ASTERIAS. 115 



places where it dwells, and the facility of obtaining sustenance. Some 

 live in deep water, multitudes on the oyster beds, and some amidst sand 

 nearer to the shore. 



On the whole, they are extremely numerous, and from the vast 

 multitudes continually destroyed, their race seems to be inexhaustible. 



§ 1. The disc of the Ophiura bracteata is circular, flattened, about an 

 inch in diameter, and covered with varied and singular scales. Five 

 rays, expanding seven or eight inches between the extremities, issue from 

 the circumference above, and rather witliin the margin. These rays are 

 long, slender, and imbricated, or covered with lozenge- shaped scales down 

 the middle above, and two side pieces of a different fonn. The ray is 

 further divided into segments, with three spinous processes on the sides. 



Close and attentive inspection is necessary for ascertaining the struc- 

 ture of the parts. 



Here there are no rows of suckers, properly so called, serving for 

 adhesion, and for motion, as in the species of the preceding section. 



The Ophhira bracteata feeds voraciously on mussel, which it receives 

 in preference to oyster, and then the disc rises like a cushion from its or- 

 dinary flatness, in proportion as the prey is consumed. I have not ob- 

 served any specimen attempt to swallow the shell, though the mouth be 

 susceptible of considerable dilatation, and the capacity of the stomach 

 sufiicient for such as were offered. But whenever a part of the flesh of 

 the mussel is within reach, the extremity of a ray twining around, it is 

 carried to the mouth, and greedily devoured. 



Sometimes a disagreeable odour exhales from these animals after 

 feeding. 



However ravenous at times, days occasionally intervene without the 

 consumption of any food. 



Mutilation of the raj^s is particularly incident to this species, whence 

 many distorted, disfigured, and unshapely subjects come within cogni- 

 zance of the naturalist. It constantly occurs with those in confinement, 

 perhaps from our ignorance of suitable treatment in food, or in tempera- 

 ture. Nevertheless specimens survive some time, proving active, feed- 

 ing readily ; also shewing themselves very tenacious of Ufe. 



