HOLOTHUUI \ 



two stand farthiT ajuirt to allow tin- intervention of the two antennuhe 

 between them, Plat.- IX. From the arrangement and multiplicity of 

 part* in the tentacula. l>th in the earlie.st ami lat-t di^.lay, and espe- 

 cially in maturity, tln-y seem a vegetable product. Collti -ti\ -1\ . nothing 

 can be more luxuriant and beautiful. 



During quiescence only the shaggy coat investing the whole lxl\ i- 

 seen ; but as the llolothuria rouses itself from its passive state, and tin 

 Cylinder U-gins to protrude, the contracted tentacula may be compared 

 to the head* of asparagus in early vegetation. They drvdope very slowly 

 ami progressively into their most ample dimensions, at last displaying 

 an indefinite number of sul>ordinate part*, as de|>rndi-nt <>n si/.*-, on age, 

 or maturity. I do not know that I have ever M-VII those of any specimen 

 in perfeetion ; nor can 1 present the reader with an adequate delineation 

 of them in lull luxuriance, or of that interesting puq>le hue which in 

 their peculiar character. 



The rib or stem of the tentaculum is enrironed by branches gradually 

 shortening as they ri*e upwards to the summit, and each of these branches 

 b environed by twigs disposed after similar form and fashion, which 

 also have their own subordinate parts. An extraordinary profusion of 

 the whole decorates adults, wherein it may be discovered that the general 

 outline of all is conical. 



No farther distinction between the tentacula and the antuniiula* w 

 to be recognised than the difference of size and proportions of the indi- 

 vidual parts of the latter, which divide into two principal limli.-. each 

 partitioning into five or six branches more bushy than those of the former 

 Plate XI., fig. 3, tentaculum ; fig. 4, antennula enlarged. 



This llolothuria is the most timorous of creatures. It i.- only while 

 in conscious security, and especially during the stillness of nijit . that t he- 

 beautiful complex arborescent apparatus thus unfolds In-fur.- tin- .-{icctator. 

 Then it becomes a wide shallow funnel, the orifice in the ci-ntn- I wing 

 the mouth, towards which the incurving tentacula are always sucoan< l\ 

 directed. The width of expansion depends on the capacity of the vessel, 

 and the position of the funnel un the protrusion of the cylinder, \\ln- n 

 assumes various degrees of inclination, and appears sometimes at right 



