A vast natural group is that of the _Echinodermata_, which includes five orders, or 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 not 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 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. Frédol says:—“If an asterias is turned upon its back, it will at first remain immovable, 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 on the sea‐shore, to have the pleasure of seeing one of these star‐fishes walking upon the sand,” although they are very commonly left dead there. The star‐fish’s mouth is on its lower side, and almost directly abuts on its stomach. It is a voracious feeder, and will even attack molluscs. Formerly it was believed that the animal would open an oyster with one of its rays, or legs, but this was unlikely, as the oyster might be likely enough to have the best of it in such a case by shutting his shells on the intruder. It is now pretty well understood that it injects an acrid poison into the oyster’s shell, which obliges it to open. [Illustration: STAR‐FISH.]