THE STAR-FISH. 



729 



The second species might be well called the KEYHOLE-URCHIN. This remarkable 

 creature, instead of being toothed at the edge like the preceding species, has its disk 

 pierced with oblong apertures of a shape much resembling a keyhole. These apertures 

 are rather variable in their shape, sometimes being merely pierced through the disk of 

 the Urchin, and sometimes extending fairly to the edge. When full-grown, this is 

 rather a large species, much resembling an ordinary pancake both in shape and 

 dimensions. There are many species of Encope, most of which are inhabitants of 

 the hotter seas, some being found in Southern America. The color of the Keyhole- 

 urchin is dull gray. - The whole family is a very remarkable one and affords numerous 

 points of interest to the careful observer. 



ASTERIAS. (With bivalve in open mouth.) 



BUTTHORN. Asterlas aurantiaca. 



LEAVING ROW the Echini, we pass to the next large group of Echinodermata, called 

 scientifically Asteriadas, and popularly known as Star-fishes. These creatures exhibit 

 in the strongest manner the radiate form of body, the various organs boldly radiating 

 from a common centre. 



Many of these creatures are exceedingly common upon our own coasts, so plentiful, 

 indeed, as to be intensely hated by the fishermen. Of these, the common FIVE-FINGERS, 

 or CROSS-FISH, is perhaps found in the greatest numbers. All star-fishes are very 

 wonderful beings, and well repay a close and lengthened examination of their habits, 

 their development, and their anatomy. There are sufficient materials in a single Star- 

 fish to fill a whole book as large as the present volume, and it is therefore necessary 

 that our descriptions shall be but brief and compressed. 



To begin with the ordinary habits of this creature. 



Every one who has wandered by the sea-side has seen specimens of the common 

 Five-fingers thrown on the beach, and perhaps may have passed it by as something 

 too commonplace to deserve notice. If it be taken up, it dangles helplessly from the 

 hand, and appears to be one of the most innocuous beings on the face of the earth. 

 Yet, this very creature has in all probability killed and devoured great numbers of 

 the edible molluscs, and has either entirely or partially excited the anger of many an 

 industrious fisherman. 



