionalis, Hedley. Ringicula semisculpta, Hedley. Cylichna arachis, Quay ci-' Gaimard. Cylichna atkinsoni, Tenison IVoods. Philine columnarius, Hedley & May. Philine oscitans, Hedley. Cavolina inflexa, Lesueur Carolina trispinosa, Lesueur. Cavolina virgula, Rang. Limacina bulimoides, D'Orbigny. Limacina inflata, D'Orbigny. Clio balantium, Rang. Clio pyramidata, Linne. Dentalium lubricatum, Sou'erby. Uentalium thetidis, Hedley. I erebratulina cavata, Verco. Megasella cumingii, Daridson. Megasella vercoi, Bloclunan. Campages jaffaensis, Blochman. Cryptopora brazieri, Crane. Kraussina tasmanica, Ternsnn Woods. 95 9 6 -ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. II. DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW OR NOTABLE SPECIES. A. PELECYPODA. PLEURODOX MAORIANUS, Hedley. ricurodon maorianus, Hedley, Rec. Austr. Mus. , v., 1904, p. 87, fig. 14. Numerous examples of this occurred off Cape Wiles in 100 fathoms. Some of these were of larger size than those found in New Zealand, being 3 mm. long and 4 "mm. high. The species has not been seen previously in Australian waters. CHLAMVS AXTIAUSTRALIS, Tate. Pectcn antiaustralis, Tate, Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Austr., viii., 1 886, p. 1 06, pi. ix., f. 7a-~c ; xxiii., 1899, p. 269; id., Harris, Brit. Mus. Cat. Tert. Moll. Austr., 1897, p. 315. Numerous small valves about half an inch in length were dredged in 100 fathoms, forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. Some are brightly coloured either entire lemon-yellow or irregularly clouded with opaque white and vermilion. Similar specimens were dredged by myself in 100 fathoms off Wollongong, New South Wales. Specimens reaching" 100 mm. in diameter were taken plentifully by Mr. W. L. May and myself in 100 fathoms off Cape Pillar, Tas- mania. We considered the species, 1 as Prof. R. Tate himself had done on first acquaintance, to be a variety of C. asperri- mns, Lamarck. Valid distinctions pointed out by Prof. Tate between the two species are the concentric laminae which lattice the intercostal furrows in the young and the multipli- cation of the ribs in the old stages of C. antiaustralis. Com- pared with actual fossils, the recent shell is flatter, but its author expressly notes that ('. antiaustralis "exhibits varia- tions in the degree of convexity." Probably this is the shell identified by Gatliff and Gabriel as the young of C. radiatus, Hutton. 2 In their reference, to my opinion of the shell, there is some misunderstanding. The species has not hitherto been recorded as recent, and this identification adds another survivor from the Tertiary Fauna. YERTICORDIA ERICIA, sp. nov. (Plate xvii., figs, i, 2, 3.) Shell small, subcircular, rather solid, apex incurved. Sculpture, about eighteen prominent radiating spiral ribs, \vhich rapidly enlarge with the increase of the shell and pro- 1 Hedley & May Rec. Austr. Mus.. vii., 1908, p. 113. 2 Gatliff & Gabriel Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., xxiii., 1910. p. 98. MOLLUSCA. HEDLEY. ject at the margin. These are parted by broad and deeo interstices, roughened with a grain surface, whereas the summits of the ribs bristle with short, stout, close-set, divari- cating, little spikes. Lunule reduced to a narrow crescent under the umbo. Interior nacreous furrowed by the imprint of the external sculpture. In both valves a single conical tooth is set at the margin of the lunule. Length 6'y, height 6, depth of single valve 2'3 mm. A couple of odd valves occurred in 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. Prof. W. A. Haswell and I dredged a fragment in 80 fathoms twenty-two miles east of Narrabeen, New South Wales. The strong ribs and prickly sculpture readily distinguish the species. VERTICORDIA SETOSA , Hediey. Verticordia rhomboidea, Hediey, Trans. N.Z. Inst., xxxviii., 1905, p. 71, pi. ii., fig. 12, 13, 14; id., Rec. Austr. Mus., vi., 1906, p. 215. [Not Verticordia rhomboidea, Tate, Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Austr., ix., 1886 (1887), p. 149, pi. xiv., f. 14.] Verticordia setosa, Hediey, nom. mitt. Rec. Austr. Mus., vi., 1907, p. 303. A single valve from 100 fathoms, forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia, represents a species new to the Adelaidean Region. I took the species first in no fathoms off Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, and again in 250 and in 800 fathoms off Sydney. In the South Australian example the radial ribs are less prominent than in the New Zealand shells. \~E\EKICARDIA ROSULENTA, Tate. (Plate xvii., fig. 4.) Cardita rosulenta, Tate, Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Austr., ix., 1887, p. 69, pi. v., f. 3 The "Endeavour" took C. rosulenta off Devonport, Tas- mania, and in 40 fathoms north of Cape Borda, South Aus- tralia. A giant from the former locality is 45 mm. in length. As the original figure is vague I offer an illustration of a specimen 28 mm. long from St. Vincent's Gulf, for the iden- tification and example of which I am indebted to Dr. J. C. Yerco. 1 The nomenclature of this species is involved in difficult}. After the publication of his name, Prof. Tate observed that Tenison Woods had previously recognised 2 his shell as C. quovi, Deshayes, and he thereupon withdrew his rosulenta in 1 Verco Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Austr., xxxii.. 1908, p. 349. 2 Tenismi Woods Proc. Eoy. Soc. Tasm., 1877, p. 59. 98 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. its favour. 1 But Deshayes proposed his name for a New Zealand shell figured and described by Quoy and Gaimard as V enericardia austmlis, Lamarck. Actually, Deshayes indi- cated for his species PI. 80, t. 4 of the "Astrolabe" Atlas, but that illustration stands for a Tridacna, and the quotation is an evident error for PI. 70, f. 12-14. The account of Quoy and Gaimard did not profess to introduce a new species but merely to restore the V. aitstralis of Lamarck, 2 a small, sub- orbicular, purple, scale-ribbed shell from New Holland, not otherwise figured. The contention of Deshayes was that the Australian shell of Lamarck was wrongly identified with the New Zealand shell of the "Astrolabe" Expedition. Regard- ing the latter as a new and nameless species, he proposed to call it Cunlita quoyt. 5 Until the Lamarckian type, now probably in the Geneva Museum, can be re-examined, we cannot judge whether Quoy and Gaimard were right in their identification, and consequently whether Deshayes was, or was not, justified in renaming their shell. But there can be no doubt that Reeve erred in reducing V enericardia uuxtrulis to a synonym of V. tridentata, Say. 4 In any case the verdict does not affect the name before us. Our species is quite different from that figured in the "Astro- labe" Atlas, and to which, if it be maintained, the name of "gHoyz" can only apply. Incidentally it may be remarked that this name has never been adopted 5 by the conchologists of New Zealand whom it chiefly concerns. V. australis, Lamarck, is not the only species of the genus that local workers have failed to recognise. Cartlita (Actin- obolus) godeffroyi, Dunker, 6 from Bass Strait, is here un- known. I suggest that it is likely to prove identical with V. bimaculata, Deshayes. After being unseen for nearly forty years, the C unlit a raouli, Angas, 7 has been rediscovered by Mr. \Y. L. May 8 in 40 fathoms off Schouten Island, Tasmania. Probably this is what Clessin intends by Cardita racuti, Angas (MS.), from New Zealand. 9 1 Tate Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxvi., 1901, p. 434 2 Lamarck Anim. Sans Vert., v., 1818, p. 610. 3 Deshayes Proc. Zool. Soc. 1852 (1854), p. 103. 4 Reeve Conch. Icon., i., 1843, Cardita sp. 22. 5 Suter Index Faunae Nov. Zeal., 1904. p. 93. 6 Dunker-Malak. Blatt., xviii., 1871, p. 172; Schmeltz-Cat, Mus. Godeff., v., 1874, p. 173; Clessin Conch. Cab., Lief. 355, 1887, p. 12, pi. iv.. f. 6. 7. 7 Angas Proc. Zool. Soc., 1872, p. 613, pi. xlii., f. 12. 8 May Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1910 (1911), p. 312. 9 Clessin Op- cit, P- 11, pi. -, fie 9 - ? 8 - MOLLUSCA.-HEDLEY. gg MYRT./EA BRACTEA, sp. nov. (Plate xvii., figs. 5, 6, 7, 8.) Shell rather solid, moderately convex, flatter in the young stages and becoming more inflated when adolescent, squarely oblong, subequilateral. Colour cream. No radial sculpture. Ribs strong, elevate, varying in number and disposition, usually about fifty and set their breadth apart, spaced medially crowded anteriorly and posteriorly. An occasional rib pro- jects at the edge of the lunule and escutcheon, thus forming a dorsal crest of imbricating scales. Umbo small, prominent. Lunule narrow, excavate, chiefly developed in the left valve. Two cardinals in the left valve. Margins of the valve entire. Length 10*5, height 9*5, depth of single valve 2*5 mm. This species is near M. brasieri,. Sowerby, 1 but larger, rounder, more inflated and more densely ribbed. M. nniyi, (iatliff & Gabriel, 2 is also like it, but M. brach'u differs by lacking radial sculpture, by being more inflated and closer ribbed. Hab. Several specimens from TOO fathoms, forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. CORBIS PERCOSTATA, .Sp. HOT. (Plate xvii., figs. 9, 10, 11, 12.) Shell small, rather solid, inflated inequilateral, anteriorly produced, dorsal margin rather straight, ventral margin rounded. Umbo incurved, bearing a distinct prodissoconch. Sculpture : About thirty-two elevated, strong concentric ribs run from end to end and closely follow one another from the umbo to the ventral margin. From each rib a thin broad flange arching downwards conceals most of the interspace between the ribs. Lunule small, limited by an indistinct groove. Pallial line entire, running from one adductor to the other. Within the ventral margin is set a line of small sockets and tubercles about forty-five in number. Dentition : In the right are two cardinals, the posterior strongest, the anterior half the size of its fellow, compressed and parallel to the hinge plate, anteriorly and posteriorly a slender lateral. In the left, the anterior cardinal of typical Corbis is repre- sented by a minute tubercle, posterior cardinal is strong and pointed. Anteriorly a groove receives the right lateral, posteriorly the margin of the valve is produced to act as a lateral. Behind the main cardinals is a slight and elongate chondrophore. Length 4*5, height 3*6, depth of single valve i "3 mm. 1 Sowerby Proc. Zool. Soc., 1883, p. 31, pi. vii., f. 2, and Hedley Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1902, p. 319. 2 Gatliff & Gabriel Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., xxiv., n.s., 1911. p. 189. jil. xlvii., figs. 8-12. IOO "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. This species is nearest related to Chione despecta, Hedley, 1 from loo fathoms oft Wollongong, New South Wales, than which the novelty is larger, more inequilateral, longer in pro- portion to height and more closely ribbed. When I described C. despecta seven years ago I failed to distinguish the muscle scars. Now I find there is no pallial sinus. But the dis- crepancy between its hinge and that of typical Chione warned me of possible error. Revising the generic position with the aid of the new and related species, I am now constrained to refer both to Corbis. Hitherto only a single recent species, a large and handsome shell from the coral reef zone, has been admitted to this genus. The hinge characters do not exactly correspond. These two small species appear to have suffered such atrophy as descent to calm, deep water might be expected to induce in the hinge development of small and thin shells. Hab. Numerous specimens in 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. CHIONE MESODESMA, Quoy -' Gaimard. Venus mesodesma, Quoy & Gaimard, Yoy. "Astrolabe," Zool., iii., 1835, p. 532, pi. Ixxxiv., f. 17, 18; id., Smith, Rep. Voy. Chall., Zool., xii., 1885, p. 131. A few specimens in 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Whiles. Mr. W. L. May and I took it in abundance in 100 fathoms off Cape Pillar, Tasmania. 2 These specimens were worn, and, without close scrutiny, were passed for Chione gallinula, Lamarck. This is the first definite Australian record, though New Holland was assigned to the species in the original description. B.- GASTEROPODA. PUNCTURELLA FL'MARIUM, Sp. noi'. (Plate xviii., figs. 13, 14.) Shell laterally compressed, thin, translucent, erect, the posterior profile usually slightly convex and the anterior slightly concave. Sculpture : Delicate concentric growth lines, small tubercles, conspicuous in profile, are set in radial rows. Summit irregularly notched, subcircular seen from above, cleft with a short, steep posterior limb seen from the side, the spiral apex disappearing from half-grown specimen Septal plate deeply inserted, nearly perpendicular. Length 2*15, breadth 1*35, height 1*85 mm. 1 Hedley Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxviii., 1904, p. 193, pi. x., f. 35-8. 2 Hedley & May Rec. Austr. Mus., vii., 1908, p. 114. MOLLUSCA.-HEDLEY. 1OI Already from Australia there are recorded P. henripsila, Tate, from the Tasmanian Eocene, and recent P. corolla, Yerco, from South Australia ; P. demissa, Hedley, now recorded from South Australia in association with P. fum- arium, and previously from New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand ; P. galerita, Hedley. from Queensland ; P. harrissoni, Beddome, from Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales, and P. kesteveni, Hedley, from New South Wales. The novelty belongs to the section Fissurisepta now first represented in Australasia. Hob. Several specimens from TOO fathoms, forty miles south of Cape Wiles. MONILEA OLEACEA, Hedley &-' Petterd. Monilea oleacea, Hedley & Petterd, Rec. Austr. Mus., vi., 1906, p. 215, pi. xxxvii., fig. i. Some broken but recognisable specimens of this species were taken in 100 fathoms, forty miles south of Cape Wiles. The type was from 250 fathoms outside Sydney, so the present record extends it to another region. The specific name appeared in the description by a misprint as "o/eofa," but was spelt correctly on the previous page 214 and in the explanation of the plate. GlBBULA OCELLIXA, Sp. 11OV. (Plate xviii., fig. 15.) Shell small, solid, imperforate, conical, with gradate spire, prominently keeled at the periphery and again at the shoulder. Colour: Below the periphery uniform buff, above it broad, radial stripes of buff pink, alternate with white. Along the periphery are pairs of dashes of madder brown, sometimes these enclose a tinted space and have a background of opaque white, thus assuming an ocellated aspect ; apex pink. Whorls five. Sculpture : Base with seven flat evenly-spaced concen- tric riblets, a strong, revolving cord defines the periphery and ascends the spire. The last and penultimate whorls have four spiral riblets above the periphery, the uppermost stronger and forming the angle of a subsutural shelf. Upper whorls smooth. Aperture round, outer tip simple, dentate by the spirals, columella perpendicular. Length 3, major diam. 3, minor diam. 2'5 mm. The profile recalls that of G. coxi, Angas, but by the sum of its characters this comes nearest to G. tiberiana, Crosse. From that the angulation and smaller size distinguish the novelty. Hab. Several specimens from 100 fathoms, forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. IOJ "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. DAMLIA TF.LEBATHIA, sp. nor. (Plate xviii., figs. 16, 17.) Shell ovate, acuminate, imperforate, thin and slightly nacreous. Whorls seven, the first wound horizontally, thus giving the spire a decapitated aspect. Median whorls separated by a channeled suture, flattened on the shoulder and subangled at the periphery, the last slightly descending behind the aperture. Colour : Pale buff with scattered irregular dashes of ochre alternate chocolate dots on the outer lip. Sculpture : The last whorl carries eleven widely-spaced fine spiral cords, the peripheral strongest. Of these six appear on the penultimate and fade gradually away on the upper whorls. Both cords and interspaces are crossed by delicate oblique lamella? which rise into scales upon the cords. They are crowded on the last whorl, do not cross the suture from whorl to whorl, and become fewer and fainter ascending the spire. The initial whorl is smooth. Aperture very oblique, subcircular. Outer lip effuse, fimbriated by the termination of the spiral sculpture, inner lip projecting over the umbilical region, thence spread from the axis to the right insertion as a solid sheet. Columella spirally ascending within, terminat- ing below in a downwardly directed tubercle, succeeded by a deep notch and an answering ridge. Thence along the edge of the gullet underneath the external varix are about a score of callus rays, alternately long and short, leading to the throat. Behind the aperture, about a millemetre from the free edge, is a sharp, narrow varix rising gradually at the base and ending abruptly at the suture. Length 10, breadth 8 mm. judging from literature, our shell is more elevated and finely sculptured than D. tinei, Calcara. This genus has not before been reported from the Southern Hemisphere. As in the Mediterranean and off the Azores, it appears to be confined to deep water. While on the subject of deep-sea Trochoids, I take this opportunity of pointing out that Trochus (Gibbula) glyptus, Watson, 1 from 410 fathoms off Sydney, should be transferred to Turcicula. Hab. Several specimens from 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape \Viles, South Australia. LEPTOTHYRA FUGITIVA, sf>. nov. (Plate xviii., figs. 18, 19, 20.) Shell small, solid, depressed-turbinate, narrowly perforate. Colour white. Whorls three and a half, rapidly increasing, last rounded, descending at the aperture. Spire slightly 1 Watson Chall. Rep.. Zool., xv., 1886. p. 75, pi. vi., fig. 6. MOLLUSCA.- MEDLEY. IO > gradate. Sculpture : On the base and spire are faint traces of radial sculpture. Along the suture runs a c""ep groove followed by a corresponding ridge. The remainder of the last whorl is surrounded by a succession of numerous fine spiral threads parted by equal grooves. Aperture subcircular, above with the vestige of a varix, below a fold running from the anterior edge of the mouth to the margin of the umbilicus, edge of lip simple bevelled within, columella excavate. Base rather flat. Umbilicus narrow but deep, a sixth of the shell's diameter. Major diameter i '85, minor diameter t'55, height i '2 mm. This is smaller, flatter and more finely grooved than other Australian species. Hab. Numerous specimens were dredged in 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. RlSSOA HTLI.IAXA, Tate, YAK. EUCRASPEDX, 1'lir. nOV. (Plate xviii., fig. 21.) This deep-sea variety differs from the typical shore form by being pure white, slightly larger and comparatively broader, and by having fewer and more prominent radials. Thus it acquires a lip broader and more scalloped, approaching a varix. Hab. Several specimens in 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. RlSSOA LOCKYERI, Sp. nov. (Plate xviii., fig. 22.) Shell small, rather thin, ovate-conical, imperforate. Colour white. Whorls four, of which the two first are sharply marked off as the protoconch. Sculpture : On the shoulder is a smooth, unbroken slope, succeeded by elevated, widely- spaced spiral keels, of which the last whorl bears eight and the penultimate three. On the earlier whorls are numerous fine spiral stria?. The interstices of the keels are engraved with close radial scratches. Aperture subcircular, lip slightly expanded. Behind the columella is a narrow axial crevice. Length _>, breadth 1*3 mm. The species is named in honour of Mr. N. Lockyer, Comp- troller of Customs, under whose auspices these collections were made. It is related to R. imbrex, 1 than which it is smaller, broader in proportion, and possesses more spirals. Hab. Numerous specimens were taken in 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape \Viles, South Australia. 1 lledley Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxxiii.. 1908, p. 469, pi. x.. f. 33. 104 "ENDEAVOUE" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. RlSSOA VERCOMAXA, Sp. HOT'. (Plate xix., fig. 23.) Shell small, ovate, thin, translucent. Colour white. Whorls four, rounded and parted by deep sutures. Sculpture : First whorl and a half smooth, next with about twenty-five sharp though delicate radial ribs, these increase till on the last whorl they amount to about forty, below the periphery they fade gradually. Different individuals vary in the development and number of these radials. On the last whorl eight or ten spirals equal in grade to the radials override them, thus enclosing rectangular meshes. On the upper whorls the spirals grad- ually vanish, so that on the base are spirals alone and on the upper whorls radials alone. A secondary microscopic sculp- ture of close spiral scratches is most conspicuous in the meshes of the body whorl. Aperture subcircular, angled above. Outer lip fortified by a slight external varix, columella margin expanded and reflected over a small umbilical furrow. Length 2, breadth 1*25 mm. This species is closely related to R. filosa, Hedley and Petterd, 1 from the east coast, but that is larger, has an extra whorl and is more coarsely sculptured. That the difference is not due to growth is shown by the contrast between the upper whorls of the two species. The novelty is dedicated to Dr. J. C. Verco, who has done such admirable work on the Marine Mollusca of South Australia. Hab. Numerous specimens from 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. AMPHITHALAMUS COSTATUS, sp. no? 1 . (Plate xix., fig. 24.) Shell small, rather solid, imperforate, narrowly oblong, glossy. Colour uniform ivory white. Whorls five, including a smooth turbinate protoconch of two whorls. Adult whorls wound obliquely, parted by a deeply channeled suture. Sculp- ture : Broad, flat radial ribs of irregular breadth, crowded on the last half whorl, their ends denticulate the summits of the whorls. So sharp and narrow are the interstices as to resemble cracks. On the last whorl the radials amount to twenty-two. Aperture trumpet-mouthed, oblique, submedian. Length 3, breadth i'3- Attempts have been made by Tryon 2 and by Tate 3 to sub- divide the Rissoa of Australia into groups. These arrange- ments, though helpful, cannot be regarded as final. If only 1 Hedley & Petterd Rec. Austr. Mus., vi., 1906, p. 217. pi. xxxvii., f. 2. 2 Tryon Man. Conch., ix., 1887, pp. 314-69. 3 Tate Trans. Roy. Soc, S. Austr.. xxiii.. 1899. pp. 232-7. MOLLUSCA.-HEDLEY. IO - J as a convenience it would be desirable to break up a genus so unwieldy as Rissoa is according to Tryon's presentation. Bearing in mind that the type of Rissoa, Freminville, 1814, is 'I 'nrbo citnex., Linn., 1 it is clear that many of the Australian shells usually so called are not entitled to the name. In studying the Rissoidae taken by the "Thetis" Expedition, 2 I noted that, though Watson's subgenus Scrubs had been reduced by Tryon to a synonym of the earlier .1 mphithalamus, Carpenter, yet Carpenter's type was rejected by Tryon as insufficiently known. Under these circumstances it seemed unsafe to use Aniphilhalatnus. By the kindness of Mrs. B. Williamson, of Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, I have received a specimen of the type species of the genus .4. inclnsus, Carp., collected by Mr. Henry Hemphill. No illustration of the species seems to have yet appeared, so I figure (PI. xx., fig, 34) the gift of Mrs. Williamson, which had been identified as .4. inclusus, Carp., 3 by Dr. W. H. Dall. On this foundation I can now accept and use Tryon's interpretation of the synonomy. A paper on the West Ameri- can members of Anipliithalamus, which Dr. P. Bartsch has published this year, has not yet reached me. The American shell at once recalls .4. jacksoni, Brazier, to a less extent .4. petterdi, Brazier, and .4. scrobiculator, W'atson. Besides these three small species with detached aperture there are others tightly coiled which vary from broad and short to tall and slender. As uncoiling is considered a degenerate feature, the larger, longer, more tightly wound, many whorled, elongate, fusiform shell is probably nearer to the ancestral form of the genus. Hab. Numerous specimens from 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. It has frequently happened that the Australian species of this group have been described under one name in one serial and figured under another name in another publication. Under these circumstances it seems useful to indicate what species might be referred to Amphithalamus. I would suggest the following : A. APPROXIMUS, Petterd. Rissoa approxima, Petterd, Journ. of Conch., iv., 1884, p. 138; id., Tate and May, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxvi., 1901, pi. xxvi., 1. 69. 1 Herrmannsen Ind. Gen. Malacol., ii., 1849, p. 400. 2 Hedley Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1903, p. 353. 3 Carpenter Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., xv., 1865, p. 181. I0 5 ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. A. BICOLOR, Petterd. Rissoa hicolor, Petterd, Journ. of Conch, iv., 1884, p. 137; it!., Tate and May, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxvi., igoi , pi. xxvi., f. 63. This seems synonymous with R. annnlata, Hutton (N.Z. Journ. Sci., ii., July, 1884, p. 173; Proc. Malacol. Soc., Hi., 1898, p. 3), from New Zealand, over which it has priority. A. CAPRICORXEUS, Hedley. A. capricornens, Hedley, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxxii., 1907, p. 495, pi. xvii., f. 22. A. COLUMNAR ILIS, Hedley & May. Rissoa columnaria, Hedley and May, Rec. Austr. Mus., vii., 1908, p. 117, pi. xxii., f. 9. A. COSTATUS, Hedley, as above. A. DUBITABII.IS, Tate. Rissoa dubitabilis, Tate, Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Austr., xxiii., 1899, p. 232; id., Tate and May, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. W 7 ales, xxvi., 1901, pi. xxvi., f. 71 [nom. mitt, for R. dnhius, Petterd (not Defrance), Journ. of Conch., iv., 1884, p. 137]. A. FLAMMEUS, Frauenfeld. Sabauica llammea, Frauenfeld, Reise der Novara, Zool., ii., 3, 1867, p. 12, pi. ii., f. 18. R. flamia, Beddome, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1882, p. 169. R. sophia, Brazier, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, ix., 1895, p. 697. R. beddomei, Tate, 1899 [num. unit, not R. flammea, Pease, Am. Journ. Conch., in., 1867, p. 297, pi. xxiv., f. 33]. A. FLIXDERSII, Ten. Woods. Rissoimi tUndersii, Ten. W T oods, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1876, p. 154; id., May, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1902 (1903), p. in, f. 8. A. FRAUEXFELDI, Frauenfeld. Rissoa frauenfeldi, Frauenfeld, Reise der Novara, Zool., it., 3, 1867, p. 10, pi. ii., f. 13- A. FRENCHIEXSIS, Gatliff <5~ Gabriel. Rissoa jrenchiensis, Gatliff and Gabriel, Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., xxi., 1908, p. 379 [nom. miit. for Rissoa cyclo- stoma, Ten. Woods, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1877, p. 153 ; id., Tryon, Man. Conch., ix., 1887, p. 344, pl-y 1 - f - 8 - (Not R. cyclostoma, Recluz., 1843.)] MOLLUSCA.-HEDLEY. IO - A. IXCIDATL'S, incidaia, Frauenfeld, Reise der Novara, Zool., ii., 3, 1867, p. 12, pi. ii., f. 19. A. JACKSOM, Brazier. Rissoa jacksoni, Brazier, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, ix., I ^95. p- 695 [HOW. ntnt. for R. (Scrobs) badia, Watson, Chall. Rep., Zool., xv., 1886, p. 612, pi. xlvi., f. 3. (Not 7^. badia, Petterd, 1884.)] A. KERSHAWI, Ten. ]l'oods. Risoina kersiiawi, Ten. Woods, Trans. Roy. Soc. Viet., xiv., 1878, p. 57. R. tuniida (Ten. W 7 oods), Tate and May, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxvi., 1901, pi. xxvi., f. 67. A. OLiYACEL'S, Frauenfeld. Alvania oliracea, Frauenfeld, Reise der Novara, Zool., ii., 3, p. n, pi. ii., f. 14. As synonyms of this Brazier (Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales [2], ix., 1895, p. 696) has reduced Diala tumida (Ten. \Voods, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1875, P- H) an d Rissoa diemenensis (Petterd, Journ. of Conch., iv., 1884, p. 138.) A. PELLUCIDUS, Tate -' May. Rissoa (Nodulus) pellucida, Tate and May, Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Austr., xxi^. , 1900, p. 100; id., Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxvi., 1901, pi. xxiii., t. 8. A. PETTERDI, Brazier. Rissoa petlerdi, Brazier, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, ix. r 1895, P- ^97' id-i Tate and May, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxvi., 1901, pi. xxvi., f. 73 \noin. unit, for R. pulchella (Petterd, Journ. of Conch., iv., 1884, p. 138)]. A. PULYILLUS, Hedley. Rissoa puh'illus, Hedley, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxx., 1906, p. 526, pi. xxxii., f. 25. A. PYRAMIDATUS, Hedley. Scrobs pyramidatus , Hedley, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1903. P- 354- I"- 77- A. RUBiciA'Di's, Tate & May. Rissoa (Cingula) ntbicnnda, Tate and May, Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Austr., xxiv., 1900, p. 100; id.. May, Trans. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1902 (1903), p. 114, f. 13. 