Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 1 (1843).djvu/116

88 some scores of these little bivalve shells in an unbroken state. The sack however gradually emptied itself into the gizzard; and in this shelly mill, the shells and their contents were reduced to powder, or rather fine paste, well fitted, we doubt not, to be wholesome nutriment for the industrious little marine miller. Verily I do regret that I have not turned to better account the little modicum of anatomical knowledge which I got many long years ago in the University of Edinburgh. Could I have followed out my researches into the workings of this beautiful mollusk, I am sure that I should have seen still greater cause to admire the goodness and wisdom and power of that benignant Being, who, while he rises far above the highest thoughts of the highest, is not for a moment forgetful of the lowest of the creatures he has formed.

I saw nothing uncommon in Ichthyology or Ornithology, but devoted some time to the search for Zoophytes, and with some little success. Among others I obtained one very fine specimen of Tubulipora orbiculus, much larger and more hemispherical than those occurring on the Ayrshire coast, which are found on Laminaria saccharina, while the Arran one was on an old shell. I also found one remarkably fine example of the Tubulipora lobata of Hassall, but in a much more perfect state than the one which that gentleman has figured. Two fine specimens of Antennularia antennina var. ramosa were given to me by fishermen; and a very fine example of Plumularia myriophyllum with vesicles; these vesicles, which I had never before seen, are as remarkable as those of P. cristata. As these were from deep water, they show what fine things might be obtained by dredging. A pretty Beroë was found, of a kind not uncommon on the Ayrshire coast; clear as crystal, melon-shaped, with its countless ciliæ in constant play.

alimentary canal may be divided into œsophagus, stomach, cceca and large intestine. The œsophagus is from half an inch to three quarters in length, and extends from the mouth nearly as far down as the genital apparatus, the line of demarcation between it and the commencement of the stomach is very apparent internally, for the