ASTERIAS 1 I', 



places where it dwells, ami tin- facility of obtaining ftistenance. Some 

 live in deep water, multitudes on the oyster beds, and some amidst sand 

 nearer to the sh 



On the whole, they are extremely numerous, and from the vast 

 multitudes continually destroyed, their race seems to be inexhaustible. 



1. The disc of the Ophiurn hracteatn is circular, flattened, about an 

 inch in diameter, and covered with varied and singular scales. Five 

 rays, expanding seven or eight inches between the extremities, issue from 

 tin- circumference above, and rather within the margin. These rays are 

 l":i_. clendcr, an I imbrical ' orOOfl nd ivitt lOMOgC -Li ;...! ndfll ddHTB 

 the middle alnive, and two side pieces of a difl'erent form. The ray is 

 further divided into segments, with three *pinous processes on the sides. 

 Close and attentive inspection is necessary for ascertaining the i*tmr- 

 ture of the parts. 



II. -iv there are no rows of suckers, properly so called, serving for 

 adhesion, and for motion, as in the species of the preceding section. 



The Ophiura bracteala feeds voraciously on mussel, which it receives 

 in preference to oyster, and then the disc rises like a cushion from its or- 

 dinary flatness, in proportion as the prey is consumed. I have not ob- 

 served any specimen attempt to swallow the shell, though the mouth In- 

 susceptible of considerable dilatation, and the capacity of the stomach 

 suHicient for such as were offered. But whenever a part of the flesh of 

 the mussel is within reach, the extremity of a ray twining around, it i.< 

 carried to the mouth, and greedily devoured. 



Sometimes a disagreeable odour exhales from these animals after 

 feeding. 



However ravenous at times, days occasionally intervene without the 

 consumption of any food. 



Mutilation of the rays is particularly incident to this species, whence 

 many distorted, disfigured, and unshapely subjects come within cogni- 

 zance of the naturalist. It constantly occurs with those in confinement, 

 perhaps from our ignorance of .-uital.le treatment in food, or in tempera- 

 ture. Nevertheless specimens survive some time, proving active, feed- 

 ing readily ; also shewing themselves very tenacious of life. 



