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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-06 03:25:00 -0800 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..86768b6 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #52666 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52666) diff --git a/old/52666-0.txt b/old/52666-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 69b79c7..0000000 --- a/old/52666-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9246 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Glimpses of Ocean Life, by John Harper - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Glimpses of Ocean Life - Rock-Pools and the Lessons they Teach - -Author: John Harper - -Release Date: July 28, 2016 [EBook #52666] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GLIMPSES OF OCEAN LIFE *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Whitehead, K.D. Thornton and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - 'Natural History is the appointed handmaiden of Religion, enabling - us to feel and in some humble proportion to appreciate how closely - and how carefully the well-being and happiness of all creatures has - been provided for,--how admirably they are severally adapted to their - respective stations and employments, and how wonderfully every part - of their economy is made subservient to the general good. This is the - true spirit in which the aquarïst ought to work, and this is the end - and object of his science.'--_Rhymer Jones._ - - - - - [Illustration: - - 1 & 2 Valves of PHOLAS SHELL - 3 _Pholas crispata_, with siphons extended - 4 COMMON BRITTLE STAR (_Ophiocoma rosula_) From Nature, showing the - progressive growth of new rays - 5 COMMON CROSS-FISH (_Uraster rubens_)] - - - - - GLIMPSES OF OCEAN LIFE; - OR, - Rock-Pools and the Lessons they Teach. - - BY - - JOHN HARPER, F.R.S.S.A. - AUTHOR OF 'THE SEA-SIDE AND AQUARIUM,' ETC. - - WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR. - - '_Armado._ How hast thou purchased thy experience? - _Moth._ By my penny of observation.' - - SHAKSPEARE. - - - LONDON: - T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW; - EDINBURGH; AND NEW YORK. - - MDCCCLX. - - - - - TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE - LORD BROUGHAM AND VAUX, - - CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, - ETC., ETC., ETC., - - THIS LITTLE VOLUME - Is Inscribed, - AS A TRIFLING TOKEN OF RESPECTFUL ADMIRATION - FOR - UNIVERSALLY RECOGNISED GREATNESS. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER I. - - ON THE PLEASURES DERIVED FROM THE STUDY OF MARINE ZOOLOGY. - Page - - Introduction--Two classes of readers--Marine zoology - as an amusement--The botanist and his - pleasures--Entomological pursuits--Hidden marvels - of nature--The little Stickleback--Conclusion, 17 - - - CHAPTER II. - - A GLANCE AT THE INVISIBLE WORLD. - - Microscopic studies--When to use the - microscope--Modern martyrs of science--Infusoria--Use - of Infusoria--Distinction between plants and - animals--_Vorticella_--_Rotatoria_--Wheel - animalcules--Mooring Thread of Vorticellæ--A - compound species of Vorticella described--_Zoothamnium - spirale_ of Mr. Gosse--Nature's scavengers, 27 - - - CHAPTER III. - - SEA ANEMONES. - - Animal-flowers--_A. mesembryanthemum_--'Granny,' - Sir J. Dalyell's celebrated anemone--Original anecdote--_A. - troglodytes_--How to capture actiniæ--A roving 'mess.'--An - intelligent anemone--Diet of the actiniæ--Voracity of these - zoophytes--Defence of certain species--Actiniæ eating - crabs--Their reproductive powers--Size of the 'crass.'--The - Plumose anemone--Its powers of contraction, 45 - - - CHAPTER IV. - - EDIBLE CRAB--SHORE CRAB--SPIDER CRAB, ETC. - - The Partane--Its character defended--Crustaceous demons--The - wolf and the lamb--Interesting anecdote--Reason and - instinct--Anecdote of the Shore crab--'The creature's run - awa''--A crustaceous performer--The Fiddler crab--A little - prodigal--Singular conduct of the Shore crab--The minute - Porcelain crab--_Maia squinado_--_Hyas - araneus_--_Maia_ and _C. mænas_--Anecdote--The - common Pea crab--Pinna and Pinnotheres--The Cray - fish--Masticatory organs of crabs--Fishing for - crabs--Crab fishers, 63 - - - CHAPTER V. - - HERMIT CRABS. - - Enthusiastic students of nature--Aristocratic Hermit - crabs--Swammerdam--Hermit crab and its habits--Anecdote--The - Hermit in a fright--Soldier crab and Limpet--A crustaceous - Diogenes--Prometheus in the tank--The martyr Hermit - crab--The author's pet Blenny--Anecdote, 89 - - - CHAPTER VI. - - EXUVIATION OF CRUSTACEA (THE PHENOMENA OF CRABS, ETC., - CASTING THEIR SHELLS). - - The Tower of London--A crustaceous armory--The author's - experience on the subject--Reamur and Goldsmith--Rejected - shells of crabs--Anecdote--Hint to the young - aquarian--Exuviation described from personal observation - in several instances--Renewal of injured limbs--Frequency - of exuviation--Effect of diet on crustacea--Exuviation - arrested--Exuviation of the Hermit crab--How the process - is effected, 109 - - - CHAPTER VII. - - PRAWNS AND SHRIMPS. - - Habits of the Prawn--The Common Shrimp--How to catch - shrimps--Conclusion, 135 - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - ACORN-BARNACLES--SHIP-BARNACLES. - - The Common Barnacle described--Exuviation of the - _Balani_--Anecdote--The Ship Barnacle--Barnacle - Geese, 143 - - - CHAPTER IX. - - PHYLLODOCE LAMINOSA (THE LAMINATED NEREIS). - - A rainy day at the sea-shore--Laminated Nereis--Its - tenacity of life--Its unsuitableness for the aquarium--How - the young annelids are produced--Evidence of a French - naturalist, 151 - - - CHAPTER X. - - THE FAN-AMPHITRITE. - - Its renewal of mutilated organs--How to accommodate this - annelid in the tank--The 'case' of the - Fan-Amphitrite, 159 - - - CHAPTER XI. - - THE COMMON MUSSEL. - - Dr. Johnson and Bozzy--Habits of the Mussel--Marine - 'at homes'--The Purpura and its habits--Enemies of the - Mussel--Anecdote--Construction of the beard (or - Byssus)--Author's experience--Anecdote of the - mussel--Muscular action of its foot--Threads of the - beard--The bridge at Bideford--Anecdote--The - Mussel tenacious of life--The beard not poisonous--M. - Quatrefage--Mussel beds of Esnandes--Branchiæ of the - Mussel--Food of this bivalve, 163 - - - CHAPTER XII. - - TEREBELLA FIGULAS (THE POTTER). - - Anecdote of the Potter--Its cephalic tentacula--Construction - of its tubular dwelling--_Terebella littoralis_--Curious - anecdote--Branchial organs of this annelid, 189 - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - ACALEPHÆ (MEDUSÆ, OR JELLY-FISH). - - Introduction--Jelly-fish--Whales' - food--Lieutenant Maury--Appearance of the Greenland - Seas--Sir Walter Scott--The girdle of Venus--The - Beröe--_Pulmonigrade acalephæ_--Portuguese - man-of-war--_Hydra-tuba_--Alternation of - generations--Dr. Reid--_Modera-formosa_--_Cyanea - capillata_--Conclusion, 201 - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - DORIS EOLIS, ETC. - - Anecdote--Young Dorides--Doris spawn--_Nudibranchiate - gasteropoda_--Dr. Darwin--Mr. Gosse--A black - Doris--_Bêches de mer_--A Chinese dinner--Bird's - nest soup, and Sea-slug stew, 221 - - - CHAPTER XV. - - THE CRAB AND THE DAINTY BEGGAR. - - Anecdote--The Pholas and Shore-crab--The - _hyaline stylet_--The dainty beggar--The - gizzard of the Pholas--Of what use is the stylet? 233 - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - THE PHOLAS, ETC. (ROCK-BORERS). - - Pholades at home--Habits of the Pholas--_P. - crispata_--The pedal organ--Finny gourmands--How is - the boring operation performed?--Various theories on - the subject--Mr Clark, Professor Owen--The Pholas at - work--The boring process described from personal - observation--Author's remarks on the subject--Pholas - in the tank--Conclusion, 241 - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - THE SEA-MOUSE. - - The Sea-mouse--Bristles of the aphrodite--Its - beautiful plumage (?)--Its weapons - of defence--The spines described--Shape of the - aphrodite, &c., 263 - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - STAR-FISHES, ETC. - - The Coral polypes--The Lily-stars--St. Cuthbert's - beads--_Pentacrinus europæus_--Rosy feather star - _Ophiuridæ_--Brittle-stars--_Ophiocomo-rosula_--British - asteridæ--_Uraster rubens_--Habits of this species--Submarine - Dandos--Sir John Dalyell--Professor Jones--Star-fish feeding - on the oyster--Bird's foot Sea-star--_Luidia - fragillissima_--Cushion-stars--Professor Forbes, 269 - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - SEA-URCHINS. - - Sea Urchins in the tank--Growth of the Echinus--Its - hedgehog-like spines--Suckers and pores--Ambulacral - tubes--Professor Agassiz--Movements of the - Echinus--_Pedicellariæ_--Masticatory - apparatus--Common Egg Urchin--_Echinus sphæra_--How - to remove the spines--'Do you boil your sea eggs?'