232 Mode of killing the Asterlada. 



smooth, except on the outer edge, where there are a few 

 tubercles, and divided longitudinally by a rough line. Rays 5, 

 long, tapered, generally marked with orange-coloured bands, 

 covered with triangular imbricated scales having a light tu- 

 bercle-like projection on the distal edge, armed on the sides 

 with numerous strong muricated spines longer than the breadth 

 of the ray. Mouth with 5 pectinated processes. Diameter of 

 the body in one specimen four tenths of an inch, length of each 

 ray 1-J- in. ; of another specimen the diameter was half an inch, 

 and the length of the rays 2| in., so that there appears to be 

 no definite proportion between these parts. 



Ophhira rosula is remarkably brittle : the body will on 

 handlings or when sickly, throw off all its rays, which again 

 will voluntarily break into several pieces ; and these, as well 

 as the mutilated body, will survive for several days if kept 

 in salt water ; and, under more favourable circumstances, the 

 body would probably reproduce all the lost members. 



I may take this opportunity of describing the method of 

 preserving the ^steriadae, which I have found to be the best. 

 The Ophiurae must be brought from the shore in sea water; 

 where, after being allowed to remain at rest for an hour or 

 so, they will crawl about and expand themselves on the bottom 

 and sides of the vessel. When in this state, remove them with 

 the fingers cautiously, and plunge them instantly into a large 

 basin of cold fresh water : they die in a state of rigid expan- 

 sion, and so quickly, that even the most brittle species have 

 no time to make the contractions necessary to break off their 

 rays. Allow them to lie in the fresh water for twenty-four 

 hours, when they are to be displayed on white paper, and 

 dried very slowly before the fire. With the y4sterias less 

 care is necessary. Steep them for a few hours in cold water, 

 then plunge them into a pan of boiling water, and boil them 

 on a quick fire for five or ten minutes, according to their bulk. 

 They are now to be put on a flat plate, and dried very slowly, 

 previously to their removal to the cabinet. They make a 

 pretty and interesting collection, and are preserved as easily 

 as shells are. — Berwick upon Tweed. 



Art. III. A Notice of a Mode of killing the Ksterladce ; and of the 

 Occurrence on the Coast of Devonshire of Three Species deemed 

 the Asterias Johnstom, Ophiura bellis, and 0. granulata. By 

 F. H. N. Glossop, Esq. 



Dr. Johnston mentions, in p. 145, 146., the difficulty of 

 preserving perfect some of the species of the Asterias and 



