ASTKR1AS. 105 



small. They arc of on oval shape, and being prominent and conspicuous, 



til-- fonn of the animal a finished appearance : Plate XXI.. fig. 1. 



A double row of suckers runs along the under surface of each ray. 



Tin- .-kin is of peculiar formation, consisting of numerous rosettes 

 and riiviilar <>iifi t >, in regular arrangement, very ornamental Fig. 3. 



The upper surface is universally of light brownish colour, with a 

 reddish tinge. A .-t- -Ihte arrangement of red specks occupies the centre. 



I could not discover the wonted ocular or glandular speck at the 

 extremity of the ray by the microscrope, fig. 4. The border seems to 

 decompose by losing the beads, fig. 5. 



In the end of April a large specimen occurred, containing a quantity 

 of advancing spawn, situated in the origin or root of the rays. 



This is also of very peculiar formation. It consists of a number of 

 ovarian ropes of moniliform aspect, \\lm-h will be best understood from its 

 representation : Fig. 6, portion natural size ; fig. 7, enlarged ; fig. 8, 

 ovarian ropes magnified. 



This animal is not common. 



I understand that, in the opinion of certain naturalists, its name is 

 derived from a mucous matter, which, they say, exudes from the body, 

 and overspreads the surface like a spider's web. 



PLATE XXI 



Fio. 1. A*tfri<u araneiaca. 



2. The same, under surface. 



3. Portion of the skin, enlarged. 



4. Extremity of a ray, enlarged. 



5. Marginal beads. 



6. Ovarian rope*. 



7. The nine, enlarged. 



8. Portion of the sonic, magniflod 



