Edward seems to have been particularly busy between the years 1861 and 1865. Multitudes of bottles were sent, during that interval, from Banff to Plymouth. The bottles were often smashed in passing through the post. Sometimes there was only a mass of debris to examine. In one batch there was a new species of Leucothoe; in another, part of an Eusirus—“the first British specimen.”
In one of his letters, Mr. Bate says: “There are two minute specimens of a prawn which I do not recognise. They are too much damaged for examination; but if you can find any perfect ones like these, I should like you to send them to me. I will send you shortly a paper that I have recently published in the Annals of Natural History on the “Nest-Building Crustacea.” If you know or meet with any anecdotes relative to these animals, I should be glad if you would communicate them to me, as I am endeavouring to collect all of that kind that I can. I assure you that your letters are always welcome, and much valued.”
In the midst of Edward’s explorations, he discovered a new Isopod, which he forwarded to Mr. Bate. It was specifically named, in honour of the discoverer, Praniza Edwardii.[47] On subsequent examination, and after comparing it with the Anceus, Messrs. Bate and Westwood changed the name into Anceus Edwardii.[48]
THE ANCEUS.
The Anceus is only about a sixth of an inch in length. But, in Natural History, size goes for nothing. The minutest animal is equal to the largest, in point of value and interest. The Anceus creeps on the bottom of the sea; but it swims with great rapidity,—propelling itself forward by the quick motions of a series of ciliated fins placed beneath the tail. The Anceus, in its young state, is parasitical, and is furnished with a sharp process at the apex of the anterior lip, to form a strong lanceolate organ, with which the animal cuts its way through the skin of the fish on which it preys. It was at first thought that Praniza Edwardii was a female, and that the male had not yet been discovered. On seeing this stated in the number of the Sessile-eyed Crustacea in which the Praniza was noticed, Edward wrote the following letter to Mr. Spence Bate:—
Praniza Edwardii.
Larva.
PRANIZA EDWARDII.
“My dear Sir—Some considerable time ago I sent you amongst other things, what I believed to be two distinct species of Anceus,—the one being considerably smaller than the other. Of the lesser, there were several specimens; but of the larger, only two. The answer which you gave me was, that they were Anceus maxillaris. At this I was somewhat disappointed. I admit that the larger were of that species, but not the smaller. And since I received your last number, which treats on this subject, I am now more than ever convinced that they are distinct. I consider the smaller specimen to be the male of the Praniza Edwardii. I may be wrong, but that is my conviction. I need not, of course, attempt to point out the distinctions to you; but perhaps you will allow me to state a few words on the subject, and what makes me think that he is the male of Praniza Edwardii.