Radiata. 4137 



Notes on OphiuridcB obtained from the Moray Firth, off Gamrie, 

 Banffshire, and Pennan, Aberdeenshire. By the Kev. George 

 Harris. 



Ophiura texturata. This species is very abundant, and individual 

 examples, measuring considerably more than an inch across the disk, 

 occur frequently. In almost every case the disk is prominently con- 

 vex, and the convexity is preserved in even the dried specimen. 

 Its form, though generally round, is by no means invariably so, but 

 often assumes the subpentangular shape; and the triangular plates 

 are sometimes seen to be separated by so many as three or four trans- 

 verse scales. 



Ophiura albida, is frequent along the coast, more particularly, 

 I believe, to the west of this locality. 



Comatula rosacea. I cannot affirm I have met with this species, 

 but the Rev. George Gordon, of Birnie, informs me that fragments 

 have been found, showing its existence, off Lossiemouth. 



Ophiocoma Ballii. I have obtained but a few specimens of this 

 very beautiful brittle star. The disk of the largest measures two- 

 eighths of an inch in diameter, that of the smallest a tenth, and 

 is pentangular. The only habitat indicated by Mr. Forbes (Brit. 

 Star-fishes, 1841), is the Irish coast; but in addition to the above, 

 the Rev. Mr. Gordon, of Birnie, writes me he has found several speci- 

 mens of it in his neighbourhood. 



Ophiocoma brachiata, seems to be very abundant. It is fre- 

 quently brought up on the lines of our fishermen, though always in a 

 very mutilated condition. The several specimens in my possession 

 are not without the same imperfection, which however is owing to a 

 different cause, the greater number of them having been taken from 

 the stomach of the common haddock. 



Ophiocoma granulata. I have obtained many examples of this 

 species. It appears to congregate, and occurs in spots of limited ex- 

 tent. When the lines of the fishermen happen to be stretched across 

 one of these spots, the overlying portion is occasionally found to be 

 quite charged with them. Under " specific character " of this 

 species, Mr. Forbes (Brit. Star-fishes, p. 50) describes the disk as 

 " round." In the greater proportion of the specimens in my posses- 

 sion, the disks are either pentangular or subpentangular. The pre- 

 vailing colour is dark brown, but many are also light brown, gray, and 

 some yellow and orange, which last may be the same with that stated 

 XI. 3 H 



