55 



very near the coast and vice versd^ and not until after much 

 more extended observation shall we be able to pronounce with 

 accuracy in regard to their limits. 



Mr. Horatio R. Storer stated that he had obtained on the coast 

 of Labrador, Ophiuridse, Holothuridae, and Starfishes, all from 

 the same depth. 



Blr. Stimpson remarked, that so far as his observations on the 

 stations of the Echinodermata went, they certainly tended to 

 confirm the general rule pointed out by Prof. Agassiz. The 

 Holothuridas form the highest division of that class, and although 

 many of them are found in deep water, the greater numher of 

 genera and species, even on our own coast, are inhabitants of 

 shallow water; as Cuvicria Falricii^ Anaperus Carolmus, Syn- 

 apia tenuis, Chirodota arenala. Syrinx Gouldii and others. The 

 Laminarian zone, just below low water mark, is the favorite 

 residence of the Holothuridas. The Echini are next in the 

 scale; of these we have three species belonging to different 

 genera, on our coast, all of which are inhabitants of moderately 

 deep water. While the Ophiuridse, which stand lowest, are 

 found in the deepest water from which we have yet obtained any 

 Echinoderms. One species indeed approaches near the shore, 

 but three (allied to O. texturata, O. albida, and 0. iellis, of 

 Europe) are found at great depths, as is also the Astrophyton, 

 one of the low types. 



It should also be noticed that among the Holothuridas, the 

 highest genera, Syrinx, Chirodota, Synapta, and Anaperus are 

 found at low water mark, while the lowest, those provided with 

 rows of suckers, as Psolus and Pentacta, are found in deeper 

 water. 



Dr. C. T. Jackson exhibited a specimen of New Bruns- 

 wick Coal. In appearance it much resembled Asphaltum, 

 but difTered from it in its action under the influence of heat. 

 He also exhibited a specimen of the shale from the mine, 

 on various parts of which were scales of ganoid fishes, 

 and what appeared to be a tooth. From the combina- 

 tion in the specimen of properties resembling those of 

 Asphaltum and Coal, Dr. Jackson proposed for this new 



