HOLOTHUROIDE^. 299 



This singular mode of meeting a famine is employed by the 

 Synapta up to the last moment. After a few days, in fact, all that 

 remains of the animal is a round ball, surmounted by its tentacles. 

 In order to preserve life in the head, the animal has sacrificed all 

 the other parts of its body. 



In order to find natural novelties, to find unforeseen subjects 

 of study and reflection, it is not necessary to run over the world or 

 travel great distances. It is only necessary to visit the banks of the 

 nearest river, or descend to the sea-shore, and let the sea reveal a 

 fragment of the marvels which it conceals in its bosom. 



