ASTEBIAS. 119 



These considerations restrain me from offering a number of fine and 

 r-invct figures, as illustrative of the truth, so long as I am uncertain 

 whi'tluT just conclusions arc deduced from the originals. 



Tin- doubts of early and adult age in new subjects, let me repeat, i.- 

 always a point of difficult solution, though the identity or not of species 

 is discovered from specimens in maturity. 



Ascertaining the real alterations of parts and aspect, as modified by 

 age, exacts extraordinary attention, time, and opportunity ; also requir- 

 ing the permanent preservation of living sped menu. 



Besides the scanty illustrations of Plate XXVII. fig. 4 ; XXVIII. 

 figs. 6, 7, 8, much remains to be shewn of the disc in shape and colour ; 

 also., ft he formation of the rays, Plate XX VTI. figs. 3,6 ; XXVIII. figs. 2, 

 ; X X IX. figs. 2, 3 ; and of the appendages of the rays, Plate X X V 1 1 1 

 figs. 4, 5 ; XXIX. fig. 4. 



Let the preceding remarks be viewed only as a very brief and im- 

 perfect sketch of what belongs to the subject, in farther prosecution of 

 which practical naturalists will find sources of unceasing entertain- 

 ment. 



Regarding the propagation of the Asterias or Cribella oculata, by M. 

 Sara, an abstract may be seen in the Annals and Magazine of Natural 

 History, v. xiv. p. 233, the only part of the works of that learned author 

 which I have had an opportunity of consulting. 