10S "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. A. SALEBROSUS, Frauerifeld. Alvania salebrosa, Frauenfeld, Reise der Novara, Zool., ii., 3, 1867, p. u, pi. ii., f. 15. A. SCROBICULATOR, Watson. Rissoa (Scrobs) scrobicuhitor, Watson, Chall. Rep., Zoo!., xv., 1886, p. 6n, pi. xlvi., f. 4. A. SUBFUSCUS, Hutton. Barleeia subfusca, Hutton, Cat. N.Z. Moll., 1873, P- 2 ^- Rissoa purpurea (Hutton), Tryon, Man. Conch., ix., 1887, p. 344, pi. Ixxi., f. 89. Recorded as Victorian by Gatliff and Gabriel (Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., xxiii., 1910, p. 94). A. TASMAN 7 icus, Ten. iroods. Eulima tasmanica, Ten. Woods, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1875 (1876), p. 29; id., May, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1902 (1903), p. no, f. 6. A. WOODSI, Pritchard &' Gatliff. Rissoa woodsi, Pritchard and Gatliff, Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., xiv. , 1902, p. 104; id., May, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1902 (1903), p. 112, f. 9 [nom. mut. for R. cyclostoma var. rosea, Ten. Woods, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1877, P- T 54]- OXOBA BASSIANA, Sp. nOV. (Plate xix., fig. 25.) Shell solid, oblong, subcylindrical, rounded at each extremity. Colour, the upper part of each whorl is dull white, the lower slate-purple, the anterior extremity is again dull white, the dark band on the median third of the last whorl fading away before reaching the aperture, apex brown. Whorls five, rapidly increasing, wound obliquely the last two- thirds of the total length. Sculpture: The earlier whorls are smooth, the later bear fine incised spiral grooves, of which the last has about thirty, the penultimate eighteen, and the ante- penultimate twelve. Occasional growth striae cross the shell obliquely. Aperture pyriform. Columella excavate, outer lip grooved within and bevelled to a sharp edge. Length 4*5, breadth 2 mm. Compared with O. glomerosa, Hedley, 1 from Masthead Island, this is far larger, more solid, comparatively broader and darker in colour. It is probably the species reported by Messrs. Gatliff and Gabriel 2 from Port Albert, Victoria. Hab. Two specimens from off Devonport, Tasmania (depth unrecorded). 1 Hedley Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxxii., 1907, p. 495, pi. xvii., f. 23. 2 Gatliff & Gabriel Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., xxi., 1908, p. 379. MOLLUSC A. HEDLEY. IO q, CAPULUS CALVPTRA, Martyn. Patella calyptra, Martyn, Universal Conchologist, 1784, pi. 18. On previous examination of this South Australian species 1 I pointed out that the Patella australis, Lamarck, was really a Capulus and had been wrongly transferred to Hipponyx by later writers. Placing reliance on Watson's observation that the apices of the two species turned in different directions, I separated C. australis from C. dunit'li, Crosse ( = C. calyptra, Martyn). Further examination indicates that the direction of the apex is not so constant a character. Weight was also attached to the discrepancy of a tropical species occurring as far south as Bass Strait. Since then I have learnt that there is a drift of warm water species from Western Australia round Cape Lewin and across the Bight. By this route it is possible to trace C. calyptra back to the tropics. As C. danieli, Prof. R. Tate recorded this from South Aus- tralia as a Tertiary fossil. 2 CERITHIOPSIS DAXNEVIGI, sp. nov. (Plate xix., figs. 26, 27.) Shell small, acicular, translucent. Colour pale buff, the gemmule rows opaque white, apex translucent. Whorls eleven, plus a four or five-whorled protoconch, separated by deep sutures. Sculpture : On the earliest adult whorl are two bead rows, subsequently another row anterior to these develops and becomes fully established about the centre of the shell, on the last whorl a fourth spiral without beads runs along the angle and, as a thread, appears along the suture of the upper whorls. The gemmules amount to about twenty- two on the last whorl, are small and about their breadth apart. Each gemmule of the median row is linked to its neighbour o o above and below by a perpendicular bar, thus enclosing a deep square pit in the interstice. Whereas the spirals are opaque, the radials are translucent. Protoconch, first whorl smooth, fourth with a median keel, remainder traversed by oblique threads. Base excavate, aperture subquadrate, canal short. Length 5' 5, breadth i mm. Named in honour of Mr. H. C. Dannevig, Director of Fisheries, under whose direction these species \vere obtained. Hab. Several specimens from 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. Also taken previously by Mr. W. L. May and self in 100 fathoms off Cape Pillar, Tasmania. 1 Hedley Proo. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxvii., 1903, p. 601. 2 Tate Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Austr., xvii., 1893, p. 334. 1|0 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. CERITHIOPSIS GENICULOSUS, sp. nov. (Plate xix., figs. 28, 29.) Shell rather large and solid, regularly tapering, much con- stricted between the whorls, glossy. Colour uniform snow white. Whorls thirteen, including the protoconch. Sculp- ture: First two whorls smooth, remainder strongly radiately ribbed. Ribs prominent medially, above diminishing towards the suture, below suddenly cut off at the basal angle, not continuous from whorl to whorl, about fourteen to a whorl. Intercostal spaces terminating squarely below, in the inter- stices a few faint spiral scratches appear. Base smooth. Aperture pyriform, outer lip simple, canal short and broad. Length 9, breadth 2 mm. Hub. A few specimens from 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. MATHILDA DECORATA, Hedley. Mathilda decorata, Hedley, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1903, P- 35 2 > f - 75- Hob. A single specimen from 100 fathoms, forty miles south of Cape Wiles, adds this species to the South Australian fauna. It was originally taken by the 'Thetis" off Port Kembla, New South Wales. EULIMA Mi'XiTA, Hedley. Enlima initnita, Hedley, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1903, p. 358, f. Si. This species has not hitherto been noted from South Aus- tralia. A specimen was found attached to an Echinoderm, (iouiocidiiris tubaria, Lamarck, trawled at some unrecorded position off the South Australian coast. NATICA ELKINGTONI, Hedley & May. Natica elkingtoni, Hedley and May, Rec. Austr. Mus., vii., 1908, p. 119, pi. xxiii., f. 18. This species was recently discovered off the Tasmanian coast, and is nexv to South Australia. It appears in the dredging of 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. MARGINELLA FULGURATA, sp. nov. (Plate xix., figs. 30, 31, 32, 33.) Shell ovate, solid, glossy, with a buried spire. Colour variable ; ordinarily on a white ground are drawn narrow, longitudinally directed, orange, zig-zag lines describing about a dozen angles in the shell's length, about ten such to a whorl. MOLLUSCA.- MEDLEY. ltl The elbows pointing to the right are filled in with three or four longitudinal strokes. Two spiral bands are indicated by the darkening of one line of markings near the shoulder and of another above the centre. Complete gradations occur between this pattern and one in which the cross strokes and dark spirals are both absent, while broader, fewer, orange lines describe fewer and larger angles. In form the shell passes through a metamorphosis. For about three whorls it is rolled in the same plane, thus exposing above the summits of previous whorls in a flat spire. Passing from a subcylin- drical to an ovate shape, the whorl commences to ascend. A callus pad proceeding from the inner lip is piled on the summit. The axis of the shell is marked by a slight depression from beside which the lip springs. A spiral crest, to which the growth stria:- are brushed backwards, runs from the vertex around the summit. The columella plaits are variable. Two prominent on;> always appear at the anterior extremity, above these and decreasing in size posteriorly there may be from one to seven, the uppermost usually too deep-seated to be visible externally. The inner margin of the lip is finely denticulated for the whole length by about twenty tubercles. In the young stage the throat is grooved to correspond. Length 8*5, breadth 5 mm. This species ranges west to Cape Lewin and north along the West Australian coast to the tropics. It is well known from the beaches of the latter region. Australian collectors have commonly received it through Tryon and Brazier's identi- fication as M. sagittata, Hinds. But that is a native of the tropical West Atlantic, 1 and in colour pattern does not correspond. The record of M. sagittata, from Hao in the Paumotus, by Couturier, 2 appears to me to need confirmation. M. pnlchella, Kiener, from Norfolk Island, 3 is near this, but is narrower above and appears to have a regular involute growth. In many respects the description of Marginella liturata, Menke, 4 agrees, but that unrecognised West Aus- tralian shell is excluded by "spira breve conica." CONUS SUPEKSTES, Sp. )WV. (Plate xx., figs. 35, 36.) Shell small, solid, regularly conical, angled at the shoulder. Apex mamillate smooth, two whorled, slightly oblique. Sculpture : The whole shell is decorated with flat spiral cords 1 Smith Journ. Linn. Soc.. xx.. 1890, p. 489. 2 Couturier Journ. de Conch.. lv., 1907, p. 132. 3 Brazier Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales (2), ii.. 1888. p. 997. 4 Menke Moll. Nov. Holl.. 1843. p. 28. 1 i j "ENDEAVOUE" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. defined by narrow, shallow grooves. On the last whorl there are three sulci above and twenty-five below the shoulder, anteriorly these become more crowded and oblique. The whole shell is traversed by delicate growth-striae. Colour white, in a few examples faint brown dashes appear on the shoulder. Aperture linear. Whorls six, including the proto- conch. Length 8*5, breadth 4 mm. Probably the species attains a larger size, but, as the apex is the chief distinction, larger examples would be recognisable from the present information. Apparently its nearest relation is C. convexus, Harris, 1 from the Victorian Eocene, of which I have not seen specimens. Compared with C. anemone, Lamarck, the apex of C. superstes is more mamillate, and the spiral grooves are stronger ; the shoulder of the spire whorls are not tuberculate in superstes, as they are in anemone. Hub. Several specimens, mostly young, from 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. MlTRA STADIALIS, Sp. )1OV. (Plate xx., fig. 37.) Shell small, thin, fusiform. Colour white, opaque and glossy above the horizon of the lip insertion, below that level dull and subtranslucent, a spiral pair of orange threads run along the centre of each whorl. Whorls seven, of which two form a small and glossy protoconch. Sculpture : Low, rounded radial ribs, about eighteen to a whorl, their breadth apart, traverse the upper whorls and cease at the subtrans- lucent zone. On the upper part of the whorl are a few lightly engraved spirals, the most conspicuous following the pair of colour lines. Six slight and crowded spirals run along the tip of the snout. Aperture narrow, canal short, bent, outer lip lirate within, inner lip a thin callus. Plaits four, deep- seated, upper nearly horizontal, lower oblique. Length 8*5, breadth 3 mm. This species is allied to M. tasmanicu. Ten. Woods, but is narrower, with slighter sculpture. Hab. Several specimens from 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. RlNGICULA MERIDIONALIS, Sp. (Plate xx., fig. 38.) Shell ovate, thin, glossy, the more solid parts opaque white, the less solid translucent pearl grey. Whorls five. Sculp- ture : The whole shell is girt with flat-topped spiral ribs parted 1 Harris Brit. Mus. Cat, Tert. Moll. Austr., i., 1897, p. 31, pi. ii., f. 5. MOLLUSOA. HEDLEY. n-j by sharp but shallow spiral grooves, these are evenly dis- tributed, they amount to sixteen on the last whorl and to six on the penultimate and antepenultimate in the example drawn. In other instances the ribbing is closer. Aperture: The outer lip is thickened to form a slight external varix but is not dentate within. Columella with two strong plications, above which a callus thick-spread on the body whorl projects a broad, blunt tubercle into the aperture. Length 2*5, breadth 1*65 mm. R. australis, Hinds, also from South Australia, is larger but proportionately narrower. R. delecta, Murdoch and Suter, from New Zealand, is larger, proportionately broader and more densely striated. Hab.- Numerous specimens were dredged in 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles. RlNGICULA SEMISCULPTA, Sp. HOV. (Plate xx., figs. 39, 40.) Shell rather large and thin for the genus, ovate-globose, gloss}-, subtranslucent. Whorls rounded, five, including a tilted subimmersed apex. Suture impressed, bordered by an opaque line. Sculpture : Everywhere are fine microscopic growth lines, and on the shoulder a few microscopic revolving scratches, on the base half a dozen widely-spaced spiral grooves. Outer lip thickened in a low varix, not dentate, sinuate posteriorly, insertion rising a little above the line of the suture. Inner lip spread on the body whorl in a thick callus, but without any tubercle. Columella with two pro- minent, deeply-entering folds, the anterior larger and pro- jecting beyond the canal. Length 5, breadth 3*5 mm. Judging from literature, it is related to R. nitida, Verrill, from which the spiral sculpture would distinguish it. Hub. A few specimens from 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. I have also taken it in 80 fathoms off Narrabeen, New South Wales, and in 300 fathoms off Sydney. C. SCAPHOPODA. DENTALIUM THETIDIS, Hedley. D&ntalium thetidis, Hedley, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1903, p. 327, f. 61. This species is new to the province, not having yet been recorded beyond the original habitat of New South Wales. A few specimens occurred in 100 fathoms forty miles south of Cape Wiles, South Australia. Whereas the type has but EXPLANATION OF PLATE I. Fig. i. Heptranchias perlo, Bonnaterre. Two-sevenths natural size. ,, 2. Pristiophorus nudipinnis, Giinther. About two- thirds natural size. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR." PLATE 1. A. K. MCCULLOCH and D. B. FRY, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE II. Fig. i. Parascyllium variolatum, Dumeril. About two- sevenths natural size. ,, 2. Parascyllium ferruguineum, sp. nov. About two- sevenths natural size. ,, 3. Scvliorhinus viucenti, Zietz. Nearly one-half natural size. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR. PLATE II. A. R. MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE III. Raja ivaitii, sp. nov. About two-fifths natural size. ZOOL. KKsn/rs "ENDEAVOUR." PLATE III. r - A. K. MCCULLOCH, del. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDKAYOUR." PLATE IV. A. R. MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE V. Centriscops humerosus, Richardson. Three-fourths natural size. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR." PI.ATK V K. MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE VI. Fig. i. Hippocampus abdomhuilis, Lesson. Natural size. ,, 2. ,, graciliformis , sp. nov. Twice natural size. ZOOL. RESULTS ^'ENDEAVOUR.' Pi ATE VJ A. R. MCCTJLLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE VII. Fig. i. Pempheris affinis, sp. nov. Slightly reduced. ,, 2. Cyttus novce-zelandice, Clarke. Slightly reduced. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR." PLATE VII. HA.. R. McCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE VIII. Austroberyx gerrardii, Giinther. Natural size. ZOOL. RKSULTS "ENDKAVOUR.' PLATE VIII A. R. MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE IX. Fig. i. Seriolella bra-ma, Giinther. Almost three-fourths natural size. ,, 2. Solegnailius robustus, sp. nov. Almost three- fourths natural size. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR." PLATF. IX. am v- V V - - '*-.<< - A. l{. McCULr.OC'H, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE X. Fig. i. Seriolella punctata, Forster. Almost three-fourths natural size. 2. Tceniornembras microstoma, Giinther. Twice and one-fourth natural size. ZOOL. RKSULTS "ENDEAVOUR/ I'l \TE X. A. R. MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XI. Goniistius vizonarius, Kent. About one-half natural size. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDKAVOUR. 1 ' PLATE XL A. E. McCr&LOCH, del EXPLANATION OF PLATE XII. Dactylosparus macroptenis, Forster. Slightly reduced. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR." PLATE XII A R MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIII. Pseudolabrus cyanogenys, Ramsay and Ogilby. One-half natural size. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR." PLATE XIII A. R. MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIV. Chromis hypsilepsis, Giinther. Natural size. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR. '' PLATE XIV A. R. MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XV. Schuettea scalaripinnis, Steindachner. Slightly reduced. ZOOL. RKSULTS "ENDEAVOUR.' Pi. A IK XV. A. R. MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XV! ig. i. Zenopsis nebulosus, Schlegel. Three-fifths natural size. ,, 2. Atherina dannevigi, sp. nov. Once and one-fifth natural size. 3. Priopis ramsayi, Macleay. Once and one-fifth natural size. ZOOL. KKSL'LTS "EXDEAX < )l k. ' PLATE XVI. ~ A. K. MCCULLOCH, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XVII. Figs, i, 2, 3. I'erticonlia ericia, Hedley. Exterior, hinge and magnified sculpture. Fig. 4. V enericardia rosulenta, Tate. Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8. Myrtceu bractea, Hedley. Lateral and superior aspects and hinges. 9, 10, n, 12. Corbis percostata, Hedley. Exterior and interior aspects and hinges. 7.0OL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR.." PI.ATK XVII. PHYLLIS CLARKE, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XVIII. Figs. 13, 14. Pinicturella jumarinm, Hedley. Lateral and superior aspects. Fig. 15. Gibbuhi ocellina, Hedley. Figs. 16, 17. Daniliu telebathia, Hedley. Shell and varix. ,, iS, 19, 20. Leptothyra fugitiva, Hedley. Lateral, superior and inferior aspects. Fig. 21. Rissou hulliana, Tate, var. cucraspeda, Hedley^ 22. ,, lockyeri, Hedley. ZOOL RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR." PLATE XVIII. 15 rffl ' ' ' |W mnuWJW 21 13 vf, - ,!;. fV *V "-M t r V V W-ri PHYLLIS CLARKE, del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIX. Fig. 23. Rissoa verconiana, Hedley. ,, 24. Amphithalamus costatus, Hedley. ,, 25. Onoba bassiana, Hedley. Figs. 2t>, 27. Cerithiopsis dannevigi, Hedley. Shell and enlarged apex. ,, 28,29. Cerithiopsis geniculosus, Hedley. Shell and enlarged apex. i 3< 3 J < 3 2 ' 33- Marginella fulgurata, Hedley. Colour variety and typical form, immature shell in which the spire whorls appear through a film of callus, and senile stage in which the spire is buried under a pile of callus. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR." PLATE XIX. '_ -v* f *' - , : >* > 26 27 32 PHYLLIS CLARKE, del. v 33 EXPLANATION OF PLATE XX. Fig. 34. Amphithalamus inchisus, Carpenter. Figs. 35, 36. Conns superstes, Hedley, and separate proto- conch. Fig- 37- Mitra stad'uilis, Hedley. ,, 38. Ringicnlu meridionalis , Hedley. Figs. 39, 40. Ringicula semisculpta, Hedley. Lateral and frontal aspects. 41,42. Campages jaffcensis, Blochmann. Different aspects of the brachial apparatus. ZOOL. RESULTS "ENDEAVOUR. PLATE XX 36 42 i 35 40 PHYLLIS CLARKE, del. III. Report on the Sponges obtained by the F.I.S. "Endeavour" on the Coasts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tas- mania. PART I. E. F. HALLMANN. B.Sc., ZOOLOGIST Australian Museum, Sydney. Plates xxi. -xxxvi. : Text figs. 21-69. SPONGES.-HALLMANN. ir III. REPORT ON THE SPONGES. PART I. I. INTRODUCTION. The Sponges which have so far been obtained by the "Endeavour" consist almost exclusively of Monaxonellida and Keratosa in approximately equal numbers. In this Report I propose to deal only with the former of these ; the latter will scarcely prove suitable for purposes of investigation unless taken in conjunction with additional material, since in the main they are preserved in a dry condition, and there are among them altogether too lew specimens of any one species. Inasmuch as an extensive collection of well-preserved Keratose sponges, particularly from the Australian area, would un- questionably be of extreme scientific value, it is greatly to be hoped that the fullest advantage will be taken of the unique opportunities provided by the trawling operations of the "Endeavour" to bring together as large a number as possible of these forms. In order to deal effectively with the material placed at my disposal, it was found necessary, as a preliminary task, to undertake the re-investigation of certain previously described species, including more particularly a number of those which were first described by Dr. R. von Lendenfeld in his "Descrip- tive Catalogue of Sponges in the Australian Museum," 1 and afterwards by Mr. T. Whitelegge in his "Report on Sponges from the Coastal Beaches of New South Wales." As a result I find that, whereas the latter author is correct in pronouncing the original descriptions of these species to be in man\ instances inaccurate, yet he himself has committed a number of serious errors, owing to a too hasty conclusion that the specimens investigated were the actual types. This explains the anomalous circumstance that the descriptions which the two authors have given of certain species are devoid of agreement in any essential particular. Unfortun- ately, however, not all the discrepancies can be thus explained, and considerable caution will be necessary in deciding par- ticular cases. Mr. Whitelegge evidently proceeded on the assumption that the specimen carrying the author's label must be accepted unquestioning!}', in preference to the description, as the ultimate criterion of the species ; but, although such a 1 8vo, Sydney, 1888. 2 Whitelegge Rec. Austr. Mus., iv., 2, 1901, p. h5, pis. x.-xv IlS "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. course may be perfectly reasonable and right so long as the authenticity of the specimen remains undoubted, it surely can no longer be pursued when sufficient evidence exists to prove the contrary. It was not my intention, at the outset, to include in this Report any details of the results of this subsidiary investiga- tion (except in so far as they bore directly upon the species of the "Endeavour" collection), but to reserve them as the subject of an independent paper. Owing, however, to the very unsatisfactory state of the descriptions of many of the species examined, and in view of the possibility that a con- siderable time may elapse before a complete account of them can be furnished, I came to the conclusion that it would be wrong to allow this opportunity to pass without at any rate making such corrections as might render possible their identi- fication. Accordingly I have added to the Report, often in the form merely of foot-notes, a series of observations which practically amount to a brief revision of the Ectyoninai originally described in various publications of the Aus- tralian Museum. As the work of preparation was con- ducted in the Australian Museum itself, I have had the advan- tage of having before me in most cases the actual specimens, and in many cases the actual slides upon which the original descriptions were based. In addition, very material assist- ance was afforded me in the identification of species by a valuable series of mounted sections of Port Phillip sponges and a large number of fragments of Australian sponges pre- served in the British Museum, which Prof. A. Dendy some years ago generously placed at the disposal of this Museum. In regard to certain Ectyonine species I have expressed the opinion that new genera should be established for them, but I have purposely refrained from introducing such new genera because I recognise that, in order to do this in a thoroughly satisfactory manner, it would be necessary to undertake a much wider comparative study of the species of this group than owing to lack of literature, if for no other reason I have found to be possible. After the manuscript of the Report had been completed and at too late a date to admit of any alterations in the text, I received a copy of the second part of Dr. Hentschel's paper on the sponges of South-west Australia; consequently any de- ductions which it has enabled me to make are necessarily relegated to the footnotes, or to concluding paragraphs. SPONGES. -HALLMANN. j ,,j II. -DESCRIPTION OF THE GENERA AND SPECIES. FAMILY SPIRASTRELLIMi. GENUS SPIRASTRELLA, Schmidt. SPIRASTRELLA MOXTIFORMIS, sp. nov. (Plate xxi., fig. 3, and fig. 21.) Sponge mound-shaped, rising to a central peak, on the summit of which one or several oscula are situated; upper aspect of sponge with short digitiform or ridge- like processes on which apical oscula are rarely to be found. A o rind. Spicules not aggregated into definite fibres. Megascleres: Tylostyli (sometimes reduced to styli), oj varying length and stoutness, reaching a maxi- mum size of 710 x 12 u. Microscleres: Spirasters of two kinds, viz., shorter tuberculated forms principally confined to llie superficial layer, 25 ft long; and slender zigzag sharp-spined forms chiefly to be found in the canal walls of the interior and reaching to So \i or mure in length. This species is represented in the collection by eight speci- mens, all of which are preserved in the dry state. Although showing a moderate amount of variability in external form, they may be satisfactorily described in general terms as mas- sive, sessile, somewhat mound-shaped sponges, roughly circular in horizontal section, and usually prolonged upwards into a more or less well-defined pinnacle. They are attached by a broad base of only slightly lesser extent than the maxi- mum transversal of the sponge, which is a.lained some short distance above it. The fact that the maximum girth does not coincide with the actual base, renders the term "mound- shaped" not perfectly applicable, and admits of a distinction into an extensive upper surface, and a restricted low y er one. From the former there arise few or many elevations in the form either of short digitiform processes, or of compressed ridges. The interior of the sponge, to within a few milli- metres of the surface, is traversed by numerous rather wide canals, some of which attain a diameter of 10 mm. ; they are lined by a distinct aspiculous membrane, which also forms dissepiments across their lumina. The central peak is pene- trated to its apex by one or several of these canals, which terminate in a corresponding number of oscula. Occasionally a few of the secondary elevations are similarly provided, but usually they contain only minor branches of the canal system. I2O "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. In the present condition of the sponges, the oscula are closed, and not readily perceived ; but their presence is, in every case, indicated by longitudinal furrows and puckers of the extremity of the processes bearing them, and is, of course, readily demonstrated by sectioning. Of the specimens of the present series, the largest and the smallest are those which depart most from the mean form. The former is sub-elliptical in horizontal outline, and in 120 mm. in height ; the principal diameters of its base are 140 mm. and go mm. respectively, whilst the cor- responding measurements of its greatest transverse section are 200 mm. and 120 mm. It is fur- nished with more than 100 pro- cesses, the greater number of which are ridge-shaped. The smallest specimen is subfusitorm in shape, and is provided with only four digitiform processes. The consistency in the dry state is, one might say, intermediate between that of cork and pith ; the superficial layer is slightly harder and more friable, but there is no indication of a rind. The colour is pale grey within, and yellowish- grey on the surface. The skeleton is diffuse, without any indication of definite fibres, and consists of a fairly dense and irregular aggre- gation of straight spicules show- ing all gradations between styli and tylostyli. Even in proximity to the surface there is no well- defined arrangement of the mega- scleres, although a considerable proportion o! them stand more or less perpendicularly, with their points (or not infrequently, in the case of the larger spicules, with their basal extremities) impinging on, or barely projecting beyond, the surface. The spirasters are comparatively few in number and are confined almost exclusively to the external surface and to the walls of the canals immediately beneath their lining membrane. Fig. 2iS.montifonnis. a Larger tylostyli (basal ex- tremity), b Slender tylo- styli (ditto), c Spined spi- rasters. d Tuberculated spiraster. SPONGES.-HALLMANN. 