--The - Green-pea Urchin--The Silky-spined Urchin--The Rosy-heart - Urchin, 287 - - - CHAPTER XX. - - THE SEA-CUCUMBER. - - Its unattractive appearance out of water--Trepang--Several - varieties eaten by the Chinese--Common Sea Cucumber--Habits - of the Holothuriæ--Their self-mutilation and renewal of - lost parts, 301 - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - THE APLYSIA, OR SEA-HARE. - - Anecdote--The Sea Hare plentiful at North Berwick--Its - powers of ejecting a purple fluid at certain times--Sea - Hares abhorred by the ancients--Professor Forbes--Spawn - of the Aplysia, 307 - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - SERPULÆ AND SABELLÆ. - - Tubes of the _Serpulæ_--Dr. Darwin--The harbour - of Pernambuco--Its wonderful structure--Reproduction of - the _Serpulæ_--_Sabellæ_--Their sandy - tubes, &c., 313 - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - THE SOLEN, OR RAZOR FISH. - - How it burrows in the sand--How specimens are - caught--_Cum grano salis_--Bamboozling the Spout - Fish--Amateur naturalists, and fishermen at the - sea-shore, 321 - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - A GOSSIP ON FISHES--INCLUDING THE ROCKLING, SMOOTH BLENNY, - GUNNEL FISH, GOBY, ETC. - - Punch's address to the ocean--Old blue-jackets and the - 'galyant' Nelson--The ocean and its inhabitants--Life - beneath the wave--Fishes the happiest of created - things--A fishy discourse by St. Antony of - Padua--Traveller's ne'er do lie?--The veracious - Abon-el-Cassim--Do fishes possess the sense of - hearing--Author's experience--An intelligent Pike - fish--Dr. Warwick--The Blenny in its native - haunts--A 'Little Dombey' fish--Anecdote--The - Viviparous Blenny--The Gunnel fish--Five-bearded - Rockling--Two-spotted Goby--Diminutive - Sucker-fish--Montagu's Sucker--The - Stickleback--Its nest-building habits - described--Conclusion, 327 - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - ON THE FORMATION OF MARINE AQUARIÆ, ETC. - - Mimic oceans--Practical hints on marine - aquariæ--Various tanks described--The 'gravity - bubble'--Evaporated sea-water--Aquariæ in - France--Sea-water a contraband article across the - Channel--An aquarium on a fine summer's day--The - Lettuce Ulva--Author's tank--'Excavations on a - rocky shore'--Tank 'interiors'--Various centre - pieces--New siphon--Aquariæ difficult to keep in - hot weather--How to remove the opacity of the - tank--New scheme proposed--Conclusion, 353 - - - - - LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - No. - - FRONTISPIECE, 1 - - COMPOUND VORTICELLÆ, 2 - - "GRANNY," Sir John Dalyell's celebrated Anemone, 3 - - A. TROGLODYTES, 4 - - A. CRASSICORNIS, 5 - - EDIBLE CRAB, 6 - - EDIBLE CRAB casting its Shell (from Nature), 7 - - SPIDER CRAB, 8 - - SHORE CRAB, 9 - - PORCELAIN CRAB, 10 - - HERMIT CRAB, 11 - - HERMIT CRAB in Shell of Large Whelk, 12 - - SHIP BARNACLES, 13 - - ACORN BARNACLES attached to Shell of the Limpet, 14 - - THE LIMPET, as seen from beneath, 15 - - LAMINATED NEREIS, 16 - - COMMON MUSSEL,--Shell open, 17 - - COMMON MUSSEL,--Shell closed, 18 - - THE BERÖE, 19 - - FAN AMPHITRITE, 20 - - TEREBELLA FIGULUS, 21 - - TEREBELLA LITTORALIS, 22 - - THE SEA-MOUSE, 23 - - DORIS, 24 - - YOUNG OF DORIS, 25 - - EOLIS, 26 - - THE PHOLAS, and Valves of its Shell, 27 - - THE BRITTLE STAR, 28 - - COMMON CROSS-FISH, 29 - - COMMON SUN-STAR (with 14 rays), 30 - - PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN, 31 - - PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN, Spine of, 32 - - PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN, Suckers of, 33 - - THE APLYSIA, or SEA-HARE, 34 - - TEETH of the SEA-URCHIN (two views), 35 - - THE SEA-CUCUMBER, 36 - - SERPULÆ attached to piece of rock, 37 - - THE SOLEN, or RAZOR FISH, 38 - - THE BLENNY, 39 - - THE VIVIPAROUS BLENNY, 40 - - THE SPOTTED BLENNY, or GUNNEL-FISH, 41 - - THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH (three views), 42 - - THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH, Sucker of (magnified), 43 - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -INTRODUCTORY. - -On the Pleasures derived from the Study of Marine Zoology. - - -'Woe to the man-- - Who studies nature with a wanton eye, - Admires the work, but slips the lesson by.' - - - - -I. - - -As every fresh branch of investigation in natural history has a -tendency to gather around it a rapidly accumulating literature, some -explanation may probably be looked for from an author who offers a new -contribution to the public. And when, as in the present instance, the -writer's intentions are of an humble kind, it is the more desirable -that he should state his views at the outset. Nor can the force of this -claim be supposed to be lessened, from the gratifying fact, that the -present writer has already received a warm welcome from the public. - -But, before entering upon any personal explanations, it may not be out -of place, in an introductory chapter such as the present, to bring -under review some of the objections which have been, and still continue -to be urged against this, in common with other departments of study, -which are attempted to be made popular. No branch of natural history -has been subjected to more disparaging opposition, partly, it must be -owned, from the misplaced enthusiasm of over zealous students, than -that of marine zoology. - -There are two classes of readers, different in almost all other -respects, whose sympathies are united in dislike of such works as this. -The one, represented by men distinguished for their powers of original -research, are apt to undervalue the labours of such as are not, -strictly speaking, scientific writers. There is another class who, from -the prejudice of ignorance, look upon marine zoology as too trivial, -from the homeliness and minuteness of its details. The wonders of -astronomy, and the speculations suggested by geological studies, nay, -the laws of organization as exhibited in the higher forms of animal -life, are clear enough to this class of readers; but it is not easy to -convince them that design can be extracted from a mussel, or that a -jelly-fish exhibits a marvellous power of construction. - -Now, in my belief, the opposition of the better educated of these two -classes of readers is the more dangerous, as it is unquestionably the -more ungenerous. If Professor Ansted, when treating of the surprising -neglect of geology, could thus express himself--'How many people do -we meet, otherwise well educated, who look with indifference, or even -contempt on this branch of knowledge,'--how much oftener may the -student of the humble theme of marine zoology bewail the systematic -depreciation of persons even laying claim to general scientific -acquirements. This may be illustrated by an observation, made in a -northern university, by a celebrated professor of Greek to a no less -celebrated professor of natural history. The latter, intently pursuing -his researches into the anatomy of a Nudibranche lying before him, -was startled by the sudden entrance of his brother professor, who -contemptuously advised him to give up skinning slugs, and take to more -manly pursuits. - -There is one light in which the study of marine zoology may be -regarded, without necessarily offending the susceptibilities of the -learned, or exciting the sneers of the ignorant. The subject may be -pursued as an amusement--a pastime, if you will; and it is in no -higher character than that of a holiday caterer, that the author asks -the reader's company to the sea-side. No lessons but the simplest are -attempted to be conveyed in this little volume, and these in as quiet -and homely a style as possible. - -Even in the light of an amusement, the author has something to say in -behalf of his favourite study. He believes it to be as interesting, -and fully as instructive as many infinitely more popular. For example: -The sportsman may love to hear the whirr of the startled pheasant, as -it springs from the meadow, and seeks safety in an adjoining thicket. -I am as much pleased with the rustling of a simple crab, that runs for -shelter, at my approach, into a rocky crevice, or beneath a boulder, -shaggy with corallines and sea-weed. He, too, while walking down some -rural lane, may love to see a blackbird hastily woo the privacy of a -hawthorn bush, or a frightened hare limp across his path, and strive to -hide among the poppies in the corn-field; I am equally gratified with -the sight of a simple razor-fish sinking into the sand, or with the -flash of a silver-bodied fish darting across a rock-pool. - -Nay, even the trembling lark that mounts upwards as my shadow falls -upon its nest among the clover, is not a more pleasant object to my -eye, than the crustaceous hermit, who rushes within his borrowed -dwelling at the sound of footsteps. In fact, the latter considerably -more excites my kindly sympathies, from its mysterious curse of -helplessness. It cannot run from danger, but can only hide itself -within its shelly burden, and trust to chance for protection. - -Neither the botanist nor the florist do I envy. The latter may love to -gather the 'early flowrets of the year,' or pluck an opening