276 GASTEROPODES. 



tions it gradually becomes yellow. The dimensions of one, not of the 

 largest size when far advanced, I found equalling a pullet's head. The 

 formation of the ovarium in the specimen, figs. 1, 2, was visible in the 

 end of December. It became yellow, and the contents more conspicuous 

 in January, and, on the 6th of February, a great quantity of spawn was 

 deposited on the side of its vessel. This constituted a rope fifteen or 

 eighteen inches long, and above an eighth of an inch thick, containing in- 

 numerable ova. Had the vessel been more spacious, less irregularity would 

 have impaired the figure of the rope. The parent could have withdrawn 

 without impediment. It was somewhat disturbed, besides, by partial re- 

 plenishment of the vessel with sea-water before the spawn was observed. 

 Sometimes it is very regular, as that from another or smaller specimen. 

 -Plate XXXIX. fig. 2. 



The parent remained five days in absolute quiescence beside the 

 spawn. 



In three weeks from the preceding date another great spawning fol- 

 lowed, under similar arrangement, forming a waving logarithmic curve. 

 Here the rope would have extended two feet in a straight line, but it did 

 not exceed half the thickness of the former one. Somewhat later, the 

 remaining contents of the ovarium seemed still advancing to maturity. 



In both cases the spawn was covered with a whitish integument of 

 the finest texture, which did not seem albuminous. But the ova them- 

 selves, which occupy no definite arrangement in the rope, are certainly 

 lodged amidst albuminous matter. 



In regard to this prolific animal, its size declined considerably after 

 the first spawning ; but it fed copiously on the orange Lolitlaria, and re- 

 covered nearly its pristine vigour, for it extended seven inches. Like- 

 wise it fed after the second spawning, but died unexpectedly, having sur- 

 vived fifteen weeks. Now it shrunk to little more than above three 

 inches. 



Though preserved with sufficient care, none of all the spawn was 

 productive. 



Nevertheless ample illustration of the mode of propagation, as far 

 as it could be carried with this gigantic race, have been obtained from 

 various other specimens. 



