466 



THE OCEAN WORLD. 



appeared. While still asleep, it is watchful and attentive to all the 

 dangers which could surprise it. The extremities of the arms floating 

 round its hody are ready to announce the approach or contact of any 

 other object. Even the most delicate touch is perceived immediately, 

 and it shrinks from the hand which seeks to approach. Under every 

 circumstance the Eledone exhales a strong odour of musk, which it 

 preserves long after death. 



When the Eledone swims, which it rarely does unless pressed by 

 some urgent necessity, it carries the sac in advance, the arms floating 

 behind the six upper ones being on a horizontal line, the two others 

 approaching each other below. Thus arranged, it presents, in conse- 

 quence of its flattened form, a very large resisting surface to the 

 water, its progress being due to the alternate dilatation and contraction 

 of the body, which expels the water through the locomotive tube, and 

 by reaction produces a rapid and jerking movement. Sometimes the 

 arms aid the movement ; the eyes of the animal are then much 

 dilated, and its colour a clear livid yellow, finely shaded with red, and 

 covered with bright spots. 



Fig. 325. Pinnoctopus corolliformis (D'Orbigny). 



Fig. 326. Cirrotheutis Mulleri (Eschricht). 



It is a singular fact that the creature notably changes colour under 

 any exertion, so that the animal at rest and in motion are two different 

 beings. When walking under water the tube is directed behind, its 

 arms are spread out, the head is raised, and the body slightly inclined 