121 Megascleres. It is difficult to say whether these belong to one, two, or three categories. At first sight it might appear that two kinds are to be distinguished, viz., (i.) stouter tylo- styli, with a tylosis of only moderate size, which is perhaps most frequently subterminal in position and more or less re- duced (or sometimes absent) and which has a quite smooth surface and not very variable contour; and (ii.) very slender tylostyli (of scarcely lesser length), in which the frequently relatively large tylosis is extremely variable in shape and size, often exhibits tubercular irregularities of the surface, and is occasionally several times repeated. The former spicules vary in length from less than 200 ;< to slightly more than 700 /;, and in diameter up to 12 /< ; it is seldom, however, that their length exceeds 650 // or their diameter 10 ;< ; usually they taper to a quite sharp point, but more or less strongylote terminations occur. The latter or slender tylostyli appear to be rarely more than 3 )i in diameter and may attain a length of at least 640 }i. A more thorough scrutiny of the spicules shows, however, that forms intermediate between these kinds occur, though they are comparatively few in number ; and, taking all the facts into consideration, it is not possible to decide with certainty whether the two degrees of stoutness are merely the expression of different developmental stages, or whether they have a more important significance and indicate either that the spicules have undergone a partial differentia- tion into two groups or actually represent two distinct orders. Again, it is to be observed that the stouter spicules vary con- siderably in length ; and on analysis it appears not improbable that in another respect also a certain amount of differentiation into two groups has been affected since a relatively large pro- portion of the spicules below a length of 300 ;< or thereabouts (the diameter of which is 6 to 8 ji) are simply stylote, and are subfusiform in shape. But these peculiarities are not confined to the shorter spicules, and are not, indeed, strikingly charac- teristic of them. These shorter spicules appear to greatly predominate amongst those which stand perpendicularly at the surface of the sponge. Microscleres. Spirasters of two kinds occur: (i.) Small tuberculated forms, extremely variable in shape, often with the tubercules chiefly confined to one side, 12 to 32 }i in length, and up to 4 \i in breadth exclu- sive of the tubercules. These, together with an inconsiderable admixture of those of the second kind, form an exceedingly thin but apparently not continu- ous superficial layer, and also occur in limited numbers in the canal walls. I2 2 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. (ii.) Elongated spined forms, occunmg for the most part only in the immediate circumference of the canals, in the walls of which they lie tangentially, loosely scattered in a single layer. It frequently happens that several together are apposed so closely, and in such a way, that they cannot by any means be distinguished from a single large branched spicule. Speaking generally, they are characterised by their slender zig- zag form, and the very evident spiral arrangement of their spines. Their length, which is rather variable, sometimes reaches above 80 \i ; their diameter rarely exceeds 3 ji. Loc. East coast of Queensland, seven miles east of Double Island Point, 33 fms. ("Endeavour"). S. montiformis is probably most nearly related to 5. vaga- bunda, Ridley, and 5. tentorioides, Dendy. The striking resemblance which its elongated zigzag spirasters bear to those of Clionopsis platei, Thiele, and to certain species of Cliona, not only supports the opinion that Spirastrella, Cliona and Clionopsis are allied genera, but seems also to show that such spirasters are of primitive form. SPIRASTRELLA POCUI.OIDES, sp. nov. (Plate xxi., fig. i, and fig. 22.) Sponge sessile, massively cup-shaped. Surface smooth ; even, or provided ivith a few low dome-shaped eleva- tions. The oscula (?) are microscopic circular openings on an average '25 mm. apart. Skeleton semi-diffuse, non- fibrous; spirasters scattered in moderate abundance throughout all parts and forming a cortical layer. Megas- cleres : Tylostyli of a single kind measuring 560 x 13 ]i. Microscleres : Spirasters of a single kind, 50 x 10 \i. The following description is based on a single specimen. The sponge is a stout-walled and exceeding thick-bottomed, compressed, sessile cup. Its shape may be conceived as hav- ing been attained by the upgrowth of a broad pillar, in which growth has proceeded most rapidly at the periphery. The surface is very smooth, and generally even ; the only inequali- ties are in the form of a few broad, rounded protuberances. The interior of the sponge is free from noticeable cavities, and of very uniform structure throughout. The texture of its internal substance, when dry, is such as might result from the close compression of some finely divided fibrous material ; there is no appearance macroscopically of extended fibres. Owing to the firmness and density of the superficial layer and the SPONGES. -HALLMANN. compactness of the skeleton generally, the sponge is (in the dry state) fairly hard and incompressible. The dimensions of the specimen are as follows: Height, 100 mm. ; depth of cup, 40 mm. ; average thickness of cup-wall, 15 mm.; principal internal diameter* of cup, 120 mm. and 30 mm. No oscula are visible to the naked eye. The surface, however, is pierced by minute circular openings 40 to 50 ft in diameter and, on an average, about 250 ft apart. In a thick vertical section, cut trans- versely through the cup-wall, two regions are roughly distinguishable : n n o n o (i.) A superficial layer varying from i mm. to 4 mm. wide, in which the spicules are not at all collected into strands, but are closely crowded without recognis- able order except in some parts of its outer limits, where the majority of the spicules may stand more or less perpendicularly to the surface. The spirasters, which are plentifully scat- tered throughout the whole sponge, become more and more closely aggregated as the surface is approached, and ultimately produce, by their close crowding, a dense and compact thin external crust. (ii.) An extensive central region traversed by irregularly sinuous, ascending "fibres" pi g . 22 S. poculoides or "columns" composed of a Tylostyle. a Ditto loosely associated spicules. basalextfemity). b Spi- I n the section the rasters, "columns" appear to be discontinuous, owing pro- bably to their passing out of the plane of section. They sometimes broaden out into diffuse bands, sometimes contract into more compact strands. The "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. spaces between the "columns" are occupied by a pro- fusion of single spicules, spicule bundles, short spicule strands and sheet-like patches, as well as by scattered spirasters : all of which together constitute no inconsiderable proportion of the entire skeleton, and in macroscopic examination mask from view the more definitely fibrous aggregations of the spicules. Spicules. (i.) The megascleres are tylostyli which, as a rule, are straight ; they are of uniform diameter throughout the greater part of their length and gradually taper thence to a sharp point; greatest size 560 x 13 n. (ii.) The spirasters are of a single kind and reach a length of 50 /.( (though usually much shorter) and a dia- meter, exclusive of spines, of 5 to TO ft. The spines are large, approximating in length to the diameter of the spicule-shaft, and in the case of the larger spic- ules are about twenty in number. Loc. North coast of New South Wales, eight miles east of Sandon Bluffs, 35-40 fms. ("Endeavour"). SPIRASTRELLA ALCYONIOIDES, sp. nov. (Plate xxi., fig. 2, and fig. 23.) Sponge an erect, compact, sessile cluster of frondiform or of angular or only slightly compressed digitiform up- growths, of which some proceed from the very base of the sponge, whilst some arise as outgrowths or lobes from others. Oscula situated a pic ally on the digitiform ter- minals. Surface smooth, with slight longitudinal in- equalities and a few small ascendant papilliform projec- tions. Sponge in the dry state very hard. Skeleton semi-diffuse; without fibres, but with occasional very broad columns of par allely -arranged spicules. The sub- stance of .the sponge is abundantly traversed by brownish spongin-like streaks wliich, however, show no particular relation to the spicule arrangement. Spirasters of a single kind are plentifully scattered through all parts and form a Compact superficial layer. Spicules : Tylostyli of one kind, with blunt rounded distal extremity, measuring 440 x 8 }i ; and large-spined stout spirasters, 40 .v 7 u. Two specimens of this species were obtained, both of which are preserved in a dry state. The characteristic form of the sponge appears to result from the upgrowth, in the first place, of a few processes from a basal disk of limited extent, which processes, as they grow, either remain simply digitiform, SPONGES.-HALLMANN. or become broadened and flattened (frondiform) and more or less subdivided. In any case the uppermost part of the sponge consists chiefly, of separated digitiform terminals, \vhirh arc usually tapered .and somewhat pointed, and are provided apically each with one or a few oscula. The larger speci- men (Plate xxi., fig. 3), which measures 130 mm. in height, consists almost entirely of frondiform components ; the smaller, if digitiform. In its dried condition, the sponge is particularly dense, hard and tough ; although the amount of shrinkage has seemingly been but slight. The surface is smooth, but slightly uneven owing to the presence of dis- continuous undulations and obscure ridges, which, however, may be due to contraction. In addition, the sponge is provided with small scat- tered verruciform up- wardly directed eleva- tions ; these are some- times fairly numerous on the upper margins of the more flattened upgrowths, but, generally speaking, their occurrence is irre- gular and it is not certain that they are a constant feature. The colour of the sponge is yellowish- grey. The precise arrange- ment of the skeleton is not apparent in the present condition of the specimens owing to the distortion which it has undergone, consequent upon drying. It is only possible to refer in general terms to its main features (e.g., as exhibited in longitudinal section of a Fig. 25 Spirastrella alcyo-nioides. a Tylostyle. a Ditto, (basal ex- tremity), b Spiraster. 126 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC EESULTS. digititorm terminal). Such a section, in general, shows one or two main or oscular canals cut longitudinally, and a spicular skeleton which is, for the most part, of a diffuse type, without any definite aggregation of spicules into fibres. It is traversed, however, by a few broad "columns" of rather closely packed parallel spicules, somewhat resembling the "axial condensa- tions" of certain Axinellids. Some of these run longitudinally, whilst others are cut transversely. Another feature, perhaps deserving of note, is the occurrence of numerous longitudinal pale brownish-coloured streaks, the appearance of which is somewhat suggestive of spongin. These streaks are absent from the columnar spicule-tracts. Megascleres. The megascleres are straight cylindrical tylo- styli of a single kind, with strongylote distal extremity ; size, 400-440 x 4-8 /(. Microscleres. The spirasters are fairly straight spicules, provided with twenty to thirty large spines, which are about 7 n in length. They are plentifully scattered through the tissues, and form a dense superficial layer 100 to 200 jj in thickness; the size of the largest is about 40 x 7 ;/. Loc. East coast of Queensland, twenty-five miles south- east of Double Island Point, 33 fms. ("Endeavour.") SPIRASTRELLA PAPILLOSA, Ridley and Dendy. 1887. Spirastrella papillosa, Ridley and Dendy, "Challenger" Monaxonida, 1887, p. 232, pi. xli., fig. 5, pi. xlv., figs. n, i la. The Museum collection contains six speciments of this species. They vary considerably in shape, but are always provided with several large apically situated oscula, and in other respects agree exactly with the description of the type, except that they do not show any sign of "deep longitudinal wrinkles" near the apex. The warty appearance of the sur- face appears to be a constant character. Locs. Shoalhaven Bight, New South Wales, 15-45 fms. ("Endeavour") ; Port Jackson, New South Wales, 30-35 fms. ("Challenger"); Port Jackson, New South Wales, and Port Phillip, Victoria (Austr. Mus. Coll.). GENUS LATRUNCULIA, Bocage. LATRUNCULIA CONULOSA, sp. nov. (Plate xxii., fig. i, and fig. 24.) Sponge submassive, sessile, -with aculeated surface. Consistency and texture dense, somewhat rubber-like. No oscula. Surface glabrous, dotted with minute pore- groups. Main skeleton a reticulation of strongly- SPONGES.-HALLMANN. I2 7 developed, sLout fibres composed of styli. Surface conuli, each forming the centre of a radiate system of slender fibres. There is a dermal layer of discasters of the larger kind. Megascles: Blunt-pointed styli 365 x n ft, together with a few (probably immature) sharp-pointed, slenderer spicules which attain an equal length. Micro- scleres: Discasters of two kinds, of which the larger form a superficial layer and a packing round the main fibres, and are also scattered through the ground sub- stance along with the smaller. The larger are provided witJi simple spines, the smaller often with compound spines, the spines in both cases being arranged in four whorls, two at either end. The single specimen consists of a sessile, submassive, erect, cylindrical main portion, together with a similar but smaller upgrowth which arises partly from the substratum in con- tinuity with the base of the former and partly from its side. The main trunk is 70 mm. in height, and 30 mm. in diameter. The surface, which is smooth and glabrous, is provided with numerous spine-like conuli, i to 3 mm. in height. There are no oscula. The surface is closely dotted with minute pore areas, about .2 mm. in diameter, and each with ^~\ /~\ x^~x two to four pores. The texture is dense and com- pact, the consistency firm and fairly tough ; in both respects the sponge is somewhat suggestive of india-rubber, although, of course, not so dense, homogeneous or elastic. The colour (in spirits) is pale brownish-grey. The main skeleton con- sists of a very loose reti- culation of stout fibres (up to 400 mm. or more in thickness) which are com- posed solely of densely packed parallel styli. Each surface-conulus forms the apex of a convergent pencil of fibres, of which the axial or principal fibre only is derived from the main skeletal reticulation, whilst the remainder which are very much slenderer fibres both begin and termin- ate at the surface. Probably it would be more correct to say \J Fig. 24LatnfHcnlia connlosa. a Styli. b Larger discaster. c Smaller discasters. I2 8 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. of the latter, that they proceed from the apex of the conulus, and after running inwards, with gradually increasing diver- gence, for a short distance towards the sponge-interior, gradually curve round and return again to meet the surface at varying distances from their starting point the more cen- trally situated fibres of the pencil proceeding to a further distance than the more peripheral. Styli similar to those com- posing the fibres are sparingly scattered through the tissues together with discasters of two kinds, a larger and a smaller. The former are closely aggregated in the immediate surround- ing of all the main fibres encircling them as a kind of loose sheath. The cortical skeleton is a layer of closely packed discasters almost exclusively of the larger kind ; it is about 300 to 400 \i in thickness. Megascleres. These are styli, probably of a single kind the stouter with a more or less blunt or rounded distal ex- tremity, and occasionally becoming almost perfectly stron- gylote ; the slenderest usually sharply pointed. They are sometimes elongately subtylote at the basal end, and have a maximum size of 365 x 1 1 j<. Microscleres. (i.) The larger discasters are stout spicules, having a short central region devoid of spines, and on either side of this two more or less distinct whorls of large spines : those of the terminal whorl projecting obliquely forwards ; those of the sub-terminal, stand- ing more or less perpendicularly to the spicule-axis. They are about 40 jt in length (exclusive of spines), and have a diameter in their spineless central region of about 12 ft. The spines are 10 to 12 ;< long. (ii.) The smaller discasters are very variable in form, no two apparently being quite alike. They are much slenderer spicules than the preceding, with an elon- gated spineless central region, and at either end, two more or less distinct whorls of simple or (more usually) compound spines, the latter of which are columnar in form, with a few terminal spinules. The terminal whorl of spines is often reduced and then appears as a prolongation of the axis of the spicule. These spicules are at most 38 }i in length (inclusive of spines), and have a diameter centrally of i to 4 \i (rarely more than 2.5 ji}. The stouter individuals may represent a third kind of discaster intermediate between the other two. Lor. North coast of Tasmania, off Devonport. ("En- deavour.") SPONGES. HALLMANN. I2 Q FAMILY POLYMAS'l IID/K. GENUS POLYMASTIA, Bowerbank. POLYMASTIA CRATICIA, Sp. TlOV . (Plate xxii., fig. 3, and fig. 25.) Sponge depressed dome-shaped, sessile, with thick- walled digitiform tubular processes some of which are provided with a single apical osculum. Main skeleton consisting of a fairly dense matrix of scattered spicules and spicule bundles traversed vertically by fairly stout distant fibres. The fibres lying immediately beneath tin cortex of the processes comprise an outer series of wavy fibres running circumferentially and forming an elegant wickerwork, and of an underlying series of equidistant longitudinal fibres. The cortex consists of styli arranged in a dense palisade. Spicules : These are of three kinds, viz., fusiform styli of fit'o orders of size which (par- ticularly the larger) are scarcely distinguishable from oxea, the larger occurring in the main skeleton, the smaller in the cortex ; and fusiform tylostyli which occur along with the larger styli scattered through the ground tissues. The first attain a size of 1200 x 22 n ; the second , 350 .v 9 u; and the last, 200 x 5 y.. The sponge is sub-circular in horizontal outline, broadest at the base, with a convex upper surface from which numerous longer or shorter stout digitiform processes arise. Of four specimens, the two which differ most in their proportions are respectively 55 x 80 x 50 mm., and 40 x 90 x 75 mm. in aeight, length and breadth. These two also differ most in the lengths of their processes, which in the former are never more than 10 mm. long, in the latter usually between 15 and 30 mm. The processes are usually tapered to a point and vary from 60 to So in number. When, as sometimes is the case, they are cylindrical and distally rounded, the osculum, if it occurs, is situated on the summit of a small terminal papilla. The specimens are preserved in a dry state, and the follow- ing remarks therefore apply to the sponge in that condition. The surface is quite smooth to the touch but has a minutely velvety appearance due to the slightly projecting points of the densely crowded cortical spicules. Internally the sponge con- sists of a dense, but rather soft and friable matrix traversed vertically by fibres about 250 \i in stoutness. The fibres are composed solely of closely packed spicules of the largest kind, which are fusiform styli closely resembling oxea ; the matrix consists of a disorderly profusion of spicule-bundles and single 130 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. a Fig. 25- P. craticia. a Stylus (of the fibres). b Stylus (of the cortex, drawn to a larger scale than the preceding), c Tylostylus (of the cortex). spicules of the same kind together with smaller tylostyli. The cortical skeleton proper consists of crowded fusiform sub- styli arranged perpendicularly to the surface, but immediately beneath and closely associated with it is a thin matted layer of mostly horizontally dis- posed styli of the larger kind. Fibres from the inner skeleton penetrate into the cortex, spreading out slightly at their extremities in a penicillate fashion ; the terminal spicules of these fibres usually project slightly at the surface. The arrangement of the fibres imme- diately underlying the cortex is one of marked regularity. In the body of the sponge, a series of equidistant parallel fibres running upwards from the base is most conspicuous, but in the processes, a series of circumferentially directed fibres external to these also comes into prominence. The latter run undulat- ingly and intercross so as to form a wickerwork-like structure of very ele- gant pattern. The specific name has been bestowed in reference to this feature. Spicules. (i.) The larger oxea-like styli are straight, and measure 660- I2OO X 12-22 Jl. (ii.) The smaller are usually slightly curved and more distinctly stylote ; they range in size from 220 x 6 to 350 x 9 ;<. (iii.) The tylostyli (or subtylostyli) are fusiform and usually slightly curved. They occur singly and in small bundles in the ground substance. Size : o 120 x 3 to 200 x 5 ji. Loc. North coast of New South Wales, eight miles east of Sandon Bluffs, 35-40 fms. ("Endeavour.") SPONGES.-HALLMAJNN. 1 -, J FAMILY ASTRAXINELLID^E, Demly. Dendy 1 has suggested the advisability of instituting a ntw fa. lily Astraxinellidae for the reception of certain Axinel- lidce which are distinguished by the possession of astrose microscleres. The Astraxinellidae he would place in the divi- sion Astromonaxonellida, whilst the Axinellidae in the restricted sense would remain in the Sigmatomonaxonellida. If we could learn all the facts concerning the phylogeny of the Axinellidae it would no doubt be found that, whereas some have been evolved from Desmacidonid and Haplosclerid ancestors and some (? e.g. , Tr achy clad us*} directly from more primitive sigmatophorous forms, yet a considerable number have developed along lines of descent which diverge from the Astrotetraxonid stem. In a natural system of classification the last-mentioned would be excluded from the Sigmatomon- axellida, and they would probably require several families for their reception. Unfortunately, it is impossible in the present state of our knowledge to determine, in the majority of cases, to which of the two primary Tetraxonid subdivisions a given Axinellid genus belongs, and consequently no altogether satisfactory bipartition of the family is to be expected without much further enquiry. Nevertheless, there is much to be said in favor of a removal forthwith from the Axinellidae of such genera as afford sufficient evidence of their Astrotetraxonid affinities ; and these might very well be placed provisionally in a single family, irrespective of any question as to whether their relationships are close or distant. On this understanding I feel but slight hesitation in placing under the family Astrax- inellidae the new genus Faracordyla, which possesses an Axin- ellid type of skeletal structure and yet has microscleres in the form of amphiasters. 1 Dendy Eept. Pearl Oyster Fisheries, Gulf of Manaar, with Kept. Mar. Biol. Ceylon, Part 3, 1905, p. 107. 2 In this connection, I would suggest that a new family Spirasigmidte be established to include Trnrtnin ulobosa. Carter (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist.. 5, xvii., 1886. p. 121), and its variety, rttgosa lOv. cit., xviii. 1886, p. 457), Gellius acitleatus, Whitelegge (Sponges of Funafuti, Austr. Mus. Mem., iii., 5, 1897, p. 326), and perhaps also the genus Tracliycladiis. For the first- mentioned of these species Topsent (Mem. Soc. Zool. France, vii.. 1894. p. 8), has already proposed the genus Traclu/aeUius; for the second I now propose a new genus Spirasigma. In both of these genera the micro- scleres resemble the sigrrnaspires of Trachyclnclus more closely than they resemble ordinary sigmata, and the conformation of the skeleton is strongly suggestive of their derivation from the Tetillidae. Of these species I have examined (only) sections which were prepared by Mr. Whitelegge those of T. globnsa and its variety having been cut from pieces of British Museum specimens, and that of the latter from its type- specimen. If the former sections are correctly labelled and I scarcely doubt that they are T. glnbosa and T. rilobnsa, var. rugosa are specifically distinct. Both in Traehygelliua and X-piraiigma the skeleton has a radial arrangement recalling that of the Donatiidse. In the former the large diactinal spicules (oxea in the two known species) are accompanied by sigmata only; in the latter (in which, in the single species, the large 1 32 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC KESULTri. GENUS PARACORDYLA, gen. nov. The inner skeleton is a dense columnar aggregation <} large oxea which, in linear outgrowths of the spon< J ~ body (if these be present), takes the form of a very c<-m- pact axial core. Spongin appears to be wholly al'sent. The ectosomal skeleton is a dense palisade of vertical microxea supplemented by "dermal brushes" of styli or oxea. Between the ectosomal layer and the inner skeleton-mass is a narrow zone penetrated by canals and crossed by strands of the large oxea. In addition to microxea, microscleres in the form of small amphiasters are present. The spiculation of this genus is remarkably similar to that of Scolopes moseleyi, Sollas; 1 but since Sollas speaks of fibres in connection with his species, and remarks that the general character of its skeleton reminds one forcibly of that in Carter's genus Trachya, there is evidently a distinct generic difference between Paracordyla and Sculopes. Amongst the Axinellida?, the genus which makes the nearest approach to Paracordyla, appears to be Ceratopsis, Thiele. 2 PARACORDYLA LIGNEA, sp. nor. (Plate xxii., fig. 2, and figs. 26, 27.) Sponge sessile, with a massive body from which branch-like elongations may arise. Consistency, owing to the enormous development of the spicules, very dense and solid. Sin-face even, pilose. Oscida wanting. The skeleton of the whole of the inner mass of the sponge to within a few millimetres of the surface is formed of closely aggregated large oxea, with a general parallel arrange- ment, which, in the branch-like parts, form an almost solid core. Between the core and the superficial layer (cortex) is a narrow zone, 2 to ,? mm. wide, crossed by strands of similar oxea, the outer spicules of which pro- ject well beyond the surface. The surface is also pro- tected bv brushes of shorter spicules varying in form from stvli to oxea. The canals of the subcortical zone are surrounded by radially disposed microxea, and similar spicules, together with minute amphiasters, are scattered through the ground substance. Megascleres : (/. ) Oxea of the main skeleton reaching a size of 3200 x 50 /< ; (;'/.) stvli mid asymmetrical oxea of the dermal brushes vary- ing in length from less than 200 to about 700 j/, with spicules of the fibres are substrongyla) there are in addition scattered small oxea. If in f Si>irxi.. LDC. Coast of New South Wales, eight miles east of San- don Bluffs, 35-40 fms. ("Endeavour.") FAMILY DESMACIDONID/E. Whether the Desmacidonidae be divided into two sub- families, Mycalinae and Ectyonina?, in the usual way ; or whether, in accordance with Topsent's proposal, the Myca- lina? be sub-divided so as to yield an additional sub-family, the Dendoricinae the result, if a natural grouping of the genera be our aim, is not altogether satisfactory. Of the two, Top- sent's classification is the better since, with very few excep- tions as their microscleres show, the genera which remain in the Mycalinae after the removal of the Dendoricinae stand well apart from the rest of the family. The main fault lies in the artificiality of the distinction upon which the separation of the Ectyoninaa and Dendoricinae is based. Species are placed in one or the other of these sub-families according as spicules of one particular kind the accessory spicules are present or absent, whilst no value at all is placed upon the presence or absence of the equally important "skeletal" and "dermal" spicules, nor any notice taken of the plain indications afforded by the microscleres. As a consequence, we have closely allied if not almost identical genera like Ectyodoryx and Lissoden- doryx, Ectyomyxitta andMyxilla, Pocillon and lophon, Hyme- trochota and lotrochota placed, the one in the Ectyoninae, the other in the Dendoricinae, whilst on the other hand wholly un- related species like those of IVilsoneUa and Cluthria are put in a single genus without question or comment. Under these circumstances there is no advantage in maintaining these sub- divisions, and I propose therefore to merge the Dendoricinre and Ectyoninae in a single sub-family, to be called the Myxil- lina?. It is probable that the Myxillinse are capable of sub- division into two fairly natural groups in the way suggested below, but on this question I prefer to reserve judgment. I would, however, venture the opinion that the Myxillinae are derived from a single stem distinct from that from which the great majority of the Mycalinae have sprung, and from this point of view will enter upon a brief discussion of the sub- family. 1 Not having succeeded in making out the details of the structure of this spicule, I have not attempted to figure it. The rays appear to be often bifurcate and to have at times a slightly tuberculated surface. SPONGES. HALLMANN. , -,_ SUB-FAMILY MYXILLIN/E. i he preponderance of evidence is in favour of the supposi- tion that the most primitive Myxillinae possessed a type of organisation closely resembling that which obtains in certain existing genera such as Lcptosia, Hymeiiancora, Hynictro- chotu and Hyniei-ciphia ; and it is possible, in accordance there- with, to imagine a common ancestral form, or hypothetical "Promyxilline," characterised by the following features : The sponge grew in the form of a thin encrustment, and produced in contact with the substratum a basal layer of spongin echi- nated by erect acanthostylote spicules which acted as pillars lor the support of the soft structures. These spicules (which for convenience will be termed the basical megascleres) ex- hibited a tendency to differentiate into two kinds, a less spiny larger, and a more spiny smaller kind, and this was probably associated with an accompanying tendency towards an ar- rangement of the spicules in clusters, in each of which larger individuals were surrounded by smaller. Megascleres of a second kind, smooth and probably monactinal, were also present, these (which may be distinguished as auxiliary 1 megascleres) occurred, without definite arrangement, more particularly in the superficial layers of the 'sponge, and also formed descending strands stretching towards the sponge- base. Sponginous fibres were not produced, but the pri- mordia of such, in the form of low dome-shaped elevations of the basal spongin lamina, coinciding in position with the areas occupied by the spicule-clusters, had probably made their appearance. It is difficult to say what the microscleres were, but since cheloids, sigmata, toxa and rhaphides (often in drag- mata) are found in the group, it is necessary to assume that these, or at least the forms from which they have been derived, were present. From such a hypothetical form all the different types of Myxillinse are capable of being derived. The evidence afforded by the microscleres, considered in conjunction with other facts, indicates either that a consider- able amount of evolution in various directions had been ac- complished, and that the prototypes of quite a number of different groups of co-related genera had already come into existence prior to the origin of sponginous fibres and to the 1 These spicules are commonly known as "dermal" or "ectosomal" megascleres; but the part which they play in the conformation of the skeleton varies to such an extent in different genera that it is advisable in a comparative treatment to designate them by a term unsuggestive of position or function. The term "auxiliary" is not altogether an appro- priate one, but it will suit the present purpose; the spicules to which it applies correspond for the most part, in the Myxillinse, to the megascleres which Bowerbank included under the same name. I shall apply the epithet "dermal" only to those spicules, of whatever category, which are specially concerned in the formation of a dermal skeleton." 