Milleri_, of Mantell,) from the chalk of Kent. The specimen
figured is the receptacle or body of a very remarkable
crinoideal animal which forms the link that unites the
Lily-shaped animals with the Star-fishes; like the former,
the receptacle is composed of articulated plates, closed
at the top by a tessellated plate-work with a buccal
aperture, and surrounded by five flexible arms; but the
original animal, like the Star-fishes, was destitute of a
stem, and could float through the water at pleasure. Its
true structure was first pointed out by me in 1822;[39] the
name Marsupite was suggested by the purse-like form. In the
figure, the base of the receptacle is uppermost. Fig. 30, is
a single plate of a Marsupite attached to a piece of chalk.
[Footnote 39: See "Fossils of the South Downs."]
Figs. 31, 35, 38, 39, 40, 41, 74, 75, 76, 77. These are portions
of a small species of Encrinite (_Apiocrinus ellipticus_)
peculiar to the white chalk, in some localities of which the
detached ossicula and peduncles are abundant. At Northfleet,
near Gravesend, these fossils are often met with. Figs. 75,
and 76, are portions of the receptacle with part of the
column; figs. 31, 38, and 39, are parts of the processes of
attachment. I have never seen any specimen with the arms.[40]
[Footnote 40: Medals of Creation, p. 321.]
Fig. 34. This is part of the receptacle and stem of another small
chalk Encrinite (_Bourgeticrinus_, of D'Orbigny) from Kent;
it is remarkable for the very slight increase in bulk of the
receptacle, and the peculiar form of the plates of which it
is composed.
Figs. 36 & 37. Two views of the receptacle of a very remarkable
crinoidean animal (_Pentremites florealis_, of Say), from
the cherty carboniferous limestone of Kentucky. This
zoophyte, though resembling the Crinoidea in having a
plated receptacle supported by an articulated stem, has a
remarkable affinity to the Sea-urchins (_Echinidæ_) in the
porous bands and pentagonal aperture, and in being destitute
of arms or tentacula. Some of the Kentucky limestone beds
swarm with the remains of these zoophytes.[41]
[Footnote 41: Medals of Creation, p. 327.]
Fig. 47. "Two ossicula of the Lily Encrinite immersed in diluted
muriatic acid, by which the animal membrane was exposed,
and is seen hanging in flocculæ from the bottom of the
fossil,"--_Mr. Parkinson._
Figs. 57, 64, 66. Part of the stem, and the articulating surfaces
of two ossicles of a very elegant pentacrinite (_Pentacrinus
scalaris_, of Goldfuss), from the Lias of Lyme Regis.
Figs. 53, 56, 59, 61, 62, 63, 65, 67. Portions of stems, and the
various modifications of the ossicula of another Lias
Pentacrinite (_Pentacrinus basaltiformis_, of Goldfuss).
Fig. 79. This elegant little crinoidean receptacle was named
the "Clove Encrinite," by Mr. Parkinson, from its form;
(_Eugeniacrinus caryophyllatus_, of Goldfuss). It is from
the Oolite of Mount Randen, in Switzerland.[42]
[Footnote 42: Ibid. p. 327.]
Figs. 80, 81, 82, & 83. Appear to be fossil corals of the genus
Ceriopora.
[Illustration: Plate XLVIII.]
PLATE XLVIII.
The Lily Encrinite (_Encrinites monileformis_).
This exquisite species of the extinct Crinoideans which swarmed in
the seas of the secondary ages of Geology, is equally interesting and
attractive to the amateur collector and the scientific observer. The
specimen figured is a charming example of the "_Stone Lily_" partly
expanded, attached to a block of limestone studded with encrinal
ossicula. Mr. Parkinson informed me that it was formerly in the
collection of Mr. Jacob Forster, and cost him twenty guineas; from
five to ten guineas is now the usual price for a specimen in a good
state of preservation, with any part of the column attached. This
Encrinite is not known to occur in England. The specimens seen in
collections are for the most part from Lower Saxony: this species has
only been found in the limestone strata called "_Muschelkalk_" one
of the subdivisions of the _Trias_, or New Red Sandstone formation,
of Germany.[43] The most celebrated locality of these fossils is
in Brunswick, near the village of Erkerode, about two miles from
the town bearing the same name. The bed in which they are found is
a soft argillaceous cream-coloured limestone, about one foot and a
half in thickness; and the stone is composed chiefly of trochites, or
detached ossicula of the stems, and a few fragile shells and corals.
