187 
requires a little further examination. The pieces forming the fingers 
are evidently capable of two kinds of motion ; the one being that of 
flexion and extension, and the other a degree of lateral motion, by 
which the two webs of tentacula of the two fingers of each hand, 
would be either made to recede from each other and assume a hori- 
zontal position, or to approximate to each other, and acquire at the 
same time a perpendicular direction. 
Supposing these parts extended in an open and horizontal position, 
and the prey within reach, then the animal, by raising the tentacula 
in a perpendicular position, would bring them together, and secure 
the prey betwixt them ; and if by bending the fingers together at the 
same time he closed these, the prey would then have been directed to- 
wards the mouth of the animal, which, with the stomach, &c. may 
be expected to have possessed the central part of the pelvis formed 
by the ossa innominata, ribs, &c. 
Viewing that part which has been suspected to be the inferior ex- 
tremity of the animal, we see every reason for supposing that it pos- 
sessed to a great extent that property, which might a priori have been 
expected in that part which might be considered as the organ of at- 
tachment, and by which the animal was to be firmly secured to his des- 
tined dwelling-place. In that part we find a propensity to pour out a 
coagulable lymph, or ossific matter, so abundantly as must have been well 
fitted, not only to fix him firmly to any particular spot ; but to sup- 
' ply the means of repairing any injury which this part might sus- 
tain; and, perhaps, of furnishing an additional mode of increasing 
the species, by enabling any detached columns to attach themselves 
to a new spot, where they might live independent of the parent 
stock. 
Hence it not only appears that this fossil was originally the osseous 
or crustaceous covering, fitted for the reception of the softer parts of 
an animal; but it is also apparent that here excited the most curious 
arrangement of parts, in every respect fitted for securing the means 
