58 HOMES TTNDEB, THE SEA. 



the greatest profusion, and their fossil remains are so 

 plentiful that they are known by the popular name of 

 Lily-Stones, and indeed were long thought to be petrified 

 lilies. The word Encrinite has a similar signification. 

 The variegated marble which is so much used for 

 mantelpieces is composed almost entirely of Encrinites, 

 and the loose joints of the stem are well known as Saint 

 Cuthbert's beads. 



At the present age of the earth, the Encrinites, having 

 done the work for which they were made, have become 

 almost extinct. It is interesting, however, to remark, 

 that one species has been discovered in a living state on 

 our coasts. It is called Pentacrinus JEurapceus, and a 

 magnified portrait of it is given. It is a very little crea- 

 ture, not much more than half an inch in length ; but in 

 science mere size is of very trifling consideration. The 

 word Pentracrinus signifies five-sided Encrinite, and is 

 given to it because its coronet is composed of five double 

 rays. (Fig. 1.) 



Each of these flowers is capable of extending or con- 

 tracting its petal-like rays, and sweeping food into the 

 central mouth. 



Now, supposing that the flower could be detached from 

 the stem, and instead of merely waving backwards and 

 forwards, should be able to creep at liberty, we should 

 find a sort of Starfish. 



Such a Starfish exists plentifully, and is well known 

 under the name of Comdtula, or Feather Star. 



These creatures, of which there are many species, are 



