118 



OOLITIC FOSSIL ASTERIAD.E. 



ossicles supports numerous rows of small spines, as shown in fig. 1 h, and in the enlarged 

 fio-. ] c the marrjin of the furrow^ is seen to have a comb-like structure where it closes 

 over the an^bulacral groove ; the same figure shows likewise rows of stout, thorn-like 

 spines projecting outwards from the ventral border plates. 



Affinities and differences. — This Star-fish resembles very much Astrojyecten Witfdi, Wr., 

 from the same beds ; it has, however, a proportionately larger disc, more obtuse intermediate 

 angles, and the rays more attenuated at their termination, as shown in the figures given of 

 the two species in PI. IX, figs. 1, 2, 3. 



It has many points of affinity with Astrojjecten PMUijJsii, Forb., but as I have not seen 

 the original specimen of Prof. Philhps's drawing, I can offer no remarks on that form. 

 Unless the actual specimens can l)e compared, figures scarcely afford data sufficiently 

 accurate on minute points of structure, to justify critical observations on the affinities and 

 differences existing between species nearly allied to each other. 



Localiiy and SiraHtjrajjJtical position . — This beautiful Star-fish was first discovered in 

 Gloucestershire, by the Rev. E. F. Witts, in slabs of Stonesfield slate at Eyeford, near 

 Naunton, and was figured by Prof. Buckman in the second edition of Sir R. Murchison's 

 ' Geology of Cheltenham.' Good specimens, showing the marginal plates in relief, are rare, 

 whilst sections of the skeleton are not uncommon in this fissile limestone, associated with 

 the teeth of Fishes, the elytra of Insects, and the shells of Mollusca. 



AsTROPECTEN CoTTESWOLDi.E, tx(r. Stamfordensis, Wri(jM. PI. VI, fig. 1 a, b. 



Samuel Sharp, Esq., discovered abeautifid Star-fish in a slate bed near Stamford, which 

 appears to be the equivalent of the Stonesfield slate. I have figured this specimen in 

 PI. VI, fig. 1, under the name Astropecten CotieswoJdice, var. Stamfordensis, Wr., as it 

 presents some few traits of structure which distinguish it from the Eyeford specimens of 

 the Cotteswold liills. The upper marginal bones of the Stamford specimen are more angular, 

 the intermediate angles more acute, and the borders of the rays straighter. As the speci- 

 men is a unicum, a critical comparison between forms so nearly allied is exceedingly diffi- 

 cult unless more of the anatomy of the Star-fish was exposed than happens to be in Mr. 

 Sharp's specimen ; I therefore prefer considering it provisionally as a variety of Astropecten 

 Cotteswoldiae rather than risk its separation on imperfect and it may be transient 

 characters from that well-marked form already described in detail. I am indebted to 

 Mr. Sharp for a description of the rock and locality where he found the specimen, and 

 have much pleasure in adding his letter, of date 27th April, 1859, which he sent me in 

 leply to inquiries made relative to the exact stratigraphical position of the bed from 

 whence he obtained this Star-fish, and which leaves no doubt of its being true Stonesfield 



