Comatula of the Indian Seas. 4? 



eight inches long, and tapers gradually upward. The fringe- 

 like appendage is on the inside, forming a row of ofFsetts, 

 about half an inch in length. The feathers articulated from 

 the bottom to the top, are composed of parallel circles or 

 rings. 



From the receptacle or point, where the receptacle ex- 

 ists, at which all the plumes unite, or from which they issue, 

 a set of arms or feelers proceed or project in an opposite 

 direction. These arms or feelers have some resemblance 

 to the antennoe of lobsters; though from their disposition 

 to clasp the things which come into contact with them, they 

 resemble the tendrils of plants. They are nearly of the 

 size of small crow-quills ; and vary from half an inch to an 

 inch in length. They are articulated and coloured like the 

 plumes. They are twenty in number; and the extremity 

 of each is armed with a claw like that of a bird or of a cat. 

 Several of the joints or articulations, near this terminal claw 

 are also armed on the inner side, with claws of a like organ- 

 ization, but of a smaller make. The arms or feelers, un- 

 doubtedly possess the power of expansion or groping, and 

 of seizing or embracing any object they may find. In 

 one of the individuals I possess, a five rayed asterias, is 

 firmly held, and indissolubly bound, by the embrace of the 

 Comatula. 



This production of the Indian ocean, connects the polypes 

 and radianes with the sepias, and all of them with the ten- 

 footed crustaceas, 



Truly, and as ever, respectfully yours, 



SAMUEL L. MITCHILL, 



