A RIVAL TO THE OYSTER

Down the caverns of the submerged rocks and blocks of coral are two or three species of echinus (sea-urchins), with long and slender spines radiating from their spheroid bodies.  One (DIADERNA SETOSA) is distinguished by what appears to be precious jewels of sparkling blue—­believed to be visual organs—­which lose their brilliancy immediately on removal from the water.  Another has a centre of coral pink.  The black spines, 10 inches or so long, are exquisitely sharp, and brittle in the extreme.  Some believe that the animals are endowed with the power of thrusting these weapons forward to meet the intrusive hand, for unless approached with caution they prick the fingers while yet seemingly out of reach.  Admitting that I have never yet attempted rudely to grasp this creature (which certainly is capable of presenting its array of spines whither it wills) while submerged, for the mere purpose of testing its ability to defend itself—­my enthusiasm being tempered by the caution of the mere amateur—­it may be said that some of the spines appear to be blunt.  All could hardly be “sharper than needles,” for being used as a means of locomotion among and over and in the crevices of the coral and rocks, some are necessarily worn at the points.  With care they may be handled without injury, though at first glance it would seem impossible to avoid the numerous weapons.  Imagine a brittle tennis ball stuck full of long slender needles, many tapering to microscopic keenness at the points, climbing stiffly along the edges of rocks by a few of the stilt-like needles, and a very fair figure of the echinus is presented.  As a curious and beautiful creature he is full of interest, and as an adjunct to one’s diet he is, in due season, full of excellent meat.  We take the ugly and forbidding oyster with words of gratitude and flattery on our lips, and why pass with disrespect the creature that is beautiful and wonderful as well as savoury?  To enjoy it to perfection, extricate the creature from his lurking place far down in the blue crevice of the coral, with a fish-spear.  Don’t experiment with your fingers.  On the gunwale of your boat divest it of its slender black spines, and with a knife fairly divide the spheroid body, and a somewhat nauseous-looking meat is disclosed; but no more objectionable in appearance than the substance of a fully ripe passion fruit.  The flavour!  Ah, the flavour!  It surpasseth the delectable oyster.  It hath more of the savour and piquancy of the ocean.  It clingeth to the palate and purgeth it of grosser tastes.  It recalleth the clean and marvellous creature, whose life has been spent in cool coral grottoes, among limestone and the salty essences of the pure and sparkling sea, and if you be wise and devout and grateful, you forthwith give praise for the enjoyment of a new and rare sensation.