PLATE CXXX1X. 



We have constantly observed this kind of Sabella to be an inha- 

 bitant only of low rocky shores, that lie within reach of the tide at 

 high water ; and although it is composed entirely of broken shells and 

 sea sand ; and those apparently very slightly agglutinated by the ani- 

 mals that form and inhabit it, in its native element it acquires a con- 

 siderable comparative degree of tenacity from the saline particles with 

 which it is impregnated, and is capable of resisting the reiterated 

 dashing of the waves without material injury. 



In the more sheltered crevices of the rocks, where the animal has 

 ample scope to expand its sandy dwelling secure from mutilation, the 

 upper surface of a mass of these shells has a very elegant appearance ; 

 the whole being beautifully foliated with the single or bipartite funnnel- 

 shaped lip, which each animal forms at the opening of his cell. This 

 appearance is represented in the plate subjoined, and is a circumstance 

 the more deserving attention, because it has entirely escaped the notice of 

 Mr. Pennant, and perhaps of every other Naturalist, except Mr. Ellis ; 

 who in his History of Corals, figures it with a foliated surface, under 

 the title of Tubularia arenosa anglica, from a specimen brought from 

 Dieppe. The latter does not however agree precisely in figure with 

 any that have occurred to our notice. Mr. Pennant evidently represents 

 a poor mutilated fragment, in which the openings of the cells are 

 shewn like so many rounded perforations,, in a somewhat uneven sur- 

 face, and is just as it appears in masses on the sea-beach^ that have 

 been trodden under-foot ; or pieces that have been much worn, and 

 thrown loose upon the shore. » 



These shells are three or four inches in. length, and where they arc 

 found are generally abundant, but they seem to be very local. Mr. 

 Pennant says it is found on the Western coasts of Anglesea, near Cric- 



