Ctil'HALOPODS. 
455 
When in a state of tranquillity, the Eledone clung to the sides of the 
glass tank in which it was kept. Its head is then inclined forwards, 
with the sac hanging behind ; the locomotive tube, turned upwards, 
presents the orifice between the arms. In this state the animal is 
yellowish in colour, its eyes dilated, its inspirations regular. But if 
irritated, a remarkable change takes place : its body assumes a fine 
maroon colour, and it is covered with numerous tubercles ; the eye 
becomes contracted, a column of water is forcibly ejected from the loco- 
motive tube at the aggressor, and the respiration becomes precipitate, 
jerky, and irregular. The creature would take a strong inspiration, 
and, having collected its force, suddenly throw a jet of water to a 
distance of more than three feet. This state of passion, which the 
slightest touch is sufficient to produce, endures for half an hour or 
more. When it ceases, the animal resumes its form and primitive 
colours ; but the least shock impressed on the water is sufficient to give 
it a deeper tint, which passes like a flash of lightning over the skin of 
this singular proteus. 
The Eledone sleeps by day as well as by night, attaching itself in 
its sleep to the walls of its prison, leaving its arms to float around, the 
two inferior ones extending backwards, and the sac inclining over 
them ; its eyes are then contracted, and in part covered by the eye- 
lids. Its respiration is regular and slow, and any ejection of water 
very rare ; its colour is then of a livid grey, and vinous red below, 
With whitish spots, while the brown spots have now entirely dis- 
a ppeared. While still asleep, it is watchful and attentive to all the 
dangers which could surprise it. The extremities of the arms floating 
round its body are ready to announce the approach or contact of any 
°tlier object. Even the most delicate touch is perceived immediately, 
and it shrinks from the hand which seeks to approach, Under every 
circumstance the Eledone exhales a strong odour of musk, which it 
Preserves long after death. 
When the Eledone swims, which it rarely does unless pressed by 
Sc >me urgent necessity, it carries the sac in advance, the arms floating 
behind the six upper ones being on a horizontal line, the two others 
Approaching each other below. Thus arranged, it presents, in conse- 
quence of its flattened form, a very large resisting surface to the 
Water, its progress being due to the alternate dilatation and contraction 
°f the body, which expels the water through the locomotive tube, and 
