SERPTJLA. 135 



object, has no power ever after to change its position. 

 Its stony sheath is formed by itself 



" From its own essence exquisitely modell'd," 

 and in this it lives throughout its existence. 



One species (Serpula contortuplicata) affects a stately 

 pride, refusing to mix much in fish society. Its mem- 

 bers hold their heads higher than their neighbours, 

 and live and die in solitary grandeur. 



These generally select an Oyster or Scallop for a 

 resting-place, a single Serpula occupying a shell or 

 valve to itself. The tube of this class being attached 

 at the base, springs upwards to a height of several 

 inches, whereas the tube of the other (Serpula vermi- 

 cularis), above mentioned, is always prostrate. 



I am fond of having at all times some of these 

 extraordinary creatures in the tank, were it to serve 

 no other purpose than to amuse my juvenile friends. 

 Young people take no small delight in getting a peep 

 at the peculiar revelations of marine life, afforded by 

 the hand-lens. 



The appearance of the Serpula when out of the 

 water is by no means prepossessing, but no sooner 

 is it placed in water, and allowed to remain there 

 for a short time, than it presents a good opportunity 

 for examining its curious structure, more particularly 

 that portion the breathing apparatus which it 

 usually exhibits in its native haunts. This consists 

 of a very curious and brilliant plume of feathers, 

 exquisitely coloured with red or violet, which the 

 animal protrudes from the mouth of its shell and 



