704 THE LAMINATED NEREIS. 



Let me here recommend every reader to sketch, however rudely, each novelty that he 

 finds ; always to note the colours, and, if possible, to tint the sketch itself. Those who 

 cannot draw may always get a correct outline by means of the camera lucida, but it 

 is better to give the rudest imaginable sketch rather than none at all. The value of such 

 notes is incalculable; and though at the time they may seem to be of little service, 

 it continually happens that some casual remark is made, and some peculiarity of structure 

 noted, which serve afterwards to settle the most important controversies. 



There is scarcely any instrument more generally useful than the camera lucida as 

 adapted to the microscope, for it can not only be used with that instrument, but may be 

 removed, and, by a very simple arrangement, will enable the possessor to take a sketch of 

 a landscape, a house, or an insect, even to copy an illustration from a book, without the 

 least knowledge of drawing. An account of this invaluable instrument, and the method of 

 arranging it to suit various purposes, will be found in my little work on the "Microscope," 

 published by Messrs. Koutledge and Co. 



THEEE are very many species of these interesting worms, no few of which are found 

 on the British coasts, among which we may mention the GLOW-WOKM NEREIS (Nereis 

 noctiluca), a little species seldom more than an inch in length, but which is remarkable 

 for its power of emitting phosphorescent light in a manner that reminds the observer of 

 the luminous centipede already described. There is also the PEARLY NEREIS (Nereis 

 margaritacea), so-called on account of its pearly white colour. This is a much larger and 

 more handsome species, measuring eight or ten inches in length when fully grown. 

 Another species, the SHINING or IRIDESCENT NEEEIS (Nereis fulgens], is remarkable from 

 the fact that it constructs a tube of very thin silken texture transparent in itself, but 

 often being studded with particles of sand. It seldom exceeds seven inches in length, 

 and is of a deep orange-red colour, with a blackish line running along the back. Like 

 most of the Nereids, it is iridescent on the surface. 



Another magnificent species, called the LAMINATED NEREIS (Phyllodoce laminata), 

 deserves a passing notice. This fine species sometimes attains the length of two feet, and 

 is certainly the finest example of the family that is to be found in the British seas. Its 

 colour is shining iridescent green, having a bluish tinge on the back, and changing 

 gradually to a more leaf-green hue on the sides. There are no less than four hundred 

 segments in the body of a full-grown Phyllodoce, and, consequently, eight hundred 

 paddles and sets of bristles, by means of which it can swim through the water or craw 

 upon the sand with equal ease and grace. 



As Mr. T. Eymer Jones well remarks : " The mechanism of this creature, its parts and 

 their powers, are to be ranked among the more conspicuous and admirable works of 

 creation, nor can they be contemplated without wonder. Issuing forth from its retreat, it 

 swims by an undulating serpentine motion. Its unwieldy body, gradually withdrawn 

 from its hiding-place, has its multiplied organs unfolded in regular order and arrange- 

 ment, so that, whether intertwined or free, they never present any appearance of intricacy 

 or confusion each part performs its own proper functions, and the general effect is 

 produced by the united exercise of the whole. When inactive, the lateral paddles are 

 laid close over the back, but when in activity they spread widely out, acting like so 

 many oars to aid the animal's course by their united impulse on the water. 



It is a pleasant thing to see a well-manned boat glide over the smooth surface of the 

 sea, or to watch the long array of oars as silently they simultaneously dip and rise again, 

 all flashing in the evening sunshine. But such a sight is but a paltry spectacle compared 

 with that afforded by these gorgeous worms ; four hundred pairs of oars, instinct with 

 life, harmoniously respond in play, so active that the eye can scarcely trace their 

 movements, save by the hues of iridescent splendour, violet and blue, and green and 

 gold, the very rainbow's tints that indicate their course." 



It is a remarkable fact, that in the Nereids their young are often produced by the 

 simple process of breaking off a piece from the end of the body. The last ring but one 

 becomes swollen and lengthens, and by degrees assumes the appearance of a young 

 ^ereid, with its eyes and antennae. When it is sufficiently strong it is broken off, and 



