STAR-PISHES. 173 



the top of the arms, while the lower part and body are 

 gradually assuming the red colour of the adult Peather-star. 



Professor Torbes says, " When a freshly-caught Feather- 

 star is plunged into cold fresh-water it dies in a state of 

 contraction ; but if not so killed, or else, if not killed in 

 spirit, it breaks itself into pieces, like an Opidura. When 

 dying, either in fresh- water or in spirits, it gives out a most 

 beautiful purple colour, which tinges the liquid in which it 

 was killed. This colour has been long retained in spirits. 

 The fact was long ago noted by Bartholinus, who observed 

 it at Naples, and whose observations on it will be found in 

 a note to Tabius Columna." 



" In captivity," says Mr. Gosse, " the Teather-star sits 

 upon the frond of a seaweed, or upon the projecting angle 

 of rock, which it grasps very firmly with its clawed fila- 

 ments ; so firmly, that it is diincult to tear it from its hold. 

 When violence is used, it catches hold of its support, or any 

 other object within reach, with the tips of its arms, which it 

 hooks down for the purpose, and with its pinnae, so that it 

 seems furnished with so many claws, the hard stony nature 

 of which is revealed by the creaking, scratching noise they 

 make as they are forced from any hold, as if they were made 

 of glass. I was surprised to find that several of the arms 



