732 



THE SUN-STAR. 



the 



membrane, and the centre is also scarlet. The ground colour is light 



contrast of these two beautiful colours has a remarkably splendid effect. This spec 



seldom seen in the shallow waters or above low-water mark, and is, as a general rule, fa 



eoyaye species, which looks something like the front view of a sunflower, . 

 a very common denizen of our coasts, and goes popularly by the appropriate name of 

 ST?R I? often attains to considerable dimensions, and is always a very conspicuous objec 

 from the alarm* colours with which its surface is decorated, and the large amount of 

 surface on whch they can be displayed The upper surface of this fine species is bright 



: 



CROSS-FISH. Uraster rubens. 

 GIBBOUS STARLET. Asterlna gibbosa. 



CROSS-FISH. ( Reproducing lost rays.) 

 KNOTTY CljSH10N-STAR.-Go7iiaser equestris. 



vermilion, and as it sometimes is eight or nine inches in diameter, it is a very brilliant 

 object as it lies upon the rocks.' 



Should any reader be desirous of preserving this or any other of the Star-fishes for a 

 cabinet, he may do so without difficulty, by taking a few precautions. The first process is 

 to wash the Star-fish in plenty of fresh water, and it will be better to follow up this 

 step by removing the whole of the stomach and its appendages. This may be done 

 trom the under surface of the rays ; and it will perhaps be useful if a little cotton wool be 

 judiciously inserted, so as to prevent the skin from collapsing during the process of drying. 

 Star-fishes may be easily dried, either before the fire or in the sun, but in either case they 

 must be carefully washed in fresh water ; and if a fire be employed, as must be the case 

 in wet or dull weather, the board on which the Star-fish is should not be placed very 

 near the fire, and should be occasionally watched, so that any tendency to warping may 

 be corrected 



In the EYED CEIBELLA, the rays are rather blunt at their extremities, and are cleft nearly 

 to the centre, so that there is no definite disk. This species is rather stiffer to the touch 

 than the others. It must, however, be remarked that the consistency of the Star-fishes is 