138 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC EESULT8. assumption of an erect habit of growth, or that a return to a primitive condition on the part of more or less highly evolved species has occurred again and again within the group ; other- wise it is impossible to account for the existence of groups of genera e.g. Hymeraphia, Microcionu, Clalhria and Ophlita- spongia; Leptosia, Stylostichon, Ectyoiloryx and Lissoden- doryx ; Hymenancora, Plumohalichondria, P^ctyoniyxilla and Myxilla ; Dragmatyle, Tedania and Achclidermn ; and others- each oi which comprises a natural series connecting "promyx- illine" with Ectyonine and Dendoricine forms. Whilst it is probable that each of the two possible explanations contains some portion of the truth, it would seem that the former is more satisfactorily in accord with the bulk of the evidence, although it involves the assumption that, amongst the Myxil- linae, sponginous fibres have originated independently many times over. If, however, as is scarcely to be doubted, such fibres have arisen as linear upgrowths of the basal spongin- lamina, there is no great improbability in such an assumption provided that there already existed in the common ancestor an incipient tendency, such as has been postulated, towards fibre- formation. Taking into account only those features which belong to the skeleton, but neglecting, for the time being, any considerations in reference to the microscleres, it may be said that nearly all of the diversities of spiculation and structure which occur in the Myxillina? are ascribable to (a) modifications in the form of the megascleres and the division of either or both of the origi- nal groups of megascleres into two or more kinds; (b) differences in the arrangement and constitution of the fibres, and in connection therewith different combinations of the megascleres in respect to their particular location in the skele- ton ; or (c) the loss by atrophy of one or more groups of megas- cleres formerly present. Of very common occurrence has been the differentiation of the basical megascleres into two kinds, a larger, in the case of which the primitive spination has usually undergone partial reduction or become entirely lost, and a smaller, in which it has almost invariably been retained ; these may be distinguished as principal and accessory basical megascleres respectively, or simply as "principals" and "accessories." The resultant tri- megascleric condition is that which is characteristic of normal "Ectyoninje." In many Myxillina?, however, the "basicals" are only incompletely differentiated and in such cases, unless (as in '('relict) there be a determinable difference of function between the spicules which lie at one end of the series and those which lie at the other, it is difficult to decide whether they should be regarded as belonging to one or to two groups (e.g. species of Stylostichon, Clathrissa, etc.). The maximum SPONGES.-HALLMANN. ! ^g degree of differentiation between principal and accessory spic- ules appears to have been attained in genera like Raspailia and Echinodictyum and in those in which the microscleres are isochelae palmata? and toxa, though amongst the last-men- tioned there are species (vide Clathria caehita, sp. n.} in which an unbroken transition of spicule forms occurs between the small echinating spined "accessories" and the large (often quite smooth) principal styli of the fibre-core. Finally, in a third group of genera, comprising the "Dendoricinse" and certain "Ectyoninse" (t j ._<^., Ophlitaspongia, Echinoclathria, U'ilsonelht, Agelas, etc.) the basical spicules are unequivocally of but a single kind. The logical conclusion with regard to these is that either a differentiation of their basical spicules has never occurred or that one or the other of the resultants of such a differentiation has subsequently disappeared in the course of evolution ; in most cases, the probability is that the absence of a second kind is due to loss, inasmuch as the (basical) spicules actually present, usually exhibit, in the matter of form and function, features which are more characteristic either of prin- cipal megascleres or of accessory. The further consideration of the spicules renders it necessary to take into account other features of the skeleton, and particularly the fibres. In the Myxillinae skeletal fibres have originated in apparently two quite independent ways, viz., by the upgrowth of processes from the basal lamina, and by the "ingrowth" of strands of auxiliary spicules from the superficial layer. In many cases, however, the fibres are the product of both modes of forma- tion. Fibres which are wholly or partly of basal origin are, with possible exceptions, more or less sponginous and traverse the whole extent of the sponge ; those of purely superficial origin are, at the most, scantily provided with spongin and proceed from the surface (usually?) only for a short distance (as, for example in "Echinodictyum" arenosum, "Plumohali- cli. Furthermore, in the latter sub-family, the microscleres which occur in association with toxa are (except in Ploca- miopxis) isochelae palmatae, whilst those associated with sig- mata are isochelae arcuata.-, isancora?, or rhaphides (usually in dragmata). Thus we have on the one hand the genera Hymeraphia, Microciona, Chithria, Rlinphidolphus, Ophlita- spongia, Echinoclathria, Heteroclathria, Plocaniia, Acarnus, Microtylotella, Fusifer, Cornulum, and Artemisina in which the microscleres are toxa and (or) isochelae palmatae but not sigmata; and, on the other hand, Leptosia, Stylostichan, Ectyudoryx, Lissodendoryx, Clathrissa, Crelht, Gniyella, Paramyxilla, Forcepia, Leptobasis, Hamigera, Dendoricella, Histodermella, Histodernia, Hymenancora, Myxilla, Ectyo- myxilhi and M elonanchora in which the microscleres are sigmata and isochelce arculatse or isancorae with or without trichodragmata, but not toxa. There can scarcely be any doubt that these groups of genera are representative of two distinct lines of evolution in the Myxillina? ; and since the}' comprise between them the majority of the species the ques- tion naturally arises as to whether they can be utilised as a basis for the division of the sub-family. The probability is that they can. In the former group, the accessory megascleres, when present, are well distinguished from the principal, and the auxiliary spicules are typically stylote ; whereas in the latter, principal and accessory spicules as a rule are not widely different in form, and often graduate insensibly one into the other, and the auxiliary spicules are typically more or less diactinal. This is not only significant in itself, but it provides a means whereby one is enabled to arrive at an opinion con- cerning the allotment of most of the remaining genera. Thus the genera Rnspailia. and Clathriodendron (and with them .Sy- I'lu^clhi); Echiiwdictyiini, Trikciilriun and C'yanion ; Anlo- sponirns ; and Spanioplon all of which are lacking in micro- scleres are evidently to be assigned to the former group ; Achclidcrnia, Tedania and Dragmatyle ; Hymetrochotct, luli-o- chota and .1 mphiastrella : and perhaps also the somewhat aber- rant lophon and Pocillon to the latter. To the former group 1 Ridley Jour. Linn. Soc., Zool.. xv., 1881. p. 479. 146 'ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. also, one is inclined to refer: Mesapos, Tethyspira, Hymer- habdia and Cerbaris (which appear to be lacking in auxiliary megascleres) on account of the analogy which their spicules bear to principal and accessory spicules ; Echmochalina, which seems to be related to Echinoclathria ; Sitberotelites, regarded by Topsent as allied to Plocamia ; and the aberrant genus Agclas (including Ectyonopsis) the affinities of which appear to be rather with the toxa-bearing Myxillinse. On the other hand, one would assign rather to the latter group : Pseudo- clathria, which presents some analogies with Grayella ; Stylo- tellopsis, on account of its resemblance in many respects to Clathrissa; and (necessarily) Tylosignui, because of its sig- mata. A few genera still remain to be accounted for, the position of which is not quite clear ; but sufficient has been adduced, I think, to indicate the feasibility of such a subdivision of the Myxillinae as has been suggested. It is clearly evident, how- ever, that no wholly satisfactory grouping of the species and genera of the Desmacidonidce can be arrived at, until other characters, in addition to those which the spicules afford, are taken into account in classification. GENUS CLATHRISSA, Lendenfeld. 1888. Clathrissa, Lendenfeld, Descr. Cat. Sponges, Austr. Mus., 1888, p. 217. The genus Clathrissa was introduced by Lendenfeld for three Port Jackson sponges which he named C. arbiiscnla, ('. elegans, and C. pumila respectively; of these, the first mentioned possesses chief claim to be regarded as the type- species, and is here so considered. They were defined as "Desmacidonida? with a skeleton composed of dense bundles of slender oxea with very little spongin, echinated by spined styli." Concerning the precise nature of C. elegans, nothing can be said with certainty, since in the existing collection of the Museum, no sponges identifiable as such have so far been met with. An examination of the type-specimens of the other species shows that in both the structure of the main skeleton is similar to that of Plumohalichondria, and that microscleres are present in the form of chelae arcuatae. In C. pumila, however, there is, in addition, a dermal skeleton of acantho- styles, so that this species belongs to the genus Crclhi. The other, C. arbuscula, agrees essentially with many species at present included in Plumohalichondria, viz, those with arcuate chelae. If, however, the microscleres of P. microcionid.es (the type of Plumohalichondria} be ancora 1 , as Thiele's figures of the spicules of P. neptuni*- and his statement concerning the Thiele Archiv. Naturg., 1903, i.. Heft 3, p. 387. pi. xxi.. fig. 19. SPONGES.-HALLMANN. ,,-. likelihood of the latter species' identity with 7 J . niirrocionides would lead one to suppose, the retention in P1uni<>h(tlicli(idria of the species referred to, will be contrary to established prac- tice. If this supposition be correct, the genus ("lathrissa will be a valid one, standing in the same relation to Leptosia as Plumohalichondria to Hymenancora. I was at first in doubt whether the specimens which are labelled as the types of Clathnssa arbuscula were genuine ex- amples of the species, partly because the lengths of their spicules do not agree very well with those which Lendenfeld has given, but mainly on account of their lack of resemblance to the figure (Loc. cit., pi. v., fig. 2). I am now, however, quite sure in my own mind that this figure is wrongly repre- sented as illustrating Clathrissa arbuscula, inasmuch as it bears a striking likeness to ordinary specimens of Clathiodcndrun arbuscula, a species which is described in the same Catalogue ; and I would therefore go so far as to say that the latter species has been figured in mistake for the former. One can the more easily conceive the possibility of such an error in connection with these two species owing to the sameness of their specific names and of the initial letters of their generic names. It is confirmatory also of the opinion here expressed that the ex- ample of Clathrissa arbuscula in Prof. Dendy's donation of pieces of British Museum sponges agrees with the Australian Museum specimens so labelled. The other discrepancy men- tioned that in regard to the lengths of the spicules is of negligible import, since Lendenfeld seems usually to have taken the mean length of spicules into account, rather than their maximum. A brief description of Clathrissa arbnscula may not be out of place. The sponge grows in the form of a tussock of numer- ous, prolifically multiplying, erect slender branches with highly uneven, warty surface. Lendenfeld's description of the ex- ternal features is fairly satisfactory, but requires some slight emendation. It reads, "Small, irregular, lobose or digitate sponges wih erect processes, attaining a height of 150 mm. The living sponge is very soft and resilient, orange-red in colour. Spirit specimens are brownish-grey. The whole of the surface is covered with densely-situated villous, distally rounded or thickened outgrowths, which are about i.^ mm. thick and from 2-8 mm. long." The description might sug- gest that the sponge has a more massive basal portion, but this is not .so ; though the sponge is sessile and occupies an extended base, the primary branches, except for occasional anastomoses, are independent almost to the subtratum. The 1 Ridley Zool. Coll. H.M.S. "Alert," 1884, p. 130, pi. xl., figr. G. pi. xlii., figs. a-a". 148 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. warty out-growths of the surface are probably incipient or abortive branches; in fact, the longer ones ("8 mm. long") mentioned by Lendenfeld are more correctly described as young branches. This species is closely allied to, if not actually identical with, Ridley's Myxilla arborescens^ which also comes from Port Jackson. The spicules are asymmetrical straight oxea, acanthostyles of two sizes and isochelee arcuatae. The oxea, when more fully developed, show a very faint sub-terminal constriction at both extremities, so that the end portions appear somewhat lanceolate in shape. This feature is usually more distinct at one extremity than the other, and is often confined to one end. Sometimes one extremity is much more rounded than the other, and then the spicule may appear monactinal. In young spicules the asymmetry is more pro- nounced, and the end which corresponds to the lanceolate extremity of older spicules usually bears an elongated slender tylosis. The spicules vary in length from about 160 to 285 ;;, though comparatively few exceed 220 \L ; the stoutest are 5 n in diameter. The acanthostyles are conical and tapering, and almost invariably curved ; the spines are densely crowded on the basal end (the spicule appears in consequence somewhat tylote), and decrease in abundance progressively from base to tip ; more than one-third of the length distally, particularly in the case of the larger spicules, may be free from spines. Their length varies from about 85 to over 200 /< ; the largest actually seen was 225 )i long. Individuals between 120 and 160/1 in length are extremely rare. The spicules accordingly appear to conform to two sizes, the odd ones of intermediate length being possibly stunted individuals of the larger kind. Both kinds echinate the fibres. The largest acanthostyles are, at most, 8 to 9 /< in diameter immediately above the base. The chela? are abundant and measure 20 to 26 n in length. Their end parts are relatively small and the shaft may reach 4.5 /< in thickness. A peculiar feature of the skeleton is the occur- rence of elongated tufts of oxea, often standing off from the main fibres as if they were short branches from them, which have been left unprovided with echinating spicules. Stylostichon comUosuni, Whitelegge, 1 is sufficiently closely related to Clathrissa arbuscula to be regarded as a variety of it. The oxea are similar in shape to those of the latter, and exhibit in some degree the same peculiarity. The sponge is not encrusting in the proper sense of the word, but from an encrusting base numerous miniature crumpled lamella with conulated surface arise vertically. The oxea vary in length from about 165 to 215 /< ; the stoutest are 6 }i in diameter. 1 Whitelegge Austr. Mus. Mem., iv.. 10. 1907. p. 492. SPONliKS. II. UJ.MAXN. , ,Q I he acanthostyles bear a close resemblance to those ol i . arbuscula and like them are divisible into two sizes. Their lengths lie between 90 and JIG//, but individuals betuirr; 120 and 180 n in length have not been observed; the stoutest are i 2 /< in diameter. The isochela? arcuata? differ from those of C. arbuscula only in their slightly larger size; they measure Irom 21 to 28 ;/ in length, with a maximum stoutness of shaft of slightly more than 4.5/1. XYhitelegge's description would imply that the oxea do not occur as coring spicules, and that the larger acanthostyles do not to any notable extent echinate the fibres. The fact that he placed the species in the genus Stylostichon would imply the same. However, I find that wherever the fibres are not so densely echinated as to obscure the coring spicules, oxea in small numbers are usually to be seen ; at the same time, the larger acanthostyles occur plenti- fully as echinating spicules. Nevertheless, it must be con- fessed that the occurrence of oxea in the fibres appears to be more or less sporadic, and accordingly it would seem that no hard and fast distinction can be drawn between Clathrissa and Stylostichon. Plumohalichondria ccespitosa (Carter), as identified b\ Dendy, 1 is another species sufficiently closely related to C. arhnscula to admit almost of its being regarded as a variety of it. I have examined a slide of this sponge, presented to the Australian Museum by Professor Dendy, and find that the spicules are of the same general character as those of C. arbns- cula. The oxea are slightly smaller, rarely reaching quite as much as 4 }i in stoutness and varying in length from i ^o to 200 ;i. Acanthostyles of all lengths from 84 to 240 ft occur, there being no actual separation into two sizes, although spicules of intermediate lengths are of less frequent occurrence. The isochelae arcuatas are 27 to 32 \i in length. It will be noticed that the lengths of the two last-mentioned spicules are much greater than those given by Carter, viz., 20-6oooths and 3i-6oooths of an inch respectively. commensalis, Whitelegge 2 is possibly a Stylostichon, that is to say, the main skeleton consists of stout vertical columns composed solely of acanthostyles. The acanthostyles are, however, arranged plumosely, making an acute angle with the direction of the fibres, and are not differentiated into coring and echinating spicules. The dermal skeleton is a layer of a closely packed isochelce arcuate, beyond which the outer ends of divergent tufts of smooth oxea project slightly. The 1 Dendy Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., viii., 1896. p. 41; Carter Ann. Mag. Nat Hist. (5), xvi.. 1885, p. 352. 2 Whitelegge Austr. Mus. Mem., iv., 9, 1906. ]>. 433. 1 r "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. *.) dermal, or rather sub-dermal, tufts are sometimes prolonged below into strands which may descend for a moderate distance towards the base of the sponge. A remarkable feature of the species is the occurrence of small irregularly monilated rods, scattered in the ground substance. The rods are apparently proper to the sponge at any rate they are siliceous ; they are possibly homologous with the forcipes of Forcepia. The acan- thostyles vary in length from about So to 240 \i and may attain a diameter of 17 \i. They are covered, except for a varying distance from the pointed end, with relatively short and stout recurved spines. The microscleric rods are 20 to 50 -\i long and, even in their most swollen portions, rarely as much as 5 ]i in diameter. The oxea are very abruptly and often acuminately pointed spicules ranging in length from about 80 to i8o;<, though rarely less than 100^, or more than 160 \i long; the stoutest are 8 ]i in diameter. The chelae are very abundant ; they usually have a much curved shaft, so that the extremities of the anterior teeth approach each other very closely and sometimes overlap or fuse ; size variable, the length ranging from 10 to 24 n. The dimensions of the spicules given above differ slightly from those given by \Yhitelegge, so that prob- ably some amount of variation in their size occurs in different specimens. It is of interest to note that Microcioiia scabiila. Carter, 1 differs from ( lathrissa mainly through the possession of sty- lote, instead of diactinal auxiliary spicules. The microscleres are chelee apparently of three or four kinds, viz. : (i.) a stout isochela arcuata, 30 \>. long ; (ii.) a smaller slender isochela with curved shaft and very sharply pointed flukes, which occurs in great abundance; (iii.) a cheloid with much curved shaft, which appears to be an abnormality of the first-mentioned ; and (iv.) a peculiar cheloid also with much curved shaft and of smaller size than the others, which apparently belongs to the same category as certain of the forms termed bipocilla, but which may be a derivative of the second kind. As my object in referring to this species is merely to draw attention to its relationship with Cluthrissa on the one hand and with Stylo- lellopsis on the other I have not undertaken the possibly diffi- cult task of determining the precise nature of these cheloids. The fibres are echinated and to some extent cored, by acantho- styles of two orders of size, the smaller rarely exceeding say lion in length, the larger reaching to 220 x 7 j/. The coring spicules are chiefly straight slender subtylostyli, of which the 1 Dendy Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., viii. (n.s.), 1896, p. 31; Carter Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), xv., 1885, p. 112, figs. 4, 5. SPONGES. -HALLMANN. j-j largest measure about -'70 x 4 \i. Beneath the suriace of the sponge and running perpendicularly towards it are numerous wispy strands of the same spicules. With regard to the ar- rangement of the skeleton Microciona scabida stands precisely in the same relation to the type-species of Stylotellopsis 5. amabilis^- as does Crclla incrustans var. levis to C. incnistans var. pitniilu ; and, in compliance with the present scheme of classification, should according!} be placed in Thiele's genus. Another interesting species whose systematic position ap- pears to be somewhere in the vicinity of Clathrissa and Styla- tellopsis is Echinodicivuni ridleyi, Dendy. 2 The skeleton is made up almost entirely of slender longitudinal wispy fibres and is consequently rather of the dendritic than of the reticu- late type. Accompanying the slender oxeote or rather torno- toxeote spicules (size about 270 x 4J<) which chiefly compose these fibres, are a few conical smooth styli (190 x 7 ji) and acanthostyles (100 x 6^), both kinds of which occasionally project from the fibres somewhat in the manner of echinating spicules. There are no microscleres. The diactinal spicules of the fibres evidently correspond to the auxiliary megascleres of normal Myxillinse, and the species accordingly possesses no claim to a place in the genus Echinodictyum in which the fibres are formed by principal spicules and in which the aux- iliary spicules are represented by interstitial or dermal styli. Also, it is scarcely to be doubted that the smooth conical styli are homologues of the larger acanthostyles of Clathrissa arbuscula, Stylotellopsis amabilis and S. (Microciona) scabida and to the principal styli of normal Myxillinae. C. arbuscnla and S. amabilis differ in generic characters mainly in this respect, that in the latter the auxiliary megascleres are pointed at one end only, whilst in the former they are pointed at both ends. But this difference cannot be regarded as of much im- portance since the probability is that the tornotoxea of ('. arbuscnla are, strictly speaking, just as truly monactinal as the tornostrongyles of S. amabilis. Consequently Echino- dictvum ridleyi owing to the perfect smoothness of its prin- cipal styli, stands farther removed from either of the two last mentioned species than these do from each other, and is thus fairly entitled to distinction under a new generic name. In E. ridleyi, as already mentioned, the principal and accessory styli are both comparatively rare in their occurrence ; if the former spicules were to disappear, such a species as /-,Y ///?/- dict\um spongiosum, Dendy, 3 would result; whilst if both kinds were lost, there would be scarcely anything in the struc- 1 Thiele Fauna Chilensis, Bd. 3, p. 456, fig. 72 a-d. 2 Dendy Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., viii.. 1896, p. 44. 3 Dendy Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet., viii., 1896 p. 45. I ^j "ENDEAVOUIt" Sf'IKXTIFIC RESULTS. ture of the skeleton to distinguish it generic-ally from certain species at present included in the genus Axinella. The three sponges described by Lendenfeld 1 under the name ol Echinonema ahchoratum, Carter, have, according to their description, the spiculation of Clathrissa, but the skeleton is reticulate. The best plan to adopt in regard to these sponges is to regard them as species dubicc of WHsanelhi (g.i>.). GENUS CRELLA, Gray. Thiele 2 has expressed the opinion that Phimohalichondria incrustans, Carter, should be placed in the genus Pytheas which, as Lundbeck has recently shown, must now be called Crella. Accordingly I employ the latter name for the sponges about to be described. These agree so closelv in the charac- ters and dimensions of their spicules that, despite considerable differences in some other respects, they might very well be treated in contrast with other species of the genus as varieties of a single species, Crella incrustans. In this species, as in Clathrissa arbuscula the smooth oxeote spicules are secondarily diactinal. CRELLA INCRUSTAXS, Carter, ET VARR. (Plate xxiii., figs. 2, 3; Plate xxiv. ; and figs. 28-34.) Generid diagnosis: External form various; encrusting, massive or ramose. Oscida present in probably all the varieties. Typically (unless in encrusting varieties) the branching ascendent fibres of the main skeleton are sinuous and inter oscillate so as to form a kind of loose reticulation (pseudo-reticulation}; connecting fibres, in small number, may occur. The fibres are fairly closely* sometimes extremely densely, echinated with straight conical acantho style s ; the coring spicules may be exclu- sively smooth oxea, or exclusively ac antho styles, or a mixture of both. Foreign particles are in some cases included in the fibres. The dermal skeleton is a layer of shorter (usiially slightly curved) acantho styles, ivith a reticulate or more or less confused arrangement, rarely accompanied by relatively feiv smooth oxeotes. All three kinds of megascleres occur interstitially, the dermal acan- thostyles typically in greatest abundance. The micro- scleres are of a single kind, isochelce arcuata '-, scattered inter stitially and in the dermal layer in moderate abund- 1 Lendenfeld -Oat. Sponges Austr. Mus., 1888. p. 219. The three sponges referred to bear the varietal names, ramosa, dura and lamellasa. Their type-specimens appear to have been lost, since the specimens which Whitelegge regarded as such cannot at all be reconciled with Lendenfeld's descriptions (ride Appendix). 2 Thiele Archiv. Naturg.. 1903. p. 388. SPONGES. HALLMANN. ! - j mice. The smooth o.\eotes arc asymmetrical, ami when they attain in the fullest decree their characteristic shape an- tornotoxea with a slight flexion at the tip of the oxeote extremity. The extremes of the maximum dimen- sions of the spicules in the known varieties are as fol- lows: Tornotoxea: Length, 160 to 220 n; diameter, 4.5 to 6 11. Echinating acantlwstyles : Length, 145 to 200 It; diameter, 8 to 12 p. Dermal acanthostyles : Length, 80 to 100 n; diameter, 5 to 8 it. Isochehv arcuatcr: Length, 16 to 25 ^. The several sponges now to be described agree so closely in the form and dimensions of their spicules that despite con- siderable differences in some other respects it has been con- sidered preferable to treat them as varieties of a single species. Any differences that there may be in the shapes of the spicules in the different varieties are too slight to be of diagnostic value, and a single description will therefore suffice for all. The megascleres are smooth oxeotes, and acanthostyles of two kinds ; the microscleres are isochelse arcuatae of a single kind. The oxea are slender, asymmetrical, slightly fusiform straight spicules which in their very earliest stages of growth appear to be monactinal. Their characteristic peculiarity- which is usually, however, to be observed only in small pro- portion of them is a slight bending to one side of the tip of one extremitv. This peculiarity as it appears when most highly developed, is illustrated in text-figure 29, where it is also to be observed that the spicule is most correctly described as a tornotoxea. Throughout the descriptions they will be re- ferred to merely as the oxea, or sometimes as the auxiliary spicules. The extent to which they enter into the formation of the fibre-core varies greatly in the different varieties ; in the variety digitata they are pretty well the sole constituents; in the varieties perramosa and levis they are mingled with a variable proportion of acanthostyles; in the varieties arenacea and r ubni they are usually more or less completely supplanted by acanthostyles. An interesting condition is found in the variety pumila, where columns of oxea, descending down- wards from the surface without admixture of acanthostyles, form a common and characteristic feature of the skeleton. The oxea also occur as interstitial spicules, but except in the variety digitata are outnumbered as such by the accessory acanthostyles ; in the last named variety also, they participate in the formation of the dermal skeleton. The acanthostyles, as previously mentioned, are of two kinds. Those which predominate as echinating spicules and often in addition core the fibres are straight conical spicules of variable length, pro- vided with more or less recurved spines which are usually !