AMPHITRITE. 235 
the Amphitrite had doubled the length of its tube, which, in twelve 
months, extended just nine lines. Doubtless these dimensions would 
have been more ample, and more rapid, with a copious supply of suitable 
materials ; but the precautions which had been taken to avoid them, in 
connection with the success, shewed the art of the animal in collecting in- 
evedients for its work, where their presence appeared insensible to our 
observation. 
The following are among the conclusions to be deduced from the 
preceding detail :— 
I. The Amphitrite ventilabrum, one of the Annelides or segmentine 
animals, extends fifteen inches. It is composed of two distinct parts, 
a vermicular body, consisting of above 350 segments, crowned by ninety- 
two ciliated branchie, arranged in two separate fans, together forming 
a funnel, the extremity terminating below in two glandular organs. In 
the centre of the funnel are two stout, short, antennule. 
II. The number of the segments, and of the branchize, are dependent 
on the size and age of the specimen. 
Il. A powerful reproductive energy is distributed throughout the ° 
body, whereby lost parts are speedily regenerated. 
IV. The Amphitrite ventilabrum dwells in a tube of its own fabrica- 
tion, composed of earthy matter, collected by its branchial apparatus, 
prepared as a paste, incorporated with animal gluten, and adapted by 
peculiar organs to the orifice of its habitation. 
V. The exercise of the mechanical parts depends wholly on the 
specimen being preserved in its original dwelling, for it cannot construct 
a new one. 
VI. Reproduction of lost parts advances, though the Amphitrite be 
deprived of its tube. 
PLate XXX. 
Fic. 1. Amphitrite ventilabrum, adult, issuing from its tube. The lower ex- 
tremity of this specimen extended farther than the bottom of 
the Plate, therefore it is omitted. Funnel or branchiz, a. 
2. Adult specimen without the tube, funnel, a. 
