Wlarvels of the Universe 1143 
Photo bu) (J. J. Ward. 
THE SEA-MOUSE., 
Here is seen the underside, showing the rings of which the body is composed. There are about forty of them, and each 
bears a pair of foot-stumps at the sides, by means of which the Sea-mouse crawls. (Natural size.) 
coat and its habit of creeping on the sea-floor ; for this curious animal is not a swimmer, as at first 
glance its anatomy might seem to imply. 
Its home is in fairly deep water, where it hides amongst the stones, often half-buried in mud. 
Consequently, it is only after a storm, when one of these creatures has been thrown ashore, that 
the seaside visitor is likely to meet with it. Then, if it is discovered in a clear pool on which the 
sunlight is playing, it proves a wonderful surprise for those who view it for the first time, for its 
hairy covering converts it into a veritable rainbow of colour. 
Each of the numerous silky hairs, which clothe the edges of its body, acts as a prism, gleaming 
with rich gold, fire-like red, and vivid green. Indeed, while writing I have before me a wide-mouthed 
bottle of methylated spirit in which I have preserved two of these Sea-worms, and their colours are 
just as beautiful and iridescent as when in the living state. The specimen only needs well washing 
in fresh water and then placing in the spirit, and securely corking ; after which one has an object of 
beauty for the museum, which may be viewed by day, or by artificial ight. A slender spray of some 
zoophyte or sea-moss, enclosed with the object, helps to give a natural effect. 
Why such glorious colours should be bestowed upon a creature of such sluggish habits, and which 
for the greater part of its life lies hidden amongst stones and mud at the sea-bottom, is not easy 
to understand. Probably they have some connection with its natural enemies, for, in addition to 
these gorgeous silky hairs, it is provided with strong purple or blackish bristles of a most complex 
character, each consisting of a barbed harpoon enclosed in a horny sheath. The bristles are arranged 
in groups, and are retractile, being more or less withdrawn into the body when the creature is peaceful, 
but when annoyed are erected, becoming then somewhat like a miniature porcupine, and anything 
