* 
m. haere 
Say on Shells, &c. 37 
tive examination of its characters, exhibits its inseparable 
connection with the family of Encrinites by the analogy of 
its mode of support, its rect inear sutures, and the general 
form of its pelvis or basal porti 
To the base is generally re aN the single superior 
joint of the trunk or vertebral column ; ; this joint is short, 
and is longitudinally divided by three sutures, which radiate 
from a central foramen; its inferior articulating surface is 
orbieular, with numerous marginal radii, and the centre ex- 
hibits the opening of the foramen; at its near” with the 
ossa innominata itis somewhat trilobate. e Ossa innomi- 
nata are of a rhomboidal form, sometimes pentagonal or 
—. The ollie has the same general! form with 
at of the Enerinu pe Sein al but be meee of the penta- 
re acu and those p | ak ch ote jail 
ribs, clavieles a il 
om the superior pe of each oe sh the eres of the 
base, a suture ascends, bisecting each of the interstitial spa- 
ces, and is divaricated near the tip, so as to give to those 
triangular spaces, arhombric termination. Each of the five 
outer foramine, (of which one is invariably much the lar- 
tures of those parts, and which are not visible but by dis- 
section ; the central foramen is stellate. 
he peculiar adaptation of these various parts to each 
Pe may have permitted their independent movement, in 
order that the ammal might assume some form of expan- 
sion; but we are led to suppose that this motion could not 
have beer very considerable, from the relative situation of 
the sutures. And be — — add, that, as we = no 
haps smaller ones through the pores of the Ambulacre. 
This. need however, must remain for the solution of 
future ob s, who may have an opportunity to examine 
them in situ, Ae of comparing together their different frag- 
ments which may be discovered. All the specimens which 
I have seen, about —, in oS are in a sp pericoy. similar 
Se state... 
