5 6 THE WALKS ABROAD OF 



have not yet secured an unbroken one. Sometimes a 

 ray detaches itself, sometimes the disc breaks up. 

 Ophiura fragilis is a well-applied name. Let us hope 

 I shall do better with the Holothuria. 



" This is another extraordinary being, with retrac- 

 tile feet and a mouth armed with tentacles disposed 

 in star-like fashion. But the internal organisation 

 is the most curious feature in this creature. For 

 example, the digestive canal, in which the stomach 

 is represented by a very slight swelling, ends in the 

 Holothuria in a small bladder containing you will 

 never guess what the breathing organs. 



" In this country holothurians, or sea-cucumbers, 

 are known only to fishermen and naturalists, and no 

 one suspects that they are the objects of a considerable 

 commerce in the far East." 



" Do you mean to say any one buys such a thing as 

 that? And, gracious heavens, what for?" 



" For the manufacture of confectionery that sells at 

 improbable prices in China and Japan. It is a special 

 feast of the yellow-faced mortals. But, between our- 

 selves, even I must admit that, all things considered, 

 I should prefer something else/' 



While he was speaking, the cucumber, possibly 

 disgusted at the depreciatory remarks that were being 

 made about it, suddenly expelled with violence all 

 the fluid it contained, as well as a portion of its ali- 

 mentary canal. 



