BARNACLE GEESE— GOOSE BARNACLES. 



115 



It is not an uncommon occurrence for a large plank 

 entirely covered with these " necked barnacles " to be found 

 floating at sea and brought ashore for exhibition at some 

 watering-place ; and I have more than once sent portions 

 of such planks to the Aquaria at Brighton, and the Crystal 

 Palace. 



It is most interesting to watch a dense mass of living 

 cirripedes so closely packed together that not a speck of 



FIG. -^Z. — I'EnuxcuLATED BARNACLES. {Lepas aiiatifera.) 



the surface of the wood is left uncovered by them ; their 

 fleshy stalks overhanging each other, and often attached 

 in clusters to those of some larger individuals ; their 

 plumose casting-nets ever gathering in the food that 

 comes within their reach, and carrying towards the mouth 

 any solid particles suitable for their sustenance. How 

 much of insoluble matter barnacles will eliminate from 

 the water is shown by the rapidity with which they 

 will render turbid sea water clear and transparent. The 



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