6 SEPIA. 



Every stimulus excites colour. The water having become fetid after 

 the apparent death of another specimen, wherein the eyes had sunk, its 

 body speckled, and the colours flitted on a supply of recent water. 



The motions of this animal are rendered of easier observation, from 

 its smaller dimensions. In common with its kind, the natural position 

 of most living creatures is inverted the part corresponding to the head 

 being downwards, and the sac with the viscera elevated above. It swims 

 in a retrograde direction, with considerable force, the tentacula extended 

 nearly straight, and then of darkened colour. The wings flap together 

 as if performing the office of fins. 



This animal propagates in July. The spawn is produced as a firm 

 gelatinous cylinder, an inch long, composed of a number of ova, from 

 which the young have begun to escape on the first of August. 



PLATE II. 



FIG. 1 . Sepia sepiola. 



3. SEPIA. Plate I., Fig. 2. 



Propagation. The origin and progressive development of all ani- 

 mated beings, is a subject of profound interest to the philosopher, in 

 contemplating the means whereby the vitality of the universe is pre- 

 served. 



It is infinitely curious in the creatures with which we are now 

 occupied, both from the peculiar form and the dimensions of certain 

 species, and because the advancing organization is exposed with unusual 

 precision to the observer. 



In the larger and more perfect animals, the whole process is veiled 

 from mankind. Elicitation of the spark of life, the source and the mode 

 of evolution, the acceleration or retardation of organic form, its power 

 and action, are the subject of conjecture alone, or deduced from appear- 

 ances, too often fallacious, after all have been repressed by death. 



Here, then, is an example how the general principles may be pro- 

 moted through the medium of inferior beings. 



, 



