ARGONAUT, OR PAPER NAUTILUS. A rgonauta Argo. 



Mr. Kang then proceeds to show the real use of the expanded arms, which is to cover 

 the shell on its exterior, and, as has since been definitely proved, to build up its delicate 

 texture and to repair damages, the substance of the shell being secreted by these arms, 

 and by their broad expansions moulded into shape. The larger figure on the right hand 

 represents the Argonaut while thus within its shell. The expanded extremities of these 

 arms are seen covering nearly the whole shell, and their bases, set with suckers, are bent 

 bridge-like over the rest of the animal. The large eye is seen just protruding out of the 

 shell, the bases of the arms are curved over and behind it, and some clusters of eggs are 

 seen sheltered under the arch of the expanded arms. 



The modes of progression employed by the Argonaut are to the full as wondrous as 

 its fabled habits of sailing. Its progression by crawling has already been casually 

 mentioned. While thus engaged, the creature turns itself so as to rest on its head, 

 withdraws its body as far as possible into its shell, and, using its arms like legs, creeps 

 slowly but securely along the ground, sometimes affixing its discs to stones or projecting 

 points of rocks for the purpose of hauling itself along. 



When, however, it wishes to attain greater speed, and to pass through the wide waters, 

 it makes use of a totally different principle. 



4.S has already been mentioned, the respiration is achieved by the passage of water 

 over the double gills or branchiae ; the water, after it has completed its purpose, being 

 ejected through a moderately long tube, technically called the siphon. The orifice of the 

 siphon is directed towards the head of the animal, and it is by means of this simple 

 apparatus that the act of progression is effected. When the creature desires to dart 

 rapidly through the water, it gathers its six arms into a straight line, so as to afford the 



