HOLOTHURIA. 33 



intestines, together with a profusion of vivid red ropes of the ovarium. 

 After previous discharge, a large brush or mop, consisting of at least 

 foi-ty ropes, was found beside it on the first of May ; and subsequently, 

 much more : the same specimen was so distended, thin, and pale, that 

 the internal ovarium was distinctly visible tlirough the skin. 



Holothuria?, on arri^'ing from a distance, are generally contracted, 

 and the tentacula withdrawn. There is x-eason to believe, however, 

 that, in a healthy condition, these organs remain constantly expanded. 



Many are found floating like balls of various shapes, at the sin-face 

 of the water. 



These, on arrival, should be transferred to capacious vessels, and 

 placed in the dark, remaining undisturbed, where they will affix them- 

 selves, and assume their natural curvatures. 



A considerable numljer of this particular species reached me during 

 several years from Shetland in safety, the distance being computed at 

 about 300 miles.'^' 



Two of them survived seven months. Avoiding all violence, g■i^'- 

 ing plenty of room, and frequently replenishing their vessels, will 

 certainly contribute to their preservation. But the greatest difficulty is 

 detaching them with impunity from their natural site. 



Those of smaller size are more convenient in all respects, both for 

 observation and conservation. Tliey are more easily managed ; for large 

 specimens distending themselves, require very capacious vessels, and 

 great quantities of water. 



The preceding detail has been derived from about sixty specimens 

 of the Holothuria pentades. 



In concluding the subject, I may remark, that, in common with 

 many others to which investigation is seldom devoted, we are dis- 

 turbed by anomalies interrupting the ordinary course of observation. 

 In one specimen, the Ampulla PoUana, distended by a transparent fluid, 



* I cannot omit this opportunity of expressing my high obligations to Mr William 

 Merrilees of Lerwick, to whom I am indebted for some of the most valuable subjects de- 

 scribed and represented in these volumes. 



E 



