416 THE AMERICAN NATURALIST [Vol. LIV 



have developed a considerable industry in the utilization 

 of starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers as food. In 

 1902, the marketable quantity of sea cucumbers repre- 

 sented a value of 175,000 francs. The province of Tulear 

 produced alone 30 tons, but the lack of necessary labor 

 prevented further production that year. 



Taylor (1908) reports an interesting fact, namely, that 



the Arctic Fox of the Aleutian Islands, so highly valued 

 for its beautiful fur, feeds, in winter, on echinoderms, e.g., 

 sea urchins. 



Keagan (1907) claims that the sea urchin (Strongylo- 

 centrotus drobachiensis) is used by the Pacific coast In- 

 dians as food. 



In conversation with the United States Commissioner 

 of Fisheries (1916) I learned that the roe of starfish is 

 being used in France as food and also as bait in the sar- 

 dine fisheries; and through Professor Kincaid, I am in- 

 formed that certain species of sea urchins, which in the 

 market of Naples are called <£ Frutta di Mare," and in the 

 West Indies "Sea Eggs," are sold as food, but I have not 