[Footnote 43: Medals of Creation, vol. i. p. 322. Wonders of Geology,
vol. ii. pp. 534, 549.]
An elaborate account of the structure of the skeleton of the Lily
Encrinite is given by Mr. Miller, in his valuable work, "The
Natural History of the Lily-shaped Animals," (1 vol. 4to. 1821.)
Mr. Parkinson had previously carefully investigated the different
parts which enter into the composition of the receptacle and column,
and had given them names analogous to those employed to designate
the bones of the skeleton in vertebrated animals. This nomenclature
has very properly been abandoned; but I subjoin Mr. Parkinson's
description of the figures, to record his ingenuity and skill in
dissecting organic remains:--
"Fig. 1, The Lily Encrinite, with part of its vertebral column
attached. In this specimen is seen the extensive capacity
for motion yielded by the peculiar form of the vertebra;
in the superior part of the column; and by the fortunate
removal of a portion of the fingers, a fair view is given of
the natural arrangement of the tentacula.
Fig. 2. The pentagonal base, composed of the ossa innominata, and
forming with the scapulæ and clavicles, the pelvis, in which
were contained the organs of digestion, &c.
Fig. 3. The Lily Encrinite, detached from its vertebral column.
_a_, the centre of its base, formed by five cuneiform ossicula,
or _ossa innominata_.
a, one of the _ossa innominata_ detached.
_b_, the ribs, or _articuli trapezoides_; forming, with the preceding
bones, the pentagonal base.
b, one of the ribs detached, showing its internal surface.
_c_, the clavicles.
c 1, the interior surface.
c 2, the superior surface.
_d_, the scapulæ.
d 1, the inferior surface.
d 2, the superior surface.
_e_, the arms.
f, the two first bones of the arms united.
_g, h, i, k, l, m_, the bones of the fingers gradually diminishing.
Fig. 4. Part of the supposed base, or organ of attachment, of the
Lily Encrinite.
Fig. 5. The supposed base, or organ of attachment, of the '_Cap
Encrinite_.'"
[Illustration: Plate XLIX.]
PLATE XLIX.
Remains of Encrinites.
Fig. 1. A polished slab of limestone formed of portions of the
stems of encrinites; the white figures are produced by
sections of the calcareous spar into which the ossicula
are transmuted. The dark spots are the cavities of the
entrochites, filled with mineral matter of a different
colour.
Fig. 2, is the pentagonal base of the receptacle of the
Derbyshire Encrinite.
Fig. 3. A mass of Derbyshire encrinal marble, with numerous
portions of stems lying in relief.
The Derbyshire encrinal marble is so extensively employed in the
manufacture of tables, chimney-pieces, vases, &c., that it must be
familiar to every reader; and yet probably but few are aware of
its origin, or of the nature of the fossil remains of which it is
composed, and that give rise to the elegant figures in which its
beauty consists. On Middleton Moor, near Matlock, extensive quarries
of this marble are worked, and good specimens of the ossicula and
stems may be easily obtained.[44]
[Footnote 44: See Medals of Creation for "A Geological Excursion from
Matlock to Middleton Moor, returning by Stonnis," p. 968.]
Fig. 4. Part of the stem of a large Encrinite, (_Cyathocrinus
rugosus_, of Miller,) from the Wenlock limestone, Dudley.
Fig. 5. A fine specimen of the lower part of the stem, and the
root-like processes of attachment of the base, of the same
species as fig. 4: from Dudley.
Fig. 6, is called the "_Screw or Pulley-stone_" of Derbyshire.
These curious fossils are found in the chert (a kind of
flint) which occurs in veins and layers in some of the
limestone strata: they are siliceous casts of the interior
cavities of the stems, and small branches of ossicula, of
Encrinites. Plate XL VII. fig. 10, is a detached specimen of
this kind.
Fig. 7, is described by Mr. Parkinson as "a piece of marble from
Shropshire, in which is discovered a part of the pentagonal
base of the Turban or Shropshire Encrinite."
