1890 THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



i95 



of L. gossei upon being cut open longitudinally, discovered the 

 presence of two small Crustacea, male and female, with larvae of the 

 same species. The only representative of the Myxospongice is Halisarca 

 dnjardinii, a very soft, non-skeletal species, adhering to rocks and 

 weed. The two commonest sponges are H panicea (above mentioned) 

 and Sy candr a compressa. The flattened bags of the last named are in 

 countless profusion and every gradation of size, either depending from 

 the rocks or in thick clusters, like so many currants among the coral- 

 line. This most curious of curious plants, Corallina officinalis, is, of 

 course, excessively common, affecting chiefly the innumerable natural 

 basins that the tide has left brimming with pellucid water. Though 

 the typical form of 5. compressa may be likened unto a flattened goblet 

 yet it is not uncommon to find them with two or even more openings 

 {oscida), in which case the sponge becomes to a correspondingly degree 

 asymmetrical. 



The allied species S. ciliatum is common on the opposite shore of 

 the bay, and by upturning loose stones, this extremely beautiful 

 sponge may be gathered in quantity. Its single osculum is surrounded 

 by a tuft or circlet of long, calcareous spicules, and each of the 

 different canals at its opening to the exterior is likewise encircled with 

 a similar crown of spiracles. 



But the time is slipping away, the good folks of Port Erin are be- 

 stirring themselves, and thin blue wreaths of smoke curling upwards 

 from the scattered chimney tops] proclaim preparations for the 

 morning's meal. Indeed we toilers by the sea need no such reminders, 

 for a painful degree of vacuity developed in the region immediately 

 underlying the last three waistcoat buttons, has aroused us to the full 

 sense of our animal natures — premonitory symptoms of the summary 

 demolition of eggs, bacon and other luxuries. Therefore we scarcely 

 notice the great sprawling Spider Crabs, Stenorhynchus phalangium, 

 most cunningly concealed beneath the waving masses of algse and 

 zoophytes that always find congenial domiciles on the backs of these 

 uncouth Crustacea. Great and prodigeous numbers of little " Harry " 

 Crabs fly in wildest confusion as we plunge through the pools, while 

 equally small and ludicrously timid Hermit Crabs subside into their 

 shells with amazing dexterity, to emerge again in a series of spasmodic 

 jerks as soon as the supposed danger is passed, and fight, and pinch, 

 and everlastingly squabble as before. 



Still further round the bay, beneath the shadow of the rugged 



