HOLOTHURIA. 39 



two stand farther apart to allow the intervention of the two antennulie 

 between them, Plate IX. From the arrangement and multiplicity of 

 parts in the tentacula, both in the earliest and latest display, and espe- 

 cially in maturity, they seem a vegetal )le product. Collectively, nothing 

 can be more luxuriant and beautiful. 



During quiescence only the shaggy coat investing the whole body is 

 seen ; but as the Holothuria rouses itself from its passive state, and the 

 cylinder begins to protrude, the contracted tentacula may be compared 

 to the heads of asparagus in early vegetation. They develope very slowly 

 and progressively into their most ample dimensions, at last displaying 

 an indefinite number of subordinate parts, as dependent on size, on age. 

 or maturity. I do not know that I have ever seen those of any specimen 

 in perfection ; nor can I present the reader with an adequate delineation 

 of them in full luxuriance, or of tliat interesting purple hue which is 

 their peculiar character. 



The rib or stem of the tentaculum is environed by branches gradually 

 shortening as they rise upwards to the summit, and each of these branches 

 is enviro7ied by twigs disposed after similar form and fashion, which 

 also have their own subordinate parts. An extraordinary profusion of 

 the whole decorates adults, wherein it may be discovered that the general 

 outline of all is conical. 



No farther distinction between the tentacula and the antennulae is 

 to be recognised than the difference of size and proportions of the indi- 

 vidual parts of the latter, which divide into two principal limbs, each 

 partitioning into five or six branches more bushy than those of the former, 

 Plate XI., fig. 3, tentaculum ; fig. 4, antennula enlarged. 



This Holothuria Ls the most timorous of creatures. It is only while 

 in conscious security, and especially during the stillness of niglit, that the 

 l)eautiful complex arborescent apparatus thus unfolds before the spectator. 

 Then it becomes a wide shallow funnel, the orifice in the centre being 

 the mouth, towards which the incurving tentacula are always successively 

 directed. The width of expansion depends on the capacity of the vessel, 

 and the position of the funnel on the protrusion of the cy Under, which 

 assumes various degrees of inclination, and appears sometimes at right 



