168 



THE HARMONIES OF NATURE. 



a passing prey. Completely closed at the inferior extremity, 

 the tube shows us, at its upper end, a round opening the only 

 window through which our anchorite can peep into the world, 

 seize his food, and refresh his blood by exposing the beautiful 



Terebella Conchilega. 



Serpula Oon- 

 tortuplicata. 



Sab ell a Unispira. 

 Sabella Alveolaria. 



plumes of his floating branchiae to the vivifying influence of the 

 water. 



But how is the safety of these beautiful little creatures, inca- 

 pable as they are of flight, provided for how do they manage to 

 escape their enemies ? Mark a serpula expanding its gorgeous 

 coronet in the water, and the question will soon be answered ; 

 for at the least shock, at the least vibration, you will see the 

 splendid tufts suddenly contract, and dive with the rapidity of 

 lightning into their stronghold, shutting at the same time the 



