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Six phoronids from the west coast of North America, Phoronis vancouverensis, Phoronis pallida, Phoronis psammophila, Phoronis ovalis, Phoronopsis harmeri, and one that is possibly Phoronis architecta, are described. Phoronopsis harmeri is considered to be synonymous with Phoronopsis viridis. Taxonomic relationships within the Phoronidea are discussed. It is suggested that the phylum may most naturally be divided into four categories of wide geographic range. The characteristics of each of these categories are discussed.

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Hermodice carunculata is common among the coral reefs and shallow waters of the West Indies where it has been observed to feed on living coral. Examination of gut contents reveals that this species is probably omnivorous. The digestive tract consists of five regions, a buccal cavity which is eversible, a muscular pharynx, a short oesophagus, an intestine which can be separated histologically into anterior and posterior regions, and a rectum. Elaborations of the buccal epithelium form muscular and glandular areas. Secretory materials are formed in considerable quantity by the glandular portion of the buccal cavity and by the anterior intestine. Secretory cells present in lesser abundance in other areas are described. Amoebocytes laden with foreign particles may accumulate in the wall of the rectum. Other foreign inclusion masses may be found in the epithelia of the buccal cavity, pharynx, and oesophagus as well as in the mid-ventral line of the body wall. The various parts of the digestive tract were tested for Y metachromasia with azure A and were treated with the periodic acid Schiff technique. The stomatogastric nervous system was followed.