EOLIS DRUMMONDI. 



This species was first observed by Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, on the north coast of 

 Ireland, and afterwards dredged in considerable abundance by Dr. Drummond at Bangor, 

 county Down. Mr. Thompson published it originally in the fifth volume of the £ Annals of 

 Natural History/ under the name of Uolidia rufibranchialis, to which species most of the 

 Eolides with red branchiae were at that time referred ; but, on a subsequent examination of the 

 specimens in spirits, together with the accurate description of Dr. Drummond, kindly forwarded 

 to us by Mr. Thompson, we were convinced that it was a distinct species, and the latter 

 gentleman consequently gave it the name of Drummondi, in his Report of the Fauna of Ireland 

 furnished to the British Association. We have since met with it plentifully on the west coast 

 of Scotland, where it appears to be the most common species, spawning freely in the months 

 of May and Jane at and below half-tide level. The spawn is attached to the under side of 

 stones, and consists of three or four volutions, beautifully disposed in angular waved lines, 

 assuming the appearance of a regular Greek pattern. The ova lie six or eight abreast. 



JEJolis Drummondi is one of the largest British species of the section to which it belongs, 

 and is much broader in proportion to its length than most of its allies. It is very active, and 

 particularly light and buoyant, detaching itself from its hold on the slightest disturbance, and 

 erecting its papillae in a very graceful manner ; these it has the power of extending to a 

 great length when annoyed. 



Like the rest of its tribe, Eolis Drummondi is extremely voracious, devouring the smaller 

 species that come in its way without mercy, nor sparing even its own weaker brethren. Having 

 put three individuals of this species into a glass of sea-water together one evening, the next 

 morning we found the two stronger ones finishing a repast upon their unfortunate companion, 

 the head and jaws of which only remained to tell the tale. 



An Eolis we found in Torbay, and described in the ' Annals of Natural History' under 

 the name of U. tenuibranchialis, we are now inclined to think may have been a variety of 

 JE. Drummondi in a sickly state. Our Eolis curta also, founded upon a single specimen from 

 Cullercoats, and which we have since met with sparingly at Scarborough, may also possibly 

 turn out to be an immature variety of this species. 



Figs. 1, 2, 3. Eolis Drummondi, different views. 



4. Two of the branchiae more highly magnified. 



5. A tentacle, also very highly magnified. 



6. The spawn. 



7. A portion of the same more highly magnified. 



