12 THÉEL, HERMAPHRODISM IN HOLOTHURIDS. 



in lengtb; they pass imperceptibly över into the fore- 

 most minnte dusters and club-like bodies. 



Specimen 9. CaugJit in November 1900. Length aboid 250 mm. 

 The genital organ of tbis individual differs from that 

 of tlie preceding one mainly in these two points: that 

 the posterior end-portion is longer, more curved, and is 

 provided with a greater number of maculse and pro- 

 tuberances, and that it carries anteriorly abont 12 small, 

 4 mm. long, bundles of tnbes evidently of the malc- 

 sex and in a state of resorption. lu front of this 

 part are seen 11 bundles of 13 mm. long female tubes 

 filled up with large eggs, and, foremost, a set of 

 small tubes pass imperceptibly över into the well 

 known knobs and club-shaped bodies. 



Specimen 10. Cauglit in November 1900. Length about 250 mm. 



a. The genital basis is very large, about 10 mm. long, 

 and curved spirall}^ inwards to a high degree. On 

 account of the curvature of the organ the measures 

 may not be fully correct. The narrow curved end 

 has a brown colour and is evidently in a state of 

 decay. In front appear about 14 brown maculae, and 

 before them may be observed the same number of 

 knobs with brown tops; finally in front of the knobs 

 are placed about 12 very small, scarcely more than 

 2,5 mm. long, tubes, each finishing in a tuft of stunted 

 brown branches in a state of absorption. 



b. Anteriorly to this portion protrade 13 bundles of 

 male tubes having a length of 20 mm. 



c. In front of these are observed 16 bundles of some- 

 what smaller female tubes, filled with eggs. 



d. The former tubes pass över into smaller ones, and 

 imperceptibly into the foremost minute club-shaped 

 bodies. 



From the above extraets taken from my diary it becomes 

 evident that the posterior, naked portion of the genital basis 

 increases in size on approaching age, but it also follows that 

 this increase is confined by the gradual obliteration of its 

 terminal part (ef. specimen 10). Moreover it becomes clear 

 that the maculee are nothing else than traces of previous 

 genital tubes which have been totally absorbed, and, further, 

 that the minute protuberances placed in front of the maculae 



