206 



CARINELLA LINEARIS. 



teristic markings, and that the variety of Carinella annulata from Herm showed few traces of 

 stripes, we may be forgiven if we harbour some doubts as to the specific distinction of De Quatre- 

 fages' two species ornata and splendida. It is possible that Tubulanus elegans and T. polgmorpkus 

 of Renier, Delle Chiaje, and others, may also have some connection with this species. Sir 

 J. Dalyell compares C. annulata to a regular snake in miniature, of delicate form and proportions, 

 and decked in lively colours. He observes that the mouth is at the very extremity, and opens 

 by a wide horizontal gape, as if the creature had an upper and an under jaw, statements due to 

 some erroneous recollections. He notices that a large number of reddish-brown ova were 

 discharged from a specimen in June. M. de Quatrefages, again, mentions that specimens 

 of his Valencinia splendida from Brehat were loaded with ova in September and October. 



2. Carinella linearis, Montagu, MS. 



Specific character. — Eyeless. Head spathulate, somewhat pointed in front. Milk-white. 



Synonym. 

 1808. Lineus linearis. Montagu, MS., pp. 274-5. 

 Habitat. — South coast of England, and Lochmaddy in the Hebrides, amongst sand at 

 low water. 



Body. — Eive to six inches long, less than a line in breadth, flattened, slightly tapered 

 towards the front, diminishing more decidedly posteriorly. 



Colour. — Pure milk-white, with translucent margins towards the tail. 



Fig. 13. 



Eig. 14. 



Anterior extremity of Carinella linearis. Carinella linearis with the anterior end somewhat contracted. 



Head. — Spathulate, assuming various aspects, sometimes pointed (woodcut, fig. 13), at 