rose-bud, -but, although very beautiful, his treasures are ephemeral compared with -mine. - - 'Lilies that fester, smell far worse than weeds.' - -But I can gather many simple ocean flowers, or weeds that-- - - 'Look like flowers beneath the flattering brine,' - -whose prettily tinted fronds will 'grow, bloom, and luxuriate' for -months upon my table. They do not want careful planting, or close -attention, or even-- - - 'Like their earthly sisters, pine for drought,' - -but are strong and hardy, like the pretty wild flowers that adorn our -fields and hedge-rows. In the pages of an album, I can, if so disposed, -feast my eyes for years upon their graceful forms, whilst their colours -will remain as bright as when first transplanted from their native -haunts by the sea-shore. - -The entomologist delights to stroll in the forest and the field, to -hear the pleasant chirp of the cricket in the bladed grass, to watch -the honey people bustling down in the blue bells, or even to net the -butterfly as it settles on the sweet pea-blossom, while I am content to -ramble along the beach, and watch the ebb and flow of the restless sea-- - - 'So fearful in its spleeny humours bent, - So lovely in repose--' - -or search for nature's treasures among the weed-clad rocks left bare by -the receding tide. - -A disciple of the above mentioned branch of natural history will -dilate with rapture upon the wondrous transformations which many of -his favourite insects undergo. But none that he can show surpasses in -grandeur and beauty the changes which are witnessed in many members of -the marine animal kingdom. He points to the leaf, to the bloom upon -the peach, brings his microscope and bids me peer in, and behold -the mysteries of creation which his instrument unfolds. 'Look,' he -says, pointing to the verdant leaf, 'at the myriads of beings that -inhabit this simple object. Every atom,' he exultingly exclaims, 'is -a standing miracle, and adorned with such qualities, as could not be -impressed upon it by a power less than infinite!' Agreed. But has not -the zoologist equal reason to be proud of his science and its hidden -marvels? Can he not exhibit equal miracles of divine power? - -Take, as an example, one of the monsters of the deep, the whale; and -we shall find, according to several learned writers, that this animal -carries on its back and in its tissues a mass of creatures so minute, -that their number equals that of the entire population of the globe. A -single frond of marine algæ, in size - - 'No bigger than an agate stone - On the forefinger of an alderman,' - -may contain a combination of living zoophytic beings so infinitely -small, that in comparison the 'fairies' midwife' and her 'team of -little atomies' appear monsters as gigantic, even as the whale or -behemoth, opposed to the gnat that flutters in the brightest sunbeam. - -Again: in a simple drop of sea-water, no larger than the head of a pin, -the microscope will discover a million of animals. Nay, more; there are -some delicate sea-shells(_foraminifera_) so minute that the point of a -fine needle at one touch crushes hundreds of them. - - 'Full nature swarms with life; one wondrous mass - Of animals, or atoms organized, - Waiting the vital breath when Parent Heaven - Shall bid his spirit flow.' - -Lastly, How fondly some writers dwell upon the many touching instances -of affection apparent in the feathered tribe, and narrate how carefully -and how skilfully the little wren, for example, builds its nest, and -tenderly rears its young. I have often watched the common fowl, and -admired her maternal anxiety to make her outspread wings embrace -the whole of her unfledged brood, and keep them warm. The cat, too, -exhibits this characteristic love of offspring in a marked degree. She -will run after a rude hand that grasps one of her blind kittens, and, -if possible, will lift the little creature, and run away home with it -in her mouth. Now, whether we look at the singular skill of the bird -building its nest, the hen sitting near and protecting its brood, or -the cat grasping her young in its jaws, and carrying them home in -safety, we shall find that all these charming traits are wonderfully -combined in one of the humblest members of the finny tribe, viz., the -common stickleback,--the little creature that boys catch by thousands -with a worm and a pin,--that lives equally content in the clear blue -sea or the muddy fresh water pool. - -The author now finds that he has been much too prolix in these -preliminary observations to leave himself space for a lengthened -explanation of his reasons for again intruding upon the public. These -are neither original nor profound. But he cannot help expressing an -earnest hope that he may get credit from old friends, and perhaps from -some new, for wishing to show that the book of nature is as open as it -is varied and inexhaustible; and that, however jealously guarded are -many of the great secrets of organization, a knowledge of some of the -most familiar objects tends to inspire us alike with wonder and with -awe. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -A Glance at the Invisible World. - - -'There is a great deal of pleasure in prying into this world of -wonders, which Nature has laid out of sight, and seems industrious to -conceal from us.... It seems almost impossible to talk of things so -remote from common life and the ordinary notions which mankind receive -from the blunt and gross organs of sense, without appearing extravagant -and ridiculous.'--ADDISON. - - - - -II. - - -It is hardly possible to write upon marine zoology without either -more or less alluding to those many objects, invisible to the naked -eye, which call for the use of the microscope; and it seems equally -difficult for any one who has been accustomed to this instrument -to speak in sober terms of its wonderful revelations. The lines of -Cowper, as the youngest student in microscopic anatomy will readily -acknowledge, present no exaggerated picture of ecstasy:-- - - 'I have seen a man, a worthy man, - In happy mood conversing with a fly; - And as he through his glass, made by himself, - Beheld its wondrous eye and plumage fine, - From leaping scarce he kept for perfect joy.' - -It is proper, however, to notice that a serious objection has been -urged against the use of the microscope by young persons, namely, the -injurious effects of its habitual use upon the eyesight. - -So far as my experience goes, I cannot deny that this objection is -well founded. Since I have begun to use the instrument, I am obliged, -if I wish to view distinctly any distant object, to distort my eyes -somewhat to the shape of ill-formed button-holes puckered in the -sewing. Some individuals, I am aware, foolishly affect this appearance, -from the notion that it exhibits an outward and visible sign of their -inward profundity of character. In my own case this result may have -arisen from my having worked principally at night or in the dusk. -'As to the sight being injured by a continuous examination of minute -objects,' writes Mr. Clark, a most scientific naturalist, 'I can truly -say this idea is wholly without foundation, if the pursuit is properly -conducted; and that, on the contrary, it is materially strengthened by -the use of properly adapted glasses, even of high powers; and in proof -I state, that twenty years ago I used spectacles, but the continued -and daily examination of these minutiæ (_foraminifera_) has so greatly -increased the power of vision, that I now read the smallest type -without difficulty and without aid. The great point to be attended to -is not to use a power that in the least exceeds the necessity; not -to continue the exercise of vision too long, and never by artificial -light; and to reserve the high powers of certain lenses and the -microscope for important investigations of very moderate continuance. -The observant eye seizes at a glance the intelligence required; -whilst strained poring and long optical exertions are delusive and -unsatisfactory, and produce those fanciful imaginations of objects -which have really no existence. The proper time for research after -microscopic objects is for _one_ hour after breakfast, when we are in -the fittest state for exertion.' - -Mr. Lewes, again, speaking to the same point, viz., the eyes being -injured by microscopic studies, says:--'On evidence the most conclusive -I deny the accusation. My own eyes, unhappily made delicate by -over-study in imprudent youth, have been employed for hours daily -over the microscope without injury or fatigue. By artificial light, -indeed, I find it very trying; but by daylight, which on all accounts -is the best light for the work, it does not produce more fatigue than -any other steadfast employment of the eye. Compared with looking at -pictures, for instance, the fatigue is as nothing.' - -In spite of the foregoing assertions, I feel it my duty to caution the -student against excess of labour. Let him ride his hobby cautiously, -instead of seeking to enrol his name among