-^ "ENDEAVOUR" .SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. absent, for a short distance, from the distal extremity. These spicules will be referred as the principal acanthostyles. The acanthostyles of the second kind are the characteristic and usually the sole elements of the dermal skeleton and at the same time the predominant spicules of the ground substance. From the evidence afforded chiefly by the varieties perramosa and digitata- in which, owing to the absence of crowding, the echinating spicules are, with greater advantage than in the other varieties, individually discernible in detail I am convinced that spicules, similar in all respects to these dermal acanthostyles, may also occur quite commonly both as echin- ating and coring spicules. Accordingly, I will not in general use the terms ''echinating" and "dermal" to distinguish the two forms of acanthostyles, but instead "principal" and "ac- cessory." One sees also in the different varieties that there is a perfect gradation between the extremes of form shown by the accessory spicules on the one hand and the principal spicules on the other. Accordingly in determining the dimen- sions of the accessory acanthostyles I have measured those spicules only which are situated actually in the dermal skele- ton, and as regards the principal acanthostyles, have taken account of their maximum size alone. The accessory acan- thostyles are slightly curved and slightly fusiform spirules covered, almost or quite to the distal extremity, with spines which stand perpendicularly to the axis of the spicule. The isochelae arcuatae are rather abundant and show a tendency, which is strongly marked in some varieties, to become dif- ferentiated into two sorts, a larger and a smaller. The arrangement of the skeleton shows appreciable differences in the different varieties, though not always to an extent that permits of distinction in a verbal description. In the non- encrusting varieties with the exception of levis, the fibres, owing to their undulating courses and anastomoses, often form a kind of pseudo-reticulation; in the variety perrainosa, actual transverse fibres in moderate number are developed. This last-mentioned variety is therefore of considerable in- terest, since it shows that a reticulate type of skeleton may be developed directly from a dendritic type a fact which lessens the importance of a generic distinction based solely on such a difference in the character of the skeleton. In all the varieties the fibres are rich in spongin. The typical variety of the species is Carter's Echinonema incrnstans from Port Phillip, which has been described as "massive incrusting, thick, covering the whole of a Pecten." I have not so far met with any specimen in the Australian Museum collection of Port Phillip sponges which admits of identification with Carter's species, but I have before me two mounted sections prepared by Mr. Whitelegge from pieces of British Museum specimens, SPONGES. HALLMAXJS. i labelled " Ecliimnu-nui incnistans Carter type," and " halichondria manmiillata, Carter" respectively. These do not satisfactorily corroborate Dendy's assertion of the synonymy of the two names, since the latter slide shows a skeletal struc- ture rather resembling that of the var. Ic-ris, and chelae vary- ing from 13 to -'6 /< in length; whilst in the former the structure is much looser somewhat similar to that of the var. iligitata and the chela? are only i_> to _>_' n long. Without wishing to attach any great importance to this discrepancy, I simply point to the possibility of a varietal difference between the sponges of Carter's two species. The point can only be settled by a re-examination of the original specimens. In view of the existence of so many distinct but closely allied varietal forms of this species, 1 it is necessary to proceed cautiously in introducing synonym} ; unless a complete con- necting series between two forms is known to exist, it is tar better because less liable to lead to confusion to treat them as distinct varieties, each with a distinguishing name. Ac- cordingly I would recommend that the Plumohalichondria niaiuniiUata of the "Challenger" Report be still considered a variety distinct from the Echinonema incrustaiis. Carter. In their description of this variety, Ridley and Dendy state that the dermal skeleton is a reticulation made up exclusively of acanthostyles ; they also refer to their examination of a small piece of the type-specimen of Carter's Plumohalichondria maniniiUuta and mention concerning it that the dermal acan- thostyles are intermingled with smooth oxea and not reticu- lately arranged. These differences in the dermal skeletons of the two sponges, they allowed, might very well prove distinctive ; but the other characters showed so close a corres- pondence that, under the circumstances, taking into account the small size of the piece examined, and the possibility of some amount of variation with age they did not consider it advisable to distinguish the two by the introduction of a new name. Of the varieties whose descriptions follow there is only one, viz., digituta, in which the oxea have been found to enter into the formation of the dermal skeleton ; accordingly, there is good reason to believe that the presence or the absence of dermally situated oxea may be a characteristic which is constant for any given variety. The variety from Oyster Bay to which I 1 In addition to the varieties described in this Report. I have before me three others which are unquestionably quite distinct. Owing to tliH scantiness of the material and its unsuitable state of preservation, I do not venture to describe them. One is probably identical with a British Museum sponge bearing the manuscript name " Clathrisaa membra naceti , Lendenfeld." Another bears a label in Lendenfeld's writing with the name, "Clathrissn arbimciila," a species to which it bears some external resemblance. The third is a ramose sponge of irregular growth with the oscula situated singly at the extremities of branches. l=t> "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS, o give the name digitata is probably identical with the typical variety, but in the absence of sufficiently full information con- cerning the latter, I do not feel justified, on mere assumption, in naming it as such. CRELLA IXCRUSTAXS, Carter, var. DIGITATA, var. nor. (Plate xxiii., fig. 2, and figs. 28, -.'9.) Sponge, so far as known, growing upon the shells of bivalve molluscs in tlie form of a thick encrusting layer from which arise shorter lobes or longer digitations. Texture loose; consistency soft, though moderately tough. Oscula? Fibres sinuous, anastomosing, cored solely by smooth oxea, and plentifully, though by no means densely echinated. The dermal skeleton comprises oxea in addition to acantho styles; the latter spicules do not form a definite reticulation. Megascleres, maximum sizes: (/.) Oxea 220 x 4.5 f/ ; (;Y.) principal acanthostyles 170 A- 9 u ; (Hi.) dermal acantJiostyles go x 8 u. Isochelce arena tee ij to 20.5 \i long. This variety is represented by six specimens which were obtained by the "Endeavour" from a single locality. Each ol them grows upon the shell of a Pecten, forming a thick cushion-like layer which spreads over the entire exterior sur- face of both valves, the two portions being in continuity only across the hinge-line. Though the shells are now empty, it is evident that the animals must have remained alive until the sponge grew to considerable proportions. At the free margin of the valves further growth is effected by the formation of processes which vary in form from short thick blunt lobes to elongated branch-like digitations (Plate xxiii., fig. 2). Similar processes may also arise from other parts of the surface. The condition presented lin some specimens indicates that the sponge may attain to a considerable size without any forma- tion of outgrowths ; in others, the total mass of the branches may exceed that of the encrusting portion. Anastomoses of the branch-like processes occasionally occur. The surface may be glabrous and even, or may exhibit minute conuli at the points where the fibres impinge. The oscula, which in the typical variety have been described by Carter as large and scattered, are not with certainty discernible in the present specimens : the dermal membrane is, however, ruptured in places, and thus, on account of its elastic tension, rounded openings result, which might easily be mistaken for oscula. The non-appearance of oscula in the present instance is possibly due to their closure whilst the sponges were being dragged in the trawl-net. The dermal membrane is thin, vet O ** * SPONGES.-HALLMANN. tough, and when dry forms an obscure whitish incrustation; in alcohol it is translucent and of light greyish colour. Beneath the membrane, the sponge is dull yellow. The texture is much looser and the consistency much softer than in the varieties arenacea and lev is. In a dry state the consistency varies ac- cording to the extent to which the sarcode has been removed, from firm, yielding to pressure and slightly brittle, to soft, spongy and elastic. The main skeleton consists of exceedingly tortuous branch- ing fibres running longitudinally. In the deeper parts they might almost be described as curled, but towards the surface they straighten out somewhat, though still remaining sinuous. The spicular axis of the fibres, consisting of oxea only, is sur- rounded by a thick sheath of transparent spongin in which the echinating spicules are deeply imbedded with their Txises quite in contact with the spicules of the core. The wind- ing courses which the fibres pursue, result in the frequent crossing and apposition of ad- joining fibres, and where con- tact occurs connections are fre- quently formed by the fusion of their spongin-em elopes. There are no proper connecting fibres, though occasionally the union of fibres in the manner des- cribed produces the appearance of such. The fibres might be said to form a pseudo-reticula- tion, in which the meshes are for the most part of elongated form. In sections prepared from dry specimens it is seen that the spongin or what appears to be spongin in addition to its envelopment of the fibre-spicules, extends as thin films or membranes between the fibres, dividing the interior of the sponge into incomplete compartments, as it were. The interstitial spicules, consisting of acantho- styles and oxea in about equal number, appear to be entirely restricted to these membranes. The echinating spicules are never so abundant as to obscure the axial spicules. Fig. 28 Crella incrustiiHS var. digitata. a Oxea. b Principal acanthostyle. c Dermal acan- thostvles. '58 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC KESVLTS. The dermal skeleton consists of acanthostyles and oxea. The proportion in which each occurs is variable, but the smooth spicules are always present, and in places particu- larly where the membrane overlies large subdermal spaces- are more numerous than the spined spicules. Occasionally, over small areas, an approach to the reticulate arrangement is met with ; or the acanthostyles may be clustered in small patches so as to give a mottled appearance, but there is never (in any observed case) a parallel arrangement of spicules to form the sides of meshes of a distinct reticulation such as is found in the varieties arenacea and levis. Megascleres. (i.) The oxea vary in length from 160 to 220 ;/ ; the stoutest are probably never more than 4.5 \i in diameter. The characteristic end-flexure is only of occasional occurrence, it may, however, be developed quite as highly as in any of the other varieties, as the spicule shown in Text-figure 29 bears witness. The oxea are characterised in compari- son with those of the other varieties by a slight elongated subterminal constriction which occurs at both ends. In this respect the spicules resemble those of Clathrissa arbus- cula. The feature is occasionally observed in the spicules of some of the other varieties of Crella incrus- tuns but is never so well marked as in the present one. (ii.) The principal acanthostyles reach a maximum size -of 170 x 9 ;i. Fig. 296'. in- crustans var. di- g it at a. a Oxea (showing the ex- treme of asym- metry in these spicules). b Iso- chela arcuata. (iii.) The dermal acanthostyles vary in length from 60 to 90 ;/ ; the stoutest are 7 or 8 \i in diameter. Very rarely acanthoxea are met with in the dermal skeleton ; these are sometimes over 100 /< in length. Micro sole res. The chelae, which vary in length from 13 to 20.5 f<, but are rarely more than 18 //, show a scarcely appreciable differentiation into two forms. As already pointed out this variety is probably identical with the typical variety which conies from Port Phillip. But there SPO.\(iK>. HALLMA.N.X. is nothing in what has been written concerning the latter ex- cept the reference to its habit of growing over Pecten shells, which furnishes any warrant for regarding the two as identical. Accordingly, after some hesitation, I have decided to introduce a distinguishing varietal name for the Oyster Bay sponges, perceiving that although such a step may prove to be incor- rect, it cannot at any rate give rise to confusion. I.oc. Oyster Bay, Tasmania, 30 fms. ("Endeavour.") CREI.LA IXCRUSTAXS, Curler, VAK. PKRRAMOSA, var. nov. (Plate xxiv., and fig. 30.) Sponge ramose, erect, stipitale; with long and rela- tively slender cylindrical branches wJiich multiply dicliot- omously .] to substipitate ; sometimes rather massive, bnl usually growing in the form of a thick erect plate which may either remain simple or become variously modified by proliferation, e.g., by partial or complete bifurcation into parallel plates, by the development of variously dis- posed lamellar outgrowths, or by the formation of lobes. Oscula small, mostly marginally situated. Both surface* of the plate or plates traversed, immediately beneath the dermal membrane, by sub-parallel longitudinal canals which terminate in the oscula. fibres very denselv ecliinated ; the coring spicules chiefly acanthostyles. Foreign bodies, chiefly sand grains, occur in variable amount in the fibres, and occasionally also in the ground substance. Interstitial megascleres, consisting chiefly of accessory acanthostyles, are extremely abundant. Dermal skeleton reticulate, without admixture of o.\ea. Mega- scleres, maximum sizes: (i.) Oxea, 200 x 6 ji ; principal acanthostyles, 160 x n u; dermal acanthostyles, 100-110 x (S'-p u. Isochelce arcuatte, not distinguishable into two groups, 12 to 18 }i long. Introductory Remarks. The sponges described by White- legge under the name of Plumohalichondria australis, Lendenfeld, are separable into two varieties the one, corresponding to those which he identified with Clathria australis, Lendenfeld ; the other, to those which he re- garded as representing three of Lendenfeld's species, viz., Echinonema levis, E. rubra and Clathria macropora. In the case of none of the four species mentioned, does Lendenfeld's description agree with that of Whitelegge, since for each of them the coring spicules were stated to be styli, whereas in Plumohalichondria australis, Whitelegge, they are oxea. What were the sponges which Lendenfeld had before him, will probably never be known with certainty, but after taking all the evidence into account, I am inclined to believe that Whitelegge's identifications of E. levis and E. rubra are correct, those of C. australis and C. macropora wrong. The two former as well as Whitelegge's C. macropora I will des- cribe as Crella incrustans, var. levis : Lendenfeld's C. australis and C. macropora are unknown to me. Whitelegge's C. australis, the subject of the following description, I regard as identical with Carter's Plumohalichondria arenacea. Clathria australis, Lendenfeld, would appear to resemble this last- mentioned only in external form ; for according to its des- cription, the skeleton is reticulate, the main fibres are entirely "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. tilled with (stylote) spicules, the connecting fibres are without spicules and echinating acanthostyles are rare ;. its locality is Port Phillip. In Whitelegge's Clathia australis on the other hand, the skeleton is dendritic, the fibres are in part loaded with sand particles, and are so densely echinated that even where the fibres are free from inclusions, the relatively few coring spicules (oxea and acanthostyles) are usually hidden from view ; moreover, the specimen which Whitelegge re- garded as the type-specimen was obtained (according to the information supplied by the Museum Register) from Port Jackson. Crella iticrustans var. arenacea bears a certain amount of resemblance, so far as habit of growth is concerned, with the variety mammillata, R. and D. The chiefly marginal location of its oscula and, in correlation with this, the arrangement of the main excurrent canals, as well as' the presence of foreign particles in the skeleton, will, however, afford a ready means of distinguishing it from the latter. As an example of the sponge in one of its simpler forms of growth, the specimen figured by Whitelegge will serve, though a much more regu- larly flabellate form is sometimes attained. The specimen figured herein (Plate xxiii., fig. 3) shows to how great an extent this simplicity of form may be departed from. The specimens which I have examined are the same as those which formed the subject of Whitelegge's description together with several which have since been added to the Museum Collection. With three exceptions they are beach-worn dry specimens collected in the vicinity of Port Jackson. The exceptions are from the southern coast of Australia ; two from Port Phillip, the other was obtained by the "Endeavour" off the coast of South Australia, and is well preserved in alcohol. So far as the difference in their state of preservation enables one to judge, there is no essential difference between the Port Jackson and the southern specimens, although it should be mentioned that whereas the latter are simply leaf-shaped, the former are without exception lobed or otherwise proliferate. Description. The original specimen, according to Carter's description, was irregularly club-shaped and lobed, with a contracted base; and measured about ^30 mm. in height, by 60 mm. in diameter in its widest part. Dendy, who had a number of specimens before him, describes the external form in general terms as "massive to flabellate." The two Port Phillip specimens which I have seen are simply leaf-shaped and substipitate, the larger being 150 mm. in height, 85 mm. in greatest breadth and 15 to ^5 mm. thick. The "Endeavour" specimen is similarly shaped, but has the margin of the plate SPONGES.-HALLMANN. 163 or frond, throughout about one-half its circumference, pro- duced outwards on one side so as to form a wide flange ; it measures 150 mm. in height, 100 mm. in breadth and 10 to 15 mm. in thickness. The specimens from the New South Wales coast all of which, it should however be mentioned, were derived from very shallow water are almost invariably of ir- regular growth owing to the proliferation in various ways of the original or primary frond. In spirits, the surface is even and glabrous, the consistency firm, tough, compressible and resilient, and the colour light greyish-brown. The rather thick dermal membrane is semi-translu- cent and enables one to discern the out- lines of the more superficial exhalant ranals lying close beneath. These canals, which occur on both sides of the sponge, are roofed by little more than dermal membrane only. They run upwards in a slightly radiating fashion from the base of the sponge usually to the margin, and terminate in small oscula ^ to i mm. in diameter. Their number increases by occasional branching as they ascend, so that the distance separating them remains about the same throughout. In the dry state, the dermal membrane forms a dense whitish incrustation, and through shrinkage, often conforms more or less to the inequalities beneath. The partitions between the canals then appear on the surface as faint ridges. Where the in- crustation is more or less denuded the surface presents the appearance shown in Whitelegge's figure; 1 the ridges are, Fig. 31 -C incrnx- however, sometimes much more, some- taus var. arenacea. times much less strongly pronounced. Modifications of the The texture is extremelv dense and com- PP osite extremities of the oxea. pact, and the sponge when dry is par- ticularly hard and tough. The main skeleton consists of stout sinuous ascending fibres, repeatedly branching and anastomosing. There are no true connecting fibres, although the intercrossing of the longitudinal fibres often produces the appearance of such. The echinating acan- thostyles are so densely crowded on the fibres that the coring spicules are usually concealed from view, but when discernible they prove to be chiefly acanthostyles- \J 1 Whitelegfre Loc. cit., pi. xi., fig. 14b. 164 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Foreign bodies, chiefly large sand grains, occur at usually irregular intervals in the fibres, and sometimes in small patches in the ground substance. Different specimens exhibit considerable differences in regard to the amount of foreign material included. The ground substance is densely strewn with megascleres which consist almost en- tirely of accessory acanthostyles. The dermal skeleton is for the greater part a well-defined reticulation of acanthostyles with poly- gonal (usually five or six-sided) meshes, but in places (particularly on the margin of the sponge) the spicules become so closely packed that the insterstices of the meshwork are almost, if not entirely obliterated. Oxea are absent from the dermal skeleton. Fig. 32 C. in- crustans var. are- nacea. a Princi- pal acanthostyle. b Dermal acan- thostyles. c Iso- chela arcuata. Megascleves. (i.) The oxea vary in length from about 160 to 200 ]i ; the stoutest are 7 or (rarely) 8 \( in diameter. (ii.) The principal acanthostyles reach a maximum size of 160 x 10-11 j<. / X) "V/ ("') ^ ne dermal acanthostyles vary in ' M length from 65 to 110 /<, or even slightly longer ; the}' are usually between 75 and 100 \i in length; acanthoxea occur among them as rarities. The longest are usually straight spicules with slightly re- curved spines and more closely resemble the principal acanthostyles than is usually the case. The stoutest are about 8-9 \i in diameter. Mic roscle res. The chela?, which are about 12 to 18 /i long, show no appreciable separation into two groups. Locs. Port Phillip, Victoria (Carter, Dendy, Austr. Mus. Coll.); southern coast of South Australia, eleven miles N.N.W. of Cape Martin, 21 fms. ("Endeavour"); eastern coast of New South Wales (Austr. Mus. Coll.). CRELI.A IXCRUSTANS, Carter, var. LEVIS, Lendenfeld. ( F gs. 33- 34-) 1888. Echinonema levis, Lendenfeld, Cat. Sponges Austr. Mus., 1888, p. 220. Echinonema rnbra, Lendenfeld, Loc. cit., p. 221. SI'OX(iKS. HALLMANN. ,,,- . iqoi. I'lumohalicliond ria australis (pa-rs), Whitelegge, I\rc. Austr. Mas., iv., _', IMOI, p. qo, pi. xl., tigs. 14, 14:1. (Echinonema la-vis), Whitelegge, Loc. cil., p. 91, p. 212. (Clathria macropora), Whitelegge, l.oc. cit., p. u. Isochelce arcitattc, 16 to 22 ;i Introductory Remarks. The original descriptions state that the coring spicules of the fibres are styli ; but with this exception, the descriptions accord fairly well on the whole with requirements, and there can scarcely be the slightest doubt that the sponges under consideration are identical with those to which Lendenfeld referred. The variety is well represented in the Museum Collection, and among the specimens are quite a number bearing labels in Lendenfeld's writing. The specific name ruhra, however, occurs in con- nection with only one of these and, even so, in association with the generic name Clathrissa. But Whitelegge has already pointed out that a co-type specimen of E. rubra in the British Museum is of the same species as E. levis, and the original descriptions also point to the identity of the two. Moreover, one is led to conclude that Lendenfeld himself subsequently recognised their identity, since, included among the specimens labelled bv him E. levis, there are some which, like the original specimens of E. rubra retain in alcohol a bright scarlet colour. It is pretty certain, therefore, that E. rubra is correctly a synonym of E. levis. On the other hand, the identification of Clatbria macropora, Ldf., with this species is slightly beyond reason, and one can only assume, for the present, that the "type" specimens of ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. C. macroporu referred to by Whitelegge are mislabelled. The chief reasons for the rejection of C. macropora as a synonym of E. lev is are two in number: (i.) Lendenfeld perceived the specific identity of the different specimens of E. levis on the one hand and of those of E. rubra on the other, throughout their many variations ; and it is therefore most unlikely that he would assign other examples of the same species to a different genus, (ii.) Lendenfeld says of C. macroporu that "the oscula are very conspicuous and scat- tered over the whole surface" and "are on an average 5 mm. wide and fairly abundant." The inference to be drawn from Whitelegge's remarks in this connection, viz., that Lendenfeld may have mistaken for oscula holes produced by a boring Iso- pod, is highly improbable, and the more so since, as Whitelegge himself points out, E. le-vis sometimes exhibits holes of the same kind but Lendenfeld was evidently 'not deceived by these. Oscular canals, the peculiar arrangement of which has been referred to in the diagnosis, are not discernible in specimens which have been denuded of dermal covering, and in their case according!}-, the most im- portant feature for their identi- fication is absent. This is the condition of many of the speci- mens before me which I assign to incmstans var. tne p resent variety ; although a number of these depart very con- siderably in form from such of the specimens as are with cer- tainty identifiable, the occurrence of seemingly intermediate forms nevertheless renders it pretty certain that they all belong to the one variety. Moreover, Lendenf eld's account of the external form covers all these cases. Description. The sponge consists of a compressed trunk- like or (rarely) more cylindrical and stalk-like basal portion from which arise few or many short branches which are typically massive and irregular (Whitelegge, Plate xi., fig. 14) but may vary from cylindrical to much compressed or even I Fig. 33 C. Ici'is. Modifications of opposite extremities of the oxea. SPON (IKS. 1 1 A LL M A N \. l6 7 frond-like In some c;iscs the trunk may grow to a consider- able size even assuming tlv_- I'orm of a broad, erect plate whilst the "branches" may be reduced to the proportions of marginal lobes, or may be wholly absent (YVhitelegge, Plate xi., fig. i4a). In con- sistency the sponge is hard and tough, resembling in this respect the variety arenacea. The fibres do not to any appreciable extent form a pseudo-reticulation, as in the preceding varieties, but as a rule run side by side in close parallelism, and are sometimes fused several together for con- siderable distances, forming what might be termed "compound" columns. The acanthostyles are much less densely crowded on the fibres than in the variety arenacea, and as a consequence the cor- ing spicules are always visible and show themselves to consist both of oxea and acanthostyles, the former predominating. The ground substance is densely strewn with acanthostyles and oxea, of which the former are in the greater abundance. Owing to the close arrangement of the fibres and the multitude of spicules, the skeleton is much more compact and dense than in any other variety herein described with the possible exception of arenacea. I he dermal skeleton resembles that of the last-mentioned variety. Megascleres. Fig. 34 C. incnis- taiis var. levis. a Principal acantho- stylus. b Dermal acanthostyli. c Iso- chela arcuata. (i.) The oxea vary in length from 160 to 200 }i ; the stoutest are 6 j< in diameter. (ii.) The principal acanthostyles attain a maximum size of i So x S;i. (iii.) The dermal acanthostyles are rarely less than 80 )t long, and commonly exceed IOO/Y; their greatest length is about uo;/ and the greatest diameter 5 or (rarely) 6 }i. Microscleres. The chelae, which vary in length from no appreciable separation into two groups. Loc. Port Jackson (Austr. Mus. Coll.). 13 to 18 <, show K.M>KAVOUi;" SCIENTIFIC KKST'LTS. C'KKI.I. v IXCRI STAXS, Carter, var. PUMILA, Lendenfeld. . Clathrissa piimila, Lendenfeld, Cat. Sponges Austr. Mus., isss, p. 218. Sponge encrusting, thin; surface uneven or irregularly conulated. Osculu small, scattered. Main skeleton con- sisting of ascending columns' of acantliostvles and descending columns of oxea. Acanthostyles of the dermal skeleton scattered without order. M cgasclcres, maxi- mum sizes: (/. ) Oxea, i~o x 5.5 fi ; (ii.) principal acan- thostyles, 7^5 x in )t ; (Hi.) dermal acanthi>slylcs, No x 5.5 //. Isochelce arcualtp, of a single Ititul, 12 to j(> ji lon. . Introductory Remarks.- Lendenfeld described the outward appearance of the typical variety of his C'lathrissa piimila in the following terms: "Small, incrusting, conulated sponges, ol a light rose colour in the fresh state and grey when pre- served in spirit. The conuli are on an average 2 mm. high and 4 mm. apart. Small oscula ..8 mm. wide are scattered irregularly over the surface." His complete description of the variety rubra is exceedingly brief :" Massive or incrusting sponges with small conuli i mm. high which are very close together. The largest specimens attain a height of JO mm. The colour of the living sponge is bright scarlet. The skeleton is similar to that of the species." It will be observed that, so far as the des- cription informs us, the variety is distinguished only by the slightly lesser height of its conuli, and by the deeper shade of its colour neither of which differences possesses in itself any importance. An examination of the type-specimens, however, renders it exceedingly probable that Lendenf eld's descriptions have reference to two quite distinct varieties. The type speci- mens of E. pumila and its variety are separately represented each by a bunch of stout seaweed roots that are almost com- pletely over-grown with encrusting sponges of quite a number of different kinds. It was necessary to examine several of these before it could be said with certainty which were the actual examples of the species, and as a result it has been found that there are among them two varieties which accord very well with the descriptions so far as external features are concerned ; that is to say, one of them appears to be invariably of encrust- ing habit, whilst the other may assume a massive form, becom- ing cake-shaped. In regard to their inner structure, however, they do not comply with the descriptions inasmuch as their skeletons are not similar, and there is a notable difference in the size of their megascleres ; furthermore the variety which S]'()N(iKS. HALLMANN. 