VERMES. 75 
conclude that they avoided it. There was some disparity of size among 
those of a group viewed by the microscope, fig. 10. 
Subjected to higher magnifying powers, they were in general of a 
fine regular, broad, oval form, apparently soft, with the oval slightly 
variable in its proportions ; the body flattened, and begirt by a fringe of 
cilia. ‘Two black specks like eyes stood in front, on the margin, some- 
what behind the anterior extremity, fig. 11. 
I could not discover any black specks corresponding to what I con- 
sidered such, in the parent animal, which seemed to be invited from its 
retreats by the light. 
Prosecuting the history of the animalcula was impracticable, for 
various reasons.¢ I should have even hesitated to speak of incidents so 
anomalous, but for the hopes of attracting the notice of practical natu- 
ralists, who may wish to avail themselves of opportunities to illustrate 
the species farther. 
This animal seems to contain a double ovarium, one portion towards 
each side of the body, wherein the ova are disposed in clusters, unless 
this be some part of its individual organization. But this is to be seen 
only in the most transparent specimens. 
On July 7, animals were produced from spawn of June 30. 
C.—Gorpius ALBus.—Certain peculiarities lead me to assign this a 
provisional place. I cannot affirm that all the specimens I have had 
were entire, or that they had the whole features to be held characteristic 
of the Gordius, though exhibiting some of them. 
Length three inches or more ; breadth under two lines ; body flat- 
tened, almost linear ; both extremities somewhat acute ; colour palest 
carnation, almost white, with a slight red speckling on the upper surface 
of the head. The presence of eyes could not be detected by the micro- 
scope.—Plate IX. fig. 12, ; head, fig. 13. 
This animal feeds voraciously on mussel, projecting a pure white 
proboscis from the under surface of the anterior, and absorbing large 
portions. 
A specimen protruded the proboscis when touched with a feather. 
