AIR-BREATHING SNAILS AND SLUGS 297 



the power of changing its complexion at will, looking 

 pale and ash-colored when it is near sand, flushed 

 and angry when among red seaweeds, and dark and 

 bluish whenever such a color will best serve its pur- 

 pose of concealment. There is no magic in his trans- 

 formations, either, for he is onh^ controlling the 

 multitudes of little paint bags that lie in his skin, 

 and making any desired tint prominent, or conceal- 

 ing them all. At any rate, there are few more inter- 

 esting creatures to watch in an aquarium, or even in 

 a jar of sea-water, than a young cuttle. Small speci- 

 mens have legs some two or three inches long, while 

 large ones weigh a hundred pounds or more. 



The true scientific names of the next two species 

 are at present quite uncertain, though it is probable 

 that both species will be placed in the genus LoIi(/o, 

 and that other changes may be found necessary. The 

 names used in a former edition are, however, pro- 

 visionally retained. 



Ommastrephes tryoni^ Gabb, is the common Squid 

 of Monterey and other fishing ports. They used to 

 be caught in vast numbers by the Chinese fishermen 

 of the above named city, and the houses and boats 

 belonging to the fishing village were a very pictur- 

 esque addition to the sights of the coast. The men 

 went out at night, when the bay was quiet, some of 

 their boats bearing huge torches, while the others 

 were provided with scoop-nets. The silly squids rise 

 to the surface to see the light and are easily captured. 

 Next day they are spread out to dry, some oi the best 

 on racks, but most of them on the parched grass of 

 a field. From time to time thev are turned, and 



