HOLOTHURIA. TS 



It is of more irregular shape than the preceding species ; rather 

 cylindrical on the whole, the largest extending two inches by about 

 three hnes, or scarcely as much, in thickness. Numerous extensile 

 peduncles or suckers are scattered over the body without definite arrange- 

 ment, though sometimes apparently in five or six irregular row's. All 

 are of luiiform colour, pure, or dingy white, and yellowish-brown. — 

 Plate XIV., fig. 1. 



The anterior extremity, closed during quiescence, opens for the pro- 

 trusion of an arborescent apparatus, consisting of eight tentacula, and 

 two autennulje, thus corresponding with the same number of these organs 

 in the Holnthuria fusus, Plate XIV., fig. 2. The office of the organs 

 themselves also seems to be of the same nature, figs. 3, 4, 5. But neither 

 tentacula nor antennuliB are equally luxuriant as those of that species ; 

 and the tentaculum, consisting of a stout stem, with branches propor- 

 tionally shortening ujjwards, set alternately, having few subdivisions or 

 subordinate parts, is inferior to that of the pcntactes likewise, figs. 6, 7, 8. 



The tentacula of Bome extend towards six lines, the antennulae 

 about half as much, fig. 9, enlarged ; tentacula and antennulge. The 

 stem of the tentaculum is peculiarly organized, being distinguished by 

 minute prominences disposed in spiral lines. 



Little discrepancy prevails in this animal's habits, and those of the 

 Holothuriae previously described. It sometimes remains long quiescent, 

 and at others is very active, traversing its vessel freely with the ten- 

 tacula displayed in front. While quiescent the whole arborescent appa- 

 ratus is retracted within the body. As this apparatus is formed by a 

 prolongation of the skin, its structure is different from that of the cor- 

 responding parts oi iYiQ fusus and pcntactes. 



Moderate temperature, together with frequent renovation of their 

 element, seems congenial to every species of the whole tribe. During 

 fine weather the tentacula are readily displayed, and often remain so 

 during much of the daj^ Some keep them always expanded, allowing 

 their vessel to be exposed to the light without contracting or retreating. 



They rise to the surface to escape the impurity of the water. 



The prevailing colour is perhaps afiected by their site ; I remarked 



K 



