STAR- FISH. 



families, embracing among them the star-fish, the sea-eggs, or sea-urchins, and the sea- 

 cucumbers, or " sea-slugs " (Holothurias), the latter of which are important items in the 

 food of many Asiatics. The generic term Echinodermata signifies an animal bristling with 

 spines, but the group includes many to whom it could riot be applied. 



The Star-fish (Asterias) is met in almost every sea, and in all latitudes, although more 

 (richly varied in tropical seas. They vary in colour from a yellowish-grey to orange, red, or 



SEA-ANEMONES. 



1. Actinoloba dianthus. 2. Cereus gemnuiceus. 3. Actinia Hcolor. 4. Sagartia v'uluata. 5. Cereus papillossus. 6. Actinia picta. 

 7. Actinia equina. 8. Sagartia rosea. 9. Sagartia coccinea. 



violet. The body of the asterias is a most curious organisation, having sometimes as many 

 as 11,000 juxta-imposed pieces, while it possesses spines and tubercles. Observe one 

 stranded on the shore, and it may appear destitute of locomotive powers. But this is 

 not so, for they can slowly creep over small spaces, and even up the vertical sides of 

 rocks. Fredol says : " If an asterias is turned upon its back, it will at first remain im- 

 movable, with its feet shut up. Soon, however, out come the feet like so many little 

 feelers ; it moves them backward and forward, as if feeling for the ground ; it soon inclines 

 them towards the bottom of the vase, and fixes them one after the other. When it has a 

 sufficient number attached, the animal turns itself round. It is not impossible, whilst walking 