169 iigrecs in outward features with ( . pniuila \'ar. nthni happens to be that one ol the two \vhirh accords with the typical ('. pit mild in internal features. One must conclude, therefore, either that Lendenfeld did not examine the structure of tin- skeleton in his two varieties sufficiently closely to detect their difference, and inadvertently ascribed to the typical variety the skeletal features which belong to the variety ruhru ; or that the descriptions are really correct, that his two varieties conse- quently were merely different growth stages ol one and the same variety, and that the sponge which agrees externally but not internally with ('. piimiln is a new variety which Lenden- feld overlooked. The former conclusion is the more probable and the one which I therefore adopt. Both ('. pmtiild and ('. puniila var. ruhra are capable of being regarded as varieties of Crella incnistdns since their spicules exhibit all the features characteristic for the species. They may accordingly be named ('. incrnstciiis var. puniila, and ('. incrustans var. rnhra, re- spectively. The following is a description of the the former. Description. 1 1 he sponge, as iar as known, is encrusting, forming a layer (usually of about i mm. thickness) which ma) spread over a considerable area. The surface is minutely rugged or papillated and, in parts, conulose. The colour is greyish white in spirit ; in life, according to Lendenfeld, it is ol a rose-tint. Small rounded openings, which may be oscula, occur here and there at wide intervals. The basal layer of spongin, with which the sponge covers the substratum, is densely echinated with vertically-standing acanthostvles. The main skeleton consists of both ascending and descending spicular columns, which might be termed respectively principal and auxiliary columns. The principal columns are single or once or (rarely) twice branched fibres running upwards from the base of the sponge, and composed of a spongin-axis with embedded and echinating acantho- stvles, and sometimes in addition containing a few coring smooth oxeotes. The auxiliary columns, which proceed down- wards from the dermal layer, consist entirely of smooth oxeotes without visible cementing material. As a rule, the ascending and descending columns meet at varying distances from the surface, so that there results in consequence compo- site columns, in the lower portion of which the spicules are acanthostyles, in the upper portion, oxea. Frequently, how- ever, the auxiliary columns are not encountered by principal columns, and then sometimes reach to the very base, of the 1 In many respects this sponge resembles the recently described inrritxtnii.1, var. Tliielei (Hentschel Fauna Sudwest-Australiens, Bd. 3, p. 345. 170 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. sponge; at the surface they are penicillately spread out, form- ing sub-dermal brushes with the points of the spicules imping- ing on, but not piercing, the dermal membrane. The principal columns appear never to quite reach the surface but to be invariably capped with a column or a brush of oxea. The interstitial megascleres are almost exclusively acanthostyles : in the upper part of the sponge they are sometimes very numer- ous, and form a conspicuous feature of the skeleton ; but this is not a constant feature, and generally speaking, scattered spicules are of no great abundance. The dermal skeleton consists solely of irregularly and fairly closely scattered ac- cessory acanthostyles. Megascleres. (i.) The oxea vary in length from 130 to 170 ;< and are thus shorter than in any other of the known varieties. They are slender spicules, rarely exceeding 4.5 n and never more than 5.5 /( in diameter. (ii.) The principal acanthostyles attain a maximum size of 145 x 10 ft. (in.) The dermal acanthostyles vary in length from about 60 to 80 ;< ; the stoutest are less than 6 ]i in diameter. Microscleres. The chela? are of a single kind, similar to those of the variety levis, and 12-16/1 long. Loc. Port Jackson (Austr. Mus. Coll.). CRELLA IXCRUSTANS, Carter, VAR. RUBRA, Lendenfeld. 1888. Clathrissa pumila var. rubra, Lendenfeld, Cat. Sponges Austr. Mus., iSSS, p. 2U). Very small, encrusting or cake or dome-shaped sponges with smooth or papillated surface. Main skeleton con- sisting of brandling, ascending, occasionally anastomos- ing, fairly densely echinated fibres often with a distinct core of oxea, but usually with acanthostyles in addition and sometimes containing acanthostyles alone. There are Jio descending columns of smooth oxea as in the pre- ceding variety. The dermal skeleton consists of scat- tered accessory acanthostyles. Megascleres, maximum sizes: (/.) Oxea, 200 x 5 }i ; (ii.) principal acanthostyles, 160 x 8 n ; (Hi-) dermal acanthostyles, 80 x 5 u. Iso- chelce arcuatce, 12 to if) u long. The original description of the external features of this sponge was as follows: "Massive or incrusting sponges with small conuli about i mm. high which are very close together. SPONGES. HALLMANN. j-j The largest specimens attain a height of 20 mm. The colour of the living sponge is bright scarlet." To this it may be added that the surface is sometimes free from conuli, and that the colour in alcohol is brownish-grey. The largest which I have seen is 15 mm. in diameter and 5 mm. in height. Oscuhi have not been observed. The diagnosis contains pretty well all which need be said concerning the skeleton. The basal layer of spongin is densely echinated with erect acanthostyles. Columns of oxea, free from echinating acanthostyles, such as are characteristic of the preceding variety, have not been observed. Occasionally the coring oxea at the extreme upper extremity of the fibres spread out penicillately and form a sub-dermal tuft, but as a rule the character of the fibre remains unaltered quite to its point of arrival at the dermal membrane. The interstitial megascleres, which are almost exclusively acanthostyles, are fairly abundant. Oxea external to the fibres are extremely rare except (occasionally) immediately beneath the dermal membrane. The dermal skeleton is similar to that of the variety pnmila. Megascleres. (i.) The oxea vary in length from about 160 to 200 }i ; the stoutest are 5 \i in diameter. (ii.) The principal acanthostyles attain a maximum si/u <>t i ho x S /< . (iii.) The dermal acanthostyles vary in length from about 60 to 80 n and do not exceed 6 n in diameter. Microscleres. The chelae, which resemble those of the variety levis, are 12 to 1 6 ]t long. Lor. Port Jackson (Austr. Mus. Coll.). GENUS EcHiN'omcTvr.M, Ridley. ECHIXODK TYI. M KI.KC; \\s, I .cndcii fchl . (Plate xxiii., tig. i, and fig. 35.) 1888. Kalykenteron eleguns, Lendenfeld, Austr. Mus. Cat. Sponges, 1888, p. ^16. Ktilykenteron sile.\, Lendenfeld, Loc. cit., p. -'17. 1901. Thalassodendron typica, Whitelegge (non Lendenfeld), Rec. Austr. Mus., iv. , _>, 1901, p. 8b. Sponge lamellar, usually vasifonn, subsessile. Sur- faces rarely cjiiilc CTCII, the outer, and sometimes to a. j-j 'ENDEAVOUR" S( 1 KX'I'IFIC RESULTS. slight extent the inner, usually raised into few or many mammiform, or inure or less irregular elevations. Oscula small, confined to the inner surface (fide Lendenfeld). Skeleton-fibres stout; both main and connecting, almost entirely composed of closely-packed oxeote spicules. Spicules : (/.) Somewhat angulately curved oxea of very variable proportions, usually with the extremities some- what blunted, and often slightly monilated ; their greatest size varies in different specimens from jio x ij /i to 620 x / u to i jo .v 72.5 /< ; (Hi?) slender styli of variable diameter up to about 5 ft which are possibly young stages of the first- mentioned . _ The previous accounts of this species are so misleading in regard to the dimensions of the spicules thdt a re-description which will rendty further reference to them unnecessary, is desirable. Owing, however, to the imperfect preservation of the available specimens six in number, all dry, and more or less macerated an entirely satisfactory description is not at present possible. With regard to external features, the original description of Kalykenteron elegans, says: "A very elegant, conical, cup-shaped sponge attaining a height of 220 mm. The margin of the cup is circular and has a diameter of i jo mm. Both surfaces are very irregular and covered with numer.ous projections of varying size and shape. The outer surface is somewhat rougher than the inner. The small cir- cular oscula are confined to the latter." Concerning Kaly- kenteron M'/I'.Y, Lendenfeld states: 'The sponge consists of a meandriform lamella which grows up from a small base of attachment; it is somewhat flower-shaped, often caliculate. The whole sponge attains a height of 120 mm. The lamella is pretty uniformly 6 mm. thick and rounded at the margin." The specimens before me, with the exception of that labelled Kalykenteron silex (type), range in form from conical cup- shaped to shallow saucer-shaped, and are attached by a nar- row base not prolonged into a stalk. The largest example is the type-specimen (Plate xxiii., rig. i ) which measures ^25 mm. in height, and has the cup wall 6 to 10 mm. in thickness. It is now much compressed, but this is probably due to artificial influences ; in the others, the cup-margin is circular. The type specimen agrees with one other, in having the outer surface Sl'oMiKS. HALLMAXX. 173 the original covered with numerous prominences of somewhat irregular shape, but of fairly uniform size, whilst the inner surface Is uneven, though devoid of any pronounced inequalities. In the remaining specimens the inner surface is quite free from ir- regularities of any kind, whilst the outer surface is mereh lumpv or provided with rounded tubercular elevations of larger size and relatively lesser number than in the tvpe. Finally in J - I the type specimen (sic) of K. silex, both surfaces are plain. This last-mentioned is merely a small piece of including portion of the margin, which is sinuous ; it was evidently taken from a "meandriform lamella" about h mm. thick. The "minute circular oscula" confined to the inner surface, which Lendenfeld mentions for /\. elcguns, are not discernible in the present condition of the speci- mens. The consistency is very hard and firm, and the texture coarse and fibrous. The statement of \Yhite- legge that the sponge (as represented in a macerated specimen) resembles a "washed-out Chondropsis" is meaningless. Lendenfeld's descrip- tion of the main skeleton is fairly correct, though slight amendments are necessary. He says: 'The skeleton consists of a dense network of exceeding!} thick fibres. The main fibres, which extend longi- tudinally from the base of the sponge to the margin of the cup are ._' mm. thick. The connecting transverse Fig. 35 E. cleg MIS. a Oxea (showing various stages in their passage into strongyla). b Acantho- styli. fibres have an average diameter of .07 mm. The meshes of the network are .^ mm. wide. The fibres consist of dense masses of oxea which are all parallel and disposed longitudin- ally." His description of the skeleton in l\. silex is very slight, and moreover (if the ostensible type-specimen is, as all the evidence indicates, genuine) inaccurate. It is as follows: 'The skeleton consists of spicule-bundles . - J mm. thick, com- posed of large and stout styli. There is hardly any spongin discernible. 'The fibres are echinated by spined styli .09 mm. long and .008 thick." The use of the word "styli" in the latter connection- is evidently an error, since Lendenfeld de- fines the su, Wilson, Clutliriii cicuntlnnles , Hentschel, and possiblv also C. (Rhaphidophlus) SpicnJosn, Dendy. 2 In the des- cription of Chithriu acantlioilcs the interstitial auxiliary spicules have probably been confused with the principal spicules owing to their close resemblance to them. A number of these species are scarcely to be regarded as more than \arieties. The peculiar Rhaphidophlus bisphiusus, White- legge, 3 is probably a Clathna of the C. cuchtta-C. clathruta series; unfortunately the type-specimen, which was very small, appears to have been lost. 1 Lendenfeld Cat. Sponges Austr. Mus., 1888, p. 227. This species is represented in the Australian Museum Collection by a number of speci- mens, one of which, labelled as the type, is poorly "preserved in alcohol. J he specimens appear to be incomplete, though they are sufficient to show that the sponge is of ramose habit, but that frequent anastomosis of the branches (which may attain a diameter of 10 mm. or. more) often results in the formation of a "reticulate mass." The main skeleton is a loose irregular reticulation of mostly longitudinal fibres which are pro- fusely strewn, rather than cored, with spicules, and for the most part also with foreign bodies, and are echinated by rather abundant acan- thostyles. Spicules occur in the ground substance in fair abundance; they comprise auxiliary subtylostyli, extremely long slender pxea (toxa> often occurring in loose dragmata, and numerous palmate ispchelas of two sizes, the smaller of which are chiefly contort. There is a well- developed loosely attached dermal membrane; but, unfortunately, even in the spirit specimen, only the merest damaged tatters of it remain, so that it is impossible to speak with certainty concerning the arrange- ment of the dermal skeleton. The special dermal spicules, so far as can be judged, stand more or less vertically and appear to be gathered into tufts and ill-defined tracts. The principal styli are characterised by a basal tylosis which has a spinose or rugged surface, and is separated off from the rest of the spicule by a slight constriction ; they are straight conical spicules varying in length from about 150 to 320 p, and attaining a diameter of 12 jj. The auxiliary styli (and subtylostyli) are straight spicules nearly always provided with a distinct spination on the extreme basal end; those which occur interstitially reach a maximum size of 300-320 x 5-5.5 )j, whilst those which constitute the special dermal spicules rarely if ever (apparently) exceed a size of 250 x 4 ji. The accessory acanthostyles are conical spicules with fairly large recurved spines scat- tered over their whole length; size 60-90 x 8 >i. The larger isochelae arc 12 to 17.5 jj in length and are rarely contort, the smaller are 6 to 9.5 p long and as a rule contort. The toxa are long and slender, straight or curved spiculea without any trace of the mid-flexure so characteristic of toxa, and consequently resemble oxea; they occur singly and in dragmata; the very largest of them are at least 700 x 3 n in size. 2 Dendy Ann. Mag-. Xat. Hist. (61. iii.. 1SS9. p. 86. PI. iv., fisr. 4. 3 Whiteleerse Mem. Austr. Mus.. iv.. 10. 1907, p. 503. j-8 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. RHAPHIDOPHLI s PAUCISPIXUS, Lendenfehl. (a) TYPICAL FORM. (Plate xxv., fig. i ; Plate xxvi., fig. i ; and figs. 36, 363.) 1888. Thalassodendron paucispina, Lendenfeld, Austr. Mus. Cat. Sponges, 1888, p. 224. Thalassodendron rubens, var. dura (pars), Lendenfeld, Loc. cit., p. 224. Thalassodendron rubens, var. lamella (pars), Lenden- feld, Loc. cit., p. 224, pi. vii. 1901. Thalassodendron nib ens (pars), Whitelegge, Rec. Austr. Mus., iv., 2, 1901, p. 87. (T. rubens, var. dura; T. rubens, var. lamellosa; T. paucispina), Whitelegge, Loc. cit., p. 87. (b) \'ar. MULTIPORA, Whitelegge. (Plate xxv., fig. 2.) 1907. Clathria multipora, \\ T hitelegge, Austr. Mus. Mem., iv., 10, 1907, p. 496, pi. xlv., fig. 23. General Diagnosis. Sponge variable in habit, itni- /labeUar, multiflabellar or ramose; usually attached by a more or less extended disc-like foot, with or -without the intervention of a stalk. In all cases the form assumed is the outcome of a more or less distinctly expressed ten- dency to the restriction of growth to one plane. No oscitla. Dermal membrane strongly developed, appearing in the dry sponge as a white pellicle or incrustation. The sur- face exposed by the removal of the dermal skin is closclv dotted with pinhole-like punctures. The main skele- ton is a fairly regular, small-meshed reticulation of stout fibres; the main fibres contain a semi-diffuse core, the connecting fibres are short and invariably enclose one or a few spicules. The dermal skeleton is a rvell-defined reticulation of lines of crowded styli of t^vo sizes, the smaller standing vertically, the larger lying horizontally beneath these and supporting them. Megascleres : (/) Stouter, usually slightly curved, (principal] styli, chiefly confined to the fibres, varying in maximum size in the different forms from 260 x 9 to 350 x 16 u; (U.) conical tapering aca))tJwstyli, most densely spined on the basal end, occurring sparsely as cchinating spicules and scat- tered in the ground-substance; length 90-100 u; (Hi.) slenderer, usually straight (auxiliary) styli (or subtylo- styli) of the same length as, or slightly shorter than the principal, occurring horizontally in the dermal membrane S I'OXG KS.-H ALLM A N N . and scattered in the ground-substance; (iv.) sliorter sub- tylostyli (or styli) of scarcely one-half tlie length of the preceding, almost entirely restricted to tin- dermal Irtver. I larger or smaller proportion of the megascleres (/.), (in.) and (iv.), are provided with a minute basal spina- tioii ; this spiuation is the normal condition of dermal stvli and is of least frequent occurrence amongst the principal styli. Ificroscleres : (/.) Palmate isochelce of a single kind varying in maximum length in the different forms of the sponge from 20 to 25 // ; (//. ) angnlately curved toxa 60 to 80 \n in length, and 2 to 2.5 }i in diameter. Introductory Remarks. As the result of an examination of the figured specimen of Thalassodendron rubens var. lamella, and of undoubted specimens of T. rubens var. dura. ( Clathria rubens), I find that Lendenfeld has confused the descriptions of these t\vo sponges. The descriptions of their external characters are proper, but those of their skeletal characters should be interchanged. To further add to the confusion, \Yhitelegge, overlooking the essential points of difference between the two, united them, together with T. brevispina, as a single species, Clatliria rubens ; of the five specimens whose spicular characters he has separately described though not quite accurately the second (labelled "Thalassodendron rubens var. dura, No. 343"), as well as the third and fifth, belong to the present species (vide YVhitelegge, Loc. cit., pp. 86, 87). Description.^ (a) Typical variety. The sponge is frequently except for the presence of mar- ginal digitations perfectly lamelliform. More usually, how- ever, growth proceeds by the rapidly-repeated multiplication always chiefly or entirely in one plane of ascendant, cylindri- cal or slightly compressed, anastomosing branches, and results in the formation of a reticulated or fenestrated flabelliiorm expansion. From this, a more or less continuous lamella may in some cases be secondarily produced, through the gradual obliteration of the interspaces by vertical ingrowth. It is either owing to this latter mode of origin or because an actual separation into branches is not quite fully accomplished, that the surface in lamelliform examples is often, as Lendenfeld states, "slightly grooved." In some instances the sponge shows a marked disposition towards a freely branching habit, but in no observed case is there, as is usual in the variety multipoi-as, an entire absence of anastomosis or of confluence of branches. The specimen of T. rubens var. lamella, figured i8o "ENDEAVOUR" .SCIENTIFIC RKSCLTS. bv Lendenfeld, will serve as an example of the sponge in its more (secondarily attained) lamelliform condition ; whilst the one shown herein (Plate xxv., fig. i) represents a condition in- termediate between the preceding and that which is exhibited by the most ramose examples of the variety. The former speci- men, it should be mentioned, is somewhat abnormal on account of its rugged surface, and the number of digitiform r\ ,- , ^ S /- r \ ~} /** 1 f- f**! P r i Q ft \ b ^ P i a I j / / a V / ^ / 1 b \ c 1) !/ Fig 36 Rhaphidophlus paucispimis. a Principal styli. b, b' Auxiliary styli. c Special dermal styli. c' Styli intermediate between the auxiliary and dermal. processes which arise from both its sides. Though some ol these processes are probably of adventitious origin, others appear to be branches which have deviated from the plane of growth and so become excluded from participation in the formation of the main body. The maximum of sub-division into separate parts amongst the present specimens is shown by the specimen figured in Plate xxvi. ; in this case the primary lamella has broken up into a number of sub-lamella?, which come to lie in overlapping planes. The sponge, even in those rare cases in which a stalk is formed, is usually attached by a broad, often spreading disk, from which additional upgrowths. SPONGES. HALLMANN. l8f mav arise. These latter are, in all the observed instances, simply digitiform, and they quite frequently become united above with the main bodv. The consistency in alcohol is firm and tough, and in the dry state rather hard and stiff. In some specimens preserved in alcohol, the colour throughout is purplish red ; in others the dermal membrane is milky white, the internal parts light brownish yellow. In dry specimens, as far as known, the colour, except of the dermal incrustation, varies from straw yellow or rusty brown ; the darker hue be- longs to those in which probably the life-colour was purplish, although the tvpe-specimen of T. rnbois var. lamella, con- trary to the implication of the specific name, shows no trace either of red or brown. The sponge grows to a considerable size. The largest specimen measures .265 mm. in height and 380 j/ in breadth. The thick- ness of the lamella, and ol branches perpendicular to the plane of growth, varies in different specimens or in differ- ent parts of a single specimen from 5 to 10 mm. The main skeleton is a com- pact reticulation of strong!} developed horny fibre which, even in the distal portions of the sponge, frequently attains a thickness of 160-200 /<. The pattern of the reticulation is subject to a considerable amount of variation, and the same is true with regard to the development of the spi- cular core and to the size of the smooth megascleres. As a matter of fact, the type-specimen of T. rubens var. lamella departs to such an extent, in all three respects, from the normal, that some hesitation was at first felt in identi- fying it with the typical form. As a rule, the reticulation is distinguished by a marked regularity, so that, in section, to the naked eye, it appears quite rectangular. Under the micro- scope, however, owing to the comparatively small size of the mesh in relation to the thickness of the fibres, the apertures of the reticulation are slightly rounded to sub-circular. In vertical transverse section of a lamella or median longitudinal section of a branch, the main fibres gradually trend outwards to the surface on either side of the middle line in a pinnate manner, dichotomosing repeatedly. The transverse fibres connecting these are often further united by secondary connec- tives parallel to the main fibres. Towards the surface these secondary connecting fibres frequently become continuous and Fig. 36a. A', pan ispinus. a Acanthostyli. b Chela. c Toxa. 1 82 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC EESULTS. thus give rise to supplementary main fibres. The main fibres are occupied by a stout core of loosely packed spicules, which usually do not lie parallel to the axis of the fibre, but are in- clined outwards from it at a small angle. As the extremity of the fibre is approached the spicules become more plumose in the arrangement, and more and more free from enveloping spongin and finally form a sheaf supporting, and to some extent piercing, the dermal membrane. The connecting fibres are never aspiculous, though they often contain but a single spicule. Acanthostyles occur in relatively small number scattered within the fibres, through the intermediate tissues, and as widely spaced echinating spicules. Smooth megas- cleres scattered through the ground substance are moderately abundant. This description of the main skeleton, as already pointed out, has reference to the condition which is most typical. In the type-specimen of T. nibens var. lamella, on the other hand, there is an absence of any marked regularity in the arrangement of the fibre-reticulation, the fibres are only sparsely cored, and the smooth styli of the sponge interior are on the whole notably smaller than in most other examples. Still, the probability is that these differences are nothing more than individual variations, and for the following reasons : (i.) The sponges are apparently identical in all other essential respects, (ii.) The pattern of the main skeleton reticulation and the degree of development of the spicule-core of the fibres are sufficiently variable in all cases to render them untrust- worthy as a basis for separation, (iii.) The size of the smooth styli always varies considerably in any given specimen, and the number of those which attain to the maximum size is also variable and as a rule proportionately small, (iv.) The same cause which accounts for the reduction in the size of the spi- cules might very well be responsible also for their diminution in number. The accounts which have hitherto been given of the spicules are most incomplete, and in regard to their measurements entirely misleading. Lendenfeld mentions, in addition to acan- thostyles, styli of one kind only, whilst Whitelegge recognises two. There are, however, three kinds which, though connected by intermediate forms, are clearly distinguishable by dif- ferences of shape or of situation. Firstly, there are the principal styli, which are predominatingly the spicules of the fibre core, and occur only in relatively small number in the ground substance; secondly, there are the auxiliary styli, which constitute the horizontal spicules of the dermal skeleton, which are, further, the most abundant megascleres of the o-round tissues, and which, to a small though rarely appre- SPONGES. HALLMANN. ,-, * ciable extent, may also invade the fibres ; and, thirdly, there are the special dermal styli (much smaller in size than either of the preceding), which are arranged at the surface, but which, like the others, are also to be found in the ground tissues. In the dermal skeleton the auxiliary styli (proper) are disposed horizontally in broad lines (in which they lie roughly parallel) forming a reticulation, the mesh of which averages about 1 60 ]i in diameter. The special dermal styli stand perpendicu- larly upon the sides of this meshwork, echinating them, as it were. The special dermal styli usually exhibit a small area of spination on the basal extremity ; a similar, though more minute, spination is also of occasional to frequent occurrence on the auxiliary spicules ; but it is always of more or less rare occurrence in the case of the principal styli. The drawings in the text-figure have been arranged so as to show the very perfect gradation of one spicule form into another. Megascleres. (i.) The principal styli are usually slightly curved. Their maximum size varies in different specimens from 280 x 10.5 to 300 x 1 1 ;t. (In the divergent specimen of T. rubens var. lamella, spicules larger than 220 x 8 j< are exceedingly rare. A single spicule 280 x 10.5 j( was observed, and several others of intermediate length, in some of which the diameter exceeded 9 }i.) (ii.) The acanthostyles are rather minutely spined; the spines are recurved and either scattered closely over the whole length of the spicule or are more or less reduced in number on the region extending from the neighbourhood of the very densely spined head towards the middle of their length. They are conical tapering spicules which rarely exceed a size of 95 x 7 ji, though individuals up to 105 x 7.5 ]i have been observed. (iii.) The auxiliary styli (proper) are straight. Those in those in the ground substance vary greatly in dia meter, owing to the admixture of immature indivi- duals. The latter are frequently tylostyli, but, as their development proceeds, their basal enlargement is gradually effaced, though traces of it are often re- tained by full-grown spicules. Those of the dermal skeleton are very uniform in stoutness, and being unmixed with principal styli allow their size, as dis- tinguished from that of the latter, to be readily determined. They may attain to the length of the principal styli, but are usually slightly shorter. Maximum size, 270-295 x 8 j(. (In the abnormal specimen they attain to 280 x 7.5 ><.) 184 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. (iv.) The special dermal styli are connected by a perfect gradation of forms with the auxiliary styli. Those which stand perpendicularly to the surface are rarely, if ever, more than i 50 x 5 )i in size. The majority of them are provided with a few basal spines which are relatively larger than those of the auxiliary and prin- cipal styli. Unlike the corresponding spicules of R. typicus, the dermal styli are here usually quite straight. Microscleres. (i) The isochelce palmatae reach a maximum length vary- ing in different specimens from 20 to 24 ;<, whilst in any given specimen there may be a difference of as much as 6 ;< between the longest and the shortest. The shorter length is usually associated with some degree of curvature of the shaft. The palms when viewed from the front are somewhat triangular in outline, with rounded corners; they are longer than broad. (ii.) The toxa are simply angulately curved, and resemble a bent microxea. Size: 55 x 1.7 /< up to 75 x 2.5 \i. They are relatively few in number, and are sometimes apparently absent. Loc.- Port Jackson (Austr. Mus. Coll. ; ten specimens). RHAPHIDOPHLUS I'Al'CISIMM'S, 1'ltr. MULTIPORVS, irilitl'lcg i,' 't . (Plate xxv., fig. 2.) This variety differs from the typical form in its elongately branched habit and the somewhat greater size of its megas- cleres. All the specimens so far obtained are stipitate. The branches are given off in one plane, and may or may not anastomose. The specimen originally figured does not give a correct idea of the usual form of the sponge, owing to the fact that in it the branches, either through growth in a con- fined space or as a result of drying are bunched together. A specimen obtained by the "Endeavour" (Plate xxv., fig. 2) is peculiar in the wide separation of its branches. \Yhitelegge's statement of the spicule-dimensions, stands in need of correc- tion ; their maximum values are as follows : Megascleres. (i.) Principal styli, 300-360 x 12-16 f/. (ii.) Acanthostyles, 90-105 x 8-9 \i. (iii.) Auxiliary styli, 300-360 x _>5. 