I40 



CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. 



[Bull. 



body,* but are smaller anteriorly than elsewhere, increasing grad- 

 ually in size toward the posterior end of the body. 



The anchor has a narrow shank, with rather short arms ; on 

 the outer side of the flukes are several minute spines. The 

 shank is narrowed near the point where it joins the short, slightly 

 curved stock. 



The plate, or table, on which the anchor rests has seven sym- 

 metrically placed perforations, with serrated margins, followed 

 by a transverse row of three oval perforations, with smooth mar- 

 gins, and several small, smooth holes toward the posterior border. 

 Forming an arch above the three oval perforations is a short 





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Fig. 28. Synapta inhsrens. Calcareous plates. A, portion of 

 calcareous ring; B, anchors and plates from body-wall; C, plates 

 from tentacles; D, plates from longitudinal muscles. {A, C, and 

 D after Dark.) 



transverse process, raised above the level of the plate by a pair of 

 supports at each end (Fig. 28). 



The calcareous ring is broad, the plates being without pro- 

 jections on either side. The radial plates are perforated near the 

 center for the passage of the radial nerves. This character alone 

 will serve to distinguish this species from the following. Of the 

 internal anatomy, it is necessary to mention only the large, spiral 

 intestine, which extends the whole length of the body, the single 



* These anchors and plates make most beautiful microscopic objects. They can be 

 prepared by soaking a piece of the body wall in a solution of caustic potash until it 

 is thoroughly softened, when it can be washed in water, and the deposits mounted 

 as desired. 



