416 
LANCEt.ET. 
already in connection with Bloch, and the species of Gymnetrus 
named from him. But the little animal now named the 
Lancelet remained in doubt until it was, in the more proper 
sense, discovered in the harbour of Polperro, under circum- 
stances which form a characteristic portion of its natural habits. 
In December, 1831, there had been a severe storm, when I 
proceeded to examine the beach for the purpose of observing 
what had been its effect in throwing on shore the produce of 
the ocean. At nearly low water the tide had ebbed about 
fifty feet from the place where lay a flat stone on a small 
accumulation of sand, and on removing the sand I perceived 
the tail of a little fish, the body of Avhich Avas concealed 
beneath. When removed from its hiding-place, and placed in 
a pool of water, it appeared new to me, although its active 
motions prevented for a time the distinguishing its head from 
the tail; but when these energetic actions ceased it fell to the 
bottom and remained without motion. While yet alive, the 
figure 'Avas drawn which now forms its portrait; and this is 
selected the rather as our other figure, from an example of 
larger size, is from a specimen also thrown on shore in a 
storm, that was dead when it was found. The example first 
referred to, after being long preserved in diluted spirit, Avas 
the type of the figure by Mr. Yarrell, and the second is in 
the collection of the British Museum. 
No other evidence than the places in Avhich these examples 
were found, with a close inspection of their characteristics, was 
necessary to sheAV that their residence had been at, and 
concealed Avithin the bottom of the sea, and, in these instances, 
not far from the places at Avhich they were found; and this 
has been proved since in a large number of instances; for the 
Lancelet has now been obtained in the Mediterranean, and 
round the British coasts up to the far north, even at a con- 
siderable depth of water; but Avherever procured it has always 
been as buried in the sand of the bottom, from which it has 
been taken by the process of dredging. It may be doubted 
whether it ever rises entirely and willingly above its hiding- 
