2i'l MARINE ZOOLOGY OF ARRAJT. 



its numerous tentacula, which extend beyond the limits of 

 its shell, are of a fine orange colour, and, being a bivalve, it 

 moves from place to place with ease and agility, by the rapid 

 opening and closing of its valves. Although rare in many 

 localities, Lima hians has an extensive range in the Clyde 

 the nests being found off the coast of Islay, between Largs 

 and the Cuinbraes, and on the Argyleshire side, as high up 

 as Hunter's Quay, Dunoon. But the station where it is 

 really abundant is Lamlash Bay, where also the other species, 

 L. loscombii, and L. subauriculata, may be procured. 



117. Although many objects of interest have now been 

 mentioned, there remain a considerable number of living 

 creatures, more or less wonderful both in structure and in 

 habit, which, from various causes, have not yet been sufii- 

 ciently examined on this coast; and, consequently, any in- 

 formation respecting them must necessarily be meagre. 

 Among the Annelids, or sea-worms, the following genera are 

 known to belong to Lamlash Bay: Aphrodita, Arenicola, 

 Eunice, Nereis, Pectinaria, Serpula, Spirorbis, Terebella. 

 The young student will be usefully employed in the search 

 and study of these curious forms of life ; for, notwithstanding 

 that they take no higher rank than worms, they exhibit, in 

 some species, characteristics so peculiar, and colours so gor- 

 geous, as to attract even the popular eye, and to excite un- 

 sparing admiration. Who is not familiar with the Serpulce, 

 whose heads are crowned with radiating threads of varied 

 hue ? These singular tufts, which the animal protrudes for 

 health and pleasure, and which, with the rapidity of thought, 

 are withdrawn into its calcareous tube on the first symptom 

 of alarm, are its gills, or organs of respiration. Let the 

 shadow of your hand pass near the side of a glass vessel, in 

 which a living specimen is contained, and instantly the head 

 starts back into concealment; but watch, and in a few 

 moments its brilliant coronet will re-appear. The Pectinaria 

 resides in a house made of the finest sand, cemented in the 

 form of a tapering tube; and its gills, in shape like a minute 



