CHAPTEE VII. 



THE ASCIDIANS, BAKNACLES, SEA-CUCUMBERS, 

 NAKED MOLLUSCS, SEA-WORMS, ETC. 



A GROUP of Ascidians forms a very curious object for 

 the Aquarium, their forms being singular, and some- 

 times delicate as a transparent egg-shell. The group 

 delineated in Plate VII. will convey some idea of 

 the general appearance of these creatures, whose 

 habitations might be taken for a store of fairy 

 pitchers, placed snugly in their submarine china- 

 closet for extra safety, and partially covered with 

 sea-weed as a further means of concealment. 

 There are above fifty native species, varying greatly 

 in appearance. They may be found at the extreme 

 verge of low water, many having the aspect of 

 pellucid bags, formed of a substance between jelly 

 and leather ; while others present a far more robust 

 and rugged appearance, both in form and texture. 

 Some are very dingy in colour, but a few species — 

 more rarely found — -are very attractive, and some- 

 times brilliant, in their hues. 



The Barnacles must not be omitted in furnishing 



an Aquarium, nor the fable connected with the 



m 



