90 ^ ECHINODEEMATA. 



Though the fishermen assert they have seen the enemy in that fact, 

 they are by no means either close or accurate observers. If they have 

 found the Star-fish in such a position, that such an attack might be pre- 

 sumed, probably the weakness of the inhabitant allowed the shell to 

 gape, whereby it became a prey. When discovered there most hkely it 

 is from seeking shelter, for the Star-fish always courts a retreat, and 

 readily takes up its abode in any empty shell. Durmg the colder season 

 many occur in those that have evidently long lost their tenants. 



The antipathy of the fishermen, however, is inveterate, they are 

 always ready to slay, nor is any class of people more inured to slaughter. 

 I have not heard it suggested that the Star-fish possesses any kind 

 of solvent, compelling the bivalves to sunder. Neither can its hostility 

 be very deadly to the larger univalves, from the distance which they are 

 enabled to retreat within their portable dwellings. 



It is not the rays of the Star-fish that theh' prey may dread so much 

 as seizure in the mouth. 



The Star-fish sometimes shows an eversiou of the stomach as it may 

 be concluded, or of some membrane resembling it. Whether this may 

 be the means of affecting their prey merits investigation. 



Then- general habits are to foi-ce the shells of smaller bivalves 

 asunder, and to devour the contents, as well as to consume the substance 

 of ordinary fishes entire. In as far as I am yet aware their destruction 

 of oysters is destitute of evidence. 



I am unacquainted with their natural enemies. They are said to be 

 found occasionally in the stomach of some of the larger and more rapa- 

 cious tenants of the deep ; and, canniljal like, as we shall see, certain 

 species do not spare each other. 



Many are very strong and vigorous in the sea, and most ol' them 

 suflficiently hardy to l)e objects of interest for the cabinet of the practical 

 naturalist. Some, perhaps a number, may be easily preserved, and with 

 due precaution they will survive long. If perishing speedily, it seems 

 rather from the injury received previously at the hands of their rude 



captors. 



Several species feed copiously, and grow rapidly : and they attam 



