THE WONDEES OF THE SHOEE. 103 



"curled kale," but of the loveliest wliite and 

 primrose ; in the centre whereof lies -pevdn a 

 mouth with sturdy teeth — if indeed they, as well 

 as the whole inside of the beast, have not been 

 lately got rid of, and what you see be not a mere 

 bag, without intestine or other organ : but only 

 for the time being. For hear it, worn-out epicures, 

 and old Indians who bemoan your livers, this little 

 Holothuria knows a secret which, if he could tell it, 

 you would be glad to buy of him for thousands 

 sterling. To him blue pill and muriatic acid are 

 superfluous, and travels to German Brunnen a waste 

 of time. Happy Holothuria! who possesses really 

 the secret of everlasting youth, which ancient fable 

 bestowed on the serpent and the eagle. Eor when 

 his teeth ache, or his digestive organs trouble him, 

 all he has to do is just to cast up forthwith his entire 

 inside, and faisant maigre for a month or so, grow a 

 fresh set, and then eat away as merrily as ever. 

 His name, if you wish to consult so triumphant 

 a hygeist, is Cucumaria Hyndmanni, or Pentactes — 

 I say the former, and care little wliich : but 



