1/6 PHYLLODOCID.E. 



about two-thirds less. Between them is the proper foot, not very 

 protuberant, armed with a brush of bristles disposed in a somewhat 

 semicircular manner, having a single straw-coloured spine in their 

 middle. The bristles are slender, pellucid, jointed, the joint being 

 cleft for the reception of the needle-like point. Posterior extremity 

 terminated with two very short fleshy styles. 



This species is said to attain sometimes a size considerably greater 

 than that of the specimen just described, but on this part of the 

 coast one of 14 inches length is rare, while examples varying from 

 4 to 8 inches are not uncommon. It is liable to much difference in 

 the tints of its colour, and the green often predominates, while in 

 young individuals the colour is not diffused over the segments, but 

 confined to their margins, which are dusky, while the centre may be 

 a pale yellow. In these also the spots in the centre of the branchial 

 leaflets are usually well marked. These are liable to be slightly 

 affected in their form by the motion and contractions of the worm ; 

 and near the tail they always incline more to the oval than the 

 heart-shape. The proboscis is either clavate or cylindrical, accord- 

 ing to its degree of protrusion. The worm tints the spirits in which 

 it is preserved with a greenish colour. The body becomes bluish or 

 greenish-grey, and the lamellae a uniform olive. 



"During the day this species lurks in concealment, especially 

 under any large flat shell, where it reposes, and unfolds from its 

 many convolutions at night, apparently in quest of prey. Perhaps 

 it feeds on the smaller living animals, for which the size and action 

 of the proboscis seem peculiarly adapted. Sometimes, but not very 

 seldom, portions of mussel have been absorbed ; and once it seemed 

 to me that a large specimen had devoured a smaller, which occupied 

 the same vessel, as its disappearance could not be otherwise accounted 

 for. But all kinds of sustenance are almost invariably refused ; and 

 the animals become lank and emaciated from protracted abstinence. 



" The mechanism of this creature, its parts, and their powers, are 

 to be ranked among the more conspicuous and admirable works of 

 the creation ; nor can they be contemplated without wonder. Issuing 

 forth from its retreat, it swims by an undulating serpentine motion 

 in the water. Its unwieldy body, gradually withdrawn from its 

 retreat, has its multiplied organs unfolded in regular order and 

 arrangement ; so that, whether intertwined or free, neither are 

 disturbed by intricacy or confusion ; each performs its own proper 

 functions, and the general effect by the united exercise of the whole. 

 When inactive, the lateral parts of the segments generally close over 

 the back ; in activity, they open widely, as if so many oars to aid 

 the animal's course, by their successive impulse on the water." — 

 Dali/ell, Pow. Great, ii. p. 150. 



Obs. A very remarkable worm ; the body a rich iridescent blue 

 and green, with a dusky line across at the sutures, while the feet 

 form a brown or olivaceous fringe along the sides. Small specimens 

 are common, but specimens 2 feet in length are rather rare. There 

 is a specimen of this size in the Museum ; and I have seen a larger 

 one. 



