106 THE NATURALIST. 



and can scarcely be said to have begun life in earnest, have not yet 

 developed their distinguishing crowns, but, in one at least, the action of 

 the jaws is distinctly perceptible. The adult specimen has a most 

 beautiful crown, consisting of five arms " which rise erect from, and 

 converge to, a rounded point, after bulging outwards so as to present the 

 figure of a tall crown or mitre (whence the generic name) — but the points 

 do not actually meet." The case in which the creature dwells is composed 

 of a gelatinous substance, and is quite transparent. The irregular outline 

 alone is visible. In the opinion of Mr. Gosse there is no organic con- 

 nection between the animal and its case, after the latter has been once 

 formed. During inhabitation the upper margin is turned inward, and when 

 the animal suddenly and strongly contracts itself, the top of the case is some- 

 what drawn in after it. But this, says that gentleman, is not the result of any 

 adhesion of the margin to the animal, but simply that of the action of the 

 water rushing into the vacuum suddenly produced by the downward 

 retraction of the body and carrying in with it the soft and flexible margin 

 of the case. I do not like expressing an opinion adverse to perhaps the 

 greatest living authority, but it appears to me that there is a sort of 

 mechanical connection between the neck of the Stephanoceros and the 

 ujDper part of its case. The sudden contraction of the animal would 

 undoubtedly produce a vacuum which would become instantly filled with 

 water ; but I think, if there was nothing to prevent it, the case, owing to 

 its flexibility, would return to its original form. I find that, on the retreat 

 of the animal, one or two of the outer folds of the case are drawn into the 

 cavity, and, instead of returning, remain there until the animal again 

 unfolds its crown. At times the creature seems sulky, and will on no 

 account venture above the top of its case. It will retreat to the bottom, 

 and either remain stationary or make occasional upward movements as if 

 intending to come forth. Every such movement makes the drawn-in 

 folds of the case approach more and more their original position, whilst 

 every downward jerk brings them more within the case, and there they 

 remain whilst the animal is still. I think the fact of the space being 

 occupied by water would not account for this ; nor, in my opinion would 

 these modifications of the case so closely correspond to the movements of 

 the animal within, unless there was such a connection as I have suggested. 

 It is interesting to watch the creature feed. If a little monad happens 

 to get within the tentacles woe betide him ! As if possessing a pre- 

 sentiment of his fate he flies about in the wildest manner until, drawn 



