LANCELET. 625 



instances, a seven sided figure. This in every respect resem- 

 bles the calamus or pen of some of the Mollusca, especially 

 that in the common cuttle-fish. These little animals had 

 a power of attaching themselves to each other in a remarkable 

 manner, sometimes clustering together, and at others forming 

 a string six or eight inches long ; the whole mass seemed to 

 swim in unison, and with great rapidity, going round the 

 vessel in a snake-like form and motion. They adhered to 

 one another by their flat sides ; when in line, the head of one 

 coming up about one-third on the body of the one before it ; no 

 doubt those sides are of use in forming this attachment. 

 The other variety was thinner, and from two and a half to 

 three inches long, having a large dorsal fin, which moved 

 continually in an extraordinary manner, describing a circle by 

 rotating upon its narrow base. The mouth was a circular 

 disk, surrounded by cilise that continued in constant motion. 

 When put into a tumbler of water it moved round the glass, 

 and although no eyes were perceptible, it carefully avoided 

 the finger, or any substance put in its way, stopping sud- 

 denly, or turning aside from it. Both these animals when 

 taken out of the water kept up a strong pulsatory motion for 

 some time. The small one, the Amphioxus lanceolatits, by 

 this means pumped out of its interior a quantity of air and 

 water ; and they could be seen coming to the surface to 

 inhale, and a globule of air was observed floating through the 

 internal cavity. In the larger species the internal tube was 

 perfectly distinct, and of a blue colour. When put into 

 spirits and water it died almost immediately, and turned 

 opaque. A number of circular bands also appeared on it. 

 Mr. Yarrell, in his beautiful work on British Fishes, has 

 placed this singular little animal among the finny tribe. 

 With all due deference to him, I would suggest the following 

 reasons for it belonging to the Mollusca: the absence of 



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