BRITISH SPECIES OF BE ROE, 



403 



The species here described, approaches, in many 

 respects, to the Beroe ovata of Baster ; Opusculat 

 Subseeiva, vol. i. p. 123. tab. xiv. f. v. It differs, 

 however, in having only eight ribs, apparently 

 smooth on the surface, with denticulated margins ; 

 whereas the species which Baster notices, has nine 

 ribs, thickly set with moveable hairs *. The season 

 in which ours was found, would likewise intimate 

 that it is distinct from Baster's species, provided we 

 attach much importance to his remarks. " In nos- 

 tris hsec Beroe invenitur littoribus, et in ipsis hujus 

 urbis portubus, Aprili potissimum mense ; singula- 

 ris enim variarum medusae specierum proprietas est* 

 quod alias aliis frequentissime inveniuntur mensibus." 



Ellis appears to have been acquainted with this 

 species, when he says, " The Beroe is a marine ani- 

 mal found on our coasts ; of a gelatinous transparent 

 nature ; and of an oval or spherical form ; about half 

 an inch to an inch diameter ; divided, like a melon, 

 into longitudinal ribs, each of which is furnished 

 with rows of minute fins, by means of which this 

 animal, like the animalia infusoria, can swim in all 

 directions, with great swiftness." — Phil. Trans, 

 vol. lix. p. 144. 



* It is not improbable that the ribs may have been fur- 

 nished with* cilia?, and that the exhausted state of the ani- 

 mal prevented it from displaying their presence by their 

 motion. 



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