29G 



ABOUT " SEA-CUCUMBERS. 



placed at the bottom of a kind of funnel, and surrounded 

 by a fairy-like ring of feathery tentacles. Locomotion is 

 effected by means of tube-feet, which, when present, are 

 distributed over the body in five rows ; or by the alternate 

 extension and contraction of the body, as in the worm. 

 The intestine is long and convoluted, and opens into a 

 terminal dilatation, termed the "cloaca," which serves 

 both as an anus and as an aperture for the admission of 

 sea-water to the respiratory tubes. 



THE HOLOTHU&IA. 



Many of the holothurias possess so remarkable a degree 

 of contractility, that, if injured or irritated, they can eject 

 the whole of their internal organs. 



They are found in nearly every sea; often at great 

 depths, but not infrequently in shallow water. As we 

 have said, in some parts of the world it is esteemed a 

 valuable article of food. The Neapolitans consume it 

 largely ; but it is in China that it obtains the most ex- 

 tensive reputation. The famous " trepang " is neither 



