[189] CEPHALOPODS OF NORTHEASTERN COAST OF AMERICA. 
was used as an organ of locomotion, as well as the siphon; the web and 
the arms were alternately spread and closed, the closing being done 
energetically and coincidently with the ejection of the water from the 
siphon, and the arms, after each contraction, were all held pointing 
straight forward in a compact bundle, so as to afford the least resistance 
to the motion (Plate XLI, fig. 2). As the motion resulting from each 
impulse began to diminish sensibly, the arms were again spread and the 
same actions repeated. This action of the arms and web recalled that 
of the disk of the jelly-fishes, but it was much more energetic. 
The siphon was bent in different directions to alter the direction of 
the motions, and by bending it to the right or left side, backward mo- 
tions in oblique or circular directions were given, but it was often bent 
directly downward and curved backward, so that the jet of water from 
it served to propel the animal directly forward. This, so far as ob- 
served, was its only mode of moving forward. Thesame mode of swim- 
ming forward has previously been observed in cuttle-fishes (Sepia) and 
in squids (Loligo). 
This species was much more active and animated in the night than 
during the day. It is probably largely nocturnal in its habits, when at 
liberty. None of the specimens could be induced to take food, and 
none survived more than four or five days, although the water was fre- 
quently renewed to keep it cool and pure. They had been rather roughly 
handled by the dredges and trawls, without doubt; but the unavoid- 
able exposure to the higher temperature of the water, near and at the 
surface, especially in summer, is sufficient to kill many of the deep-water 
animals, while others that live for a short time never entirely recover 
from the injury thus received. 
Octopus Bairdii.—Specimens examined. 
No. Locality. Poth Bottom. PL Specimens. 
United States Fish Commission. 
Number and sex. 
Bayjof Mandy: -:=: 26 - -20-4-4-- Lf: 3j. f:1j.2 
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Gulf of Maine and Massachusetts | 
Bay. 
1878 
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