418 
EXISTING CRINOIDEANS. 
names of Encrinite and Pentacrhiite ; the former 
(see PI. 49, Fig. 1, and PI. 47, Figs. I. 2. 5.) most 
nearly resembling the external form of a Lily, 
placed on a circular stem^ the latter (see PI. 51, 
and PI. 52, Fig. 1, 3.) retaining the general 
analogies of structure presented by the Encri- 
nite, but, from the pentagonal form of its stem, 
denominated Pentacrinite. A third Genus, called 
Apiocrinites, or Pear Encrinite, (PI. 47. Figs. 1, 
2.) exhibits, on a large scale, the component parts 
of bodies of this family ; and has been placed by 
Mr. Miller at the head of his valuable work on 
the Crino'idea, from which many of the following 
descriptions and illustrations will be collected. 
Two existing species of recent animals throw 
much light on the nature of these fossil remains ; 
viz. the Pentacrinus Caput Medusas from the 
West Indies, represented at PI. 52, Fig. 1, and 
the Comatula fimbriata,* figured in the first 
plate of Miller’s Crino'idea. 
We will proceed to consider the mechanical 
provisions in the structure of two or three of the 
most important fossil species of this family^ 
viewed in relation to their office as Zoophytes, 
* The Comatula presents a conformity of structure with tha^ 
of the Pentacrinite, almost perfect in every essential part, except' 
ing that the column is either wanting, or at least reduced to ® 
single plate. Peron states that the Comatula suspends itself 
its side arms from fuci, and Polyparies, and in this position 
watches for its prey, and attains it by its spreading arms ar* 
fingers. Miller, p. 182. 
