No. 19.] 



ECHINODERMS OF CONNECTICUT. 



137 



is probable in the colder and deeper waters at the eastern end of 

 the Sound. 



The species ranges northward to the Bay of Fundy, and has 

 been reported as far south as Delaware, although the record for 

 the last-named region may not be without question. It extends 

 from shallow water to a depth of more than 600 fathoms. 



There are no records as to the color or general appearance 

 of the living animal, the species having been studied and described 

 from preserved specimens. When preserved in alcohol, the color 

 is brownish, with lighter pedicels. Nothing is known regarding 

 its habits. 



Fig. 27. Thyone scahra. Outlines of cal- 

 careous plates. A, from tentacles; B. from 

 body-wall. (After Oark.) 



The individuals of this species are very much smaller than 

 those of the common Thyone, rarely exceeding two inches in 

 length. The body is slender posteriorly and pointed at the 

 extremity. 



The most striking characteristic of the species is the abun- 

 dance of the calcareous deposits in the skin. These are placed 

 so closely together as to cause a decided roughness over the 

 whole surface of the body. The deposits consist mainly of ir- 

 regular plates (Fig. 27), usually pierced by eight to twelve or 

 more holes, and provided with a rather small handle, or spire. 

 The spire is made up of two or three stout columns, united at 

 the top and crowned with small, irregular teeth. 



