No. 9.. — 1856-8.] CEYLON NUDIBBANCHIATA, &c. 



85 



a vivarium. When at rest, the mantle was turned inwards 

 towards the baek ; in this position the white and red lines were 

 hidden by the broad rolls on each side, displaying the rich 

 profusion of red and yellow dotted splashes and undulating lines 

 of the under surface of the mantle. In fact, it then looked like 

 another species, but it is only when the mantle is fully expanded 

 and floating on the water, that the unrivalled charms of this 

 beautiful sea nymph is seen to perfection. In the young, the 

 mantle extends round the head, and may be mistaken for a 

 distinct species. I have not had an opportunity of seeing the 

 spawn of this species. 



If this splendidly coloured sea nymph is identical with 

 Leuckart's species, found in the Red Sea, and named Doris 

 marginata, I should still prefer retaining the name I have given 

 it, as " marginala" would apply, equally as well, to several other 

 species as to this. 



Doris MacCarthyi. Kel. 



Body nearly 2^ inches long ; dusky grey. Mantle long, 

 narrow, dusky grey ; bordered with a bright blue line ; edge 

 crenulated, wavy. Dorsal tentacles long, conical, obtusely 

 pointed ; laminated obliquely, for nearly two-thirds of. its 

 length ; of a pale blue colour with white streaks. Oral tentacles 

 white, short, broad and rounded. Branchial plumes 12 to 15 ; 

 irregular, most of them of unequal length ; pinnated, and a few 

 trifurcated ; others have a small cluster of plumes rising from 

 the middle or extremity. Foot white, and nearly as long as 

 the mantle. 



This curious, but elegant species is semi-gelatinous ; and 

 resembles a Goniodoris from its narrow mantle, which, scarcely 

 covers the foot ; the body is almost exposed. 



I have dedicated this beautiful species to one who has always 

 encouraged my pursuits in the field of Natural History. To 

 Sir Charles MacCarthy, the Colonial Secretary of Ceylon, I 

 feel grateful for that assistance which his position in the Island 

 enabled him to give me, whenever required ; and I also feel 



