592 THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 
Family Bristnc1p&, Sars, 1875. 
The family Brisingidee was established by G. O. Sars’ for the reception of the single 
genus Brisinga, of which at that time two species only were known, Brisinga endecacne- 
mos of Asbjornsen and Brisinga coronata of Sars. In 1878, Viguier® included in the 
same family the genera Labidiaster and Pedicellaster. In 18838, De Loriol*® added the 
genus Brisingaster. In 1884, Perrier* added the genus Hymenodiscus, but removed 
Pedicellaster to an independent family. In the following year Perrier’ also added the 
genera F'reyella and Odinia, which may to a certain extent be considered as dismember- 
ments of Brisinga, since species of both genera had primarily been described as Brisinga. 
Perrier further added at the same time the new genus Coronaster, and replaced the genus 
Pedicellaster in the family Brisingide. With this latter step Iam unable to agree. In 
1884, Studer’ added the new genus Gymnobrisinga, and confirmed on anatomical 
grounds the classification of Labidiaster with the Brisingide, but expressed a doubt, 
modified however by the subsequent discovery of an eight-rayed form from South Georgia, 
as to the correctness of placing Pedicellaster in the same family. 
As to whether the differences between Hymenodiscus and Gymnobrisinga are of generic 
value, and as to whether these forms are generically distinct from Brisinga, I am unable 
to express an opinion, as I have not seen examples of either of the forms. The descrip- 
tions alone are insufficient to settle the question, and lead to the inference that the alliance 
of the forms mentioned is of the closest description and that all are perhaps congeneric. 
I am also in doubt as to whether Brisingaster can justly be separated from Brisinga. 
From the admirable description and figures given by M. de Loriol, as well as from the 
examination of a dried specimen, I am inclined to think that the differences are not 
sutlicient to warrant the establishment of an independent genus, but I have refrained from 
directly placing Brisingaster as a synonym of Brisinga, as I have not had the oppor- 
tunity of examining alcoholic examples of the well-defined Mauritius species. 
So far as I can judge from the description alone I am unable to recognise in Coronaster 
a member of the family Brisingide. I venture to think that the genus in question will 
prove to be much more nearly related to the Asteriide. 
On the grounds above stated I have not included the four genera, Brisingaster, Gym- 
nobrisinga, Hymenodiscus, and Coronaster, in the subjoined synopsis of the genera consti- 
tuting the family Brisingide. 
1 On some remarkable forms of animal life from the great depths off the Norwegian coast. Part II. Uni- 
versity Program, Christiania, 1875, pp. 100, 101. 
Archives de Zool. expér., 1878, t. vii. pp. 93, 119. 
Mém. Soc. Phys. et Hist. Nat. Geneve, 1883, t. xxviii. No. 8, p. 55. 
Nouv. Archives Mus, Hist. Nat., 2e Série, 1884, t. vi. pp. 166, 189. 
° Ann. Set. Nat. (Zool.), 1885, t. xix. Art, No. 8; Dp. Ds os 
§ Anhang zd. Abhandl. d. k. preuss. Akad. d. Wiss. Berlin, vom Jahre 1884, p. 13. 
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