LUMBRICUS. 139 
A white proboscis issues from the anterior extremity. When the ani- 
mal is contracted it much resembles a small earth-worm. Colour dull 
red above, reddish-orange below. No eyes could be discovered. 
In crawling, the segments enlarged at the place of their union ; and 
it is a peculiar feature, that a kind of intumescence appeared at intervals 
as the body advanced, the portion thus enlarged being vivid red, while 
the vicinity became pale, and this intumescence was transmitted along 
the body. 
A silky sheath is formed of sandy particles by the animal. 
It lurks constantly on the sand of the shore at about half tide, 
whence the head is protruded, waving to and fro. In confinement it 
becomes more restless after mid-day, occasionally quitting its retreat to 
crawl about the vessel. 
Its habits bear some resemblance to those of the Nereis. 
Prats XVII. 
Fic. 8. Lumbricus capitatus. 
9. Anterior extremity, enlarged. 
§ d.—Lumpricus LiTroRALIs.—Plate XVIL., figs. 17, 18. 
Length, fourteen lines ; thickness, the third of a line. Body round, 
tapering to the extremities ; annulated, each annulation composed of 
several circles. Short indistinct bristles protrude at the union of the 
segments. Colour, a fine red, perhaps derived from an internal vessel 
traversing the body. P 
The animal forms itself a tubular covering of sand, investing the 
whole body. It is of a lively nature, and when numbers are present, they 
entwine themselves together. 
Littoral. Found under stones at Rothesay, Eyemouth, and else- 
where. 
Prats XVII. 
Fias. 17. Lumbricus littoralis. 
18. Enlarged. 
