532 
THE CIRRHATULTJS . . 
that reminds the observer of the luminous centipede already described. There is also the 
Pearly Nereis (. Nereis margaritacea ), so called on account of its pearly- white color. This 
is a much larger and more handsome species, measuring eight or ten inches in length when 
fully grown. Another species, the Shining or Iridescent Nereis ( Nereis fulgens ), is 
remarkable from the fact that it constructs a tube of very thin silken texture transparent in 
itself, but often being studded with particles of sand. It seldom exceeds seven inches in 
length, and is of a deep orange-red color, with a blackish line running along the back. Like 
most of the Nereids, it is iridescent on the surface. 
Another magnificent species, called the Laminated Nereis ( PTiyllodoce laminata ), 
deserves a passing notice. This fine specimen sometimes attains the length of two feet, and is 
certainly the finest example of the family that is to be found in the European seas. Its color 
is shining iridescent green, having a bluish tinge on the back, and changing gradually to a 
more leaf -green hue on the sides. There are no less than four hundred segments in the body 
of a full-grown Phyllodoce, and, consequently, eight hundred paddles and sets of bristles, by 
means of which it can swim through the water or crawl upon the sand with equal ease and 
grace. 
As Mr. T. Rymer Jones well remarks: “The mechanism of this creature, its parts and 
their powers, are to be ranked among the more conspicuous and admirable works of creation, 
nor can they be contemplated without wonder. Issuing forth from its retreat, it swims by 
an undulating serpentine motion. Its unwieldy body, gradually withdrawn from its hiding- 
place, has its multiplied organs unfolded in regular order and arrangement, so that, whether 
intertwined or free, they never present any appearance of intricacy or confusion — each part 
performs its own proper functions, and the general effect is produced by the united exercise of 
the whole. When inactive, the lateral paddles are laid close over the back, but when in 
activity they spread widely out, acting like so many oars to aid the animal’s course by their 
united impulse on the water. 
‘ 4 It is a pleasant thing to see a well-manned boat glide over the smooth surface of the sea, 
or to watch the long array of oars as silently they simultaneously dip and rise again, all 
flashing in the evening sunshine. But such a sight is but a paltry spectacle compared with 
that afforded by these gorgeous worms ; four hundred pairs of oars, instinct with life, harmo- 
niously respond in play, so active that the eye can scarcely trace their movements, save by the 
hues of iridescent splendor, violet and blue, and green and gold, the very rainbow’s tints that 
indicate their course.” 
It is a remarkable fact, that in the Nereids their young are often produced by the simple 
process of breaking off a piece from the end of the body. The last ring but one becomes 
swollen and lengthens, and by degrees assumes the appearance of a young Nereid, with its 
eyes and antennae. When it is sufficiently strong it is broken off, and goes forth to seek an 
independent life. Sometimes it happens that a second and a third are thus formed before the 
first is separated, and M. Milne-Edwards has seen a row of six young Nereids thus attached to 
their parent. 
Many species of Nereids inhabit the sandy beaches of our coast, and offer an interesting 
field of study. The labors of naturalists attached to the Fishery Commission, at Wood’s 
Holl, have resulted in a great amount of investigation. 
The larger forms of this group of invertebrate animals are, many of them, of considerable 
beauty. The Sea Mouse ( Aphrodite ) is often taken on the hook by the fishermen off George’s 
Banks. Its iridescent spines or hair-like covering render it extremely attractive. These are 
called Scale-bearing Annelids. 
The form mentioned above is Hennione hystrix. Lepidonotus squammatus is a more 
common form, found in pools near shore. L. sublems is another, familiar on the New England 
sea-shore. From their nature it is not likely these forms get to be designated by English 
terms. Their technical ones, however, are classical, the larger number being named from 
mythology. 
The Cirrhathlhs derives its name from the numerous cirri, or thread-like appendages, 
which project from its sides, and which serve for legs as well as organs of respiration. These 
