X. 



AT the lowest ebb of spring-tide may often be seen 

 protruding above the surface of the beach an object 

 that at a little distance might be mistaken for the 

 twig of a tree, or a decayed and blackened reed. 

 A close examination discloses it to be a smooth, 

 tough tube, apparently composed of dark leather or 

 old gutta-percha, affixed at its lower extremity to 

 some rock or other solid substance. 



The pretty Annelid occupying this dark cylinder 

 is the Fan-Amphitrite (A . ventilabrum). Unlike 

 the Terrebella, this animal may really be captured 

 without much difficulty. The first time I made the 

 experiment it was successful. By carefully digging 

 down with chisel, or digits, to the base of the tube, 

 which may be reached in the course of a few minutes, 

 the entire structure, with its living occupant, may be 

 transferred to your extemporaneous tank. 



I have an Amphitrite in my aquarium at the pre- 

 sent time displaying its richly-tinted tentacula to 



the sun, which lights them up with unusual beauty. 



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