6TAR-FISHES. 



103 



globular vesicle, which lies above the pore in the interior 

 of the ray. The walls of this vesicle are muscular, and 

 therefore contractile ; and it is filled with a fluid. When, 

 therefore, the animal wishes to protrude and extend any 

 given sucker, it contracts the vesicle at its base by an 

 effort of the will ; the fluid is thus forced into the tubular 

 stem, which is, therefore, compelled to elongate ; on the 

 removal of the contractile force the fluid returns to the 

 bladder, either by the elasticity of the tube, or rather pro- 

 bably by its muscular action, and the sucker is gradually 

 withdrawn. The adhesion of the terminal disk is another 

 process. This is, doubtless, effected by the pressure of 

 its edges to the surface, and the simultaneous retractation 

 of its centre, producing a vacuum, on which the surround- 

 ing medium presses by the law of gravity. 



It is beautiful to trace the workings of the Divine Mind 

 in contriving, and the Divine Hand in executing, such 

 problems in mechanics as these, and all for the comfort 

 and benefit of a creature that man tramples under his feet 

 when he meets with it, as not merely worthless, but an 

 encumbrance, whose existence is not to be tolerated ! 

 The meanest " thing that creepeth upon the earth " has 

 occupied the infinite wisdom of God from all eternity ; 

 and when His creative energy was put forth at the ap- 

 pointed time to call it into being, it was the object of His 

 infinite complacency. " And God saw every thing that 

 He had made, and behold it was very good." It is per- 

 mitted to us, in examining the same works, and discerning 

 a little of their perfection and fitness, to share in our 

 humble measure the Divine complacency. 

 ^"If we inquire into the gastronomy of the Star-fish, we 



