ASTERIAS. 105 



small. They are of an oval shape, and being promment and conspicuous, 

 give the form of the animal a finished appearance : — Plate XXI., fig. 1. 

 A double row of suckers runs along the under surface of each ray. 

 Fig. 2. 



The skin is of pecuhar formation, consisting of numerous rosettes 

 and circular orifices, in regular arrangement, very ornamental. — Fig. 3. 



The upper surface is universally of hght brownish colour, with a 

 reddish tinge. A stellate arrangement of red specks occupies the centre. 



I could not discover the wonted ocular or glandular speck at the 

 extremity of the ray by the microscrope, fig. 4. The border seems to 

 decompose by losing the beads, fig. 5. 



In the end of April a large specimen occurred, containing a quantity 

 of advancmg spawn, situated in the origin or root of the rays. 



This is also of very pecuhar formation. It consists of a number of 

 ovarian ropes of moniliform aspect, which will be best understood from its 

 representation : — Fig. 6, portion natural size ; fig. 7, enlarged ; fig. 8, 

 ovarian ropes magnified. 



This animal is not common. 



I understand that, in the opinion of certain naturaUsts, its name is 

 derived from a mucous matter, which, they say, exudes from the body, 

 and overspreads the surface like a spider's web. 



Plate XXI. 



Fig. 1 . Asterias aranciaca. 



2. The same, under surface. 



3. Portion of the skin, enlarged. 



4. Extremity of a ray, enlarged. 



5. Marginal beads. 



6. Ovarian ropes. 



7. The same, enlarged. 



8. Portion of the same, magnified. 



