APHRODITA. 163 



CHAPTER VI. 

 APHRODITA. 



THE animals described in the preceding chapter are distinguished by 

 the length of the body compared with its breadth, its division into 

 numerous articulations, prominent warts, or protruding hairs and pencils 

 on the segments, discharging the external functions, partly of fins, and 

 partly of feet, and by evident exertion concomitant on their exercise. 

 The most part of them, if not the whole, establish themselves in natural 

 or artificial dwellings, resulting from exudations of the body simply, or 

 combined with indurated substances. All inhabit the sea ; they retreat 

 from the light, and they prefer concealment. 



The subjects of the present chapter are members of the same family. 

 They bear a general resemblance to certain parts of their structure, and 

 .correspond in many of their habits. But the body is shorter and broader 

 in proportion, and, with one exception, is totally covered with scales. 

 Neither am I aware that it is protected by any abundant natural secre- 

 tion, nor is any artificial abode constructed for its safety. 



Though seemingly very timid, the Aphrodita is probably fierce and 

 rapacious, overpowering creatures incapable of resistance ; and there is 

 even reason to believe that it occasionally devours its own kind. 



But farther than mere description, and accurate representation, I 

 can offer little novelty in observation on the race, and this shall be re- 

 stricted to remarks on a very few species, as several, generally accounted 

 the more interesting, have fallen under the notice of other naturalists. 



