CEPHALOPODA. 431 



Yet not only can the Poulpc walk in the manner exhibited in 

 the subjoined figure {Jig- 201), but it is well able to*swim, if occa- 

 sion require, the broad fleshy expansion that connects the bases 

 of its eight legs being fully adequate to enable it to adopt such 

 a mode of progression ; for, by vigorous flappings of this exten- 

 sive organ, the animal actively impels itself through the water 

 in a backward direction, and shoots along witlf wonderful facility. 



(474.) The feet or tentacula appended to the head are not, how- 



201. 



ever, exclusively destined to effect locomotion ; they are used, if 

 required, as agents in seizing prey ; and of so terrible a charac- 

 ter, that, armed with these formidable organs, the Poulpe be- 

 comes one of the most destructive inhabitants of the sea; for 

 neither superior strength nor activity, nor even defensive armour, 

 is sufficient to save its victims from the ruthless ferocity of such a 

 foe. A hundred and twenty pairs of suckers, more perfect and 

 efficacious than the cupping-glasses of human contrivance, crowd 



