488 RECENT BRACHIOPODA chap, xvii 



claimants ; but I think even these are too remote to justify any 

 system of classification which would bring them together under 

 a common name. Investigation into the details of the embry- 

 ology of the group, more especially into that of the Ecardines, 

 might throw some light on this subject, and it is much to be 

 desired that this should be undertaken without delay. That 

 the group is a most ancient one, extending from the oldest 

 geological formations, we know , that the existing members of 

 it have changed but little during the vast lapse of time since 

 their earliest foesil ancestors flourished, we believe ; but we are 

 in almost total ignorance of the origin or affinities of the group, 

 and we can hardly hope for any light on the subject except 

 through embryological research. 



