THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 1 29 



to be fixed, for he adds, ' like other things from the ocean abysses, 

 they likewise fade in alcohol.' " 



A dried specimen of a modern star does not display the minute 

 worm-like feelers, feet or suckers used both in locomotion and to 

 seize prey. It can in an instant extend or withdraw them when 

 living; they are hollow and each is connected with a globular sac, 

 containing fluid, within the body of the animal. At the will of the 

 star the vesicle contracts, forcing the watery matter into the corres- 

 ponding sucker — a contraction of the sucker has an opposite effect. 

 I noticed frequently how quickly it withdrew the feet on touching it. 



The Ophiuroidea, or snake stars, furnished with long whip-like 

 arms, have no true suckers. Some species have spines. They 

 appear to depend on their arms solely for progression. 



The Euryales we have not met on the Irish coast. Forbes, as 

 well as I recollect, pronounces it very rare on the coast of Scotland. 

 It is about a foot in diameter, and has peculiar branching arms, 

 which it uses as a net to enclose its prey. 



The Brittle Stars are said to be abundant on all the shores of 

 Great Britain and Ireland. There are ten native species. The 

 opheozoma rosula, a very beautiful one, displays splendid colors ar- 

 ranged in regular patterns. No two are coloured alike. The brittle 

 star derives its name from an extraordinary habit it has of 

 casting off its members when you touch it. E. Forbes found by 

 plunging it suddenly into a bucket of fresh water it lost the power, 

 and became paralyzed. The largest species are found in the 

 Tropics. 



The Asterice, stars with stellate body and flat rays, are ranged 

 into a different group. One member, at least, goes even beyond 

 the brittle stars, for it not only dismembers itself, but it breaks the 

 arms into fragments as well. The following account is so quaintly 

 given of the capture of "luidea fragilissima," you may perhaps 

 forgive the quotation from Professor Forbes, Edinburgh T "The 

 first time I ever took one of these creatures I succeeded in getting 

 it into the boat entire. Never having seen one before, and quite 

 unconscious of its suicidal powers, I spread it out on a rowing-bench, 

 the better to admire its form and colors. On attempting to move 

 it for preservation, to my horror and disappointment I found only an 

 assemblage of rejected members. My conservative endeavors were 

 all neutralized by its destructive exertions, and it is now badly 



