416 
locomotion. When fully formed, they are undistinguishable in 
structure and function from the ambulacral feet of the star-fish ; a 
fluid undistinguishable from the chylaqueous fluid of the ambulacral 
system moves in them with the same characteristic motion. The 
peduncle is closed externally, no communication, except by transu- 
dation, existing between its cavity and the surrounding medium. 
At first it communicates with the general cavity of the embryo, but 
afterwards it becomes connected with, and part of, the ambulacral 
circulating system. When the ambulacral vessels and suckers of 
the young star- fish become fully developed, this provisional vascular 
tuft disappears, leaving no apparent scar. In the species described, 
the peduncle is not connected in any way with the madreporic 
tubercle, which is not developed till long after its disappearance, and 
then on the opposite surface of the body. 
The peduncular appendage seems to be essentially a provisional 
development of the ambulacral vascular system, and to be functionally 
analogous to the omphalo-mesenteric and umbilical vessels of the verte- 
brate groups, endowed, however, with a greater amount of versatility 
of function, corresponding to that of the peculiar vascular system of 
which it forms a part, and to a great degree dependent upon the 
peculiar vital properties of the substance entering into its structure. 
2 Some Observations on the Albino. By John Davy, M.D., 
F.R.S. Lond. and Ed., &c. 
The subjects of these observations were five individuals — four 
females, one male — all natives of Ceylon, of its south-east salubrious 
coast, and the children of coloured parents. 
They are described by the author as well made, as having good 
health, and, though all coming under the denomination of Albinos, 
on account of their unusual fairness, yet as varying in degree, the 
lightest having red eyes and almost white hair ; the less light, blue 
eyes and light-brown hair, with a complexion that in this country 
would be considered merely that of a pure blonde. 
It would appear that the Albino in Ceylon, contrary to what has 
been asserted, is not held in contempt, but rather in respect, in 
accordance with the feeling of the people towards persons of high 
caste, who are almost invariably of a lighter hue than the more 
laborious and exposed low 7 caste. 
