492 THE OCEAN WORLD. 
a remarkable change takes place: its body assumes a fine maroon 
‘colour, and it is covered with numerous tubercles ; the eye becomes 
contracted, a column of water is forcibly ejected from the funnel 
at the aggressor, and the respiration becomes precipitate, jerky, 
and irregular. The creature would take a strong inspiration, and, 
having collected its force, suddenly throw a jet of water to a distance 
of more than three feet. This state of passion, which the slightest 
touch is sufficient to produce, endures for half an hour or more. 
When it ceases, the animal resumes its form and primitive colours ; 
but the least shock impressed on the water is sufficient to give it a 
deeper tint, which passes like a flash of lightning over the skin of 
this singular proteus. 
The Léedone sleeps by day as well as by night, attaching itself 
during its sleep to the walls of its prison, leaving its arms to float 
around, the two inferior ones extending backwards, and the sac 
inclining over them; its eyes are then contracted, and in part 
covered by the eyelids. Its respiration is regular and slow, and any 
ejection of water very rare ; its colour is then of a livid grey, and 
vinous red below, with whitish spots, while the brown spots have 
now entirely disappeared. While still asleep, it is watchful and 
attentive to all the dangers which could surprise it. The extremities 
of the arms floating round its body are ready to announce the 
‘approach or contact of any other object. Even the most delicate 
touch is perceived immediately, and it shrinks from the hand which 
seeks to approach it. Under every circumstance the Evedone exhales 
a strong odour of musk, which it preserves long after death. 
When the £Zedone swims, which it rarely does unless pressed by 
some urgent necessity, it carries the sac in advance, the arms floating 
behind—the six upper ones being on a horizontal line, the two others 
approaching each other below. Thus arranged, it presents, in conse- 
quence of its flattened form, a very large resisting surface to the 
water, its progress being due to the alternate dilatation and contrac- 
tion of the body, which expels the water through the funnel, and by 
reaction produces a rapid and jerking movement. Sometimes the 
arms aid the movement; the eyes of the animal are then much 
dilated, and its colour a clear livid yellow, finely shaded with red, 
and covered with bright spots. 
It is a singular fact that the creature notably changes colour 
under any exertion, so that the animal at rest and in motion are two 
different beings. When walking under water the funnel is directed 
behind, its arms are spread out, the head is raised, and the body 
slightly inclined forward; its mantle is then of a pearly grey, and 
