nAYF.D ECHINODERMATA OF BANFFSHIRE. 129 



whilst others were pentangular; some were flat, whilst others were in a measure 

 pyramidal, and what in truth may be termed triangular in form, and that 

 too in its truest sense. 



Daisy Brittle Star, (Ophiocoma bellis.) — This pretty Star is also found 

 here, and I must say, that if there is but one species they are about as 

 variable, if not more so, than that last named. I have specimens in my 

 collection which, if I were to write a history of such creatures, I would most 

 certainly hesitate to include under the term Ophiocoma hellis. They 

 might well, from their size, being considerably larger than that generally 

 found, be designated the "Greater Daisy Brittle Star." They are the most 

 beautiful of this beautiful tribe which I have as yet seen, and well worthy 

 of a more extended notice than I can give here. A full description in a list 

 of this kind cannot of course be given; a few words, however, may perhaps 

 be allowed. — They are larger, as I have already said, than those usually found. 

 Their disks, too, differ considerably from those commonly met with, being of 

 a pyramidal, or a conical form, somewhat resembling that well-known shell, 

 TrocJius tumidus. In colour they are like the finest variegated mahogany 

 after it is polished, although they have not the gloss, and their disks exhibit 

 the most beautiful carved work imaginable. The rays are short, that is in 

 proportion to the size of the disk, strong, and closely beset with short thick 

 hard spines. I may add that the specimens here alluded to, two in number, 

 were procured from that heterogeneous repository of marine objects, a cod's 

 stomach, which was taken about thirteen miles at sea. They are in very 

 good condition. 



Bull's Brittle Star, (Ophiocoma Ballii.) — This pretty variegated little species 

 is rather plentiful here. I find them frequently amongst the refuse of the 

 fishermen's lines, attached to dead shells, zoophytes, etc. I am not altogether 

 very much surprised when I meet with a Star-Fish minus a leg or two, or 

 even when three or four are wanting; but I think it somewhat strange, and 

 not a little curious, when I find them with one more than those designed 

 them by Nature. I am sure it is not a very common thing for Ophiocoma 

 Ballii to have six legs; yet that such is sometimes the case will be presently 

 shewn, except you form a new species under the terra Ophiocoma hexacrura, 

 or Six-legged Brittle Star, but I do not think that that can be done in the 

 present instance; but I may be wrong; however, I will hold as I am in the 

 meantime, but ever ready and willing to be put to rights if I am in error. 

 One evening, not long ago, and just as I had begun to discuss the last meal 

 for the day, my little friend Maggy accosted me rather joyfully with, "Father, 

 I've got a new Star-Fish t' ye. Ane avi, sax legs!" "I hope so, Maggy," 

 I replied, and at the same time added, "I doubt it some, Maggy." "Weel 

 look at it then," she continued, at the same time holding her prize up to my 

 face, and making it and my proboscis almost meet. "Wait a little," I again 

 said, "until I swallow my wee bit supper, and I will examine it head over 

 heels." Now, he who has even had the pleasure of eating a poor man's 



