SEA-HARES. 137 
curiosity and reward his diligence; twining Sea- 
worms and Star-fishes; little Medusz, like active 
bells of the clearest glass; the Beroé, a tiny 
ball of crystal; slender, shrub-like Zoophytes ; and 
multitudes of other creatures, all shewing forth the 
glory of the great Workmaster, ‘for whose plea- 
sure they are and were created.”’ (Rev. iv. 11.) 
H'amMILY APLYSIADZ. 
(Sea-Hares.) 
In such rock-pools as I have just described, or 
among sea-weeds growing at low water-mark, a 
large fleshy Mollusk may occasionally be found, 
with two erect tentacles somewhat resembling the 
ears of the hare. It is the representative, the only 
British one, of the family Aplystade. 
The most prominent characteristics of this group 
are the following :—The mantle is greatly developed 
and dilated at the sides into large flexible crests, 
which can be turned up, and, surrounding the back 
on every side, can be reflected over it. The head 
is distinct, and separated from the body by a neck 
of greater or less length; its front forms a broad 
lip, drawn out at the corners into a pair of flattened 
tentacles ; another pair is carried erect on the top 
of the head. The gills, in the form of complicated 
leaflets, are placed upon the back, and are gene- 
rally covered with a convex, horny, or shelly plate, 
irregular, and varying in shape. 
The Sea-hares are vegetable feeders, and, by a 
curious analogy with the herbivorous Mammalia, 
the digestive apparatus is highly complicated. 
According to Professor Grant, there are three 
stomachs; a short narrow gullet dilates into a large 
