THE PYROSOMA. 1*73 



or emitted it but sparingly while they remained at 

 rest. On the water, however, being agitated, or 

 when one of the masses of animals was taken into 

 the hand, the whole became instantly illuminated by 



THE PYROSOMA. 



myriads of bright dots, much resembling in hue 

 the points on the elytra of a diamond beetle.* 



The mass of these animals, of the usual cylin- 

 drical form and gelatinous substance, was about 

 four inches in length and one and a half in circum- 

 ference. Each tube is described as being open at 

 both ends ; the orifice at the broader extremity 

 being much better defined in its circular form, 

 larger, and more distinct than that of the opposite 

 end. The surface of the mass appeared to be 

 studded with numerous prominent, rigid, and pearly 

 tubercles, intermingled with small specks of brown 



* Circulio imperialis, Fab. 



