LUMBRICUS. 139 



A white proboscis issues from the anterior extremity. When the ani- 

 mal is contracted it much resembles a small earth-worm. Colour dull 

 red above, reddish-orange below. No eyes could be discovered. 



In crawling, the segments enlarged at the place of their union ; and 

 it is a peculiar feature, that a kind of intumescence appeared at intervals 

 as the body advanced, the portion thus enlarged being vivid red, while 

 the vicinity became pale, and this intumescence was transmitted along 

 the body. 



A silky sheath is formed of sandy particles by the animal. 



It lurks constantly on the sand of the shore at about half tide, 

 whence the head is protruded, waving to and fro. In confinement it 

 becomes more restless after mid-day, occasionally quitting its retreat to 

 crawl about the vessel. 



Its habits bear some resemblance to those of the Nereis. 



PLATE XVII. 



FIG. 8. Lumlricus capitatus. 



9. Anterior extremity, enlarged. 



d. LUMBRICUS LiTTORALis. Plate XVII., figs. 17, 18. 



Length, fourteen lines ; thickness, the third of a line. Body round, 

 tapering to the extremities ; annulated, each annulation composed of 

 several circles. Short indistinct bristles protrude at the union of the 

 segments. Colour, a fine red, perhaps derived from an internal vessel 

 traversing the body. 



The animal forms itself a tubular covering of sand, investing the 

 whole body. It is of a lively nature, and when numbers are present, they 

 entwine themselves together. 



Littoral. Found under stones at Kothesay, Eyemouth, and else- 

 where. 



PLATE XVII. 



FIGS. 17. Lumbricus littoralis. 

 18. Enlarged. 