Fig. 8, is part of the column of the same species. These
specimens belong to the Rose Encrinite (_Rhodocrinus verus_,
of Miller).
Fig. 9. The receptacle of a very remarkable form of Encrinite,
called by Mr. Parkinson "the _Cap Encrinite_ of Derbyshire."
I can find no notice of this beautiful and unique specimen
in the work of Miller or of subsequent authors; neither am
I aware of any data by which a relation can be established
between this receptacle and the ossicula and stems, so
abundant in the carboniferous limestone of Derbyshire.
[Illustration: Plate L.]
PLATE L.
Encrinites and Pentacrinites.
The Pear Encrinite of Bradford; Mr. Parkinson.
(_Apiocrinus rotundus_, of Miller.
---- _Parkinsoni_, of Bronn.)
The most generally known of the British Crinoidea, from its size,
and abundance in one particular locality, is the "_Pear Encrinite_"
of Bradford in Wiltshire, some of the quarries of the oolite on the
heights above that picturesquely-situated town, yielding not only
immense quantities of detached plates and ossicula, but also numerous
examples of the receptacle, and occasionally the entire skeleton
from the peduncle of the base to the extremities of the arms. The
lamented Mr. Channing Pearce, and his father (now of Percy Place,
Grosvenor, Bath), when resident at Bradford, paid such unremitting
attention to the collection of these fossils, that perfect specimens
were obtained, exhibiting the entire structure of the originals;
of these some fine examples are preserved in the British Museum.
Sir Charles Lyell mentions a very interesting fact relating to the
occurrence of these Crinoidea in the strata. He states that the
upper surface of a bed of limestone at Bradford is incrusted with a
continuous pavement formed by the stony roots of the Apiocrinites;
and upon this is a layer of clay in which are the stems and bodies
(receptacles) of innumerable examples; some erect, others lying
prostrate; while throughout the clay are scattered detached arms,
stems, and receptacles. This submarine forest of Crinoideans must
therefore have flourished in the clear sea-water till invaded by a
current loaded with mud, which overwhelmed the living zoophytes, and
entombed them in the argillaceous deposit in which their remains are
now imbedded.[45]
[Footnote 45: See Wonders of Geology, vol. ii. p. 653.]
The receptacle of this Apiocrinite is pyriform and very smooth, the
plates are large and thin, with radiating articulated surfaces; the
stem is short, smooth, and strong, the arms are simple, and like
those of the Marsupite; the peduncle spreads out into an expanded
base, which is firmly attached to the rock; sections of this part are
generally of a purple colour.
Fig. 1. Part of the column of the Bradford Encrinite. 2. Part
of the receptacle; a minute incrusting coral (_Bryozoa_)
is attached to the lower part, giving the stem a rough
appearance.
Figs. 3, & 4. Surface of detached plates of the receptacle.
Fig. 5. Portion of the column partly covered with a cortical
covering of a purple colour possibly the original investing
membrane.
Fig. 6. A receptacle, in which a few of the ossicula of the arms
remain attached to the margin.
Fig. 7. Another receptacle, in which the plates called by Mr.
Parkinson "clavicles and scapulæ," are retained in their
natural positions.
Fig. 8. A receptacle, in which the principal plates are well
defined: these are named by Mr. Parkinson as follow: _a_,
clavicle; _b_, scapula; _c_, ossicula of the arms; _d_, the
last series of the same. The ossicles forming the elongated
tentacula, Mr. P. termed "_bones of the fingers_."
Fig. 9. Portion of an encrinital stem with digitated processes:
the nature of this fossil is unknown to me.
Fig. 10. Three united ossicula of a Pentacrinite with depressions
for side-arms: from the Lias of Lyme Regis.
Fig. 11. A distorted pentacrinal ossicle; said to be from Africa.
Figs. 12, & 14, are vertical polished sections of the peduncle, or
base of the stem, of the Bradford Encrinite.
Fig. 13. Vertical section of the peduncle of a Pentacrinite from
Soissons.
Fig. 15. A polished slab of pentacrinal marble from Charmouth,
Dorsetshire.
Fig. 16. Variously contorted pentacrinal stems with numerous
side-arms, from Charmouth.
[Illustration: Plate LI.]
PLATE LI.
