176 POPULAR HISTORY OP THE AQUARIUM. 



of the seven-rayed form, measuring eighteen inches across. 

 Of his experience in the capture of this species, Professor 

 Forbes gives the following amusing account : — 



"The first time I ever caught one of these creatures, I 

 succeeded in getting it into the boat entire. Xever having 

 seen one before, and quite unconscious of its suicidal powers, 

 I spread it out on a rowing-bench, the better to admire its 

 form and colours. On attempting to remove it for preser- 

 vation, to my horror and disappointment, I found only an 

 assemblage of rejected members. My conservative endea- 

 vours were all neutralized by its destructive exertions, and 

 it is now badly represented in my cabinet by an armless 

 disc and a discless arm. Xext time I went to dredge on 

 the same spot, and determined not to be cheated out of a 

 specimen in such a way a second time, I brought with me 

 a bucket of cold fresh-water, to which article Star-fishes have 

 a great antipathy. As I expected, a Luida came up in the 

 dredge, a most gorgeous specimen, xis it docs not generally 

 break up before it is raised above the surface of the sea, 

 cautiously and anxiously I sank my bucket to a level with 

 the dredgers mouth, and proceeded in the most gentle man- 

 ner to introduce Luida to the purer element. ^Yhether the 

 cold air was too much for him, or the sight of the bucket 

 too terrific, I know not, but, in a moment, he proceeded to 



