ASTKKI tfl -7 



CHAPTER II. 



A8TERIAS-TIIE SEA STAR. 



VARIOUS authors having devoted considerable attention to tin- hi.-- 

 tory of the trilK- comprehended under this name, or known as Stcllerides . 

 I propone to limit the present chapter to a few general observatioi. 

 'rinin species, which there is seldom much difficult y in obtaining. 



Though the whole were included by earlier naturalists in a sinirli 

 ircnus, known as the A^>-i-int or Sea Star, a name sufficiently expressive, 

 later observers have founded several su \ li visions, partly derived from 

 mere external aspect, partly from organic structure. Perhaps their ar- 

 rangements are susceptible of simplification, therefore of improvement . 

 for too little notice has been paid to vigorous living specimens kept 

 for permanent study, that they might be rendered authority. 



To the superficial observer, a common resemblance pervades this 

 numerous tribe ; in several arms radiating from a central disc, in crawl- 

 ing backward and forward, from side to side, or around in all directions 

 indifferently, and in adhering to the substances whereon they rest. 



All inhabit the sea ; nor docs any animal bearing the slightest re- 

 semblance to the Star-fish, dwell in the fresh- waters distribute! through- 

 out the globe. 



On closer inspection of the specimens of the trite when brought 

 under view, so much difference, so great a variety in their organization. 

 together with certain peculiarities in habits,. may be discovered, as to 

 sanction their sulxlivision for the facility of giving inU-lliiriM" 1 descrip- 

 tion, and for recognition. 



They present a smooth and uniform surface, or they are penetrated 



