POSITION OF THE MADEEPOEIC BODY. 65 



sorption of the larva (PL VI. Figs. 2, 3, 4), in -which a line, drawn from 

 the maclreporic body through the middle of the odd arm, would by no 

 means divide the Starfish symmetrically, confirms the above explanation 

 of the eccentricity in Echinometi^a. Supposing the spiral to have been 

 formed from the other side, the obliquity would be in the opposite direc 

 tion. Of course this is simply a supposition on my part, which future 

 examination alone can verify ; but it seems to me such a natural expla- 

 nation of the whole difficulty, that I give it here for what it is worth. 

 The multiplication of madreporic bodies in many Starfishes need not in- 

 validate the view I have taken of its value, as we need only ascertain 

 which is the original one, the others being supplementary. I have found 

 larvfB with two water-pores (madreporic bodies?), but have never succeeded 

 in raising them. 



