AN OCTOPUS INHABITING THE COAST OF NEW ENGLAND. 395 
the basal suckers of its arms, while the outer portions of the arms 
were curled back in various positions; the body was held in a 
nearly horizontal position and the eyes were usually half-closed 
and had a sleepy look ; the Fig. 76. 
siphon was usually turned 
to one side and was long 
enough to be seen in a 
view from above (Figs. 76 
and 77). 
When disturbed, or in 
any way excited, the eyes 
opened more widely, es- 
pecially at night ; the body 
became more contracted 
and rounded, and was held 
more erect; the small tu- 
bercles over its surface and 
the larger ones above the 
eyes were erected, giving 
it a very decided appear- 
ance of excitement and 
watchfulness. It was rarely, if ever, observed actually to creep 
about by means of its arms and suckers, but would swim readily 
and actively, circling around the pans or jars in which it was kept 
many times before resting again. In swimming backward the par- 
Octopus Bairdii. Dorsal view. 
Fig. 77. 
PORAD Baird ‘Side ag 
tial web connecting the arms together was used as an organ of 
locomotion, as well as the siphon, for it and the arms were alter: 
nately spread and closed, the closing being done energetically and 
