CEPHALOPODS. 47/ 



expands into a sort of pouch, to which succeeds a gizzard, with 

 strong fleshy walls ; and, finally, a very short intestine, which directs 

 itself forward, terminating on the median line of the body. 



Towards the anterior parts is the branchial cavity, of which a few 

 words must be said. It occupies the free space comprised between 

 the exterior surface of the abdomen and the internal face of the 

 mantle ; and here the respiratory organs, namely, the branchice, are 

 lodged. Here, also, are the reproductive and excretory organs. 



The branchiae, which in all the families of this order are two in 

 number, are voluminous, but short, tufted, and leaf-like. The 

 branchial cavity can dilate and contract itself alternately. It com- 

 municates externally by two openings : the one, fashioned into a 

 cleft, receives, while the other, which is prolonged into a funnel, 

 serves to eject, the water, and thereby becomes a powerful organ of 

 locomotion. The inspiration of the animal is thus made by a cleft 

 in the mantle, and expiration is effected by the funnel : the renewal 

 of the respirable liquid acts as a sort of sucking and forcing pump, 

 at the surface of the lamellifomi branchiae. 



The cuttle-fish would be at no loss to reply to the question of the 

 Don Diego of Comeille — 



" Rodrique, as-tu du coeur?" 



for they have three hearts. Besides the ordinary systemic heart, the 

 circulation is aided by two additional ones placed at the end of the 

 branchize. With each beat of the pulse the venous blood is brought 

 from all parts of the body, and propelled through each gill or 

 branchi^. Vivified by respiration in the internal tissue of the 

 branchiae, it is carried by the veins into the third (systemic) heart, 

 situated upon the median line of the body ; and now the regenerated 

 fluid is again distributed throughout the rest of the economy. 



Not to oppress the reader with anatomical details, we shall just 

 remark that the gaze of the cuttle-fish is decided and threatening. Its 

 projecting eyes and golden-coloured iris are said to have something of 

 fascination in them. The animal seems able even to economise the 

 power of its glance, being able to cover its eyes from time to time by 

 contracting the skin which surrounds them, and bringing the two 

 translucent eyelids with which it is furnished together. 



The cuttle-fishes are essentially aquatic and marine animals. We 

 find them in every sea in all parts of the world ; but they are most 

 formidable in warm countries. They have a great predilection for 

 the shore. During their youth they associate in flocks; but with age 

 they fly from association, and retire into the clefts and hollows of the 



