532 THE GIRRHATULVS. 



that reminds the observer of the luminous centipede already described. There is also the 

 Pearly Nereis {Nereis margaritacea), so called on account of its pearly-white color. This 

 is a much larger and more handsome species, measuring eight or ten inches in length when 

 fully grown. Another species, the Shining or Iridescent Nereis (Nereis fulgens), is 

 remarkable from the fact that it constructs a tube of very thin silken texture transparent in 

 itself, but often being studded with particles of sand. It seldom exceeds seven inches in 

 length, and is of a deep orange red color, with a blackish line running along the back. Like 

 most of the Nereids, it is iridescent on the surface. 



Another magnificent species, called the Laminated Nereis (PJiyllodoce laminata), 

 deserves a passing notice. This tine specimen sometimes attains the length of two feet, and is 

 certainly the finest example of the family that is to be found in the European seas. Its color 

 is shining iridescent green, having a bluish tinge on the back, and changing gradually to a 

 more leaf-green hue on the sides. There are no less than four hundred segments in the body 

 of a lull-grown Phyllodoce, and, consequently, eight hundred paddles and sets of bristles, by 

 means of which it can swim through the water or crawl upon the sand with equal ease and 

 grace. 



As Mr. T. Rymer Jones well remarks: "The mechanism of this creature, its parts and 

 their powers, are to be ranked among the more conspicuous and admirable works of creation, 

 nor can they be contemplated without wonder. Issuing forth from its retreat, it swims by 

 an undulating serpentine motion. Its unwieldy body, gradually withdrawn from its hiding- 

 place, has its multiplied organs unfolded in regular order and arrangement, so that, whether 

 intertwined or free, they never present any appearance of intricacy or confusion — each part 

 performs its own proper functions, and the general effect is produced by the united exercise of 

 the whole. When inactive, the lateral paddles are laid close over the back, but when in 

 activity they spread widely out, acting like so many oars to aid the animal's course by their 

 united impulse on the water. 



" It is a pleasant thing to see a well-manned boat glide over the smooth surface of the sea, 

 'or to watch the long array of oars as silently they simultaneously dip and rise again, all 

 Hashing in the evening sunshine. But such a sight is but a paltry spectacle compared with 

 that afforded by these gorgeous worms ; four hundred pairs of oars, instinct with life, harmo- 

 niously respond in play, so active that the eye can scarcely trace their movements, save by the 

 lines of iridescent splendor, violet and blue, and green and gold, the very rainbow's tints that 

 indicate their course." 



It is a remarkable fact, that in the Nereids their young are often produced by the simple 

 process of breaking off a piece from the end of the body. The last ring but one becomes 

 swollen and lengthens, and by degrees assumes the appearance of a young Nereid, with its 

 eyes and antenna'. When it is sufficiently strong it is broken off, and goes forth to seek an 

 independent life. Sometimes it happens that a second and a third are thus formed before the 

 first is separated, and M. Milne-Edwards has seen a row of six young Nereids thus attached to 

 their parent. 



Main species of Nereids inhabit the sandy beaches of our coast, and offer an interesting 

 lidd of study. The labors of naturalists attached to the Fishery Commission, at Wood's 

 1 loll, have resulted in a great amount of investigation. 



The larger forms of this group of invertebrate animals are, many of them, of considerable 

 beauty. The Sea Mouse ( Aphrodite) is often taken on the hook by the fishermen off George's 

 Hanks. Its iridescent spines or hair-like covering render it extremely attractive. These are 

 called Scale-bearing Annelids. 



The form mentioned above is Hermione Tiystrix. Lepidonotus squammatus is a more 

 •oimiion form, found in pools near shore. L. sublevis is another, familiar on the New England 

 sea-shore. From their nature it is not likely these forms get to be designated by English 

 terms. Their technical ones, however, are classical, the larger number being named from 

 mythology. 



The CiRRHATrLUS derives its name from the numerous cirri, or thread-like appendages, 

 which project from its sides, and which serve for legs as well as organs of respiration. These 



