HOLOTHURIA. 33 



intestines, together with a profusion of vivid red ropes of the ovarium. 

 Aft.-i previous discharge, a large brush or mop, confuting of at least 

 forty ropes, was found beside it on the first of May ; and subsequently, 

 much more : the sunn- .-|nvimen was so distended, thin, and pale, that 

 the internal <> \uriniu wa> di.-tinetly vi.-ihlc through the .-kin. 



Holot huria', mi arriving from a distance, are generally contracted, 

 .in.) the tent.irula \\ithilrawn. There is reason to believe, howe\.-i 

 that, in a healthy condition. these organs remain constantly expanded. 



M.uiy are found Moating like balls of various shapes, at the surface 

 of the water. 



These, on arrival, .should be transferred to capacious vessels, and 

 placed in the dark, remaining undisturbed, where they will oflix them- 

 selves, and assume their natural curvatures. 



A considerable nuniher of this particular species reached me during 

 several years from Shetland in safety, the distance being computed at 

 about 300 miles.* 



Two of them survived seven months. Avoiding all violence, giv- 

 ing plenty of room, and fn^quently replenish in- their vessels, will 

 certainly contribute to their preservation. But the greatest difficulty is 

 detaching them with impunity from their natural site. 



Those of smaller size are more convenient in all respects, both for 

 observation and conservation. They are more easily managed ; for large 

 specimens distending themselves, require very capacious vessels, and 

 great quantities of water. 



The preceding detail has been derived from about sixty specimens 

 of the Holothuria penlactet. 



In concluding the subject, I may remark, that, in common with 

 many others to which investigation is seldom devoted, we are dis- 

 turbed by anomalies interrupting the ordinary course of observation. 

 In one specimen, the Ani/m/fa Poliann, distended by a transparent fluid, 



I cannot omit thi opportunity of cxprcwing my high obligation* to If r William 

 Merrilee* of Lenrick, to whom I am indebted for MOM of the moit valuable tubjocte de- 

 tcribed and represented in tbeM rolome*. 



