13 



known as trepang, or beche de mer, and forms a very important 

 article of commerce ; they are split open, gutted, boiled and smoke- 

 dried. The average annual imports into China during the years 1889- 

 91 were about 2250 tons ; there are many varieties, differing in 

 quality and value, which ranges from z\d. to \s. gd. per lb. 



A word or two about Crinoids in conclusion. Crinoids, or stone- 

 lilies, differ very much from a sea-urchin, star-fish, or brittle-star, 

 being attached by a long stalk to the sea floor, a stone, or some other 

 object ; the free end is developed into five arms ; they are found at 

 great depths and prefer clear and undisturbed water ; their food con- 

 sists chiefly of Foraminifera, Diatoms, and the adults of small, and 

 the larvae of larger, Crustaceans. Crinoids seem to be peculiarly 

 subject to the attacks of numerous parasites, and it is a common 

 thing both in the fossil and living state to find traces of them ; there 

 are many species of Crinoids, but most of them are fossil. 



You will now see that, as I said in my opening remarks, this is a 

 rather difficult and big subject, and you will realise how unsatisfactory 

 it is to treat it in any but the fullest manner ; however, if any of you 

 can be induced to observe these animals for yourselves, I shall be 

 well satisfied, and you will be struck with wonder and amazement at 

 the marvellous organisation exhibited by these lowly creatures. 



