84 ECHINODERMATA. 



large size, but dead or disfigured, was truly of the same species as my 

 smaller subjects, which I knew to be genuine. 



One specimen, though much contracted, I was led by its yellow 

 colour to identify with the Holothuria elegans of Muller ; but it was 

 never suflBciently developed. Another I thought certainly the inhcerens 

 of the same author. 



It must be allowed that the most connected, copious, and satisfac- 

 tory illustrations have been afforded by the Holothuria fusits. 



Yet much still remains to be gained from it, as well as from all the 

 rest, by future observers. 



Kather than embark in discussion regarding injured and imperfect 

 subjects, I prefer restricting myself to a smaller number and variety of 

 those entire. Therefore I have gone no farther than offering my re- 

 marks on the Holothuria Pentades, Fusus, Bodotrice (Ocnus), and Phan- 

 tapus — truly very few to be compared wdth thirty years' research. But 

 their dwelling constantly under water, and chiefly in places far apart, 

 independently of their powerful fixture to soUd substances below, aggra- 

 vates the difficulty of acquisition, consequently of specimens fit for use. 



The Holothuria, however, proves an animal sufficiently hardy, and 

 with due precaution may survive years in captivity under favour- 

 able circumstances. There it wll display many of its singular properties. 

 Perhaps it is the rude treatment received at the hands of the captors 

 that is so destructive to all the race. 



This creature is evidently local, certain districts and regions favour- 

 ing its multiplication. Most probably m vai-ious parts of the Scotish 

 seas species may be in greater variety, and subjects may be more nume- 

 rous, than indicated here. 



The Holothuria is an animal seldom converted to the use of man- 

 kind. Indeed, most subjects of greatest curiosity to the learned seem to 

 be the least prized by their fellow-men. 



Some HolothurijE, being large and fleshy species, are said to serve 

 as food to the poorer classess of Naples ; and, if this tribe be truly the 

 trepang of the Eastern Seas, it is highly valued by the luxurious of some 

 remote territories nearer its native abode. 



