REPORT ON THE ASTEROIDEA. 109 
interesting to note that these larger specimens present even closer resemblances to Loncho- 
taster tartareus. Notwithstanding this fact, I see no reason, with the material at present 
available, to alter the opinion that they belong to the same species as the smaller example 
from Station 156 above described; and I do not feel warranted in merging them (Loncho- 
taster forcipifer) in the same species as Lonchotaster tartareus. They are distinguished 
by their smaller habit, shorter and flatter rays, simpler paxillee, besides several other 
smaller points of detail indicated in the foregoing description. They are, however, un- 
questionably very nearly related, and until a larger number of specimens of Lonchotaster 
Sorcipifer can be examined, I feel uncertain whether that form is really worthy of specific 
rank, or should only be placed as a variety of Lonchotaster tartareus. 
Subfamily PsEuUDARCHASTERIN&, Sladen, 1886. 
Genus Pseudarchaster, Sladen. 
Pseudarchaster, Sladen in Narr, Chall. Exp., 1885, vol. i. p. 617. 
Disk rather large, slightly inflated. .Rays moderately long and tapering; almost 
rigid. Interbrachial arcs well rounded. 
Marginal plates forming a well-rounded margin. Both series covered with granules, 
those on the infero-marginal plates with a tendency to become squamiform. No pro- 
minent spines on either series. 
Abactinal area with uniform substellate plates, having a more or less oblong central 
prominence whose major axis lies in the axis of the ray, bearing a compact paxilliform 
spinulation or granulation. A medio-radial line of plates distinguishable ; plates arranged 
in longitudinal series along the ray. Papule regularly distributed. 
Actinal interradial areas well developed. 
Armature of the adambulacral plates palmo-radiate in disposition, the furrow series 
forming a radiating semicircular fan, whilst those on the actinal surface of the plate are 
more or less irregularly grouped. 
Madreporiform body small, situated midway between the centre and the margin of the 
disk. 
No pedicellariz are present. 
Tube-feet with a well-developed terminal sucker. 
Remarks.—Pseudarchaster is interesting as a link between the Archasteride and 
Pentagonasteridz. This and the succeeding genus Aphroditaster form a small group 
apart, which I have placed as a subfamily, the intermediate character of which is un- 
questionable. 
