CEPHALOPODS. 477 
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 dranchia, aré 
lodged. Here, also, are the reproductive and excretory organs. 
The branchiz, which in all the families of this order are two in 
number, are voluminous, but short, tufted, and leaflike. 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 lamelliform branchiz. 
The cuttle-fish would be at no loss to reply.to the question of the 
Don Diego of Corneille— 
‘* 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 
branchiz. With each beat of the pulse the venous blood is brought 
from all parts of the body, and propelled through each gill or 
branchie. Vivified by respiration in the internal tissue of the 
branchiz, 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 
