273 



from the disc) rows, separated from each other by corresponding 

 rows of papuliferous depressions. These spines in some specimens, 

 however, are fewer, and do not form heaps. On the disc they are 

 arranged after a reticulating pattern. The spines are capitate, and 

 sparsely surrounded by minor pedicellaria3. All rise to about the 

 same height, thus giving an evenness to the outline as seen in a side 

 view. The major pedicellarias are few, and formed on the labial 

 spines, or rarely a single one on the side of the ray ; — they are more 

 or less pointed, about one-fortieth of an inch long, and twice as long 

 as broad. Dorsal papulae in small groups. Ventral papulae mostly 

 single, and curving upward or outward. Diameter, one and three- 

 fourths inch. 



A variety occurs with more slender and tapering rays. 



It is smaller than A. Camtscliatica Brandt, and has longer arms, 

 etc. 



Habitat, Puget Sound. North West Boundary Conmaission. Dr. 

 C. B. Kennerly. 



ASTERIAS iEQUALIS (nov. sp.) 



Rays six, rather slender and much tapering. Proportion of the 

 iameters 1:3.5. This species has a general resemblance to A. 

 hexactis in shape, etc., but differs in the character of its spines, par- 

 ticularly the very numerous dorsals, which are uniform in size, and 

 shorter and more crowded, giving to the back in a much greater 

 degree that general evenness of surface which is characteristic of the 

 Sticliasters and Cribrellce. These spines are deeply striated or radi- 

 ated on their flattened heads, each showing eight or nine ridges. On 

 the side of the ray there are two or three rows of longer spines, also 

 striated. The ambulacral spines are for the most part arranged 

 alternately one and two to each plate, but there are two to each plate 

 near the disc. There are minor pedicellarijE about all the spines, as 

 in the preceding species, but they are much less numerous. AVe can 

 discover no major pedicellariae excepting an occasional small pointed 

 one. in the ambulacral furrows. They would perhaps be found on the 

 sides of the ray in specimens more perfect than those we possess. 

 The papulse stand singly or in groups of three or four, arranged in 

 indistinct longitudinal rows. Diameter, one inch and a half. 



Habitat, Monterey, Cal. A. S. Taylor. 



Descriptio^ts of two New Species of Shells. By 

 Temple Prime. 



Batissa ponderosa. Prime. 

 B. testa ovato-orbiculari, oblique in^quilaterali, ventricosa, tumida, 

 crassa, solida, valvis intus albis, ad margines inferne posticeque 



PROCEEDIN&S B. S. N. H.— VOL. VIII. 18 FEBRUARY, 1862. 



