HOLOTHURIA. 43 



and in this way several were absorbed successively. Next evening, a 

 larger piece was rejected, being perhaps unmanageable, for it was re- 

 tained a long time among the branches. Small portions of worms 

 dropped over the mouth in the course of other evenings were swallowed ; 

 but of many attempts to induce any specimen to feed, few were success- 

 ful ; so few, that I must rather ascribe them to accident. Fragments 

 falling on the orifice frequently rested across the roots of the tentacula, 

 whose evolutions, sweeping through the water, or curving into the inte- 

 rior, continued ; and they were sometimes suddenly retracted. These 

 experiments were carefully made with the specimen represented Plate IX. 

 in particular, besides vnth others. But at length, from apprehensions of 

 injuiy, though perhaps groundless, such artificial supphes were abandoned, 

 and that animal left to shift for itself as usual. After a considerable 

 time, when it began to pine, and became reduced, they were renewed, 

 yet not more satisfactorily ; and very seldom could it be said to have 

 fed. Nevertheless dark pellets, apparently faecal, were seen in the ves- 

 sel, as if consequent on the supplies. 



Concerning this subject, which is so important m aiding the re- 

 searches of the naturaUst, we should remember, that the choice of many 

 animals, whether carnivorous or phytovorous, is most fastidious. Some 

 rather perish than receive that of which others are insatiable, for nature 

 has determined it to be unsuitable in respect to them. Perhaps the 

 whole carnivorous Mollusca and Vermes prefer the flesh of such aquatic 

 animals as have the least resemblance to themselves. Other tribes, such 

 as the Crustacea and Echini, devour whatever they can master. The 

 former are perfect cannibals — making no nice selections, and feeding 

 even on shelly substances. Numerous varieties of every kind, however, 

 were ofiered to the Holothuria, without my being able to ascertain that 

 which might be adapted for its sustenance. 



It cannot be supposed that a large compact fleshy animal attains 

 the ample dimensions and weight of the Holothuria, without an ade- 

 quate supply of food. The quantum of animal matter in a Holothuria, 

 may be equivalent to what is in a rat or a weasel : or, indeed, the 

 largest species inhabiting the Scotish seas may be compared to a small 



