NOTES ON THE FAUNA OF FALMOUTH. 259 



of Polygordius larvse were also detected during that time in the 

 tow-net. 



October. The following were the principal changes in the 

 surface temperature of the sea during this month. 2nd, 61*6 F.; 

 4th, tJOSF.; 5th, 59-6r.; 8th, 59 F; 10th,57-6F.; 11th, 57 F.; 

 19th, 55 F.; 22nd, 546 F.; 30th, 52-6 F. 



On the 2nd, after an on-shore wind lasting some hours, a 

 rich surface gathering was made during the afternoon by 

 working the net across the harbour during high water. Several 

 large Doliolum were secured on this occasion for the last time 

 this year ; and with them one or two Polygordius larvse. Many 

 Evadne were also noticed carrying the single winter Q^^, and 

 two male Corycceus anglicus were also seen. On and after the 

 5th the surface temperature of the sea remained permanently 

 under 60°F., and by the 10th, Sagitta bipunctata were noticed 

 to have considerably increased in numbers. Muggioea atlantica 

 were also numerous on the same occasion, but they were all 

 dead; the surface temperature (57-6 F.) being doubtless too low 

 for them to exist in. The 13th of this month was the really last 

 fine day we enjoyed for the year. The sky was overcast, the 

 wind light, and the sea exceptionally smooth. I spent the 

 greater part of the day about three miles to the south-west of 

 the Manacle buoy, and worked the tow-net in that locality at 

 intervals. On such an exceptionally fine day I was able to make 

 a rough examination of each gathering as it was made, and 

 separate those animals I wanted for further study from each 

 gathering as it was made. 



During the flood tide an immense quantity of Oeratium 

 tripos appeared, and with them a few of C. fusus and 0. furca. 

 On placing one gathering aside till the next day, these infusoria 

 were found to have collected immediately next the surface, and 

 to have formed a distinct yellowish layer at least five milimetres 

 in thickness. On sinking the net and working it in thirty 

 fathoms of water a considerable quantity of Actinotrocha, Plutei, 

 and spinid larvae in an advanced stage of development were 

 secured. I found later that the Actinotrocha eagerly devoured 

 the Oeratium tripos. Ehizosolenia contined exceptionally 

 abundant in all the surface gatherings ; and during the afternoon 

 were so noticeable, that, on turning the contents from the end of 