Fossil Crinoidea, or Lily-shaped Animals.
Fig. 1. Part of the receptacle of the "_Nave Encrinite_" of Mr.
Parkinson (_Actinocrinus_, of Miller). Mountain limestone.
Fig. 2. A portion of the receptacle of a "_Rose Encrinite_"
(_Rhodocrinus_), viewed from the base.
Fig. 3. The "Nave Encrinite" (_Actinocrinus triacontadactylus_,
or thirty-fingered, of Miller), from the mountain limestone.
This is a good example of the structure of the receptacle
in this group of Crinoideans, which is distinguished by
the arms passing off at right angles from the periphery
of the receptacle, like the spokes of a wheel; whence the
name, Nave Encrinite. The upper part is covered by closely
adapted plates, and the buccal aperture or mouth is situated
at the side. The stem of this group is thickly beset with
side-arms. (Fig. 7 is a very small detached one.) The arms
are numerous (amounting to thirty in the species figured),
and of great length; these subdivide into jointed filaments
of extreme minuteness. Slabs of limestone are often entirely
covered with them, and many layers are wholly made up of
their aggregated remains. The plates of the receptacle are
generally highly ornamented: in one species the sculpturing
so closely resembles that of the _Marsupites ornatus_ of the
chalk, that it was with difficulty I convinced Mr. Parkinson
that the latter did not possess a stem, and therefore was
not an Actinocrinite.[46]
[Footnote 46: See Medals of Creation, p. 325; Wonders of Geology, p.
664; Miller's Crinoidea, p. 94.]
Figs. 4, & 5. Portions of receptacles of Actinocrinites.
Figs. 6, & 8. Fragments of stems of a Pentacrinite (_Pentacrinus
scalaris_, of Goldfuss); from Gloucestershire.
Fig. 9. A Pentacrinite expanded on a slab of Lias-shale.
Gloucestershire.
Fig. 10. Stem, receptacle, and arms of a Crinoidean (probably a
_Cyathocrinite_); it is drawn in an inverted position. The
figure is stated by Mr. Parkinson to be copied "from a plate
by Dr. Capeller." Neither the locality, nor the stratum from
which it was obtained, is mentioned.
Fig. 11. Part of the stem of a Pentacrinite (_P. basaltiformis_,
of Miller); from the Lias. Gloucestershire.
Fig. 12. The receptacle of a Crinoidean (_Platycrinus lævis_, of
Miller); from the mountain limestone, Ireland. Fig. 13,
ossicles of the arms; and fig. 14, joints of the stems,
slightly magnified.
Fig. 15. "The superior part of the Briaræan pentacrinite."--_Mr.
Parkinson._ (_Pentacrinus Briareus_, of Miller.) The
specimen is a slab of Lias, almost wholly made up of
crinoideal remains. In relief on the surface are the stems
and dislocated ossicles of the receptacle; the latter are
thus enumerated by Mr. Parkinson;--_a_, scapula; _b_,
clavicle; _c_, first bone of the arm; _d_, second arm-bone;
_e_, commencement of the two series of bones forming the
fingers.
Fig. 16, is another slab of pentacrinal Lias limestone, with
portions of a stem and numerous side-arms: these are
generally electrotyped, as it were, with a brilliant
pyrites, giving a rich metallic lustre to the animal
remains. In the British Museum there are many splendid
specimens of this highly interesting family of Radiaria. I
would especially direct the intelligent visitor's attention
to a slab of stone, many feet in height and breadth, on
which a group of Pentacrinites is displayed, as palpable
and perfect as if the animals were sporting in their native
element. This matchless specimen is from Germany.
Fig. 17. One of the small auxiliary lateral tentacles of a
Pentacrinite.
[Illustration: Plate LII.]
PLATE LII.
Pentacrinites.
Fig. 1. This specimen displays the usual appearance of the mode
in which the arms of Pentacrinites are spread out in relief
on the pyritous lias limestone of Charmouth.
Fig. 2. The arms, from the upper part of the receptacle to their
third or fourth subdivision of the Briaræan Pentacrinite.
Charmouth.
Fig. 3. A small specimen, showing the ramifications and delicacy
of the extremities of the arms or tentacula.
