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SIR C. WTVILLB THOMSON OlST THE MODE OP 



or loosely covered eggs or embryos, or any soft and pulpy organs or 

 appendages are always in a half disintegrated state when they are 

 brought up from such great depths, if they are not entirely washed 

 away. 



Kg. 12. 



Hymenaster nobilis, Wy. Thomson. The marsupial chamber with the valves 

 closed. Twice the natural size. 



As I have already said, Hymenaster is closely allied to Pteraster -. 

 the arrangements of the marsupium are nearly the same in both ; 

 and it is highly probable that, as in P. militaris, a provisional ali- 

 mentary tract may be developed in the early stages of the 

 embryo. 



There are several fine species of Hymenaster within reach of 

 British naturalists in the deep water at the entrance of the 

 Channel and off Cape Clear ; but I fear there will be great diffi- 

 culty in determining this point unless the genus turns up some- 

 where in shallower soundings where specimens can be taken 

 alive. 



V. Ophiueidea. 



At station 194, at the entrance of Eoyal Sound, on the S.E. 

 coast of Kerguelen Land, we dredged, on the 17th of January, 



