FICULA. 127 



among gravel and coral, in eighteen fathoms water, at the 

 Straits of Macassar, in the Indian Archipelago. 



The Ficula is seen progressing in his native element with 

 comparative velocity, owing, most probably, to the lightness 

 of his shell, and his facilities for locomotion. Hence, when 

 captured he is able readily to ascend the sides of a 

 vessel, and the looker-on is not a little amused with his 

 attempts to escape, and the ingenuity with which he puts 

 in requisition all his various resources. Those resources 

 consist of an extensive disc, although unprovided with an 

 operculum, broad and rounded in front and acuminated 

 behind, of a thin mantle expanded into two side-lobes, 

 which cover a considerable portion of the shell, and lastly of 

 a proboscis, which is, however, rarely projected when the 

 creature inclines to move, but, instead of this, long tapering 

 tentacles are stretched out to their full length, and these 

 carry at the base a large black eye. 



Thus wondrously constructed, the brotherhood of Ficula 

 move blithely wherever their inclinations lead them. Some 

 are gorgeously attired, objects, it may be, of no small admi- 

 ration among such as are less distinguished. The Ficula Icevi- 

 gata, a native of the Sooloo Sea, is most gaily decorated : 

 his mantle is bright pink, mottled with white, and lighter 



