118 
MARSUPITES. 
recent animal they were attached to an epidermis 
extending over the cavity of the pelvis in the form 
of a proboscis, the mouth being placed in the 
centre. 
From this examination of the skeleton of the 
marsupite, it is evident that the recent animal was 
nearly related to the crinoidea ; but the absence of 
the vertebral column separates it most decidedly 
from that tribe. 
It may, however, as Mr. Miller observes, be 
considered as forming a link between the crinoidea 
articulata and the ,stelleridce. 
The folds, radiating ridges, the striae on the 
plates, and the lateral adhesion of plate to plate by 
simple sutures, plainly indicate that the whole 
was invested by a muscular integument ; the 
markings on the plates being the effects of its 
action.* 
From the rudiments of the arms, it is also equally 
obvious, that the recent animal was furnished with 
tentacula, to enable it to seize and detain its 
prey, in the same manner as the encrinites, &c. 
Its position, when floating in the water, was in all 
probability with the mouth downwards, like the 
Medusa pidmo, M. campanulata^ and other species 
of that family. 
The specific name is in commemoration of the 
valuable researches of the late J. S. Miller, Esq. 
A.L.S. of Bristol ; a tribute of respect, which is 
justly due for his able investigation of the Natural 
History of the Crinoidea. 
* Miller’s Natural History of tlic Crinoidea, p. 137. 
