REPORT ON THE ASTEROIDEA. 



437 



circular, translucent granules. Three abactinal and two marginal series of plates present. 

 Large papulae occur between the series of plates, one opposite each suture, and these form 

 regular longitudinal lines between the rows of plates. 



Adambulacral plates small. Armature consisting of two spines, which radiate apart 

 and form two regular longitudinal series, one directed towards the furrow, the other 

 outward. 



A single series of actiual intermediate plates present between the infero-marginal and 

 adambulacral plates, which bear two or rarely three spines, placed side by side, and form- 

 ing a longitudinal series along the ray. A few additional plates simdarly armed are 

 present at the base of the ray in large specimens. 



Madreporiform body small, circular, occupying the centre of a primary basal plate. 

 Striae coarse and regular iu arrangement. 



Anal aperture distinct ; excentrie in position. 



Small forcipiform pedicellariae present on the lateral regions of the rays and also, but 

 less frequently, on the abactinal areas in the neighbourhood of the papulae. 



Ambulacral tube-feet, with a fleshy terminal disk centrally invaginated, forming four 

 alternating rows along the greater part of the ray ; at the extremity the arrangement is 

 in simple pairs. 



Remarks. — This exceedingly handsome form appears to occupy an intermediate posi- 

 tion between Zoroaster and Stichaster. So far as known it is limited to the northern 

 area of the Atlantic. 



Chorology of the Genus Neomorphaster. 



a. Geographical distribution : — 



Atlantic : One species between the parallels of 35° and 45" N. 



Neomotphaster eustichus, off the Azores. 

 /9. Bathymetrical range : 900 to 1000 fathoms. 

 y. Nature of the Sea-bottom : Pteropod ooze. 



Chorological Synopsis of the Species. 



