PHYLLODOCE LAMINOSA. 321 



seas is the NEREIS REMEX, or, as it is now called, the 

 PHYLLODOCE LAMINOSA (PI. VI. fig. 7). The length 

 of this glorious Annelide is sometimes at least two 

 feet, and its body composed of above 400 segments, 

 always multiplying with age, each segment being 

 provided with a pair of broad lateral paddles, by the 

 aid of which it swims through the water with in- 

 describable elegance. The natural colour of this gem 

 of the sea is a fine green : bluish green on the centre 

 of the back, iridescent, reflecting a bright blue ; while 

 the paddles, as they are justly denominated, are always 

 green. 



During the day this species lurks in concealment, 

 mostly under some large flat shell, where it reposes ; 

 but at night it unfolds itself from its many convo- 

 lutions, and goes in quest of prey. In confinement, 

 however, it seems to refuse all kinds of sustenance, 

 and becomes at length lank and emaciated, from pro- 

 tracted abstinence. 



The mechanism of this creature, its parts, and their 

 powers, are to be ranked among the more conspicuous 



and admirable works of Creation : nor can they be 



/ 



contemplated without wonder. Issuing forth from its 

 retreat, it swims by an undulating serpentine motion. 

 Its unwieldy body, gradually withdrawn from its 

 hiding-place, has its multiplied organs unfolded in 

 regular order and arrangement ; so that, whether in- 

 tertwined or free, they never present any appearance 

 of intricacy or confusion each part performs its 

 own proper functions, and the general effect is pro- 

 duced by the united exercise of the whole. When 

 inactive, the lateral paddles are laid close over the 



p5 



