CEPHALOPODA. 215 



cious landing-net, but so quick was the sight of 

 these Cephalopods, so ready were they in letting 

 go, and agile in darting back or sideways, clear of 

 the net, that though the greedy creatures held on 

 to the last moment, the fisherman did not secure 

 above three out of the crowds that had spoiled his 

 haul."* The Cuttle-fish is said occasionally to use 

 its power of ejecting its ink as a means of offence, 

 as well as a cover for retreat. "A gallant officer, 

 who was inconsiderately collecting shells in a pair of 

 immaculate white trowsers, came suddenly upon one 

 of the naked Cephalopods, snugly harboured in a 

 recess in the rock. They looked at each other ; 

 and the Cuttle, who had his eyes about him, and 

 knew well how to use them, upon seeing the enemy 

 advance, took good aim, and shot so true, that he 

 covered the snowy inexpressibles with the contents 

 of his ink bag, and rendered them unpresentable 

 either in drawing-room or dining-room."')" 



Argonauta,% the Paper Nautilus. 



This genus, so celebrated for its nautical powers, 

 from a very remote antiquity, is distinguished 

 from all the preceding, by inhabiting a capacious 

 shell of an uncommonly elegant shape, resembling 

 a kind of boat, slightly flattened sidewise, and turn- 

 ing up at the poop with a spiral curve. Its texture 



~* Penny Cyc. Art. CEPHALOPODA. 



t Ibid. Art. SEPIAD^E. J From the Ship ARGO. 



