208 THE AQUARIAN NATURALIST. 



quarrel with the Star-fishes themselves, and certes 

 they have some cause for the animosity they bear 

 these quinquefid nuisances. 



It is our invariable practice when at the sea-side 

 that is, in fine weather to catch our own breakfast ; 

 we make it a point of conscience ; whiting, deli- 

 cious fresh-caught whiting ! plain butter shrimp- 

 sauce ! Shade of Apicius ! but we must keep to 

 our text. 



Now, it is our opinion, that a man who is fishing 

 for his own breakfast has an interest in success, second 

 only to that of the poor fisherman who fishes for his 

 livelihood, and must almost equally feel the pangs of 

 disappointment in case of failure. Let us fancy our- 

 selves therefore seated in our boat, and, after a glo- 

 rious pull just half a mile out to sea, preparing for the 

 sport : the laughing water, sparkling in the morn- 

 ing sun, dances around us as we cast the heavy stone 

 our anchor amidst the gently swelling waves, and, 

 eager for the sport, prepare our lines : we feel a 

 tugging at our hook, and, hauling up the lengthened 

 string, expect a prize; when, lo ! 'tis but a villainous 

 star-fish that has seized our bait, gorging it deep and 

 fast. Again we try, and with the same result. Bait 

 after bait is thus devoured, till you begin to think 

 that shoals of cross- fishes are waiting there on purpose 

 to annoy you. Let me see the man, hungry and 

 tired, with every prospect of being breakfastless to 

 boot, who keeps his temper under such a trial ! 



But, however inimical to the fisherman, the Star- 

 fishes must always be regarded by the naturalist with 

 unmitigated wonder, and their importance in the 



