Page:Natural History, Mollusca.djvu/123

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GLAUCUS.
111

into tentacular processes, at others margined with a fringe. Tethys, another beautiful genus inhabiting the Mediterranean, has this veil enormously developed, and profusely fringed. The animal is said to use this organ to aid it in swimming, but this is hardly probable.

GLAUCUS.

So little has been recorded concerning the habits and economy of the marine, and especially the oceanic Mollusca, that I with pleasure quote the observations of Mr. George Bennett, on a species of Glaucus taken in the tropical part of the Atlantic ocean. The accompanying figure will convey an idea of the form of the animal, the colour of which is a vivid blue or purple on the upper surface, and silvery white beneath:—

"These little animals were very delicate and