17 * 
TAB. LX VIII. 
LERNEA Sprattae. 
Class 6. Vermes. Order 2. Mollusca. 
Gen. Char. Body oblong, roundish, naked. Ten- 
tacula two, or three, round. Oviducts two. 
Spec. Char. Head with two barbs. Neck notched. 
Body oblong, red, with two green oviducts. 
Syn. Gmelin, 31 44-. Muller, tab. 33. 
In November 1799 and 1804, I observed this strange and 
curious animal fixed to small Sprats, ( Clupea Spratta of 
Linn.) Its body shaped like an oat, and its two green 
tails, might create an idea of its being a vegetable, but that 
the body is red, and has a fleshy aspect ; yet the unor- 
ganized appearance is very strange, and sufficient to induce 
any one desirous of information to examine further. If we 
are careful we may detach it, but not without wounding the 
subject it preys upon j which if we do, so as to kill it, I 
venture to pronounce it as more merciful than otherwise. 
This, which I can but consider as a grievous parasite, like 
a harpoon inflicts a dreadful wound ; but, more fatal than 
that instrument, not only wounds, but preys upon the in- 
nermost part of the wretched victim, probing and feeding 
very deep into any part it pleases. 
VOL. II. *B 
