CUTTLES AND SQUIDS, 



73 



species to which I have referred in another chapter, as being one 

 of the staple baits used in the cod-fishery of that country.* 



The eggs of the various famiHes of cephalopods differ greatly 

 from each other. Those of the Cuttle {Sepia) are like black 

 grapes, each having a flexible stalk looking and feeling like india- 

 rubber. The mother takes a turn with this stalk round the stem 

 of the twig or seaweed to which she wishes to attach the ^%g ; the 

 india-rubber-like material is soft and sticky when first laid ; and 

 so, instead ot splicing the loop, she brings the end round to the 



Fig. lo. Eggs of the common Cuttle-fish {Sepia officinalis). 



base of the stalk, close to the ^%g^ and cements or welds it there 

 into a solid ring. Thus the eggs are attached, one by one. 

 Sometimes the stalk of one is fastened round that of another, and 

 occasionally the process is repeated until the whole mass is made 

 up in this way, without any central stem. The work is as well 

 and neatly done as if skilled hands had been employed on it, but 

 how the mother cuttle-fish effects it, I believe no one knows. I 

 hope we may some day have opportunities of watching her. 



Aristotle wrote that the Sepia fastens her eggs, near land, upon 



* See page 9^ 



