MYRIAPODA. 



The Serpulss (Serpnlce}^ (Fig. 65), found on every coast, encrusting stones 

 or shells, or any substance that has lain for any length of time at the bottom 

 of the sea. The animal inhabiting these shells is a worm entirely destitute 



of limbs, but its front part, or head, 

 daring life presents a very beautiful 

 spectacle, for from each side there 

 spreads an elegant plume, composed of 

 branched filaments of a rich scarlet or 

 crimson hue, which float loosely in the 

 water, and constitute the gills or bran- 

 chiae. Besides these splendid branchial 

 fringes, the head has one of its tentacles 

 expanded into a broad trumpet-shaped 

 extremity, which accurately fits the 

 mouth of the tube, so that when the 

 creature is alarmed, it quietly draws in 

 this singular trap-door, and remains 

 securely shut up within its shelly abode. 

 The Terebellsef inhabit factitious 

 shells, composed of grains of sand, frag- 

 ments of shell, or even whole shells, 

 small stones, and similar substances, 

 which they glue together, and thus con- 

 struct a beautiful tube, represented in 

 the engraving (Fig. 66). This is effected 

 by means of the tentacula that surround 

 its head, which are extended in every 

 direction in search of appropriate ma- 

 terials for the construction of their residence. 



The SabellaJ Alveolaris often covers wide surfaces of rock, near low- 

 water-mark, with its aggregated tubes. When the flood recedes, nothing is 

 seen but the closed orifices ; but when covered with the rising waters, the 

 sandy surface transforms itself into a beautiful picture. From each aperture 

 stretches forth a neck ornamented with concentric rings of golden hair, termi- 

 nating in a head embellished with a tiara of delicately-tinted tentacula ; so 

 that the whole looks like a garden bed, enamelled with gay flowers of elegant 

 forms and variegated colours. 



FIG. 66. TEREBELLA MEDUSA. 



T 



CHAPTER X. 



SECOND CLASS OF ARTICULATED ANIMALS. 

 CENTIPEDES. MYRIAPODA. 



HE Annelidans examined in the last chapter, with the 

 singular exception of the earth-worm, are only adapted to 



* Serpo, to tivist about like a serpent. f Terebellum, a little auger or piercer. 



\ A proper name. /j.vpids, murias, innumerable; TTOVS, pous, afoot. 



