141 



both of the same species. The absence of these processes, in Faujas 

 St. FoncTs specimens niay, in all probability, have proceeded from their 

 removal by accident ; since their extreme delicacy must render them 

 exceedingly liable to injury, and the specimen here figured is remark- 

 able for its excellent state of preservation. 



Tlie mass, Plate XII. Fig. .2, from the same mountain, is, in every 

 respect, the most valuable specimen of the kind, which I have yet 

 met with, or have seen described. Since, from having almost escaped 

 from any injury, it not only furnishes us with the correct form of the 

 zoophyte, of which it is composed, but enables us also to make out 

 so met ing respecting the labours of the little animal by which it has 

 been formed. 



Fossils, evidently of the same species, are described both by Mr. 

 Walch and by Faujas St. Fond. The characteristics of these fossils 

 are stellated substances, projecting from a smooth ground. In the 

 fossil described by the former, the stars are composed of seven stri- 

 ated rays; but in the specimen here depicted it will be seen, that 

 they are composed of six rays, standing, some less and some a little 

 more, but in general about an eighth of an inch above the com- 

 mon surface ; each of these rays being cordiformed in their trans- 

 verse section. These rays, as may be seen in the magnified re- 

 presentation of them, Plate XII. Fig. 2 6, do not rise exactly verti- 

 cally ; but, having their base more enlarged than their other parts, 

 they bear somewhat of the form of a wheatsheaf. The substance of 

 this, like that of the former fossils from this place, is of a fine-grained 

 calcareous stone, having much of a tophaceous appearance, and 

 bearing a slight yellow tinge. Faujas St. Fond considers this fossil as 

 an astroites ; but Mr. Walch believes it to be merely a cast of some 

 coral, the parts which formed its mould having been decomposed, and 

 passed away. 



But, in the specimen here depicted, sufficient is discovered to shew, 

 that Mr. Walch is, in this respect, mistaken : partsare here displayed, 



