INK OF THE CUTTLE-FISH. 161 



situated differently in the various genera, and commonly 

 termed the ink-bag. 



All have heard of the ink of the cuttle-fish, which 

 has been regarded as the basis of true China ink, and 

 which certainly may be used as a tint, for it mixes 

 readily with water ; a circumstance of importance to 

 the animal itself, as it is to the discoloration of the 

 surrounding fluid, by its admixture, that it trusts for 

 concealment when threatened with danger. 



In the calamary, the ink-bag is placed near the 

 funnel ; but in the octopus it is surrounded by the 

 liver ; in the cuttle-fish, it is at the bottom of the 

 general cavity containing the viscera, below the branchiae. 

 It is always large, and pours out a great quantity of 

 its dark ink through the funnel. 



Among the remarkable modes of defence against 

 enemies with which animals are endowed by a wise 

 Providence, this is one of the most so : strong and 

 rapacious as are the cephalopods, they have their foes 

 from which to escape — foes, doubtless, as active as them- 

 selves, and capable of swallowing them at once. Among 

 these the cachalot may be numbered, the grampus, and 

 others. To escape by speed is out of the question ; con- 

 cealment is their object. No sooner do their quick 

 eyes behold an advancing enemy — no sooner are they 



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