CHAPTER XII. 



Echinodermata (Star-fishes), 

 Continued, 



We have already, in the course of these pages, brought 

 before the reader some singular phases and conditions of 

 Life ; and have shewn that its forms and conditions are 

 not at all confined to those limits which circumscribe it 

 in the nobler creatures. One of the most remarkable of 

 such curiosities of vitality now comes before our notice in 

 the existence of certain organs, so unique in their forms 

 and functions, so apparently independent of the animal's 

 will in their movements, that it was long a matter of dis- 

 pute whether they were truly organic appendages or 

 merely parasitic intruders. We refer to the Pedicellarice 

 of the Urchins and Star-fishes. 



If we look at a Sea-urchin disporting himself in his 

 clear element, we shall presently see among the spines 

 and suckers, even with the naked eye, objects that are 

 distinct from either. We had better apply a lens to them, 

 however, when we shall discover their appearance and 

 actions distinctly. They are very numerous, crowded 

 irregularly on most parts of the skin, but especially around 

 the mouth. There are several forms ; but in general they 



