286 GASTEROPODES. 
The paucity of these parts, however, only shew the earlier stage of the 
specimen, as the branchiz are of successive evolution with age and 
dimensions, while they attain greater perfection of form. Those of the 
second or third pair are the longest, the rest diminish gradually towards 
the extremity of the animal. 
At first sight the branchial tuft bears considerable resemblance to a 
fir cone. It consists of a series of prolonged prominences, arranged in 
circumferential stages. About twelve such stages constituted the largest 
tuft.—Fig. 4. The colours of the branchise commonly correspond with 
that of the body, but darker. The first specimen above referred to was 
white, smooth, the surface much like sheep-skin leather ; the branchize 
pale purple. Many specimens are white, which is perhaps converted to 
brown, as the tips of the branchize have been observed darkening. 
No eyes have been discovered, though the white or fair colour of 
subjects might favour their detection. 
The orifice of the oviduct is under the root of the right tuft of the 
first pair of branchis. Specimens appear quite turgid with spawn, at 
various seasons, produced alike in July and in January, or at other 
seasons. It is deposited in the form of a waving ribband, containing 
numerous milk-white spherical ova, imbedded in albuminous matter.— 
Fig. 5. 
From the quantities of spawn found on the Sertularia (nemertesia ), 
antennina, perhaps the animal feeds on that zoophyte. 
This species is very subject to mutilation of the branchiz. Two 
specimens, the one with eight pair, the other with six or seven, had lost 
thirteen tufts between them, in the course of their second night of con- 
finement ; and, in two more nights, the former had only three tufts of 
the whole remaining. These organs are regenerated. A smooth white 
papilla denotes incipient reproduction. Thence some specimens appear 
deformed, from the disproportionate size and position between the old 
and the renovating parts ; though all will prove complete and symme- 
trical ultimately. 
No regularity appears to govern the loss of the branchiz, -either in 