the martyrs of science, -of whom the noble Geoffry St. Hilaire, M. Sauvigny, and M. Strauss -Dürckheim, are noted modern examples. Each member of this celebrated -trio spent the latter part of his existence in physical repose, having -become totally blind from intense study over the microscope. But -setting aside the evils of excess, we must bear witness to the intense -delight which this pursuit affords when followed with moderation. - - "'Tis sweet to muse upon the skill displayed - (Infinite skill!) in all that _He_ has made: - To trace in Nature's most minute design - The signature and stamp of power divine. - Contrivance intricate, expressed with ease, - _Where unassisted sight no beauty sees_." - -As my aim is merely to give the reader a taste of the subject, and -whet his appetite for its more extensive pursuit at other sources, I -shall confine my remarks to a few of those creatures which are readily -to be found in any well-stocked aquarium. The number of animalculæ -and microscopic zoospores of plants, invisible to the naked eye, -with which such a receptacle is filled, even when the water is clear -as crystal, is truly marvellous. These animals mostly belong to the -class _Infusoria_, so called from their being found to be invariably -generated in any _infusion_, or solution of vegetable or animal matter, -which has begun to decay. Now, the water in an aquarium which has -been kept for any length of time necessarily becomes more or less -charged with the effete matter of its inhabitants, which, if allowed to -accumulate, would soon render the fluid poisonous to every living thing -within it. This result is happily averted by the Infusoria, which feed -upon the decaying substances in solution, while they themselves become -in their turn the food of the larger animals. Indeed, they constitute -almost the sole nutriment of many strong, muscular shell-fish, as -pholas, mussel, cockle, &c.; and doubtless help to maintain the life -of others, such as actiniæ, and even crabs, which, as is well known, -live and grow without any other apparent means of sustenance. Thus -the presence of Infusoria in the tank may be considered a sign of its -healthy condition, although their increase to such an extent as to give -a milky appearance to the water, is apt to endanger the well-being -of the larger, though delicate creatures. The peculiar phenomenon -alluded to arises from decaying matter, such as a dead worm or limpet, -which should be sought after and removed with all possible speed. The -whereabouts of such objectionable remains will be generally indicated -by a dense cloud of Infusoria hovering over the spot. The milkiness, -however, although it may look for the time unsightly, is ofttimes -the saving of the aquarium 'stock.' When these tiny but industrious -scavengers have completed their task of purification, they will cease -to multiply, and mostly disappear, leaving the water clear as crystal. -I believe it is the absence or deficient supply of Infusoria that -sometimes so tantalizingly defeats the attempts of many persons to -establish an aquarium. Pure deep-sea water, although never without -them, often contains but very few, hence great caution is necessary not -to overstock the tank filled with it, otherwise the animals will die -rapidly, although the water itself appears beautifully transparent. - -Of Infusoria there are many species. They are nearly all, at one stage -or other of their existence, extremely vivacious in their movements; -so much so, indeed, that it becomes a matter of difficulty to observe -them closely. Some have the power of darting about with astonishing -velocity, others unceasingly gyrate, or waltz around with the grace of -a Cellarius; while not a few content themselves by, slug-like, dragging -their slow length along. The last are frequently startled from their -propriety and aplomb by the rapid evolutions of their terpshicorean -neighbours. Some, again, grasping hold of an object by one of their -long filaments, revolve rapidly round it, whilst others spring, leap, -and perform sundry feats of acrobatism that are unmatched in dexterity -by any of the larger animals. - -I may here observe that the motions and general structure of many of -the microscopic forms of vegetation, so much resemble those of some -of the infusoria, that it has long puzzled naturalists to distinguish -between them with any degree of certainty. The chief distinction -appears to lie in the nature of their food. Those forms which are truly -vegetable can live upon purely inorganic matter, while the animals -require that which is organized. The plants also live entirely by the -absorption of fluid through the exterior, while the animalculæ are -capable of taking in solid particles into the interior of the body. -Their mode of multiplication, and the metamorphoses they undergo, are -much alike in both classes, being, during one stage of their existence, -still and sometimes immovably fixed to stones, sea-weed, &c., and at -another freely swimming about. Notwithstanding the similarities here -stated, the appearance of certain of the species is as various as it -is curious. One of the commonest species of the Infusoria (_Paramecium -caudatum_) is shaped somewhat like a grain of rice, with a piece -chipped out on one side, near the extremity of its body. It swims about -with its unchipped extremity foremost, rotating as it goes. During the -milky condition of the water (before alluded to), these creatures swarm -to such a degree, that a single drop of the fluid, when placed under -the microscope, appears filled with a dense cloud of dancing midges. -Another (_Kerona silurus_) may be said to resemble a coffee-bean, with -a host of _cilia_, or short bristles, on the flat side. These are used -when swimming or running. But perhaps the most singular and beautiful -of all the infusorial animalcules are the _Vorticellæ_, which resemble -minute cups or flower-bells, mounted upon slender retractile threadlike -stalks, by which they are moored to the surface of the weeds and -stones. They are called Vorticellæ on account of the little vortices -or whirlpools which they continually create in the water, by means of -a fringe of very minute cilia placed round the brim of their cups. -These cilia are so minute as to require a very high microscopic power -to make them visible, and even then they are not easily detected, on -account of their extremely rapid vibration, which never relaxes while -the animal is in full vigour. On the other hand, when near death, -their velocity diminishes, and ample opportunity is afforded for -observing that the movements consist of a rapid bending inwards and -outwards, over the edge of the cup. This is best seen in a side view. -The action is repeated by each cilium in succession, with such rapidity -and regularity that, when viewed from above, the fringe looks like the -rim of a wheel in rapid revolution. A similar appearance, produced -by the same cause, in another class of animalcula, of much more -complex structure than the Vorticellæ, has procured for it the name of -_Rotifera_, or wheel-bearers. The result of this combined movement of -the cilia is, that a constant stream of water is drawn in towards the -centre of the cup, and thrown off over the sides, when, having reached -a short distance beyond the edge, it circles rapidly in a small vortex, -curling downwards over the lips. These currents are rendered evident -by floating particles in the water. The possession of these vibratile -cilia is not peculiar to this class of animals; indeed, there is good -reason to believe that there is scarcely a living creature, from the -lowest animalcule, or plant germ, up to man himself, that is not -provided with them in some part or other. In many of these Infusoria -the cilia constitute the organs of locomotion; while in the higher -forms they serve various other purposes, but chiefly that of directing -the flow of the various internal fluids through their proper channels. -But the peculiar and perhaps most wonderful organ of the Vorticella, -is its stalk or mooring thread. This though generally of such extreme -tenuity as to be almost invisible with ordinary microscopes, yet -exhibits a remarkable degree of strength and muscular activity in -its movements, which apparently are more voluntary than those of the -cilia. Its action consists of a sudden contraction from a straight to -a spiral form with the coils closely packed together, by which the -head or bell is jerked down almost into contact with the foot of the -stalk; after a few seconds the tension seems gradually relaxed, the -coils are slowly unwound, and the stalk straightens itself out. This -action takes place at irregular intervals, but it is seldom that more -than a minute elapses between each contraction. It (the contraction) -invariably happens when the animal is touched or alarmed, and is, -consequently, very frequent when the water swarms with many other -swimming animalcula. When it takes place the flower-bell generally -closes up into a