HOLOTHURI^E USED AS FOOD. 241 



the day, and even seem to become more erect on the 

 approach of light. This, however, is certainly an ex- 

 ception to the general rule, for both light and heat 

 seem to be prejudicial to their welfare. 



When expanded, each tentaculum is apparently in- 

 dependent of its fellows, and each subordinate branch 

 or twig of which the tentacula are composed, is free 

 of all the rest. But so timid is the creature, that 

 amidst the fullest display, and the most ample exer- 

 cise of its arborescent organs, whilst sweeping them 

 through the water in obvious enjoyment, the slightest 

 shock, or an approaching taper, though the creature 

 as far as we know possesses no eyes, interrupts 

 the tentacular evolutions ; the cylinder recedes, the 

 branches contract, and the whole apparatus is quickly 

 withdrawn, the shaggy coat closing over it, so as to 

 leave not even a trace of the opening whence it issued; 

 and then the animal will remain in pertinacious re- 

 treat, not only for the coming night, but for several 

 ensuing. 



According to Professor Delle Chiaje, the aliment of 

 the Holothurise is principally composed of vegetable 

 and miscellaneous substances : ee Le Oloturie cibansi 

 di figli di coralline, di alghe, di arena e di altre im- 

 mondezze di mare/' 



Uninviting as is the appearance of these slimy 

 creatures, the flesh of some species is used very ex- 

 tensively by the Chinese for culinary purposes. They 

 make of it a very rich and palatable soup, and dress it 

 in different kinds of stews. There are various modes 

 of curing it. It is first opened and cleaned, and then 

 laid in dry lime ; afterwards, according to the circum- 



M 



