104 ECHINODERMATA. 



A considerable difference prevails in the intensity of colour in the 

 adult, though always purple. The extremities are generally reddish or 

 yellowish, and the under surface dingy yellow. Great diversity of ap- 

 pearance prevails among all the race. 



This species may be sometimes found sheltering itself under rocks 

 and stones, on recess of the tide. Its adhesion is slight, owing to the 

 smallness of the suckers. 



PLATE XX. 



FIG. 1. Asterias (Cribella) oculata. 



2. Centre of the under surface, and avenues of the suckers. 



3. Portion of the skin, enlarged. 



4. Madreporiform organ, enlarged. 



5. Ocular specks or glands, enlarged. 



6. Subordinate specks, composing the same, enlarged. 



7. Young Asterias in a very early stage, enlarged. 



8. Another. 



9. Young Asterias, natural size. 

 10. Young Asterias, natural size. 



4. ASTERIAS ARANCIACA. Plate XXI. 



Authors doubt whether the name of this species is Aranciaca or 

 Aurantiaca. It is of little consequence. The difference of names often 

 results from ignorance of previous orthography. The variety we find in 

 the surnames of people is very great, because many called on to subscribe 

 documents of old were not so skilful either in chirography or ortho- 

 graphy, as to bestow the proper appellation on themselves. 



The Asterias aranciaca extends six inches between the tips of the 

 opposite rays, which are five in number, terminating obtusely with a few 

 tentacular filaments. The rays are bordered by numerous setaceous spines, 

 thickly set, of which the largest are next the body. The upper margin 

 of the rays is also bordered by a row of beads, the largest being next 

 the body, and diminishing towards the extremities, where they are very 



