OYSTER-CATCHING. 



45 



tubes attached to its ray^ or arms. By placing the 

 tubes upon any surface and drawing the water from 

 them, they are made to stick fast, by suction. The 

 animal sometimes grows to a diameter of more than 

 two feet. He grasps the oyster in his five arms, and 

 by the suckers around his mouth breaks the thin edge 



Oyster. Fleet. 



of the shell. Then he runs into the shell the end of 

 his stomach, and sucks away all that part of the oyster 

 which he most relishes. The star-fish is to be com- 

 mended for his good taste. 



Some years ago, oystermen were accustomed to catch 

 these depredators with tongs and dredges, and after 

 filling their boats, to break the star-fish in pieces and 

 throw the pieces overboard into the water. They did 

 not then know what they have since learned, that 

 many of the pieces of a star-fish will grow into com- 



