326 MB. E, E. WAITE ON THE E&G-CASES 



was the normal state, the tendrils being afterwards broken off. 

 A practical test dispelled this idea, for while the object was 

 fresh or moist they could not be detached by using even con- 

 siderable force. 



On comparing this case with others of the usual type, I per- 

 ceived that the contour was different, and suspected that we had 

 here the egg-case of G. galeatus. Prof. Haswell also possessed 

 a similar example, which he kindly placed in my hands, telling 

 me that he thought it might prove to be distinct from that of 

 C. JPMUppi. 



Having since examined several living eggs of both species, it 

 was found that all the simple cases contained embryos of 

 C Philippi, and all the stringed ones those of G. galeatus. It 

 may be further mentioned that an example of the former 

 species, in a tank at the Bondi Aquarium, deposited an egg 

 without tendrils, and having the broad spirals to be mentioned 

 later. 



It appears that the eggs of C. Philippi are found in moderately 

 shallow water, wedged in among rocks ; whether they are 

 actually dropped into the crevices we do not at present know ; it 

 is more probable that they are deposited on the sand at the bases 

 of the rocks, into the fissures of which they are alter wards swept 

 by the tide. They are so jammed crown outwards, that they caa 

 only be removed either by turning them round and withdrawing 

 small end first, or by actually unscrewiug them ; both forces 

 being most unlikely to occur under natural conditions. "When 

 empty they are somewhat more pliable, which may account for 

 them then becoming loosened and cast ashore. 



Although most rare upon the beaches, the eggs of G. galeatus 

 prove to be not uncommon when sought for in their native 

 habitat. Through the kindness of Messrs. Darley and Grrim- 

 shaw, of the Harbour Department, I recently had the pleasure of 

 searching for them fifty teet below the surface. Although not 

 successful in obtaining specimens, I got an excellent idea of the 

 general situation. In places immense masses of brown seaweed 

 grow to the height of two or three feet so densely that scores of 

 eggs may be securely concealed among them, protected by their 

 likeness to seaweed in colour and texture. Mr. Cameron, the 

 diyer who kindly took me in charge, told me that he always finds 

 the eggs in this weed, so attached by their long tendrils that it 

 is scarcely possible to secure them whole, without cutting the 



