Life Beneath the Waves. 33 



resting-places, three-fourths of their shells 

 generally being quite independent of any 

 support, Serpulae, on the other hand, 

 adhere closely to rocks or shells, and only 

 a small portion of their tubes stands 

 aloof. 



Both kinds are excessively shy, and very 

 easily frightened, the slightest noise or 

 movement of the aquarium causes them to 

 retreat into their tubes, and very quiet 

 must the observer remain if he desires to 

 see the gay plumes come forth again. 



And yet, strange to say, when Serpulse 

 adhere to a shell whereof a Hermit-crab 

 has taken possession, the creature's rapid 

 and abrupt movements do not alarm the 

 Annelids, for they extend their gay plumes 

 to the utmost width, as the crab hurries 

 about the aquarium in a manner by no 

 means remarkable for its lack of noise. 

 3 



