418 



numerous transverse trunks passing through the intervening muscular 

 tissue, and the spaces between the septa were filled with a transparent 

 glairy fluid. 



The polyp-cells were exposed and solitary, resting on the internal 

 surface of short branchlets strengthened by large dorsal spicula, one 

 of which, much larger than the rest, extended considerably beyond 

 the polyp-cells, tapering gently to a needle-like point. These latter 

 spicula are covered with tubercles, and in every respect, but in size, 

 similar to those of the general integument. 



The small spicula on the internal or ventral surface of the branch- 

 lets diverge from one another in the peripheral direction, while those 

 on the dorsal border are disposed longitudinally. 



The mouth of each cup-like polyp-cell was surrounded with about 

 eight projecting spicula, whose fixed extremities were curved up- 

 wards and inwards, festoon-fashion, while numerous smaller ones 

 were so disposed as to fill up the open spaces posteriorly, and thus 

 strengthen the body of the cell. 



Although I have not been able to count the number of the oral 

 tentacula satisfactorily, from their proportional size I can readily 

 believe that there were about eight in this species, as in most if not 

 all other asteroid polypes. They were broad and flat, tapering to a 

 blunt point, like those of Sarcodyction (Forbes), to which genus I 

 have no doubt this Zoophyte is nearly allied, though the habit of the 

 polypidom is so very different. 



March 19, 1857, 



Dr. W, A. MILLER, Vice-President, in the Chair. 

 The following communications were read : 



I. "A System of Train- Signalling, by which also disabled 

 Trains may telegraph for assistance without the aid of 

 portable apparatus/' By CHARLES V. WALKER, Esq., 

 F.R.S. Received March 9, 1857. 



(Abstract.) 

 When, in the early days of telegraphy, messages were sent and 



