CIRCE ROSEA. 35 
appear like so many clubs or spokes round a central axle. The body is of various shades of 
pink, and the ovaries yellow; consequently, although the creature is so transparent, and 
unfurnished with brilliantly coloured ocelli to mark its position in the water, it is not uncon- 
spicuous nor difficult to see. 
The first specimen observed of this species was taken by Mr. M‘Andrew and myself in 
the Zetland seas, in August, 1845, off Vella, seven miles from land. We afterwards met with 
seyeral in Brassay Sound, on the opposite coast of the mainland. 
Compared with Brandt's species, it differs in the form of the ovaries, in general aspect 
and colour, and in the absence of conspicuous ocelli, eight of which, apparently colourless, 
are represented in the beautiful drawing by Mertens (Petersburgh Memoirs, Sixth Series, 
Sc. Nat., t. ii, 1838, pl. 1, f. 1-5). The simple series of tentacula distinguish it from Circe 
anais, also rose-coloured. (Lesson, loc. cit. pl. 5, f. 1.) It is more nearly allied to 
C. elongata, but differs in form. (Lesson, loc. cit. pl. 5, f. 2.) 
The genus Circe is evidently closely allied to Thawmantias, Dianea, and Geryonia, 
differing mainly in the number of ovaries and of gastro-vascular canals. The generative 
glands may be said to be those of Thaumantias, the peduncle to be that of Dianza. Brandt 
placed it among the Oceanide, and Lesson strangely introduces it between his genus Zurris, 
and Brandt’s genus Conzs, genera belonging to a very different group, and, as I have shown, 
scarcely deserving of separation, both being close allies of Oceania. With the Oceanide, 
however, Circe has evidently no affinity. 
Plate I, f. 2, Circe rosea, natural size; 2, a, greatly enlarged; 2, 5, as seen from 
above, showing the relative arrangement of the vessels and ovaries; 2, ¢, tentaculated 
margin and denticulated veil; 2, d, an ovary; 2, e, portion of the margin, between two of 
the radiating vessels; 2, /, peduncle, and small stomach at its extremity, with the oral 
orifice; 2, g, lips of the oral orifice. 
