REPORT OF ('OM>rTSSTOXi:RS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 13 



The questions are arranged in four grou^Ds: the first dealing 

 with the identification and distribution of the star-fish ; the 

 second, with the mode of life ; the third, with the breeding habits, 

 and the fourth, with natural and artificial means of destruction. 

 The answers, so far as they have been determined, appear in the 

 second part of this report. 



INDENTIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION. 



I. Does the animal, known to our fishermen as the star-fish or 

 five-finger, belong to one or several species? (It is evident that, 

 if there are two or more species, artificial or natural agents de- 

 structive to one ma}^ prove quite harmless to the others.) 



II. What is the geographical and bathymetrical distribution? 

 (The reply to these questions will indicate the areas subject to or 

 most liable to invasion.) 



MODE OF LIFE. 



III. What is the method of locomotion? (It is possible that 

 some barrier might be arranged that would limit, if not prevent, 

 invasion.) 



IV. Are the star-fish, which are reputed to appear in schools, 

 in any way different from those known to occur naturally in a 

 particular locality? 



V. To or from wliat distances may star-fish migrate? 



VI. What animals are devoured bj^ the star-fish for food ? (If 

 the young star-fish feed habitually upon certain animals, it is 

 possible that the destruction of the latter will cause the former to 

 perish.) 



VII. W^hat is the method of feeding ? 



VIII. How rapidly may a star-fish devour oysters? 



THE BREEDING HABITS. 



IX. At which season of the year do the star-fish spawn ? (If 

 at a particular season, a special effort should be made to kill the 