little round ball, which opens out again only when -the stalk becomes fully extended. From this we might almost infer that -some animalcule, or other morsel of food, had been seized and retained -within the cup; moreover, that the contraction of the stalk assisted in -securing or disposing of the prey. This, however, is uncertain. - -The motions of the Vorticella do not seem much affected by the stalk -losing hold of its attachment; but the result of such an accident -taking place is that the cilia cause the animal to swim through the -water, trailing its thread behind it, and the contraction of the latter -merely causes it to be drawn up to the head. - -There are various species of Vorticellæ. That just described is the -simplest, consisting merely of a hemispherical ciliated cup, attached -to a single thread. It is barely visible to the naked eye. But there -is a compound species which I have this year found to be extremely -abundant in my aquarium,--whose occupants, both large and small, it -excels in singularity and beauty. In structure it is to the simple -Vorticella what a many-branched zoophyte is to an _Actinia_. My -attention was first drawn to the presence of this creature by observing -some pebbles and fronds of green ulva thickly coated with a fine -flocculent down. On closer inspection this growth appeared to consist -of a multitude of feathery plumes, about one-sixteenth of an inch in -height, and individually of so fine and transparent a texture as to be -scarcely discernible to the unassisted sight. On touching one with the -point of a fine needle it would instantly shrink up into a small but -dense mass, like a ball of white cotton--scarcely so large as a fine -grain of sand. In a few seconds it would again unfold and spread itself -out to its original size. By carefully detaching a specimen with the -point of a needle or pen-knife, and transferring it, along with a drop -of water upon a slip of glass, to the stage of the microscope, a sight -was presented of great wonder and loveliness:-- - - 'The more I fixed mine eye, - Mine eye the more new wonders did espye!' - -Let the reader imagine a tree with slender, gracefully curved, and -tapering branches thickly studded over with delicate flower-bells -in place of leaves. Let him suppose the bells to be shaped somewhat -between those of the fox-glove and convolvolus, and the stem, branches, -bells, and all, made of the purest crystal. Let him further conceive -every component part of this singular structure to be tremulous with -life-like motion, and he will have as correct an idea as words can give -of the complex form of this minute inhabitant of the deep. Moreover, -while gazing at it through the microscope, the observer is startled -by the sudden collapse of the entire structure. The lovely tree has -shrunk together into a dense ball, in which the branching stem lies -completely hidden among the flower-bells--themselves closed up into -little spherules, so closely packed together that the entire mass -resembles a piece of herring-roe. This contraction is so instantaneous -that the mode in which it is accomplished cannot be observed until the -tree is again extended. As the re-extension takes place very slowly, we -are enabled to observe that each branchlet has been coiled in a spiral -form, like the thread of the simple Vorticella previously described; -and also that the main stem, above the lowest branch, was coiled up in -the same way, but not so closely, and that the part below the lowest -branch had, curiously enough, remained straight. Sometimes, in large -and numerously branched specimens, one or two of the lowest members -do not contract at the same time with the rest, but do so immediately -afterwards, as if they had been startled by the shrinking movements of -their neighbours. Sometimes these lowest branches will contract alone, -while all the others remain fully extended,--a fact that would almost -seem to indicate that they possessed an independent life of their own. - -In the accompanying engraving I have attempted faithfully to portray -one of these wonderful creatures. Fig. 1 represents it fully extended, -while Fig. 2 indicates its collapsed form. There is another curious -circumstance which I have fortunately observed in connection with this -Vorticella, a description of which will perhaps be interesting to the -reader. I allude to the casting off of what may be called the fruit -of the tree. When this event takes place, the buds (or fruit) dart -about with such rapidity, that it is almost impossible to keep them -in the field of view for the briefest space of time. A represents the -enchanted fruit hanging on the tree; B shows it as it swims about. - -[Illustration: Fig. 1. and Fig. 2.] - -Although not exactly fruit, it is, no doubt, the means by which -the Vorticellæ are propagated, for it is known that many fixed -zoophytes, and even some plants, produce free swimming germs or spores, -which afterwards become fixed, and grow up into forms like those -which produced them. In some of the branching zoophytes (_Coryne_, -_Sertularia_, &c.), the germs are exactly like little medusae, being -small, gelatinous cups fringed with tentacula, by means of which they -twitch themselves along with surprising agility. In this Vorticella, -however, it is more like one of the ciliated Infusoria. The first one -that I saw attached I conceived to be a remarkably large bell, with -its mouth directed towards me, but the cilia with which it appeared -to be fringed were unusually large and distinct. The movements of -these appendages being comparatively slow, it was most interesting -to watch them as they successively bent inwards and rose again, like -the steady swell of a tidal wave, or an eccentric movement in some -piece of machinery, making a revolution about twice in a second, and -in the opposite direction to the hands of a clock. Suddenly the tree -contracted, when, to my surprise, I observed the bell, which not an -instant before appeared attached, now floating freely in the water, -its ciliary movements not being in the least interrupted. Presently, -however, they became brisker, the bell turned over on its side, and, -ere the tree had again expanded, darted out of view, not, however, -before I had remarked that it was not a bell, but a sphere flattened -on one side, and having its circular ring of cilia on the flat side, -with only a slight depression in the middle of it. There also appeared -to be a small granular nucleus immediately above this depression, the -rest of the body being perfectly transparent. I afterwards saw several -others attached to the tree, each seated about the centre of a branch; -but none of these were so fully developed. They were like little -transparent button mushrooms, and had all more or less of a nucleus -on the side by which they were attached. On only one of these did I -detect any cilia. - -Mr. Gosse, in his 'Tenby,' gives a picture of an animal exceedingly -like what I have described; but from his account of it, there seems to -be some doubt of their identity. He calls it '_Zoothamnium spirale_,' -because the insertions of the branches were placed spirally around the -main stem, like those of a fir-tree. In my specimens the branches were -set alternately on opposite sides of the main trunk, and the whole was -curved like a drooping fern leaf or an ostrich feather, the bells being -mostly set on the convex side. - -In conclusion, let me mention that it is an error to suppose, as many -persons do, that putrid water alone contains life. Infusoria occur, -as before hinted, in the clear waters of the ocean, in the water that -we drink daily, and also in the limpid burn that flows through our -valleys, or trickles like a silver thread down the mountain side.[1] - -[1] Ehrenberg states that Infusoria are in a higher state of -organization when taken from pure streams than from putrid waters. - - 'Where the pool - Stands mantled o'er with green, invisible, - Amid the floating verdure millions stray. - Each liquid too, whether it pierces, soothes, - Inflames, refreshes, or exalts the taste, - With various forms abounds. Nor is the stream - Of purest crystal, nor the lucid air, - Though one transparent vacancy it seems, - Void of their unseen people. These, concealed - By the kind art of forming Heaven, escape - The grosser eye of man.' - -Let it be remembered, too, that Infusoria, when found in either do not -themselves constitute the impurity of fresh or salt water; they merely -act as 'nature's invisible scavengers,' whose duty it is to remove -all nuisances that may spring up; and most unceasingly do these tiny -creatures labour in the performance of their all-important mission of -usefulness. