MARINE ZOOLOGY OF ARRAX. 2G9 



all parts of the bay, except the commonest of the scallops, 

 Pecten opercularis an excellent bait for fishermen, and which 

 may be procured here in any quantity. The strait which 

 separates Arran from Argyleshire, known as Kilbrannan 

 Sound, will probably yield richer results than other parts of 

 the Clyde; but these waters have not yet been sufficiently 

 examined to warrant more than a conjectural opinion. The 

 south end, and the south-east side, of Holy Island, are also 

 unprofitable. 



It must not be expected that the rarer molluscous animals 

 or shells may be obtained from the pools, or from the sands, 

 or rocks forming the coast-line ; yet an attentive investiga- 

 tion will not be without its reward. In the vicinity of Clach- 

 land Point, where the excavated sandstone affords numerous 

 places of retreat, and where each returning tide supplies the 

 wants of the tenants, a variety of creatures may be seen 

 grouped together in quest of the enjoyments of life. Let the 

 crevices be carefully searched turn over the fronds of the 

 sea-weeds capsize the loose stones look under the ledges of 

 the rocks select a calm day, during the spring tide, when 

 the water has ebbed to the lowest and there will not be any 

 need, at least for the young student, to complain of the result. 

 A curious mollusc inhabits this station Aplysia hybrida, or 

 the sea hare, which will be recognized, whilst in a state of 

 activity, by the peculiar shape of its antennae; for these, when 

 expanded, are something like the erect ears of the common 

 hare. Another mollusc found upon the shore, and not with- 

 out pretensions to respect, as well from its lovely orange 

 colour as from the gracefulness with which it moves, is the 

 Pleurobrancfms, which, being nocturnal in its habits, may be 

 caught napping at the period most convenient to its captor. 

 It is a good object for the vivarium, where, lying concealed 

 during the day, it will be observed, at midnight, traversing 

 the tank like a solitary watchman on his rounds; but, unlike 

 the guardian of our streets, its purpose is not to defend pro- 

 perty, but to appropriate to its own use, without fear of 



