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combat commenced, and, after a variety of manoeuvres, with thrusts 

 and counter thrusts, the stronger, with a dexterous use of the hands, 

 seized the little fellow by both his wrists, and endeavoured to shake 

 him out, despite the opposition that was offered. The shells rattled 

 against the glass wall. It was a fierce engagement. At last the 

 older hermit, coming partly out of his shell, seemingly for the 

 purpose of obtaining a better purchase and a greater command of his 

 strength, pulled, and pulled, and pulled again still drawing himself 

 farther out of his shell, as if he felt that the work was desperately 

 tough until the youngster, giving way, stood, unhoused, discom- 

 fited, and embarrassed, to abide the good pleasure of his master. 

 The next scene was amusing enough. The conqueror came entirely 

 out of his house, and retaining a firm grasp of his victim to 

 prevent him from bolting off with either of the two shells now 

 empty backed himself into the new abode, just to inquire if it 

 would really prove a more convenient residence than his own, but, 

 disappointed in his anticipations, he returned to his former shell, 

 released his young friend without further detention or injury, and 

 apparently, with a polite "good morning," they separated, as if 

 nothing discourteous, or, at least, unusual had occurred. 



112. The star-fishes will also afford interest during a ramble along 

 the shore. The most common species, Uraster rubens, is really too 

 common to be further noticed. Some kinds, as Palmipes membran- 

 aceus, Cribella rosea, Asterias aurantiaca, and others, can be pro- 

 cured only by the dredge ; but several of the deep water species 

 may occasionally be found by wading through the zostera beds at 

 Lamlash, or by examining the pools and rock crevices, especially 

 after a storm, on Holy Island. In this way, Luidia fragillissima, 

 Uraster glacialis, Cribella oculata, Goniaster Templetoni, Solaster 

 papposa, with some of the species of Ophiocoma and Ophiura, may 

 be picked up without much trouble. In a few places, the smallest 

 of British star-fishes, Asterina gibbosa, may be obtained ; but good 

 eyes and some patience are required. Try the pools at the north 

 end of Holy Island ; also Clachland point, in Arran. Turn aside 

 the sea-weed ; and it may be, after considerable search and dis- 

 appointment for this species is by no means abundant you will 

 see the little creature, grayish in colour, and gibbose and angulated 

 in form, adhering to the side of the rock. In Lamlash bay, 

 Uraster glacialis is plentiful. It may often be observed, on a calm 

 day, when the water is as clear as crystal, directing its course among 

 the algae at the depth of 10 or 15 feet the creature itself, perhaps, 

 two feet in length and, on nearer inspection, you will distinguish 