Fig. 4. "A fossil body, supposed to be a species of oval
encrinite."--_Mr. Parkinson._ This fossil is certainly
a coral, probably some species of Turbinolia, from the
Devonian formation.
[Illustration: Plate LIII.]
PLATE LIII.
Fossil Star-Fishes and Echini.
The radiated animals popularly called Star-fishes, from their
stellular figure, are so abundant along our sea shores, that the
nature of the common five-rayed species (_Asterias_, or _Uraster
rubens_)[47] must be familiar to most of my readers. This species
belongs to the group in which the rays are elongated, and far exceed
in length the diameter of the disk; in another subdivision (the
_Goniaster_, or Cushion-star), the body is angular, and the lobes
or rays are short, and do not exceed in length the diameter of the
body. In another group (the _Comatula_, or Feather-star), the rays
are fringed with long jointed tentacula, which divide and subdivide
like those of the Crinoidea; and these star-fishes may, in fact, be
regarded as free Lily-shaped animals.[48] There is another tribe in
which the arms are elongated into slender rays, without grooves or
tentacula; these are called the Serpent Star-fishes (_Ophiura_).
Species of all these groups occur in a fossil state.[49]
[Footnote 47: See Professor Forbes's delightful "History of the
British Star-Fishes."]
[Footnote 48: In the young state the Comatulæ have a jointed
stem, and are attached to other bodies; being in this stage true
Crinoideans.]
[Footnote 49: Medals of Creation, p. 332.]
Fig. 1. "Part of a fossil lunated star from the chalk of
Kent."--_Mr. Parkinson._ (_Goniaster semilunata_, of
Parkinson; _Goniaster Parkinsoni_, of Prof. E. Forbes).
Remains of Star-fishes are by no means rare in the chalk
strata of Kent; in those of Sussex they are far less common.
When the "Fossils of the South Downs" was published, in
1822, a few fragments only had been discovered. Of late
years, some beautiful examples have been obtained from
the chalk-pits near Arundel and Worthing, by Mr. Dixon,
Mr. Coombe, Mrs. Smith, of Tunbridge Wells, and other
collectors. The cabinet of the Marquess of Northampton is
very rich in this class of fossils. Several unique examples
of new species have been obtained from the chalk near
Maidstone.
Fig. 2. "An echinite, from France."--_Mr. Parkinson._ The
locality of this fossil is uncertain; no similar specimen
is known either to Mr. Morris, or the other eminent
palæontologists I have consulted; and the original cannot be
discovered. I have reason to believe it was purchased, after
Mr. Parkinson's death, together with the greater number of
the fossils already described, by an American gentleman, and
taken to the United States.
Fig. 3. "Part of a stellite or fossil star-fish, resembling
_Pentagonaster regularis_."--_Mr. Parkinson._ This
well-known chalk species (_Goniaster Mantelli_, of Prof.
E. Forbes), occurs frequently in an imperfect state in the
quarries near Gravesend. The collection of the Marquess
of Northampton contains a perfect and exquisite specimen
attached to a flint, from that locality.
Fig. 4. A beautiful example of the Turban Echinite (_Cidaris
Parkinsoni_, of Dr. Fleming), from Wiltshire.
The _Cidaris_, or Turban Echinite, belongs to the family of radiated
animals, of which the recent Sea-urchin (_Echinus sphæra_) is a
well-known example. The globular shell or envelope of these animals
is composed of numerous calcareous polygonal plates, arranged in
regular and elegant patterns, like the lines of the meridian on a
globe. These plates are externally covered with papillæ of various
sizes, to which spines of corresponding magnitude are articulated.
In some of the _Cidares_ the principal tubercles are very large, and
their spines several inches in length. The number and variety of the
animals of this family that occur in a fossil state are so great,
that a work expressly devoted to the subject would be required to
thoroughly investigate the characters and relations of the known
species. An elementary knowledge of this class of fossil remains may
be obtained by reference to "Medals of Creation," chap. xi. p. 240.
Fig. 5. Part of the case of a Cidaris attached to a flint by its
outer surface, surrounded by upwards of twenty spines; the
interior of the shell, of a light pink colour, is exposed.
