HOLOTHURIA. 41 



In investigating the precise purpose of all this apparatus, its singular 

 evolutions, its periodical disj^lay and concealment, we can find no solid 

 basis whereon to rest any probable conjectures. We behold it again and 

 again, we admire its uniformity, yet without reaching any satisfactory 

 conclusions. We doubt whether the discharge of such functions be for 

 an ahmentary or a respiratory object, or for something else. 



With rare exception, the funnel of this particular species of Holo- 

 thuria never expands through the day. Evening always comes, and the 

 night is often far advanced before the creature begins to sweep the water, 

 and absorb the organs so employed. Now it is aroused to action — at 

 that same season appointed for awakening the tenants of the deep from 

 their diurnal repose. Then it is that the green eye of fishes rolls keenly 

 in its golden socket after their weaker prey — that the urchin, affixing its 

 countless cables, pierces the indurated casements protecting theii' tender 

 inmates — that the stellate hunter, in redoubled speed, glides along by its 

 extended suckers, to crush the yielding shells amidst its limbs, and de- 

 vour their contents. Then, also, do the ravenous Crustacea become 

 fiercer against each other, or overpower their common victims. It is 

 especially during night that the Sea long worm unfolds whole yards of 

 its unmanageable sinuosities in quest of food, or for change of shelter, 

 while its lesser fellows abandon their secret haunts, as if to recreate them- 

 selves from the tedious restraint which the presence of light has imposed 

 upon them. Whether it be for obtaining sustenance — whether, if such 

 be their nature, to seek a mate — whether to construct some curious edi- 

 fice, whereof heaven has made them the innate architects — or be it 

 merely to sport amidst the waters, — night is alike the season for excur- 

 sions of enjoyment and occupation, whereas the day of the upper world 

 is devoted to rest. Nay, so inherent is this instinctive nature, so evi- 

 dent this peculiarity, that the sun has scarcely passed the meridian, when 

 certain tribes begin to betray their restlessness, and seem ready to put 

 themselves in motion. 



All these facts, combined vdth the singular mechanical exei'cise of 

 the external arborescent organs of the Holothuria, suggest the proba- 

 biUty of their being designed for some alimentary oflice. 