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -Sea Anemones. - - -'The living flower that, rooted to the rock, - Late from the thinner element, - Shrunk down within its purple stem to sleep, - Now feels the water, and again - Awakening, blossoms out - All its green anther-necks.' - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 Sir J. G. Dalyell's celebrated ACTINIA (Drawn from Nature Jan. 1860.) -2 A. CRASSICORNIS -3 CAVE DWELLER (_A. troglodytes_)] - - - - -III. - - -No marine objects have become more universally popular of late years -than Sea Anemones. Certainly none better deserve the attention which -has been, and is daily bestowed upon them by thousands of amateur -naturalists, who cannot but be delighted with the wondrous variety of -form, and the beauteous colouring which these zoophytes possess. - -A stranger could scarcely believe, on looking into an aquarium, that -the lovely object before him, seated motionless at the base of the -vessel, with tentacula expanded in all directions, was not a simple -daisy newly plucked from the mountain side, or it may be a blooming -marigold or _Anemone_ from some rich parterre--instead of being, in -reality, a living, moving, animal-flower. - -One great advantage which the _Actiniæ_ possess over certain other -inhabitants of the sea-shore, at least to the eye of the naturalist, is -the facility with which specimens may be procured for observation and -study. Scarcely any rock-pool near low water mark but will be found to -encompass a certain number of these curious creatures, while some rocky -excavations of moderate size will at times contain as many as fifty. -Should the tide be far advanced, the young zoologist need not despair -of success, for, by carefully examining the under part of the boulders -totally uncovered by the sea, he will frequently find specimens of the -smooth anemone, contracted and hanging listlessly from the surface of -the stone, like masses of green, marone, or crimson jelly. - -The Actiniæ, and especially examples of the above mentioned species, -are extremely hardy and tenacious of life, as the following interesting -narrative will prove. - -The late Sir John Dalyell writing in 1851, says, 'I took a specimen -of _A. mesembryanthemum_ (smooth anemone) in August 1828, at North -Berwick, where the species is very abundant among the crevices of the -rocks, and in the pools remaining still replenished after the recess of -the tide. It was originally very fine, though not of the largest size, -and I computed from comparison with those bred in my possession, that -it must have been then at least seven years old.' - -Through the kindness of Dr. M'Bain, R.N., the writer has been permitted -to enjoy the extreme pleasure of inspecting the venerable zoophyte -above alluded to, which cannot now be much under thirty-eight years of -age! - -In the studio of the above accomplished naturalist, 'Granny' (as she -has been amusingly christened) still dwells, her wants being attended -to with all that tenderness and care which her great age demands. - -Sir J. Dalyell informs us that during a period of twenty years this -creature produced no less than 344 young ones. But, strange to say, -nearly the fortieth part of this large progeny consisted of monstrous -animals, the monstrosity being rather by redundance than defect. One, -for instance, was distinguished by two mouths of unequal dimensions -in the same disc, environed by a profusion of tentacula. Each mouth -fed independently of its fellow, and the whole system seemed to derive -benefit from the repast of either. In three years this monster became -a fine specimen, its numerous tentacula were disposed in four rows, -whereas only three characterize the species, and the tubercles of vivid -purple, regular and prominent, at that time amounted to twenty-eight. - -From the foregoing statement we learn that this extraordinary animal -produced about 300 young during a period of twenty years, but, 'wonder -of wonders!' I have now to publish the still more surprising fact, -that in the spring of the year 1857, after being unproductive for many -years, it unexpectedly gave birth, during a single night, to no less -than 240 living models of its illustrious self! - -This circumstance excited the greatest surprise and pleasure in the -mind of the late Professor Fleming, in whose possession this famous -Actinia then was. - -Up to this date (January 1860) there has been no fresh instance of -fertility on the part of Granny, whose health, notwithstanding her -great reproductive labours and advanced age, appears to be all that -her warmest friends and admirers could desire. Nor does her digestive -powers exhibit any signs of weakness or decay; on the contrary, that -her appetite is still exquisitely keen, I had ample opportunity of -judging. The half of a newly opened mussel being laid gently upon the -outer row of tentacula, these organs were rapidly set in motion, and -the devoted mollusc engulphed in the course of a few seconds. - -The colour of this interesting pet is pale brown. Its size, when fully -expanded, no larger than a half-crown piece. It is not allowed to -suffer any annoyance by being placed in companionship with the usual -occupants of an aquarium, but dwells alone in a small tank, the water -of which is changed regularly once a week. This being the plan adopted -by the original owner of Granny, is the one still followed by Dr. -M'Bain, whose anxiety is too great to allow him to pursue any other -course, for fear of accident thereby occurring to his protegée. - -A portrait of Granny, drawn from nature, will be found on Plate 2. - -_A. troglodytes_[2] (cave-dweller) is a very common, but interesting -object. The members of this species are especial favourites with the -writer, from their great suitableness for the aquarium. They vary -considerably in their appearance from each other. Some are red, violet, -purple, or fawn colour; others exhibit a mixture of these tints, while -not a few are almost entirely white. There are certain specimens which -disclose tentacula, that in colour and character look, at a little -distance, like a mass of eider-down spread out in a circular form. A -better comparison, perhaps, presents itself in the smallest plumage of -a bird beautifully stippled, and radiating from a centre. The centre -is the mouth of the zoophyte, and is generally a light buff or yellow -colour. From each corner, in certain specimens, there branches out -a white horn that tapers to a very delicate point, and is oft times -gracefully curled like an Ionic volute, or rather like the tendril of a -vine. - -[2] The above mentioned Actinia is extremely abundant on the shores -of the Frith of Forth. Sir J. Dalyell terms it _A. explorator_. -Local amateur naturalists frequently reject the specific name -of 'Troglodytes,' and adopt the more musical appellation of -'Daisy-Anemone.' Such error seems very pardonable, when we remember the -close resemblance which the creature when expanded bears to the daisy -of the field. In no single instance have I met with specimens of the -true _A. bellis_ at the above named locality, nor do I think any have -ever been found by previous naturalists. - -In addition to the pair of horns alluded to, may sometimes be seen a -series of light-coloured rays, occurring at regular intervals around -the circumference of the deep tinted tentacula, and thereby producing -to the eye of the beholder a most pleasing effect. - -As a general rule, never attempt to capture an anemone unless it be -fully expanded, before commencing operations. By this means you will be -able to form a pretty accurate estimate of its appearance in the tanks. -This condition of being seen necessitates, of course, its being covered -with water, and, consequently, increases the difficulty of capturing -your prize, especially when the creature happens to have taken up a -position upon a combination of stone and solid rock, or in a crevice, -or in a muddy pool, which when disturbed seems as if it would never -come clear again. - -It is, in consequence, advisable to search for those situated in -shallow water, the bottom of which is covered with clean sand. When -such a favourable spot is found, take hammer and chisel and commence -operations. Several strokes may be given before any alarm is caused to -the anemone, provided it be not actually touched. No sooner, however, -does the creature feel a palpable vibration, and suspect the object of -such disturbance, than, spurting up a stream of water, it infolds its -blossom, and shrinks to its smallest possible compass. At same time -apparently tightens its hold of the rock, and is, indeed, often enabled -successfully to defy the utmost efforts to dislodge it. - -After a little experience, the zoologist will be able to guess whether -he is likely to succeed in getting his prize perfect and entire; if -not, let me beg of him not to persevere, but immediately try some other -place, and hope for better fortune. - -Although apparently sedentary creatures, the Actiniæ often prove -themselves to be capable of moving about at will over any portion of -their subaqueous domain. Having selected a particular spot, they will -ofttimes remain stationary there many consecutive months. A smooth -anemone that had been domesticated for a whole year in my aquarium -thought fit to change its station and adopt a roving