PHYLUM ECHINODERMATA 



211 



Of this phylum only starfishes and sea cucumbers are of much eco- 

 nomic importance. As has been previously indicated, the starfishes 

 are enemies of the oyster. Sea cucumbers are used as food among the 



'■A bora/ 

 Macfreponte fenfades 



Fig. 124. — A feather star, Antedon sp. From a preserved specimen. Natural size. The 

 animal is in a breeding condition as shown by the dilatation of the base of the pinnules. 



islands and along the shores of the South Pacific Ocean and in China, 

 the animals being dried and passing as articles of commerce under the 

 names of heche-de-mer and trepang. 



