92 BY THE DEEP SEA. 



be seen a figure of the Gibbous Starlet (Aster ina gibbosa), in 

 which it will be seen that the figure of the Common Star has 

 been considerably modified by the partial filling up of the 

 angles between the rays, so that the body appears to be more 

 extensive than the rays. This pretty species it is represented 

 natural size is fairly plentiful in rock-pools where there is sand 

 and a vigorous growth of coralline and fine weeds. In such 

 pools it is not easily seen, owing to the manner in which it 

 harmonises with its surroundings. It is covered with a short 

 "pile" of spines, of a greenish-grey tint, with an indefinite 

 shade of brown. It is cushion-shaped ; and the underside is 

 channelled from the five points to the central mouth. These 

 channels are bordered with a row of spines on each side, to 

 protect the double range of sucker-feet within. 



In the same pools, among the rubbish at the bottom, 

 under stones at low-water, and climbing about corallines and 

 weeds, we shall be sure to find in plenty a little Brittle Star 

 (Ophiocoma neglectci), of very attenuated proportions, and not 

 exceeding an inch across, if you can get it to keep still whilst 

 you measure it. It is exceedingly active, and all its tiny rays 

 bend and wriggle at the same time. 



The Brittle-stars pass to the other extreme from the Starlet, 

 in modifying the five-rayed plan of the Common Star. Here 

 the creature runs almost entirely into the five writhing arms, 

 which leave but little material for the circular trunk, which 

 looks, in truth, as though five active worms had simultaneously 

 seized a minute button by its edge. 



There are several other species of Brittle-star to be found 

 between tide-marks, but they all share, more or less, the pecu- 

 liarity which gives them the popular name. They are so 

 "touchy" that you need scarcely do more than look at them 

 to cause them to voluntarily snap off a part or whole of a ray, 

 or several rays and they commonly throw off the lot, if they 

 commence self-mutilation. The amputated members are 

 replaced by new growths, if the Star lives ; for sometimes this 