1901. Thalassodendron brevispina, \\"hitelegge, Rev. Aiustr. Mus., iv., 2, 1901, p. 87. (c) I ar. AXCIIORATUS, Carter. 1881. Echinonema anclmnitnin. Carter, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), vii., p. 379. 1.^X5. Echinoncnm tlabelliforniis. Carter, Op. cit. (5), xvi., 1885, p. 352. Ecliinonema pectiniformis , Carter, Loc. cit., p. 353. i S86. Pliakcllia ventilabrurn, var. australiciisis. Carter, Op. cit. (5), xviii., 1886, j). 379. 1896. Clathria typica (pars), Dendy, Proc. Roy. Sor. \"ict., viii. (n.s.), p. 32. [ i S88. Not Echinonema anchoratum, Lendenfeld, Austr. Mus. Cat. Sponges, 1888, p. 219.] "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. (/) Var. OBESUS, riom. nov. 1901. Clathria typica, Whitelegge, Rec. Austr. Mus., iv., 2, 1901 , p. 80, p. 117. (g) ]'ur. STELLIFEK, "car. nov. (h) I'ar. FAVOSUS, Whitelegge. 1907. Clathria favosa, Whitelegge, Austr. Mus. Mem., iv., 10, 1907, p. 498. (iencral Diagnosis. Sponge, in the different varieties, ramose, lamelliform or sub-massive. Oscula absent? Dermal membrane strongly developed, appearing in the dry sponge as a whitish pellicle or incrustation. Texture, as revealed, by the removal of the dermal covering, rattier loose and porous. The moderately stout fibre forms a rather wide-meshed reticulation. The main fibres contain a dense spicular core, the connecting fibres, with rare exception, are devoid of axial spicules. Smooth styli are extremely abundant in the ground tissues. Acan- thostvles occur not only as more or less deeply imbedded ecliinating spicides, but also scattered within and between the fibres. They are more abundant on tiie outer ex- tremeties of the fibres than elsewhere. The dermal skele- ton is precisely of the same type as in the preceding species. Megascleres : In addition to acanthostyles there are three kinds of stylote spicules, principal, aux- iliary, and special dermal, occurring in the same relations as in the preceding species. A certain proportion of the last-mentioned exhibit a minute basal spination. (i.) The principal styli are the stoutest spicules; they are, for the most part, slightly curved; they vary in maximum she in the different known varieties from about 200 x 6 \(, to about 300 x 13 \i. (//.) The acanthostyles are distin- guished by the absence or marked reduction of spines over (i considerable portion of their basal moiety. (Hi.) The auxiliary styli are straight or flexed, and are always longer and slenderer than the principal, (iv.) The special dermal styli are usually curved and slightly sub-fusiform; The greatest curvature is in the basal half of their length; in sice they are rarely above 130-150 x 4-5 \i. Micro- scleres: These are of three kinds: (/.) Larger palmate isochelce, 15-20 u long; (ii.) smaller palmate isochelcz of which a certain proportion are contort, 7-11 ji long; (in.) hair-like toxa of indefinite length, frequently passing into amorphous forms, occurring both singly and in bundles. SPONGES. -HALLMANN. , _ Introductory Remarks. The intimate relationship to one another ot the sponges here regarded as varieties 1 of Rhaplii- dophhts typicns, Carter, is revealed by their possession in com- mon, of a considerable number of well-defined characteristics, of which five may be considered as possessing special value. These are: (i) The non-occurrences of coring spicules in the connecting fibres; (2) the reduction of spination in the sub- basal region of the acanthostyles ; (3) the presence of two kinds of chela?; (4) the torsion of the smaller chelae 5(5) the pecu- liarities shown by the toxa. This assemblage of characters distinguishes the sponges of the present series from any hither- to described, 2 although it is only in their possession of contort chelae of a special kind that they stand unique. It is particularly on account of this last-mentioned peculiarity, therefore, that their association under one specific name seems advisable. The occurrence of two kinds of chela- is implied in Wilson's description 3 ot Cluthna (Tcnacut} cl already been described as a distinct species and is accord- ingly already in possession of a name, and since, moreover, it is known only from a locality widely distant from that of the other, no objection can be raised if, for the present, and until more and better material from various localities is available it is retained as an independent variety. The material which I have at my disposal consists of one small imperfect specimen, together with a small piece derived from a British Museum example labelled Thalassodi-n- I .. TT r. "" "!. w mi. 11 njiuicu me basis of Whitelegge's short account. The original descrip- on speaks of the sponges of this variety as "large branched Fig. 3Sa /?. /. var. brevispi mis. a Principal styli. b Aux- iliary styli. c Special dermal styli. d Acanthostyli. e Larger chela. is that which formed the i 9 4 "ENDEAVOUE" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. sponges, with very irregular digitate processes." From the fragmentary material at my disposal all that I am able to say is that they are ramose, and, in some cases at least, stipitate ; with branches which exhibit somewhat the same peculiarity as shown by the var. geminus, and which attain a thickness of as much as 15 mm. The main fibres are usually between 70 and 1 50 mm. in stoutness, but may attain to 200 ]i. The only tangible differences between this variety and the preceding, are afforded by the spicules. The auxiliary spicules are only slightly enlarged basally, and are somewhat shorter; the special dermal spicules are usually simple styli without tylosis, and quite commonly exhibit a very minute basal spination ; the chelae appear not to display the peculiarity mentioned for the preceding. The maximum size of the spicules is as follows : Megascleres. (i.) Principal styli, 220-240 x 7-8.5;*. (ii.) Acanthostyli, 60-85 x 6-7 ;/. (iii.) Auxiliary subtylostyli, 280-310 x 6-7 ]i. (iv.) Special dermal styli, usually less than 130 x 4.5 ]i. Microscleres. (i.) Larger chelae, 12-16 ji long, (ii.) Contort chelae, 7-1 1 ;t long, (iii.) Toxa: observed lengths, 60-230 ji. Loc. Port Jackson (Lendenfeld). RHAPHIDOPHLUS TYPICUS, var. ANCHORATUS, Carter. (Plate xxix., and fig. 39.) This variety is represented by three specimens of thin flabel- liform habit. One is regularly ovate in outline with even or crenulated margin, and with shallow grooves on both faces, radiating to the distal border. This specimen exhibits an exact correspondence in habit to Carter's Echinonema pectini- jormis. The grooves are such as to suggest that neighbouring marginal processes, at first distinct, have subsequently become united by intergrowth, or that superficial demarcation occurs between 'processes prior to, or without, their actual separation. A second specimen (Plate xxix.) is abundantly provided with cylindrical marginal digitations, and similar processes in lesser number arise from its faces ; it is slightly larger than the others, measuring 230 mm. in height. The third differs from either of the preceding in the absence of a stalk ; otherwise it SPONGES.-HALLMANN. '95 more closely resembles the first-mentioned, but is devoid of surface grooves ; it is attached to a large water-worn stone by an extensive basal disc. The lamina in all three is from 6 to 8 mm. in thickness. The sponge is very loose-textured ; near the surface, adjoining main fibres are often 0.5 to 0.8 mm. apart. The fibres are comparatively slender- probably never exceeding 100 j< in diameter. In the present speci- mens the dermal membrane is intact, and shows that the dermal skeleton is precisely similar in its formation to that of R. pauci- spinus. The polygonal meshes of the reticulation are very uniform in size and average 120 ;< in width. The following resume of its spicular characters (omitting for the moment the actual dimensions of the spicules) shows this variety to be unquestionably distinct from any of the others. The smooth megascleres are slenderer than in all other cases, and are basally neither expanded nor contracted ; the principal and auxiliary styli approximate in stoutness and in shape and no longer permit of their ready differentiation ; oxeote modifications of the auxiliary and dermal styli are of common occur- rence ; and acanthostyles are com- paratively rare and of small size. On account of the great difficulty in distinguishing between the prin- cipal and auxiliary stvli, I am un- able to give the maximum length of the former ; the difficulty is fur- ther increased by a certain amount oi variability in respect to the stoutness of spicules in different specimens. The dimensions are as follows : Fig. 39 A', t, var. ancho- ratus. a Principal styli. b Auxiliary styli. b' Oxeote modification of ditto. c vSpecial dermal styli. c' Oxeote modification of ditto, d Acanthostyli. e Larger chela. f Smaller contort chela. 196 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Megascleres. (i.) The stoutest styli are 5. 5 ft in diameter in one speci- men, 7 ft in a second, and of intermediate stoutness in the third. (ii. ) The longest styli are 290-320 \i in length ; 5 \i in maxi- mum diameter in the first specimen, 6.5 in the second. (iii.) Acanthostyli, 45-56 x 5-6 \i. (iv.) The special dermal styli are usually less than. 130 x Microscleres. i (i.) Larger chelae, 14-18;* long. (ii.) Contort chelae, 8-n ;t. (iii.) Toxa : observed lengths, 40-415^. Dendy's identification of this variety with those quoted as synonyms is confirmed by an examination which I have made of pieces of their type-specimens. Loc. Port Phillip (Carter; Dcndy ; Austr. Mus. Coll.). RHAPHIDOPHLUS TYPICUS, var. OBESL'S, noni. nov. (Plate xxviii., fig. i, and fig. 40.) The sponges described by \Yhitelegge under the name of Clathria typica agree among themselves and differ from those of the other varieties by virtue of their low stature, and their non-branching stoutly proportioned lamellar, or, at times, submassive habit. They comprise nine specimens, all of which are in a dry, macerated, and dermally denuded condition. The specimen of most symmetrical shape has the form of a thick sessile plate, sub-circular in outline, thinnest along the slightly and irregularly notched margin, and with both surfaces rendered very uneven by incipient outgrowths. This specimen, which is greater in height than any of the others, makes some approach in habit to the variety auchorattis, though it is well distinguished from any known example of the latter by virtue of its much more massive proportions. It measures 150 mm. in height and breadth, and varies in thickness from 10 to i^mm. near the margin, to 25mm. in the central portion. Although such simplicity of form is rarely attained, the dominant growth-tendency of the sponges of this variety is always in the direction of plate-formation. But almost in- variably the primary plate undergoes proliferation in various ways, occasionally by bifurcation, sometimes by means of additional upgrowths from a slightly expanded base, but most usually by means of lamellar outgrowths from the side, which SPONGES.-HALLMANN. ]( ,- eithcr remain attached to it along vertical lines, or become, distally separated from it as growth proceeds. The external appearance of the sponge is accordingly subject to considerable variation, but in no case is there positive evidence of a tend- ency to form linear branches or processes. The degree of variability of the spicules is such that doubt might reasonably be held as to whether all these forms really belong to a single variety ; and consequently, in the absence of sufficient evidence upon which to base a positive conclusion, but being compelled, one might say, to take cognisance of them, I adopt the pre- Fig. 4U A', typicus var. obesiis. a Basal ends of auxiliary spicules of a typical specimen, a' Acanlhostyles of ditto. b Acanthostyles from a co-typical specimen, c Basal ends of accessory spicules of a non-typical specimen, c' Acanthostyles of ditto, d, e Acanthostyles from two other non-typical specimens. f Larger chela from a typical specimen. caution of specifying which of them are to be regarded as typical, viz., those which \Yhitelegge evidently had under consideration when he wrote, 1 "This species has a superficial resemblance to Clathria austrulis, Lendenfeld." One of the characteristics of the sponge to which Whitelegge thus refers and which is described in the present paper (p. 160) as CreUn incrnstans var. arenacea, is the presence on the surface of 1 Whitelegrge Rec. Austr. Mu.-.. Lv., 2. 1901. \>. 80. 198 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. longitudinal grooves ; and since grooves of very similar ap- pearance (though of quite different morphological character) occur in a number of specimens of the present series, one feels convinced that it is these latter which \Yhitelegge would have selected as typical. These grooves, which are of the same nature as these occurring in the var. uticln>ratus, provide an additional feature by which the present variety, in its strictest sense, may be identified ; they are well pronounced in the specimen herein figured. Confining our attention to the specimens which agree in this character, the following diag- nosis based on the spicules is obtained : Principal and aux- iliary spicules approximating in stoutness, the latter subtylote in the manner shown in the text-figure (fig. a), the former without any basal peculiarity. Acanthostyles moderately abundant, seub-clavate (figs, a', />), with comparatively small spines ; those which echinate the fibres are usually very deeply implanted, and increase considerably in abundance towards the outer end of the main fibres. The dimensions of the spi- cules are as follows : Megascleres. (i.) The principal styli attain, in all the specimen, a maxi- mum length of 230 to 240 or (very rarely) -'50 //, but the diameter of the stoutest varies in different speci- mens from 7 to 9 ]i. (ii.) The greatest length of the acanthostyles lies, in all the specimens, between 70 and 76 n, but their greatest diameter varies in different specimens from 5.5 to 8 ]i. The stoutest were found in the specimen fixed upon as the type. (iii.) The auxiliary subtylostyli, in the specimen selected as the actual type (Z. 936)! and in some others bear- ing an extremely close external resemblance to it, never exceed a length of 31071 and very rarely reach beyond 290 // ; in the remaining specimens much higher values were obtained, viz., 340 to 3607*. The special dermal styli and the microscleres are, so far as one can judge, of practically similar dimensions, not only in all the specimens here in question, but also in those presently to be considered. The first-mentioned are probably with few ex- ceptions less than 150 \i in length. The larger chela vary from 12 to 17 ;i in length, whilst the largest contort chela? appear never to exceed a length of 12 /<. The toxa are no different from those of other varieties. 1 In order to mark the actual specimens investigated so that, if need he, they may be used for future reference, I quote their Register Numbers. SPONGES HALLMANN. The remaining specimens of the collection the non-typical specimens fall into three groups. The first group is repre- sented by a single specimen (Z. 935) which in texture and appearance is quite unlike the typical specimens, and which, on that account, might have been expected to yield tangible points of difference in the spicule characters. Except, how- ever, that the acanthostyles are more spiny (fig. c'), and that the tylosis of the auxiliary spicules is more strictly terminal (fig. c), there is nothing to distinguish its spicules from those of the type-specimen. These differences are not so great that they might be considered as due to individual variation. The second group is represented by the specimen (Z. 939) which received particular mention at the outset, on account of its larger size and simpler form. Whilst in this also, the smooth spicules show a correspondence in size with those of the type-specimen, the tylosis of the accessory spicules is much reduced, and, for the majority of them, inappreciable ; furthermore, the acanthostyles (fig. d) are markedly larger, often 9 \i in diameter, and, though usually between 75 and 85 \i long, may actually attain to 105 ]i. This group may, for the present, be regarded as a sub-variety. In the third group, of which a specimen (Z. 940) bearing a close resemblance in texture and even in general appearance to the large specimen of the second group, may be quoted as an example the spicule dimensions again accord with those of the type, except that the acanthostyles (fig. e) are slight!} stouter, 8 to 9.5 }>. in diameter, and more abundantly spined, like those of the second group. But in one respect at least, the members of the present group differ from the others of the variety the auxiliary spicules are simply stylote, i.e., entirely devoid of any trace of basal enlargement ; they ought, accord- ingly, to be regarded for the present as constituting a second sub-variety. Loc. Port Jackson and neighbourhood (Austr. Mus. Coll.). RHAPHIDOPHLUS TYPICUS, var. STELI.IFER, var. nov. (Plate xxvii., and fig. 41.) This variety is represented by a single specimen. The sponge is stipitate, flabelliform, with lobate margin, and with a couple of digitiform upgrowths flanking the lamina. It measures 300 mm. in height, iGomm. in breadth, and about 6 mm. in diameter. Scattered at intervals over the surface .are radiate groups of short obscure ridges forming "asterisks." 15 to 20 mm. in diameter. Towards the distal margin, the 200 KXDEAVOUE" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. surface is vertically furrowed, conveying the idea of an incom- plete separation into lobes and dictations. Where the dermal incrustation has been abraded the surface is extremely harsh to the touch, owing to the dense crowding of acanthostyles at Fig. 41 A', typicus var. stellifer. a Principal styli. b Auxiliary styli. c Special dermal styli. /. Loc. Bass Strait, East Coast of Flinders Island. ("Endeavour.") RHAPHIDOPHI.US TVPICUS, 7'. 962. SPONGES. HALLMANN. 2O ^ *^' Echinochalina, and at the same time has fixed upon 7'. iypica as the type of Thalassodendron. Unfortunately no specimens identifiable with either of these species occur in the present collection of the Australian Museum, and since the description ol T. typica is insufficient, we are left in doubt as to the precise connotation of the name Thalassodendron. Whitelegge 1 has indeed published a short account of a sponge regarded by him as the type-specimen of T. typica, but it is so little in agree- ment with the original description that hesitation might well have been felt in accepting its implication as a final verdict. An examination of this specimen has shown what is indeed immediately obvious even from external comparison that it is an example of Echinodictyum (Kalykenteron) elcgans, Len- denfeld, 2 a sponge with which Whitelegge was apparently not well acquainted. One can therefore only conclude that the specimen investigated by Whitelegge was mislabelled, as was also the specimen which he at first mistook 3 for Thalas- sodi-mlrun viniinalis. So far as one can judge from Lenden- feld's description of T. typica, Thalassodendron may for the present be looked upon as a synonvm of ll'ilsoueUa (q.i<.). T. viminalis is an Ophlitaspongia.* With regard to the remaining species I find, in disagreement with Whitelegge who regarded them as individual variations of a single species, that T. brevispina is a variety of Rhaphidophlus typicus, Carter; that T. nibens var. lamella and T. paucispina are identical (Rhaphidophliis paucispinus) ;. and that T. nib em, var. dura is a Chithria (('. rnbens). Owing to the unsatis- factory nature of the descriptions of these species, a further and more extended account of them has been included in the present paper. GENUS PLECIISPA, Lendenfeld. 1888. Plectispa, Lendenfeld, Descr. Cat. Sponges Austr. Mus., 1888, p. 225. The description which Whitelegge has given of Lendenfeld 's three species of Plectispa, viz., P. elugans, P. arborea, and P. macropora are so little in agreement with those of Lenden- feld as to render inevitable the conclusion that the specimens invesigated were mislabelled. How completely at variance are the two accounts of these species, will be evident from a comparison of the following summaries of them. 1 Whitelegge Rec. Austr. Mus., iv., 2, 1901, p. 86 2 Lendenfeld Cat. Sponges Austr. Mus.. 1888. p. 216. This species, which is probably identical with E. bilamdlatum, Lanik., is described herein, p. 171. 3 Whitelegge Eec. Austr. Mus., iv.. 2. 1901, p. 37; and E>. 1902. p. 214. 4 (> mibhispidd. Carter, var. ri/ii/inilix, Lendf. iti.i-.i .204 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. (a) According to Lendenfeld : P. elegans. A reticulate mass of regularly cylindrical branches on an average 5 mm. thick ; spicules, smooth styli 160 x 6 fi and 70 x 5 //, the latter echin- ating. (Loc., Port Jackson.) P. arborea. Dendritically ramifying, with clearly- defined stem. The styli measure 80 x 4 }i and 50 x 4 n respectively. (Loc., Port Jackson.) P. wucropora. Small and tender, reticulate, honey- comb-like, incrusting or massive ; smooth styli 200 x 4 n; echinating spined styli 70 x 6 n. (Loc., Torres Strait. ) '(/>) According to Whitelegge: P. elegans. With erect, rarely coalescent branches, generally with distinct peduncle; spicules, styli 100 x 6 n and 80 x 5 >< respectively. (Loc., Port Jackson and neighbourhood.) P. arhorea. A Clathria; reticulately branched in one plane ; spicules, styli 180 x 8 ^, subtylostyli JOG x 2 /<, acanthostyles 85 x 6 jt. (Loc., Port Jackson and neighbourhood.) P. inaci'opora. Forming low densely-branched clumps, with abundant anastomoses of branches. Spicules, smooth styli 100 x 4 ji and 75 x 4 ji respectively. (Loc., neighbourhood of Port Jackson, common.) A comparison of the descriptions of P. arborea, Lendf. , .and P. elegans, Whitelegge, points almost incontestably to the conclusion that they are one and the same. Clathria (Plcctispa) arborea, Whitelegge, is therefore quite a different sponge from Lendenfeld's species and requires a new specific name, for which I propose multipes. Echinoclathria (Plec- tispu) macropora, Whitelegge, is, as mentioned, a common local sponge, and must have been familiar to Lendenfeld. It evidently affords no grounds for its identification with P. macropora, Lendf., which, moreover, is recorded from a widely distant locality. Neither does it show sufficient agree- ment with P. elegans to warrant its identification to that species. There is no other course open but to regard it as a new species ; it is described in the present paper under the name of Echinoclathria raniosa. P. arborea, Lendf., is like- wise a species of Echinoclathria, and there can be little doubt that P. elegans, Lendf., belongs to the same genus. The genus Plectispa is accordingly left with a single species, P. .macropora, which may therefore be considered as the type. SPONGES. HALLMANN. 2O - According to its description this species possesses the external structural characteristic of Echinoclathria but differs from the latter in respect to its echinating spicules, which are spined, and in respect to its coring spicules, which appear to be auxiliary. It accordingly possesses the spiculation of Wil- sonella, of which genus Fleet is pa may therefore be regarded as a synonym. Lendenfeld himself, 1 shortly after his estab- lishment of this genus, recognised the necessity of restricting the name to forms with acanthostyles and thereby tacitly indicated the type-specif-. GENUS CLATHRIA, O. Schmidt (emend.). The main skeleton is a reticulation of well-developed horny fibres which arc cored -with smooth or, less fre- quently, partly spined principal styli, and echinated by spined or (rarely) smooth accessory styli. Auxiliary monactinal or (rarely) diactinal megascleres of a single kind, smooth or terminally spined and typically slenderer than the principal styli, occur in the ground and dermal tissues and occasionally also, though rarely in any con- siderable number, within the fibres themselves; they are usually most abundant in the superficial tissues where they may become so closely aggregated as to constitute a definite dermal skeleton. There are no special dermal styli. Microscleres, when present, are typically isochehr pal mat fc or toxa. The above emended diagnosis is intended to exclude not only such species as are referable to the genus Rhaphidophlus, tut also a number of others which might conveniently be united under Carter's genus Wilsonella (vide infra). At the same time an attempt has also been made to render the definition more precise in regard to the characters of the spi- cules. It is, for instance, no longer correct to say that the coring styli are smooth ; in many species they are basally tipped with spines, whilst in Clathria clathrata, Whitelegge, 2 they are provided with moderately large spines over a con- siderable portion of the basal region and usually, in addition, with extremely minute spines on the remaining portion of their length. Neither is it any longer permissible in the face of such species as C. transicns, sp. nov. to speak of the echin- ating spicules as if they were invariably spined. If the genus Wilsonella be accepted in the sense in which I define it, a number of species which up till the present have been in- cluded in Clathria will need to be removed from the genus. 1 Lendenfeld Monograph of the Horny Sponges. 1889, p. 99. 2 Vide infra, p '-'09. 206 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. and those which remain will be characterised by the posses- sion of auxiliary megascleres which are almost invariably stylote. It may be questionable whether the retention within the genus of species with diactinal auxiliaries is strictly proper, but so far as I know, there is no urgent reason for their removal, provided that they satisfy the definition in other respects. 1 Allowance must be' made 'also for the fact that many so-called diactinal spicules are only apparently diactinal. The distribution of the auxiliary megascleres is subject to a certain amount of variation. In general, they are scattered without apparent order through the soft tissues, increase in abundance in the more superficial layers, and are some- times so crowded at the surface though possibly never with any distinct regularity of arrangement that there results in consequence a definite dermal skeleton. It must be allowed, however, that in particular cases, the auxiliary megascleres may play an appreciable part in the formation of the spicular axis of the fibres, or may actually, as in C. inanchorata, R. and D., 2 become almost or even quite entirely restricted to an intra-fibral situation. An instance of such invasion of the fibres by auxiliary megascleres is probably afforded by the genus Echinochalina, some species of which, e.g., E. glabra, 1 Hentschel (Fauna Sudwest-Australiens. fid. iii.. 1911) has recently without sufficient justification, placed such a species in the genus Spaniovlon. 2 I have examined the specimen recorded by Whitelegge under the name of Clatliria inanchorata, R. and D. (Austr. Mus. Mem., iv., 10, 1907, p. 495), and although the dimensions of the spicules do not agree with the "Challenger" description I cannot do otherwise than agree with Whitelegge in regarding them as genuine examples of the species. Not only do they agree perfectly with the "Challenger" specimen in external appearance, but also in regard to the shape of the acanthostyles and the (smaller) toxa. I believe, therefore, that we have in the case of this species an instance of one of the very few inaccuracies to be found in the descriptions of the "Challenger" Monaxonida. The spicules within the fibres (the main fibres only) are of two kinds, viz.: (i.) Stouter, usually curved styli; the stoutest are 24-25 ji in diameter, and their maximum length varies in the different specimens from 480 to 560 p ; and (ii.) slenderer straight subtylostyli !or tylostyli 1 probably never of greater size than 450 x 13 ji. These spicules I regard as representing respectively the principal and auxiliary stylotes of other species. Both kinds are basally tipped with a very minute spination which is more conspicuous in the auxiliary spicules. Neither principal nor auxiliary spicules appear ever to occur scattered between the fibres, though the former but rarely or never the latter occur abundantly as exteriorly directed echinating spicules, along with acanthostyles, on the super- ficial transverse fibres. The acanthostyles are extremely variable in size. The smallest may be less than 60 v long ; but it is impossible to attach any precise upper limit to their length. The greater number by far are less than 200 ji long, and of the remainder the majority are less than 240 j) ; but as the length increases the spicule becomes curved and more and more free from spines and gradually passes into the form of the principal styli. Thus the echinating spicules show a complete transition from accessory spined to principal smooth spicules. The toxa are of two kinds: one, similar in form to that figured in the "Challenger" Report, ranges in length from less than 20 p to about 120 ji and reaches a diameter of 4 ji ; the other is very long and slender, with straight arma inclined at a small angle, and reaches a length, in some cases, of 560 )i, with a diameter of about 2 H. Chelre have not been observed. (Vidr remarks on C. caelata.) SPOXGES.-HALLMANN. 