AMPHITRITE. 235 



the Amphitrite had doubled the length of its tube, which, in twelve 

 months, extended just nine lines. Doubtless these dimensions would 

 have been more ample, and more rapid, with a copious supply of suitable 

 materials ; but the precautions which had been taken to avoid them, in 

 connection with the success, shewed the art of the animal in collecting in- 

 gredients for its work, where their presence appeared insensible to our 

 observation. 



The following are among the conclusions to be deduced from the 

 preceding detail : 



I. The Amphitrite ventilabrum, one of the Annelides or segmentine 

 animals, extends fifteen inches. It is composed of two distinct parts, 

 a vermicular body, consisting of above 350 segments, crowned by ninety- 

 two ciliated branchiae, arranged in two separate fans, together forming 

 a funnel, the extremity terminating below in two glandular organs. In 

 the centre of the funnel are two stout, short, antennulae. 



II. The number of the segments, and of the branchise, are dependent 

 on the size and age of the specimen. 



III. A powerful reproductive energy is distributed throughout the 

 body, whereby lost parts are speedily regenerated. 



IV. The Amphitrite ventilabrum dwells in a tube of its own fabrica- 

 tion, composed of earthy matter, collected by its branchial apparatus, 

 prepared as a paste, incorporated with animal gluten, and' adapted by 

 peculiar organs to the orifice of its habitation. 



V. The exercise of the mechanical parts depends wholly on the 

 specimen being preserved in its original dwelling, for it cannot construct 

 a new one. 



VI. Reproduction of lost parts advances, though the Amphitrite be 

 deprived of its tube. 



PLATE XXX. 



FIG. 1 . Amphitrite ventilabrum, adult, issuing from its tube. The lower ex- 

 tremity of this specimen extended farther than the bottom of 

 the Plate, therefore it is omitted. Funnel or branchiae, a. 

 2. Adult specimen without the tube, funnel, a. 



