458 THE OCEAN WOKLD. 



extremity, while a long laniere of a gelatinous nature, flat and black 

 in appearance, with which they are provided, surrounds the solid 

 body like a ring. Each female lays and attaches in this manner 

 from twenty to thirty eggs, which are clustered together somewhat 

 like a bunch of fine black grapes (Fig. 318). About a month after 

 this the eggs are hatched. 



The colours of Sepia officinalis vary considerably; but in general 

 it may be remarked that the males are ornamented with deeper 

 colours than the females. Transverse bands of a blackish brown 



Fig. 318. Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus). 



furrow their backs, and diminish their breadth. Outside of these 

 bands are small spots of a vivid white : very near the edge there 

 is a white border, accompanied inside with a second edging of a 

 beautiful violet. The median and anterior parts of the body are 

 spotted here and there ; beneath, a whitish tint with reddish speckles 

 prevails. 



The cuttle-fishes are found on every shore, and wherever they are 

 found they are eaten, for their flesh is savoury. They are usually 

 fried or boiled. They form an excellent bait for large ground-fish, 

 such as dog-fish, rays, and congers, which are fond of their flesh. 



Thirty species are known, and they are chiefly characterised by the 

 arrangement and form of the cupules of the arms. Sepia officinalis 

 is common on the shores of the ocean from Sweden to the Canaries, 

 and in all parts of the Mediterranean. 



The fourth family, Teuthidse, contains Loligopsis, Cranchia, and 

 Loligo. 



The Calmars were described by Aristotle under the name of 

 re/<t9, and by Pliny under that of Loligo, which is still retained as 

 the generic name. Their popular name of Calmar (calamar in old 



