254 GALATHEA. ORDER STOMAPODA. 



loaded with eggs. The Galathea, a genus somewhat allied to the 

 preceding, and of which two small species are common on our 

 own coasts, is remarkable on account of the vast numbers in 

 which it sometimes appears ; the Galathea gregaria having been 

 seen by Sir Joseph Banks, during his voyage round the world, 

 to accumulate in such multitudes, that the surface of the water 

 appeared as if saturated with blood. 



ORDER II. STOMAPODA. 



789. THE name of this Order is derived from the mode in 

 which the feet approach the mouth, in many of the animals 

 composing it ; not only the foot-jaws, but also part of the 

 thoracic extremities, being directed towards it (Fig. 480). The 

 number of legs is variable ; but there are generally from twelve 

 to sixteen, one or more pairs of the feet-jaws of the Macrourous 

 Decapods being here developed as true legs. The general 

 form of the body bears considerable resemblance to that of the 

 Cray-fish and its allies ; the abdomen being much prolonged, 

 the tail-fin much expanded laterally, and the appendages beneath 

 the abdomen being developed and used as fin-feet. There are, 

 however, some considerable differences in their structure ; which 

 are quite sufficient to separate the Stomapods as a distinct Order. 

 The branchias, instead of being inclosed in a cavity beneath the 

 thorax, are attached to the abdominal appendages, and hang 

 freely in the water (Fig. 468) ; the heart has more the form 

 and characters of the dorsal vessel of Insects ; the integuments 

 have little solidity, and are sometimes membranous and trans- 

 lucent ; and the nervous system is arranged in a less concen- 

 trated manner. All the Stomapods are marine ; and the largest 

 species are only found in tropical climates. As they are 

 inhabitants of deep waters and the open sea, rather than of the 

 shores, their habits are but little known ; but from the confor- 

 mation of some of the Order, they may be regarded with proba- 

 bility as very voracious. 



790. As connecting this Order with the last family of the 



