GENERAL HABITS OF THE NEREIDES. 313 



the slightest indication of danger ; in this respect 

 resembling the Sea-Nymphs, whose names they bear*, 

 who, when upon the shore, as we are told, took up 

 their residence in grottos and in caves adorned with 

 shells. Widely different, however, are the voracious 

 habits of these Annelidans from those attributed to 

 their mild and beneficent prototypes. 



The Nereids found in sand bury themselves by the 

 same rapid undulating movements they employ in 

 swimming, and also travel along with great facility 

 by extending their anterior rings and bringing up 

 the posterior part of the body, somewhat after the 

 manner of an earthworm, their progress being at the 

 same time very much assisted by the action of their 

 numerous bristly feet and lateral appendages. Woe 

 betide the victims that misfortune brings within their 

 reach ! their death is certain, though their fates may 

 be slightly different : 



" For some the felon quarters, some he flays, 

 And some he swallows quick, and some he slays." 



On studying still more carefully these Annelides, 

 and using glasses of a moderate power, the hairs 

 appended to their feet or fins, or oars (call them by 



* " Away they race ; and foremost of the throng, 

 NERIN!:, flashing onward in the pride 

 Of force consummate, flings herself along ; 

 NISA goes bounding o'er the bounding tide ; 

 DOTO, in more than wonted fury strong, 

 Breasts the tall billows ; the curved waves divide 

 In awe, to give the rushing NEREIDS way : 

 Long lines behind them gleam of argent spray." 



CAMOENS, Lus. 



