1C2 JUNE. 



of oblong outline, radiating from the strong black jaws, 

 which are protruded last, and can be widely opened 

 and closed. 



Here, too, we have an Annelid of veiy different form 

 and appearance. 1 It is a mean- looking worm, about an 

 inch and a half long, of flattened shape, blunt at each 

 end, apparently covered with a smooth skin of a dull 

 brown colour ; but on being touched it presently throws 

 itself into elegant serpentine curves, and then what 

 appears to be the upper skin is seen to be composed 

 of a great number of round flat membranous plates or 

 shields, arranged in two rows overlapping each other. 

 These, though of large size, are attached to the body 

 only by a small point in the centre of their under side, 

 so that when the animal moves, the edges of these 

 shields are lifted, and reveal their true structure, sliding 

 upon one another in a singular manner. 



In captivity I have found the animal inert, prone to 

 seek concealment in the corners of the glass vessel 

 beneath other animals or stones, and remaining still 

 for a long time together ; but, if disturbed, manifesting 

 impatience and much agility, swimming through the 

 water with strong lateral undulation, as already de- 

 scribed. I have been struck with the deciduous char- 

 acter of the broad leaf- like shields. As soon as the 



1 Polynoe cirrata. 



