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of Encrinite (Encrinus Australis), 
hole in the rock. To the opposite extremity of its body, 
which is always uppermost in the water, are attached five 
clavicles. Upon rcmovingthese from the body, its inferior 
surface presents a star of five points, each point being 
set in the angle formed by the two approaching segments 
of a circle, on which each of the clavicles reposed. 
Within this star is another star also of five points. To 
each of these clavicles are attached two scapulae, into 
each of which the first two bones of the animal are 
inserted. On each of these is another scapula, from 
which proceed two arms. To two opposite sides of every 
alternate articulation of these arms, which gradually 
diminish in size to the extremity, are attached fingers, 
gradually tapering to a point, formed of several joints, 
which appear to vary in number according to the size and 
age of the specimen. In one of these I have counted 
twenty. Each of the joints of the arms is of a circular 
figure, with an oval orifice in the centre, from which 
proceed radii to the circumference. With its fingers, 
which the animal can either extend or contract at pleasure, 
either in a lateral or perpendicular direction, and which 
all curve outwards, the Encrinus Australis presents an 
appearance under the water of that species of lily called 
the Turk’s cap, and of a beautiful lilac colour. 
I have frequently attempted to convey home in a 
basket perfect specimens of this animal, attached to sea¬ 
weed; but I invariably found that they were a long time 
in the act of dying, during which time several joints of 
the fingers, and many of the articulations of the arms, 
fell to pieces. In death the arms collapse, and a dark 
viscous fluid is emitted from the inferior part of the body 
of the animal in the hollow space formed by the collapsing 
of the clavicles, scapulae, and arms. The only method 
of preserving the animal entire, is to immerse it, as soon 
as taken out of the water, into strong spirit. So tenacious 