2O - con\'ey irresistibly the impression that they have been evolved from forms related to existing species of Echinoclathria through the replacement in the fibres of principal by auxiliary megascleres. The principal and accessory styli in Clathria likewise ex- hibit differences in regard to their mode of distribution. The principal styli, whilst invariably functioning as coring spicules in the main fibres and usually also in the transverse, occur also in many species as interstitial spicules, and in some as supplementary echinating spicules along with the accessory spicules. In the latter case it not infrequently happens that the principal and accessory styli are connected by an unbroken series of intermediate spicule-forms. The accessory styli, which with rare exceptions are spined, are not as a rule ex- clusively restricted to the office of echinating the fibres, but also occur in limited numbers intrafibrally 1 and interstitially. The particular mode of occurrence of the several spicules is, in all probability, characteristic for any given species and should accordingly be taken account of in any descrip- tion which aims at completeness. The microscleres of Clathria are typically isochelae palmatae and toxa, but one or both forms may be absent. It is a question wheher species in which the chelae are other than of the palmate type should be allowed in the genus. Whilst there can be little doubt thai palmate chelae and arcuate chelae represent two distinct lines of development, and are likely to serve as valuable aids for the separation of genera, the fact that it is not possible in all cases to say whether a particular chela is more strictly palmate or more strictly arcuate, renders it inadvisable at present to depend upon them solely for the generic separation of species ; although eventually no doubt, other characters not hitherto employed in classification will be found to provide a means of deciding in doubtful cases. In connection with the genus Clathria (minus Wilsonella), however, it is quite possible that no species with intermediate or ambiguous chelae occur, and accordingly a new genus might well be established for those species which possess chelae arcuatae ; meanwhile, such species must, I suppose, be allowed in the genus. Kirk- patrick 2 has described two species from South Africa, one of which, C. mollis is scarcely capable of being retained in the genus, since not only does it possess auxiliary tornota and isochelae arcuatae, but is also characterised by the absence ot 1 The occurrence of acanthostyles in considerable numbers in the fibres is extremely well exemplified in Clathria Hartmeyeri, Hentschel (1911). Kirkpatrick Marine Investigations in South Africa, ii.. pp. 248. 249. 2oS "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS*. principal styli. The other, wrongly identified as Clatlna typica. Carter, is anomalous, if its description be correct, in possessing sigmata in addition to palmate isochela? and toxa. In none of the species of Cluthriu which I have examined have I observed unmistakable oscula. The following species, of which I have examined the type- specimens, call for remark : Clathria ('.*) chartacca, \Yhitelegge, 1 is an unusual type of sponge for which perhaps a new genus must be established. The skeleton consists of a renieroid reticulation of acantho- styles traversed by multispicular primary lines of spicules in the mid-plane of the sponge-lamina, and by paucispicular secondary lines running oft from these to the surface. The spicules forming these lines are of two kinds, viz., acantho- styles similar to those of the intervening meshwork, and smooth styli of a larger size ; those of the primary lines are chiefly of the latter kind, whilst those of the secondary lines are chiefly of the former. The terminal spicules of the secondary lines are, however, exclusively of the smooth kind, and project considerably beyond the surface, rendering it his- pid. There are no echinating spicules. The meshes of the renieroid reticulation are triangular or quadrangular with sides of a spicule's length usually formed by a single spicule. All the foregoing spicules are distinctly ensheathed in spongin. Slender (auxiliary) styli are sparsely scattered through the tissues, becoming more abundant towards the surface. Micro- scleres are absent. The species is possibly related to the genus Suberotelites, from which it appears to differ mainly in pos- sessing stylote instead of strongyliform accessory spicules. Clathria pcUicula, Whitelegge, 2 which from its description would appear to be a Microciona, is really a Hymeraphia. The description states that the skeleton is columnar "consist- ing of whisp-like multispicular fibres, with little or no spongin," which "are made up of irregularly disposed smooth styli or subtylostyli and accompanied by spined styli." It is further stated that "there are but few spigules between the fibres." I have prepared a number of sections from dif- ferent parts of the type-specimen, but in none can I find columns of principal styli. Of quite frequent occurrence, however, are short strands of auxiliary syli running in various 1 Whitelegge Austr. Mus. Mem., iv., 10, 1907, p. 497. 2 Whitelegge The Sponges of Funafuti (Austr. Mus. Mem., iii., 5, 1897, p. 327). SPONGES. HALLMANN. 2CX > directions vertically, obliquely and horizontally through the sponge-body, and it is these, I presume, which Whitelegge refers to as "columns." The principal spicules (tylostyli) which are relatively very few in number stand singly perpendicularly to the base of the sponge with their heads almost in contact with the substratum ; they occur in no other situation. The accessory styli (acanthostyli), which also are by no means abundant, are, with the exception of a few scattered individ- uals, arranged similarly to the principal spicules. The auxiliary megascleres (tylostyli) are relatively very numerous and are divisible into two sizes, viz., those of lesser length forming the dermal tufts, and those of greater length scattered within the tissues and forming the strands already referred to. The species accordingly appears to have a closer re- lationship to Rhaphidophlus than to Clathria. The principal tylostyli vary in length from 180 to 440^, but only occasion- all} exceed 360 \i ; the stoutest are 8 to 9 ^ in diameter. They are characterised by a basal region of spination which may be limited to the surface of the tylosis merely, or may extend- particularly in the case of the shorter spicules over the greater portion of the length of the spicule. The largest accessory acanthostyles are 120/4 long and rarely exceed h li in diameter The auxiliary tylostyli may attain a size of 480 x 4.5 /( ; the dermal tylostyli are apparently never much in excess of 200 j< in length. The slender isochela? palmate vary in length from 16 to _'o /< ; the toxa are not more than 1.5 \i in diameter and range in length from aboutzoo to 380^1. Microciona clathrata, Whitelegge, 1 though peculiar in some respects, is distinctly a Clathria. The statement in the original description that "the skeleton consists of stout horny fibres arranged in plumose columns" is a remarkable error which can only be explained by supposing that the description was based upon a section through the terminal portion of a branch in which transverse fibres were not conspicuously developed. The skeleton is an irregular reticulation of stout and densely horny fibres, which, except in newly-formed branches are so strongly developed that the interstices of the meshwork may become reduced almost to the point of obliteration. The sponge is, consequently, exceptionally hard and tough. In the interior of the sponge the fibres are plentifully echinated with large accessory acanthostyles ; the superficial fibres are densely echinated both with accessory acanthosyles and prin- cipal styli which together hispidate the surface. Amongst 1 Whitelegge Austr. Mus. Mem., iv.. 10, 1907. p. 493. The name Clathrin clatlirata is at present also used for the sponge originally described by O. Schmidt as Tenncin datliratn. but as this may be i>laeed in the genus Rhaphidophlus, I refrain from changing the name of Whitelegge's species. 210 "ENDEAVOUK" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. these superficial echinating spicules, a transition of forms intermediate between the accessory and principal styli are met with. In this respect the species resembles C. in- .anchorata, R. and D. The arrangement of the principal styli in the inner skeleton is to a great extent independent of that of the fibres. The principal styli are curved spicules of very variable length ranging from less than 200 to upwards of 450 ;* long ; it is rarely that they exceed a size of 400 x 25 \i ; they are typically provided at the base with larger spines for about 20 to 40 \t, of their length and beyond that with very minute sparsely scattered spines. The accessory acanthostyles, which also are curved, vary in length from about 100 to 200 ]i and the stoutest are about 15 ]i in diameter ; it is impossible, however, to affix any precise upper limit to their length since they gradually pass into the form of the principal styli ; their basal end is closely covered with clavate spines whilst the shaft is provided with sharp-pointed recurved spines. The auxiliary spicules are straight subtylostyli which are basally tipped with a few minute spines. They are plenti- fully scattered through the tissues and are particularly abundant in the dermal layer where they lie for the most part horizontally ; they are 1 50 to 240 \t in length and may reach a diameter of 8 ]i. Palmate chelae, 7 to 10 f* long. Slender tricurvate toxa, 80-150^ long. Somewhat related to Clathria clathrata, though of quite different habit, is the sponge which Whitelegge 1 regarded as EcJiinoncma anchoratum, var. larnellosa, Lendenfeld, and for which I now propose the name Clathria spicata. White- legge's description is misleading in several respects. The species is known from a single dry specimen of flabelliform shape. The surface which is bare of any traces of a dermal investment is ornamented by minute discontinuous longitudi- nal ridgings with frequent transverse connections ; and is dotted with numerous small rounded holes which probably represent the openings leading into the incurrent canals. The skeleton reticulation is very irregular and the connecting- fibres are destitute of a spicular core. The coring spicules, which include both accessory and auxiliary spicules in addition to the principal, are for the most part disposed plumosely in a rather disorderly manner and olten project beyond the spongin-sheath. Fascicles of spicules also occur independently of the fibres. The accessory acanthostyles echinating the fibres of the interior may reach a length of 12071 or more, but 1 Whitelegge Eec. Austr. Mus., iv., 2, 1901, p. 82. SPONGES.-HALLMANN. _, , , .are usually less than iooj/. The superficial fibres are echi- nated by spicules showing all gradations of form between the shortest accessory and the longest principal spicules. In this species therefore, as in the preceding, there is no line of separation between these two classes of spicules, so that it is impossible to assign any upper limit to the length of the former or lower limit to the length of the latter. Both kinds are typically curved, with the greatest curvature in the basal moiety. The principal spicules may attain a size of 410 x i2\t\ they are conical tylostyli in which the surface of the tylosis is rugged or obscurely spined ; in the larger in- dividuals the shaft is, with rare exceptions, free from inequalities. The auxiliary spicules are subtylostyli usually basally tipped with a minute spination ; they vary in length from 130 (or It-ss) to about 340 j^, and the stoutest are 4-5J< in diameter. The isochelae are fairly abundant and i each a length of 13 ji. Very slender toxa, with straight arms and only a slight median flexure, are rare; they reach a maxi- mum length of at least 260 )t. The slender hair-like spicules mentioned by \Yhitelegge are incipient auxiliary spicules. The locality of the specimen, according to its label, is Western Australia. The Echinonema anchoratum var. lamellosa, Lendenfeld, \\hich from its description is possibly a species of U'ilsoneUa, was recorded from Port Chalmers, New Zealand. Whitelegge has, accordingly, described in all nine new species of Clathria, viz., C. tenuifibra, C. multipes^ nom. nov., ('. striuta, C. calopora, C. arcuophora, C. clathrata (as Microciona), C. dicchinata, nom. nov., C. tenebrata (as R1i (Plerti.K' n) a ">-p Whitelegge, is distinct from Len- denfeld's species of that name. Since the specific named nrborea is based on a mistaken identification and is, moreover, quite inappropriate, its retention is undesirable, and I therefore propose for this sponge the name ti-e- in reference to its habit of forming a number of attach- ment-stalks. A sponge in the British Museum bearing the manuscript name " Thalrmsnilrnilron rrti'iilatn, Lendenfeld" (a small portion of which is included in Prof. Dendy's loan to the Australian Museum), is, as White- legge has already stated, identical with this species. A fuller descrip- tion than that which has been given is desirable, but the material in hand is not sufficiently well-preserved for the purpose. I may merely mention that Whitelegge has overlooked the presence of very slender palmate isochela? 6-7 ji long ; that the principal styli are straight or slightly curved subfusiform spicules which may attain a size of 192 x 1 2 u; and that the cylindrical auxiliary subtylostyli vary in length from 170 )j or less to 250 ji and may attain a diameter of 4.5 p. 2 A doubt may be said to exist concerning: this species, since the tyiie- f.ppp.imen and slides have apparently been lost. Judging from its descrip- tion, the snecies is remarkable in that the accessory acanthostyles have become differentiated into two groups. The probability is, however, that the slender forms mentioned are only early developmental stages. If this is so, the species is almost certainly another of the series to which belong C- innnchnrata, C. cnelati, C. cltithrata, and C- stni-ata. 212 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. CLATHRIA C.^LATA, sp. nov. (Plate xxxiii., fig. 4 ; and fig. 43.) Sponge erect, stipitate; with a tendency, more or less well expressed towards a restriction of growth to one plane, but otherwise variable in habit. Surface charac- teristically ornamented by close-set processes with deep intervening sulci. Dermal membrane exceeding thin, or apparently absent. Main skeleton a close reticulation of well-developed horny fibres; tlie main fibres with longi- tudinally and divergingly disposed skeletal spicules, the connecting fibres vacant. The echinating spicules range in form, gradationally, from small straight (accessory] acantho styles to large curved smooth principal styli ; those of intermediate and larger size are mostly to be found on tlie outer aspect of the superficial fibres. Auxiliarv spicnles in moderate number occur both within the fibres and scattered between. Megascle res : (i.) Smooth principal styli, 140-320 x 10 u; (ii.) entirely s pined acanthostyli, about no x 5.5 \i ; (Hi.) auxiliary subtylostyli, J75 .Y 5 u. Microscleres : 7'oA'a of two sizes; the shorter, abundant, rarely exceeding go n; the longer, very rare, attaining to at least J75 ;/ /// length. This species represented by six specimens is an erect stipitate sponge, somewhat variable in habit, but of very characteristic external aspect owing to the extreme inequality of its surface. The inequality, which is such that the surface might be described as deeply sulcated or sculptured, is due to the close apposition over its entire extent (including the stalk) of short erect processes of variable shape but fairly uniform height. The appearance of the sponge, viewed at a distance, is suggestive of that of certain corals of the genus Madrepora. In its simplest form the sponge is probably ramose, with short repeatedly divided branches disposed in one plane and more or less inter-united by means of their laterally situated processes. An approach to a formation of this kind is shown in some parts of several of the present specimens; but, in general they are irregularly flabellate and more or less pro- liferous. The largest specimen is 125 mm. in height (exclusive of the stalk), 100 mm. broad, and 7 to 15 mm. thick. The texture is fibrous; the consistency tough, compressible, resilient. The colour (in alcohol) varies from honey-yellow SPOXliKS. HALLMANN. 213 U> deep brown ; the darker colour is due to the presence of pigmented cells. In some specimens' an exceedingly thin dermal membrane is visible on the less exposed parts. The main skeleton is an irregular small-meshed reticula- tion of well-developed pale horny fibres, the stoutest of which may attain a diameter of 100 /(. The main fibres are provided with a somewhat meagre, dis- crete, semi-plumose spicular core which comprises both principal (stylote) and auxiliary (subtylostylote) megascleres ; the connecting fibres are destitute of contained spicules, but, like the main fibres, are rather scantily echinated by slender accessory acanthostyles. The principal styli of the main fibres are, in general, set more or less obliquely to the direction of the fibre, sometimes at such an angle that they become, in effect, echinating spicules. On the outer aspect of the super- ficial transverse fibres, echinat- ing principal styli occur in con- siderable number ; in this situa- tion they stand quite perpen- dicularly to the fibre. Between the principal and accessory spicules, however, it is impos- sible to draw a hard and fast line of separation, since although the transition between them, is fairly abrupt the one form graduates into the other. The interstitial spicules are auxiliary subtylostyli and toxa, together with occasional prin- cipal and accessory styii ; the toxa are fairly plentiful in the deeper parts, but become par- ticularly abundant in the imme- diate neighbourhood of the sur- Fig. 4$ ( lat/iria Principal style. b Auxiliary style. c Acanthostyles. d Toxa. face. The dermal membrane contains a few horizontally- disposed auxiliary spicules and numerous scattered toxa. 1'hcla 1 are absent. 214 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC EESULTS. Megascleres. (i.) The principal styli are sub-conical and slightly curved, spicules, occasionally exhibiting; a faint sub-basal constriction, and attaining a maximum size of 320 x 10 }i. Although the smallest of them are indis- tinguishable from the largest accessory styli ; the lower limit of their length may be fixed at about 120 ]->, since neither do individuals of lesser length than this exhibit the curvature of form typical of the principal spicules ; nor individuals of greater length, the minute spination typical of the accessory. Their only inequality of surface is an obscure ruggedness which, in the case of the shorter spicules, may affect the entire surface, but which becomes less and less distinct and more restricted to the basal region as the length of the spicule increases, and finally dis- appears; spicules of greater length than 180 // are, with rare exceptions, quite smooth. (ii.) The accessory acanthostyles are straight sub-conical spicules, frequently with a slight basal enlargement (subtylote) and with a minutely spined or, less fre- quently, merely rugged surface. Their length varies from about 40 to 120 /., but seldom exceeds 95 n; they are rarely more than 5 j< in diameter. (iii.) The auxiliary spicules are straight subtylostyli (or tylostyli) varying in length from 190 to 390 /i, and in diameter up to 5 /*. They sometimes show an obscure spination of the extreme basal end. Microscleres : Toxa of two kinds. (i.) Shorter, typically tricurvate forms, with well-arched median flexure ; rarely, angulately bent and with straight arms. They range from less than 20 \i to upwards of 100 ]i (rarely more than 90 //) in length, and. up to 3 /? in diameter. (ii.) Extremely rare, long slender forms, 1 with fairly straight arms, ranging in length from 150 \>, or less to at least 275 ?/, and in diameter up to 1.5 \i.. The shortest make some approach in form to the first- mentioned and indicate that the two forms are modi- fications of a single original form. Locs. Tasmania (Austr. Mus. Coll.); forty miles west from Kingston, South Australia, 30 fms. ; fifteen miles east- north-east from Cape Barren, Tasmania, ^ fms. ("Endea- vour"). 1 Owing to their rarity these toxa were at first overlooked, and have consequently been omitted from the text-figure. Their presence would have remained unsuspected had not the existence of similar spicules in the closely allied C- infln-ta prompted me to undertake a special search for them. SPONGES.-HALLMAN N. 2 j - o In regard to skeletal structure and the incomplete differen- tiation of principal and accessory spicules, this species agrees with ('. inanclionila (p. 206), C. clathnita (p. 209), C. spicata (p. 210), and C. costifera, sp. nov., and is perhaps sufficiently closely related to the first-mentioned to be regarded as a variety of it. It is strange that, although lour of these species have been previously described, their peculiarity in spiculation has hitherto been overlooked. The five species constitute a well-marked group characterised, as regards skeletal features, not merely by (i.) the imperfect differentiation of the principal and accessory megascleres, and (ii.) the participation of the former in the echination of the fibres for these features are lound also in otherwise quite different species but also (iii.) by the peculiar mode of disposition (obliquity relatively to the axis of the fibre) of the principal spicules of the main fibres, more particularly towards their outer extremities, and the con- sequent "semi-plumose" or "spieate" character of these fibres ; (iv. ) by the absence of axial spicules from the connecting fibres ; and (v. ) by the relatively dense echination of the super- ficial transverse fibres, chiefly or entirely on their outer aspect. Another character which appears to be of common occurrence, is the inclusion of auxiliary megascleres amongst the intra- fibral spicules; this, however, is not shown by C. clathrala. To the same group, in all probability, Clathria coppingeri, Ridley, 1 Rhaphidophlus bispinosus, \Yhitelegge, 2 and OpJilit- aspongia membranacea, Thiele, 3 also belong. This group of species might be called, after one of its species, the spicata- group a name which also calls to mind one of its character- istic features CLATHRIA COSTIFERA, sp. nov. (Plate xxxi., fig. 2; and fig. 44.) Sponge ftabelliform, moderately thin, slipitate, with- radially corrugated surface. The dermal membrane, owing to tiie abundance of Us contained (auxiliary) spi- cules, forms a whitish encrustation in the dry state. The main skeleton is a close reticulation of well-developed liornv fibres. The libral spicules (principal styli) which are absent from the connecting fibres are arranged in a disorderly fashion and, particularly in the more super- ficial parts of the sponge, often project far beyond, or are situated, upon, the fibre,, in tlie manner of echinating spi- cules. A gradational series of spicules of intermediate 1 Ridley Report Zool. Coll. of the "Alert," 1884, p. 445. pi. xl., figs. F, F'; PI. xlii., figs, i, i'. 2 Whitelegge Austr. Mus. Mem., iv., 10, 1907, p. 503. 3 Thiele -Fauna Chilensis; /ool. Jahrli. Suppl. vi., Bd. iii.. Heft 3, 1905, p. 450. figs. 67a-e, 105. .2 I 6 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. form connects the accessory with tlie principal styli. Megascleres: (/'. ) Smootli principal styli; maxim'um size, 300 \ lo {i ; (//.) acantho styles, minutely spined, seldom exceeding go x 6 u; (Hi.) auxiliary subtylostyli ; maximum size, 380 x 6 /;. Micr'oscleres :Flexuous li'air- Hke s picnics (modified toxa), fairly abundant; maximum length, at least 250 ;(. This species is represented in the collection by a single dry \vashed-out specimen, of leaf- like form. The lamina is elliptical in outline, and measures 300 mm. in breadth, by 200 mm. in height ; the stalk is short, stout, and proximally swollen. Both surfaces of the lamina are elegantly ridged and furrowed, fj I over their entire extent, along lines which radiate curvately from the junction of stalk and lamina. The grooves are 2 to 5 mm. in width; the intervening "ridges," which are much compressed (septiform) and somewhat jagged, measure i to 4 mm. in height. Be- tween the ridges the lamina is comparatively thin and, in the present condition of the sponge, perforated by frequent rounded open- ings up to 2 mm. in diameter. The consis- tency is firm and tough ; the texture fibrous. The main skeleton is a close-meshed net- work of strongly-developed horny fibres, the stoutest of which attain a diameter of about 100 ;,( ; the connecting fibres are free from Fig- 44 C. costi- contained spicules. Echinating acanthostlyes era a Principal sca rce. In the central region of the styles, b Auxih- . J. ary subtylostyle. s P on e > 1-8- , m the lamina proper, the reticula- c Acanthostyles. tion is irregular and confused ; intrafibral d Trichitoidal mi- spicules are here comparatively few in num- croscleres (modi- k^ anc j t h e distinction between main and connecting fibres is often obscure. In the surface "ridges," on the other hand, the main fibres run in close and fairly regular sub-parallelism, and, owing to their contained spicules, stand out rather conspicuously in comparison with the short aspiculous transverse fibres. The fibral spicules, though almost exclusively principid styli, may yet at times include a considerable proportion of auxiliary tylostyli. Between the fibres, more particularly in the central region of the sponge-lamina, megascleres occur in great profusion ; they ^consist chiefly of anxiliury spicules, which are often clustered SPONGES.-HALLMANN. 21 - in short strands. In other respects the main skeleton agrees, with that of the preceding species, C. ccclata; that is to~sav, the principal styli of the fibres are arranged more or less semi- plumosely and frequently assume the attitude of echinating spicules ; the superficial transverse fibres are closely echinated on their outer aspect by both accessory and principal styli ; and, finally, the principal and accessory megascleres are con- nected by a series of spicules of intermediate form. The passage between the two kinds of megascleres is, however, more abrupt than in C. ccelata, and transitional forms are rarely met with except amongst the spicules which echinate the superficial fibres. In two respects the species differs markedly from C. ccelata ; firstly, in the absence of tricurvate toxa ; and, secondly, in the presence of a well-developed dermal skeleton in the form of a thin layer of closely packed hori- zontally-disposed auxiliary subtylostyli, which in the dry state forms a whitish incrustation similar in appearance to that shown by species of Rhaphidophlus. Megascleres. (i.) The principal styli are curved or (less frequently) straight subconical smooth spicules, varying in length from about 120 to 300^1 and in diameter up to ID/J ; the stoutest are usually those of intermediate length, say from 220 to 250 ;/. The shortest often exhibit a slight degree of ruggedness or other surface in- equality, which rarely extends for more than a short distance from the basal extremity and is seldom met with in individuals of greater length than i6oj*. A certain proportion show a slight basal knob marked off by a faint constriction ; this is of relatively larger size in smaller and slenderer individuals, which are then subtylostyli sometimes scarcely distinguishable from the shorter auxiliary spicules. (ii.) The accessory acanthostyles are straight or slightly curved subconical spicules occasionally with a slight basal knob. In length, they range from 40 }t to 120 j* though usually less than 90 j<. Individuals above looj/. long are comparatively rare, and are inter- mediate in form between the accessory spicules proper and the principal spicules. The accessory spicules proper are minutely spined over their whole length or, like those of intermediate form, are merely rugged. (iii.) The auxiliary subtylostyli (or, less frequently, simple styli) are straight or curved spicules, varying in length from less than i6o/< to 380^ and in diameter up to 6 ft. .2 1 8 "ENDEAVOUR" SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. Microscleres. These are of one kind only, viz., long very slender, hair-like sinuous spicules of indefinite form, which are undoubtedly modified toxa. They are scattered singly and are moderately abundant, and may attain a length of (at least) 260 71. Loc. -East coast of Flinders Island, Bass Strait ("Endeavour"). CLATHRIA KTHEXS, Lendenfeld. (Plate xxxii., fig. i f ;i nd fig. 45.) :i888. Thalassodendron nihcns, var. Jura (pars), Lendenfeld, Cat. Sponges Austr. Mus., 1888, p. 223. Thalassodendron nib ens, var. lamella (pars), Lenden- feld, Lor. cit. .{901. Clathria rubens (pars), Whitelegge, Rec. Austr. Mus., iv., 2, pp. 85, 86, pi. xi., fig. 13. (Thalassodendron rubens), Whitelegge, Loc. cit., p. 86. Sponge profusely ramose, stipitate, branching poly- tomously with anastomosis. Branches cylindrical except at nodes. "Asterisks'" (of radiately -disposed grooves), sometimes associated each with a conical process, occur at intervals over the otherwise even surface. Dermal membrane very thin, indistinct; containing scattered horizontally-lying (auxiliary) spicules. Main skeleton an irregular reticulation of well-developed horny fibres, all of which contain slender axial spicules (principal styli). those in the main fibres arranged in a fairly compact thin core. Principal styli of stouter proportions than those within the fibres, occur sporadically as echinating spicules and arc scattered inter stitially along with a few (auxiliary) tylost.yli. Accessory (echinating and scattered) acantho- styles are somewhat scarce, and spicules occur (althougli rattier rarely) which are intermediate in form between .them and the principal styli. Megascleres : (i.) Principal styli (proper), straight, smooth, sub fusiform, rarely 165 x 10 ft; (ii.) accessory acanthostyli (proper), sniall- spined, rarely 80 x 6 y; (Hi.) auxiliary subtylostyli, 170 x 3.5 |i. Microscleres: (i.) Scarce isochelce palmatce, 8- 12 ]i long; (ii.) slender toxa of characteristic form, 160 to .260 n long- SPONGES.-HALLMANN. 2lg Introductory Remarks. I have already pointed out (p. 179) that the two sponges (not three as Whitelegge supposed) described by Lendenfeld under the name of Thalassodendron rnhcns and distinguished as varieties dura and lamella respec- tively, belong to different species, and that in their original descriptions the two were confused