life, but at last -'settled down,' much to my surprise, upon a large mussel suspended -from the surface of the glass. Across both valves of the mytilus the -'mess.' attached by its fleshy disc, remained seated for a considerable -length of time. It was my opinion that the mussel would eventually be -sacrificed. Such, however, was not the case, for on the zoophyte again -starting off on a new journey, the mollusc showed no palpable signs of -having suffered from the confinement to which it had so unceremoniously -been subjected. - -The appearance of this anemone situated several inches from the base -of the vessel, branching out from such an unusual resting-place, and -being swayed to and fro, as it frequently was, by the contact of a -passing fish, afforded a most pleasing sight to my eye. Indeed, it was -considered for a while one of the 'lions' of the tank, and often became -an object of admiration not only to my juvenile visitors, but also to -many 'children of larger growth.' - -There is a curious fact in connection with the Actiniæ which deserves -to be chronicled here. I allude to the apparent instinct which they -possess. This power I have seen exercised at various times. The -following is a somewhat remarkable instance of the peculiarity in -question. - -In a small glass vase was deposited a choice _A. dianthus_, about an -inch in diameter. The water in the vessel was at least five inches -in depth. Having several specimens of the _Aplysiæ_, I placed one in -companionship with the anemone, and was often amused to observe the -former floating head downward upon the surface of the water. After a -while it took up a position at the base of the vase, and remained there -for nearly a week. Knowing the natural sluggishness of the animal, -its passiveness did not cause me any anxiety. I was rather annoyed, -however, at observing that the fluid was becoming somewhat opaque, -and that the Dianthus remained entirely closed, and intended to find -out the cause of the phenomena, but from some reason or other failed -to carry out this laudable purpose at the time. After the lapse of a -few days, on looking into the tank, I was delighted to perceive the -lace-like tentacula of the actinia spread out on the surface of the -water, which had become more muddy-looking than before. - -I soon discovered that the impurity in question arose from the Aplysia -(whose presence in the tank I had forgotten) having died, and its body -being allowed to remain in the vessel in a decaying state. The deceased -animal on being removed emitted an effluvium so intolerably bad that -it seemed like the concentrated essence of vile odours. The water, of -course, must have been of the most deadly character, yet had this most -delicate of sea-anemones existed in it for several consecutive days. - -In order further to test how long my little captive would remain alive -in its uncongenial habitation, I cruelly refused to grant any succour, -but must own to having felt extremely gratified at perceiving, in the -course of a few days, that instead of remaining with its body elongated -to such an unusual extent, the Dianthus gradually advanced along the -base, then up the side of the vessel, and finally located itself in -a certain spot, from which it could gain easy access to the outer -atmosphere. - -After this second instance of intelligence (?) I speedily transferred -my pet to a more healthy situation. - -Having procured a small colony of Actiniæ, you need be under no anxiety -about their diet, for they will exist for years without any further -subsistence than is derived from the fluid in which they live. Yet -strange as the statement will appear to many persons, the Actiniæ -are generally branded with the character of being extremely greedy -and voracious. 'Nothing,' says Professor Jones, 'can escape their -deadly touch. Every animated thing that comes in contact with them is -instantly caught, retained, and mercilessly devoured. Neither strength -nor size, nor the resistance of the victim, can daunt the ravenous -captor. It will readily grasp an animal, which, if endowed with similar -strength, advantage, and resolution, could certainly rend its body -asunder. It will endeavour to gorge itself with thrice the quantity of -food that its most capacious stomach is capable of receiving. Nothing -is refused, provided it be of animal substance. All the varieties of -the smaller fishes, the fiercest of the crustacea, the most active of -the annelidans, and the soft tenants of shells among the mollusca, all -fall a prey to the Actiniæ.' - -This is a sweeping statement, and, although corroborated by Sir J. -Dalyell and others, is one that requires to be received with a certain -degree of caution. It most certainly does not apply to _A. bellis_, -_A. parisitica_, _A. dianthus_, _troglodytes_, or any other members of -this group; and to a very limited extent only is it applicable to _A. -coriacea_ or _A. mesembryanthemum_. - -As may readily be conceived, the writer could not keep monster -specimens, such as are often found at the sea-shore; but surely if -the statement were correct that, _as a general rule_, the actiniæ -eat living crabs, the phenomenon would occasionally occur with -moderate-sized specimens, when kept in companionship with a mixed -assembly of crustaceans. Yet in no single instance have I witnessed a -small crab sacrificed to the gluttony of a small anemone. - -With regard to _A. mesembryanthemum_, _A. bellis_, and _A. dianthus_, -they get so accustomed to the presence of their crusty neighbours, -as not to retract their expanded tentacula when a hermit crab, for -instance, drags his lumbering mansion across, or a fiddler crab steps -through the delicate rays, like a sky terrier prancing over a bed of -tulips. - -Thus much I have felt myself called upon to say in defence of certain -species of Actiniæ; but with regard to _A. crassicornis_, I must -candidly own the creature is greedy and voracious to an extreme degree. - -Like many other writers, I have seen scores of this species of Actiniæ -that contained the remains of crabs of large dimensions, but at one -time considered that the latter were dead specimens, which had been -drifted by the tide within reach of the Actiniæ, and afterwards -consumed. That such, indeed, was the correct explanation in many -instances I can scarcely doubt, from the disproportionate bigness of -the crabs as compared with the anemones, but feel quite confident, that -in other instances, the crustacea were alive when first caught by their -voracious companions. - -To test the power of the 'crass.,' I have frequently chosen a specimen -well situated for observation, and dropped a crab upon its tentacula. -Instantly the intruding animal was grasped (perhaps merely by a claw), -but in spite of its struggles to escape, was slowly drawn into the -mouth of its captor, and eventually consumed. In one case, after the -crab had been lost to view for the space of three minutes only, I drew -it out of the Actinia, but although not quite dead, it evidently did -not seem likely to survive for any length of time. - -In collecting Actiniæ great care should be taken in detaching them from -their position. If possible, it is far the better plan not to disturb -them, but to transport them to the aquarium on the piece of rock or -other substance to which they may happen to be affixed. This can in -general be done by a smart blow of the chisel and hammer. - -Should the attempt fail, an endeavour should be made to insinuate the -finger nails under the base, and so detach each specimen uninjured. -This operation is a delicate one, requiring practice, much patience, -and no little skill. We are told by some authors that a slight rent -is of no consequence, since the anemone is represented as having the -power of darning it up. It may be so, but for my part I am inclined in -other instances to consider the statement more facetious than truthful. -In making this remark, I allude solely to the disc of the animal, an -injury to which I have never seen repaired. On the other hand, it is -well known that certain other parts may be destroyed with impunity. If -the tentacula, for instance, be cut away, so great are the reproductive -powers of the Actiniæ, that in a comparatively short space of time the -mutilated members will begin to bud anew. - -'If cut transversely through the middle, the lower portion of the -body will after a time produce more tentacula, pretty near as they -were before the operation, while the upper portion swallows food as -if nothing had happened, permitting it indeed at first to come out at -the opposite end; just as if a man's head being cut off would let out -at the neck the bit taken in at the mouth, but which it soon learns to -retain and digest in a proper manner.' - -The smooth anemone being viviparous, as already hinted, it is no -uncommon circumstance for the naturalist to find himself unexpectedly -in possession of a large brood of infant zoophytes, which have been -ejected from the mouth of the parent. - -There