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the mass : it is of a compressed oval figure;, and has its surface marked 
by numerous longitudinal alternate ridges and depressions. That 
which appears to have been the inferior part of this body, and which, 
I suppose, was attached to that part, which, in the encrinus, I have 
considered as the pelvis, is slightly and irregularly concave, and being 
a transverse section, its surface is of an elliptical form. On this surface, 
eight bodies lay parallel with each other in the longest axis of the 
ellipsis, and eight shorter bodies are disposed on, and almost at right 
angles with, the external surface of the two outermost long bodies. 
Each of these twenty-four bodies, at its outward termination, is bi- 
furcated, and thus forms two processes, which pass parallel with each 
other the length of the fossil. Thirty-two of these, sixteen from each 
end of the eight longest bodies, and thirty-two from the external ter- 
minations of the shorter, making sixty-four of these processes, are thus 
continued, and form the external surface of this fossil, which is thus 
marked by alternate ridges and depressions. 
Having thus far noted the appearances presented by this fossil, tbe 
inferior part only of which, as high as the ridge which marks it trans- 
versely, being then seen, the remaining part of it being imbedded in 
and concealed by the surrounding mass, I ventured to endeavour, by 
a blow of a hammer, to obtain a more full display of it. The attempt 
succeeded, and the superior part of it was brought to sight. 
By this extended view of its surface, the organization of this body 
was more fully discovered; and, I think, very strong evidence ad- 
duced of its being a species of encrinite , of an oval form, the trunk 
of which was composed of vertebrae, which also were oval. But, although 
entertaining a strong belief that this is the case, I am aware that farther 
observations and more illustrative specimens may be required to de- 
termine its being so, I shall, therefore, lay before you a farther descnp- 
tidn of it, with those observations on its structure which appear to 
support the opinion which I have offered. 
In consequence of the more enlarged view which was obtained of 
