Fsolinus Z;twu. 



Psolus jihantajnu. (Two figures.; 



they can alter their shape. In consequence of this extremely contractile structure, the 

 whole of the water contained in the body is spirted out as soon as a wound is made, and 

 intestines are seen to be forced out after the water. One species of Thalassema is used as 

 bait by fishermen. 



All the species on the preceding engraving belong to the family Sipunculidse, and are 

 found in British seas. 



The specimens on the above and the next two illustrations belong to the family 

 HOLOTHUEID^E, and are popularly known by the name of SEA OUCUMBEES or SEA PUDDINGS. 

 In these the body is mostly cylindrical, and is covered with a tough leathery skin, upon 

 which are placed a number of scattered chalky particles. The mouth is surrounded with 

 a set of retractile tentacles. 



Some species of this family are eaten by the Chinese, and a large trade is carried on in 

 these strange products of the sea; the annual merchandise being worth about two 

 hundred thousand pounds. The price of the TEEPANGS, as they are called, is very 

 variable, according to the species, some kinds being comparatively cheap, and costing 

 rather less than two pounds per hundredweight, while others will fetch thirty pounds for 

 the same weight. There are, besides, " fancy prices " for some very scarce species of 

 Trepang, which, however, are likely to be equalled in real value by the cheaper and 

 commoner kinds. In the British Museum may be seen a valuable collection of the various 

 kinds of Trepang, with their prices attached. 



They seem to be very unattractive creatures, black, wrinkled, and looking much as if 

 they had been made out of the upper-leather of old shoes. They are, however, convertible 



