49 2 THE OCEAN WORLD. 



a remarkable change takes place : its body assumes a fine maroon 

 colour, and it is covered with numerous tubercles ; the eye becomes 

 contracted, a column of water is forcibly ejected from the funnel 

 at the aggressor, and the respiration becomes precipitate, jerky, 

 and irregular. The creature would take a strong inspiration, and, 

 having collected its force, suddenly throw a jet of water to a distance 

 of more than three feet. This state of passion, which the slightest 

 touch is sufficient to produce, endures for half an hour or more. 

 When it ceases, the animal resumes its form and primitive colours ; 

 but the least shock impressed on the water is sufficient to give it a 

 deeper tint, which passes like a flash of lightning over the skin of 

 this singular proteus. 



The Eledone sleeps by day as well as by night, attaching itself 

 during its steep to the walls of its prison, leaving its arms to float 

 around, the two inferior ones extending backwards, and the sac 

 inclining over them ; its eyes are then contracted, and in part 

 covered by the eyelids. Its respiration is regular and slow, and any 

 ejection of water very rare ; its colour is then of a livid grey, and 

 vinous red below, with whitish spots, while the brown spots have 

 now entirely disappeared. While still asleep, it is watchful and 

 attentive to all the dangers which could surprise it. The extremities 

 of the arms floating round its body 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 it. 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 contrac- 

 tion of the body, which expels the water through the funnel, 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. 



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 funnel is directed 

 behind, its arms are spread out, the head is raised, and the body 

 slightly inclined forward ; its mantle is then of a pearly grey, and 



