102 



OUR COMMON BRITISH FOSSILS. 



At first sight it seems strange to associate the 

 stemmed and jointed Encrinites with animals having 

 the power of locomotion. Perhaps the fact that 

 Encrinites were all fastened to one spot by means of 

 a jointed stem (just as a flower is by its stalk), makes 

 it difficult for the young geological student to under- 



Fig. 81. Recent Australian Feather-star (Comatula adonce) (three-quarters 

 natural size). 



stand they are not Zoophytes, or " plant-animals." 

 Then, again, the manner in which the feathered arms 

 fold up against the body, just like the petals of a tulip 

 when at rest ; and the flower-like aspect resulting 

 from this habit ; the names attached to parts of 