This exquisite fossil is now in the cabinet of the Marquess
of Northampton. It was purchased by Mr. Parkinson for the
sum of twenty guineas; but this was in the palmy days of
the study of organic remains, before the terms Geology and
Palæontology were invented, and when a choice relic of "a
former world" was cheap at any price, in the opinion of the
enthusiastic collector.
Fig. 6. A Turban Echinite (_Cidaris_ (_Hemicidaris_, of Agassiz)
_crenularis_, of Lamarck): from the Coral Rag of Wiltshire.
Fig. 7. A siliceous cast--that is, a flint that has been moulded
in the interior of the shell, and received the impress
of the internal structure--of "_Cidaris corollaris_," of
Parkinson; (_Cyphosoma correlare_, of Agassiz): from Sussex.
Fig. 8. Cidaris with spines, from the Oolite of Stonesfield.
Fig. 9. A specimen of one of the Cidares with large tubercles
(_Cidaris coronatus_, of Goldfuss); from the Coral Rag,
Oxfordshire.
Fig. 10. An elegant chalk echinus (_Cidaris Königi_, of
Mantell;[50] _Cyphosoma Milleri_, of Agassiz; _C.
granulosus_, of Goldfuss): from Kent.
[Footnote 50: Fossils of the South Downs, p. 189. (1822.)]
Fig. 11. A fine species from the chalk at Gravesend (_Cidaris
vesiculosus_, of Goldfuss).
Fig. 12. A peculiar type of Cidaris (_Salenia scutigera_, of
Goldfuss), from the freestone or upper greensand of
Warminster, Wilts.
Fig. 13. Another species of the same genus (_Salenia stellulata_,
of Agassiz); from Warminster.
Fig. 14. An enlarged view of part of the structure around the
vertex of fig. 13.
Fig. 15. A species of Feather-star (_Comatula pectinata_, of
Goldfuss); from Solenhofen.
Figs. 17, 18, 19, 20. "Minute _Stellitæ_ (that is, fossil
Star-fish); from Verona."--_Mr. Parkinson._ These are
probably the bodies or disks of _Ophiuræ_ deprived of their
arms.
Fig. 16. The nature of the specimen figured is unknown to me.
[Illustration: Plate LIV.]
PLATE LIV.
Various Species of Fossil Sea-Urchins.
Fig. 1. A large, discoidal echinite, of the type called _Clypeus_
or _Shield-echinus_, (_Clypeus sinuatus_, of Leske,) from
the Coral Rag of Oxfordshire. This species abounds in the
beds of this division of the Oolite in Berkshire, Wiltshire,
Gloustershire, &c.
Fig. 2. "_Echinanthites orbicularis_ (_Pygurus_) of Leske."--Mr.
Parkinson.
Fig. 3. An imperfect flint cast of an echinus (_Discoidea_), from
the South Downs.
Fig. 4. The Helmet Echinite, (_Ananchytes ovatus_, of Lamarck,)
from the Chalk of Kent. This is a characteristic species of
the white chalk, and abounds in the strata of the North and
South Downs. At Northfleet, near Gravesend, the quarry-men
find beautiful specimens.
Fig. 5. An oval echinite (_Nucleolites_,) from Verona.
Fig. 6. A portion of a very flat echinite, in which the rays or
ambulacra are in a floriform arrangement, (_Echinodiscus
bisperforatus_, of Parkinson; _Lobophora biperforata_, of
Desor,) from Tertiary Strata, Verona.
Fig. 7. A small discoidal echinite (_Discoidea subuculus_, of
Leske,) from the upper greensand of Warminster.
Fig. 8. The floriform radiated part of the shell of an echinite
(_Clypeaster_), from the tertiary strata of Malta.
Fig. 9. A cast in flint of part of the interior of the case or
shell of an echinite.
Fig. 10. An elegant conical echinite (_Conulus albogalerus_, of
Leske; _Galerites_, of Agassiz), common in the chalk of Kent
and Sussex.
Fig. 11. View of the base of fig. 10, showing the situation of
the two apertures of the shell.
[Illustration: Plate LV.]
PLATE LV.
Fossil Sea-Urchins, or Echinites.
Fig. 1. The shell of a Turban Echinite (_Cidaris saxatilis_, of
Parkinson), broken in two, and each piece imbedded in the
same fragment of flint. From Kent.