"Narrative of A. Gordon Pym of Nantucket", chapter 20, by Edgar Allan Poe

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The picture used is "Sea cucumber in Rhodes Aquarium" by Szilas, which was released into the public domain.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/51060/51060-h/51060-h.htm#chap20

Chinese bird nest soup is still a thing to this day, is still very expensive, and is considered a very prestigious delicacy for those who can afford it! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edible_bird%27s_nest