WINGED MARINE WORM. 
j*^HE fingular animal to which is now given the above appellation, is pio- 
p bably a fpecies of the Laplyfia of Linnaus^ and the Depilatory of Mr, 
entla nt *, for three of the characters are applicable : 
The body covered with membranes reflected ; 
A fliield-like membrane on the back ; 
Having four feelers refembling ears. 
afK **" 1S ^ ar ^ rom " an an ‘ ma ' °'' a Ample form,” for when unfolded and in its 
'vi ^ ate lt: dif pl a ys Auch an aftonifhing apparatus of life, as cannot be beheld 
tecr' l0Ut adm 'ration. Indeed the whole eeconomy of nature in the fubmarine 
txh'° nS °P ens a boundlefs fcene of wonders that remain to be explored, and 
^. l kit s in moft ftriking lights the profound intelligence of the patronizing care 
lc h has given them fuch aftonifhing faculties for their prefervation. 
, e Specimen now prefented, merits that attention to which a faithful an 
ev ° rate dra wing from original nature lays claim. In the prefent, as indeed in 
f ^ 0 ther inihan rp in rhp departments of Natural Hiftory, the fubjcct was pre- 
a J ed Aor many days alive, and in the moft perfect ftate attainable, fo as to give 
k e fcope for obfervaaon. 
l ^ moves flowly along the rocks, by means of the mufcular tegument a a, and 
tlj lts Aoft and pliant nature can fo completely exclude the air from under it, 
tvv h en alarmed it adheres fo firmly, that no violence, not deftructive of the 
can remove it. At fuch times it contracts itfelf amazingly, and is in a 
^ nner gathered under its fhield. The filament or membrane, whofe edge is feen 
from h to H > includes a Iheli, in fubftance like thofe of the finer 
ty , C es > but richlv variegated and delicately coloured with a kind of checyuer 
e J k> 1 ; tins, when drawn over it, forms a ufeful buckler, to defend it from 
p* 8 ? injuries ; but feems more particularly the appointment of Nature, or t ® 
\vj t j^^' l0 n of a moft complex and delicate organ, which feems eflentially conne e 
lts hfe and nourifhment. 
* Br. Zml. p. 35 of vol. iv. plate xxi. fig. 21. 
A branched 
