IIOLOTHURIA. 43 



and in this way several were abeorbed suooewivcl\ . Next evening, a 

 larger piece was rejected, being perhaps unmanageable, for it was re- 

 tained a long time among the branches. Small portions of worm* 

 dropped over the mouth in the course of other evenings were swallowed ; 

 but of many attempt* to induce any specimen to feed, few were success- 

 ful ; so few, that 1 mu.*t rather ascribe them to accident. Fragments 

 fulling on the orili.v frequently rested across the roots of the tentacula, 

 whose evolutions, sweeping through the water, or curving into the inte- 

 rior, continued ; and they were sometimes suddenly retracted. These 

 experiments were carefully made with the specimen represented Plate IX. 

 in jwrticular, besides with others. But at length, from apprehensions of 

 injury, though perhaps groundless, such art ificial supplies were abandoned, 

 und that animal left to shift for itself as usual. After a considerable 

 time, when it began to pine, and became reduced, they were renewed, 

 yet not more satisfactorily ; and very seldom could it be said to have 

 fed. Nevertheless dark pellets, apparently fiscal, were seen in the ven- 

 ae!, ;LS if consequent on the supplies. 



Concerning this subject, which w so important in aiding the re- 

 searches of the naturalist, we should remember, that the choice of many 

 animals, whether carnivorous or phytovorous, is most fastidious. Some 

 rather perish than receive that of which others are insatiable, for nature 

 has determined it to be unsuitable in respect to them. Perhaps the 

 whole carnivorous Mollusca and Vermes prefer the flesh of such aquatic 

 animals as have the least resemblance to themselves. Other tribes, such 

 as the Crustacea and Echini, devour whatever they can master. The 

 former are perfect cannibals making no nice selections, and feeding 

 even on shelly substances. Numerous varieties of every kind, however, 

 were offered to the llolothuria, without my being able to ascertain that 

 which might be adapted for its sustenance. 



It cannot be supposed that a large compact fleshy animal attain* 

 the ample dimensions and weight of the llolothuria, without an ade- 

 quate supply of food. The quantum of animal matter in a Holothuria. 

 may be equivalent to what is in a rat or a weasel : or, indeed, the 

 largest species inhabiting the >! i-h seas may, be compared to a small 



