LAMPKO&LENA PULCHELLA. 



427 



222 - 



(1101.) The muscular system is readily seen through the transparent 

 skin : four longitudinal bands are visible (d), running from one end to 

 the other ; and, besides these, broad transverse 

 fasciculi are discernible in the fifth and sixth 

 segments of the body. From the nature of the 

 feet, however, and general structure of the 

 creature, we must imagine the existence of 

 muscles provided for the movements of each 

 articulated member, although, from their ex- 

 treme minuteness, they escape detection. 



(1102.) The opening of the mouth is placed 

 in the centre of the space bounded by the four 

 anterior prehensile hooks ; and the alimentary 

 canal is a simple tube passing straight through 

 the body to the tail, where the anal orifice is 

 distinguishable. The walls of the intestine have 

 a reticulated appearance, being covered with a 

 kind of glandular network, that probably con- 

 stitutes a biliary apparatus. 



(1103.) In a creature thus highly organized 

 we may well expect to find senses of propor- 

 tionate perfection; and in Lamproglena their 

 existence is no longer doubtful. The eyes are 

 distinctly apparent, of a reddish colour ; but, as 

 yet, as in the lowest Crustaceans, united into 

 one mass. The antennae likewise, which may 

 be regarded as special instruments of touch, are 

 well developed, and, both in number and position, resemble those that 

 characterize the Crustacean orders, to which we are thus conducted by 

 almost imperceptible gradations. 



(1104.) The reproductive organs are entirely similar to those of 

 Achfheres, already described. Those of the female, represented in the 

 figure, consist of sacciform ovaria, wherein the ova are secreted ; and 

 from these, when mature, the eggs are expelled through two simple 

 triangular orifices situated on each side of the anus. 



(1105.) One of the most singular and anomalous forms of the 

 Epizoa is found in the Nicoihoe Astaci, a creature met with in great 

 abundance at certain seasons, attached to the gills of the Lobster, 

 from which it derives its supply of nourishment. This remarkable 

 animal (fig. 223), which is free, and gifted with energetic powers of 

 locomotion during the first periods of its existence, and constructed, 

 at its first appearance from the egg, in perfect accordance with the 

 normal type belonging to its class, ultimately selects for its domicile the 

 branchial chamber of a Lobster, where, fixing itself permanently to the 

 branchial lamella, it undergoes a complete metamorphosis : its external 



Lamproglena puicheiia. 



