The Paper Nautilus.
This little animal is to be found, chiefly, in the Mediterranean sea. Its shell is very thin and brittle, from which circumstance it is called the paper nautilus. It is mentioned by Pliny and some other ancient writers, and it is supposed that the art of navigation owed its origin to the expert management of this little sailor. Eight arms it raises for sails, while six hang over the side of the shell, and are used for oars. While sailing upon the water this animal has the appearance of a little vessel. On the approach of danger, which it is quick to perceive, the little mariner absorbs a quantity of water, and sinks into the depths of the sea. It is seldom taken when sailing.
There is another species of nautilus, which has a thick shell, in which there are several chambers.