ZOOPHYTES 389 



I wisli specially to direct your attention: yet it is necessary 

 that I say a preliminary word about tlie former. Ordi- 

 narily the tubes of these worms are formed of the fine 

 impalpable earthy matters (clay, mud, etc.) held in sus- 

 pension in the sea, incorporated with a chitinous secretion 

 from the body of the animal; and therefore the surface 

 of the tube is always rough and opaque. But in this 

 individual case, probably owing to the habitual stillness 

 of the water in the vessel not holding in suspension the 

 particles of mud that ordinarily enter into the composition 



of the tube, the latest-formed portion is composed of pure 

 transparent chitine, without any perceptible earthy ele- 

 ment. This clear terminal portion of the tube you may 

 perceive to be occupied by a curious parasite. About 

 twenty bodies, having a most ludicrously close resem- 

 blance to the human figure, and as closely imitating cer- 

 tain human motions, are seen standing erect around the 

 mouth of the tube, now that the Sabella has retired into 

 the interior, and are incessantly bowing and tossing about 

 their arms in the most energetic manner. 



As soon as you have recovered from your surprise at 



