ASTEEIAS. 119 



These considerations restrain me from offering a number of fine and 

 correct figures, as illustrative of the truth, so long as I am uncertain 

 whether just conclusions are deduced from the originals. 



The doubts of early and adult age in new subjects, let me repeat, is 

 always a pomt of difficult solution, though the identity or not of species 

 is discovered from specimens in maturity. 



Ascertaming the real alterations of parts and aspect, as modified by 

 age, exacts extraordinary attention, time, and opportunity ; also requir- 

 ing the jDermanent preservation of living specimens. 



Besides the scanty illustrations of Plate XX^T^I. fig. 4 ; XXVIII. 

 figs. 6, 7, 8, much remains to be shewn of the disc in shape and colour ; 

 also of the formation of the rays, Plate XXVII. figs. 3, 6 ; XXVIII. figs. 2, 

 3 ; XXIX. figs. 2, 3 ; and of the appendages of the rays, Plate XXVIII. 

 figs. 4, 5 ; XXIX. fig. 4. 



Let the preceding remarks be viewed oulj' as a very brief and im- 

 perfect sketch of what belongs to the subject, in farther prosecution of 

 which practical naturalists will find sources of unceasing entertain- 

 ment. 



Regarding the propagation of the Asterias or CrihcUa oculata, by M. 

 Sars, an abstract may be seen in the Annals and Magazine of Natural 

 History, v. xiv. p. 233, the only part of the works of that learned author 

 which I have had an opportunity of consulting. 



