61 



from each other. The body being cut transversely, its whole surface 

 appears like a net made up of pentagonal meshes, with a pentagonal 

 star in each mesh. The sides of the columns are not exactly equal, 

 and consequently not those of either the meshes or star*/' Speaking 

 of a plate cut off the above specimen, the Doctor remarks that it 

 takes as good a polish as any agate, and is a wonderfully beautiful 

 stone. In another specimen he remarks that the ends of the columns 

 terminate in several stellar cavities, at the under surface of the flint, 

 much like those in the larger astroites or starred honeycomb stone : 

 the hollows being filled on the other side with a flinty matter. 



At Plate VI. Fig. 9> is represented a portion of a curious stone 

 which I obtained from Gadsbridge, near Ingleborough. It is exter- 

 nally of a dark grey colour, and is chiefly composed, as the Figure 

 shews, of coralloid bodies of a very peculiar form, somewhat approach- 

 ing to the fusiform figure which though externally dark are internally 

 composed of a light coloured spathose matter, and are imbedded in a 

 fine lime-stone which is nearly as dark internally, as it is on the 

 surface. 



Examination of these bodies shews that they are externally deeply 

 striated longitudinally. The striae commence at one extremity of 

 the body, and proceed to the centre, bifurcating as the body en- 

 larges. These same striae are then continued from the centre, and 

 unite together as the body contracts in its dimensions. These longi- 

 tudinal striae are decussated by transverse ridges, which are only dis- 

 coverable in certain points of view. As far as can be judged from the 

 situation of such of these bodies as are least concealed by the matrix 

 in which they are imbedded, there seems to be reason for supposing 

 that they are connected together at their most central and enlarged 



* An Attempt towards a Natural History of the Fossils of England, in a Catalogue of the 

 Fossife in the Collection of J. Woodward, M. D. Vol. I. Part 1, Page 136, e, 41, &c. 



