PHYLLODOCE LAMINOSA. 3.21 



seas is the NEREIS REMEX, or, as it is now called, the 

 PHYLLODOCE LAMINOSA (PL VI. fig. 7) . The length 

 of this glorious Annelide is sometimes at least two 

 feet, and its body composed of above 400 segments, 

 always multiplying with age, each segment being 

 provided with a pair of broad lateral paddles, by the 

 aid of which it swims through the water with in- 

 describable elegance. The natural colour of this gem 

 of the sea is a fine green : bluish green on the centre 

 of the back, iridescent, reflecting a bright blue ; while 

 the paddles, as they are justly denominated, are always 

 green. 



During the day this species lurks in concealment, 

 mostly under some large flat shell, where it reposes ; 

 but at night it unfolds itself from its many convo- 

 lutions, and goes in quest of prey. In confinement, 

 however, it seems to refuse all kinds of sustenance, 

 and becomes at length lank and emaciated, from pro- 

 tracted abstinence. 



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 Its unwieldy body, gradually withdrawn from its 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 arrangement ; so that, whether in- 

 tertwined or free, they never present any appearance 

 of intricacy or confusion each part performs its 

 own proper functions, and the general effect is pro- 

 duced by the united exercise of the whole. When 

 inactive, the lateral paddles are laid close over the 



p 5 



