96 NATURAL HISTORY OF OUR SHORES 



there is no water, but if a pool is at hand there will prob- 

 ably be some in expansion therein. 



It is necessary to approach such pools stealthily, for even 

 a slight tremor of the ground will spoil matters. The 

 worm, always suspicious of danger, withdraws very smartly 

 on the least alarm. However, by keeping still and watching, 

 there may be seen first a gradual extrusion of a narrow 

 column, twisted like a bit of stout twine, then a moment's 

 pause and suddenly, like a flower bursting into bloom by 

 magic, the beautiful funnel will appear. This funnel of 

 plumes is never still, but moves gently to and fro, with a 

 semi-rotary movement. 



To secure some of these worms for aquarium or for pre- 

 servation it is necessary to dig the tube out in its entirety, 

 for with danger at hand the worm retires to the remotest 

 end. 



In the same localities, and yet more abundant, is Sabella 

 arenosa (it has other names, but this is a good old one). 

 This one lives in tubes which are strengthened by the 

 cementing to their outer surfaces of bits of stone and 

 shell. These tubes do not, as a rule, project more than an 

 inch or so above the surface, but they are none the less 

 conspicuous, for they are well outlined. This worm is not 

 so gorgeous as its relative, the plumes being shorter, and 

 arranged in a closer tuft. They are, as a rule, of a pale 

 slate-grey colour, but they are none the less very beautiful, 

 the little ostrich -featherlike arrangement of the pinnae 

 being regular and perfect. 



This species is rather a favourite with some aquarium 

 keepers, as it builds new tubes constantly, the top needing, 

 no doubt through the damage caused by currents in the 

 sea, continual repair, and artistically disposed aquarium 

 keepers furnish it with beads in lieu of gravel, changing the 

 colours from time to time, so that eventually the tube is a 

 work of art, like a beaded slipper. 



