196 



VERRILL 



The larger pedicellariae of the lateral channels (o-r) are very 

 acute-lanceolate and compressed. The larger ones of the dorsal 

 surface (a, c, d, f) are similar in size and form, but some are stouter 

 and less acute {b, h, k), and there are with them many of smaller 

 sizes (t, }', I, m, n). The larger and longer ones measure 

 1. 00 mm. X 0-33 mm.; i.oo mm. X 0.37 mm.; the stouter ones, 

 0.87 mm. X 0.37 mm. ; 0.72 mm. X 0.37 mm. 



The type was from Japan, probably Sagami Bay (No. 1183, Mus. 

 Comp. Z06I.). 



Fig. II. 



AUasterias forficuhsa Verrill. No. 1183, M. C. Z. Pedicellaris; a-n, major pedicellariae 

 from the dorsal surface; o-r, the same from the actinal interradial region (axillary), and mar- 

 ginal lanes. X .^3. 



The Japanese species figured, but not described, by Ives (1891) 

 appears to be either this or a very closely related species of the same 

 genus. It is very different from Liitken's species. 



This species, though not known from the American side, is intro- 

 duced here for comparison with A. rathbuni, to which it is certainly 

 pretty nearly allied. It has fewer adambulacral spines, larger and 

 longer dorsals and marginals, and much more numerous, larger, 

 and more acute major pedicellariae. It is, no doubt, related to AUas- 

 terias versicolor (Sladen), also from Japan, as mentioned above. 



The latter has far less numerous dorsal spines, and the major pedi- 

 cellariae are much stouter and less acute. 



