The Star-Fish 
55 
star-fish can crawl about, or even turn 
himself over if he wishes to, and if he is 
disturbed or frightened these little feel¬ 
ers shrink up and conceal themselves in 
tiny holes in the rays. 
Some star-fishes have the power of 
breaking off their rays, and, like the crab 
and lobster, can grow new ones to take 
their place. They have many beautiful 
relations in the star-fish family, one of 
the loveliest being the Brittle-star, so 
called because it will break in pieces 
when touched. Another relative is the 
Sun-star, which has twelve or fifteen rays, 
and often grows to a very large size. Its 
color is sometimes purple, sometimes red, 
with white rays tipped with red ; truly a 
gorgeous creature, and no doubt very 
vain of his wonderful beauty ! 
All star-fishes have mouths and stom¬ 
achs, which they put to good use, being 
