36 PLATYCRINrD.T:. PLATYCRIXrS. 



composed of two joints, vvhicli proceed from the outer slopes of tlie basal joint. Other 

 divisions tal;e place, those on the right hand series of each group amounting in all to four, 

 and those on the left hand to three, making in the aggregate thirty five. The manner in 

 which this arrangement is carried out will be best seen on reference to our third plate. 



Had two less perfect specimens been examined, it would possibly so happen that in 

 one instance, the right hand portion of one group, consisting of four rays, might remain 

 attached, while on the other, the left hand portion with only three rays would be preserved. 

 In this case an observer would be inclined to attribute the irregularity to deficiency or 

 excess, when in fact it is as equally the result of a well defined law of nature as any of 

 those well known contrivances by which the Creator modifies and completes his works; 

 and which is evidently not the result of chance, but of design. 



The rays are composed of single series of wedge shaped joints, and are rather short in 

 comparison with other species o{ Platycrini. Each joint is ornamented with a tubercle 

 on its dorsal surface which imparts an elegant appearance to the rays. 



The Tentacula — In consequence of the rays being composed of single joints, each 

 of which is furnished with only a single tentaculum, they are less numerous in this spcies 

 than in others of tlie genus, and are further remarkable for the manner in which the 

 joints of the tentacula increase in size at, and near their points of articulation. The 

 tentacula extend to the lower joints of the rays. 



The Column — Unascertained, but the point of attachment is circular and small. 



Base of Attachment. — Unknown. 



This species never attained to a large size, but when its highly ornamented coat of 

 mail is considered with the beautiful though peculiar arrangement of its rays, and the 

 general symmetry of its form, we must pronounce it to be the most elegant of a group 

 of animals, which have in all ages been much admired for their complicated frame work 

 and beauty of design. 



As size is not at all times neccessarily associated with elegance and grace, the 

 grannlatus must be considered, if not the sovereign of the Lilies of the Ocean, at least 

 the Queen of the Platycrini. 



Milne Edwards, and L. De Koninck, consider the P. grannlatus, and the P. ellipticus 

 of Phillips, as one and the same species. We had also arrived at the same conclusion, 

 even before we were acquainted with the opinions of tliose Authors. The raised borders 

 mentioned by Mr. Phillips, appear to be merely formed by confluent lines of granula?. 



