212 MOLLUSCA. 



in the same manner, and to the same height and 

 distance, as the Flying-fish. Many of them were 

 captured by birds during their leapSj and one indi- 

 vidual, in making a desperate effort to escape some 

 aquatic pursuer, sprang to a considerable height 

 above the bulwarks of the ship, and fell with vio- 

 lence on the deck.* 



Onychoteuthis^ the Hooked Squid. 



This very powerful and formidable genus has 

 much general resemblance in form to the Calamaries, 

 but there is a peculiar structure in its adhesive appa- 

 ratus, which greatly increases its powers. The suck- 

 ers which arm the expanded extremities of the long 

 feet have a projecting sharp claw in the centre of 

 each cup, which is curved backward. On the smooth 

 and glossy scales of fishes, lubricated with slime, it 

 might not be always easy at once to create a vacuum, 

 but these hooks are plunged by the action of the 

 sucker into the flesh of the struggling victim, where- 

 by a firm hold is obtained, and the prey is dragged to 

 the powerful beak. Besides this, however, there is 

 an additional provision made for the requirements 

 of this wonderful creature : at the base of the fleshy 

 expansions alluded to as being thus formidably 

 armed, is a group of simple adhesive disks, which 

 being placed in contact with each other, the two 

 arms adhere at this point with much force, and being 



* Whaling Voyage round the Globe. 



"|* "Ovt/, onyX) a claw, and rtvf};^ teuthis, a calamary. 