is often an unpleasant-looking film surrounding the body of -the Actiniæ. This 'film' is the skin of the animal, and is cast off -very frequently. It should be brushed away by aid of a camel-hair -pencil. Should any rejected food be attached to the lips, it may be -removed by the same means. When in its native haunts this process is -performed daily and hourly by the action of the waves. Such attention -to the wants of his little captives should not be grudgingly, but -lovingly performed by the student. His labour frequently meets with -ample reward, in the improved appearance which his specimens exhibit. -Instead of looking sickly and weak, with mouth pouting, and tentacula -withdrawn, each little pet elevates its body and gracefully spreads -out its many rays, apparently for no other purpose than to please its -master's eye. - -_A. mesembryanthemum_ (in colloquial parlance abbreviated to 'mess.'), -is very common at the sea-shore. It is easily recognised by the row of -blue torquoise-like beads, about the size of a large pin's head, that -are situated around the base of the tentacula. This test is an unerring -one, and can easily be put in practice by the assistance of a small -piece of stick, with which to brush aside the overhanging rays. - -_A. crassicornis_ grows to a very large size. Some specimens would, -when expanded, cover the crown of a man's hat, while others are no -larger than a 'bachelor's button.' Unless rarely marked, I do not now -introduce the 'crass.' into my tanks, from a dislike, which I cannot -conquer, to the strange peculiarity which members of this species -possess, of turning themselves inside out, and going through a long -series of inelegant contortions. Still, to the young zoologist, this -habit will doubtless be interesting to witness. One author has named -these large anemones 'quilled dahlias;' and the expression is so -felicitous, that if a stranger at the sea-side bear it in mind, he -could hardly fail to identify the 'crass.,' were he to meet with -a specimen in a rocky pool. Not the least remarkable feature in -connection with these animal-flowers, is the extraordinary variety of -colouring which various specimens display. - -_A. troglodytes_, is seldom found larger than a florin. Its general -size is that of a shilling. From the description previously given, the -reader will be able to make the acquaintance of this anemone without -any trouble whatever. - -_A. dianthus_ (Plumose anemone), is one of the most delicately -beautiful of all the Actiniæ; it can, moreover, be very readily -identified in its native haunts. Its colour is milky-white,--body, -base, and tentacula, all present the same chaste hue. Specimens, -however, are sometimes found lemon-coloured, and occasionally of a deep -orange tint. Various are the forms which this zoophyte assumes, yet -each one is graceful and elegant. - -The most remarkable as well as the most common shape, according to -my experience, is that of a lady's corset, such as may often be seen -displayed in fashionable milliners' windows. Even to the slender waist, -the interior filled with a mass of lace-work, the rib-like streaks, and -the general contour, suggestive of the Hogarthian line of beauty, the -likeness is sustained. - -When entirely closed, this anemone, unlike many others, is extremely -flat, being scarcely more than a quarter of an inch in thickness; -indeed, so extraordinary is the peculiarity to which I allude, that a -novice would have great difficulty in believing that the object before -him was possessed of expansive powers at all, whereas, in point of -fact, it is even more highly gifted in this respect than any other -species of Actiniæ. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -Edible Crab, Shore-Crab, Spider-Crab, &c. - - -'With a smart rattle, something fell from the bed to the floor; and -disentangling itself from the death drapery, displayed a large pound -_Crab_.... Creel Katie made a dexterous snatch at a hind claw, and, -before the Crab was at all aware, deposited him in her patch-work -apron, with a "_Hech, sirs, what for are ye gaun to let gang siccan a -braw partane?_"'--T. HOOD - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 EDIBLE CRAB -2 EDIBLE CRAB, casting its shell, from Nature -3 SPIDER CRAB -4 COMMON SHORE-CRAB -5 MINUTE PORCELAIN-CRAB] - - - - -IV. - - -The foregoing motto, extracted from a humorous tale by 'dear Tom Hood,' -which appeared in one of his comic annuals,--or volumes of 'Laughter -from _year_ to _year_,' as he delighted to call them,--may not inaptly -introduce the subject of this chapter. - -The term _partane_ is generally applied in Scotland to all the true -crabs (_Brachyura_). An esteemed friend, however, informs me that in -some parts it is more particularly used to denote the Edible Crab -_(Cancer pagurus_), which is sold so extensively in the fishmongers' -shops. However that may be, there is no doubt it was a specimen of this -genus that Creel Katie so boldly captured. - -Now this crab, to my mind, is one of the most interesting objects of -the marine animal kingdom, and I would strongly advise those of my -readers who may have opportunities of being at the sea-side to procure -a few youthful specimens. Its habits, according to my experience, are -quite different from those of its relative, the Common Shore-Crab -(_Carcinus_ _mænas_), or even the Velvet Swimming-Crab (_Portunus -puber_). Unlike these, it does not show any signs of a vicious temper -upon being handled, nor does it scamper away in hot haste at the -approach of a stranger. Its nature, strange as the statement may appear -to many persons, seems timid, gentle, and fawn-like. - -On turning over a stone, you will perhaps perceive, as I have often -done, three or four specimens, and, unless previously aware of the -peculiarity of their disposition, you will be surprised to see each -little fellow immediately fall upon his back, turn up the whites of his -eyes, and bring his arms or claws together,-- - - 'As if praying dumbly, - Over his breast:' - -making just such a silent appeal for mercy as a pet spaniel does -when expecting from his master chastisement for some _faux pas_. One -of these crabs may be taken up and placed in the hand without the -slightest fear. It will not attempt to escape, but will passively -submit to be rolled about, and closely examined at pleasure. Even when -again placed in its native element, minutes will sometimes elapse -before the little creature can muster up courage to show his 'peepers,' -and gradually unroll its body and limbs from their painful contraction. - -Most writers on natural history entertain an opinion totally at -variance with my own in regard to the poor _Cancer pagurus_, of whom -we are speaking. By some he is called a fierce, cannibalistic, and -remorseless villain, totally unfit to be received into respectable -marine society. Mr. Jones relates how he put half a dozen specimens -into a vase, and on the following day found that, with the exception -of two, all had been killed and devoured by their companions; and in a -trial of strength which speedily ensued between the pair of 'demons in -crustaceous guise,' one of these was eventually immolated and devoured -by his inveterate antagonist. Sir J. Dalyell mentions several similar -instances of rapacity among these animals. Now, these anecdotes I do -not doubt, but feel inclined, from the results of my own experience, to -consider them exceptional cases. - -When studying the subject of exuviation, I was in the habit of -keeping half a dozen or more specimens of the Edible Crab together as -companions in the same vase; but except when a 'friend and brother' -slipped off his shelly coat, and thus offered a temptation too great -for crustaceous nature to withstand, I do not remember a single -instance of cannibalism. True, there certainly were occasionally -quarrelling and fighting, and serious nocturnal broils, whereby life -and limb were endangered; but then such mishaps will frequently occur, -even in the best regulated families of the higher animals, without -these being denounced as a parcel of savages. - -Compared to _Cancer pagurus_, the Shore-Crab appears in a very -unamiable light. When the two are kept in the same vase, they exhibit -a true exemplification of the wolf and the lamb. This, much to my -chagrin, was frequently made evident to me, but more particularly so -on one occasion, when I was, from certain circumstances, compelled to -place a specimen of each in unhappy companionship. Here is a brief -account of how they behaved to each other: The poor little lamb (_C. -pagurus_) was kept in a constant state of alarm by the attacks of her -fellow-prisoner (_C. mænas_) from the first moment that I dropped her -in the tank. If I gave her any food, and did not watch hard by until it -was consumed, the whole meal would to a certainty be snatched away. Not -content with his booty, the crabbie rascal of the shore would inflict a -severe chastisement upon his rival in my favour, and not unfrequently -attempt to wrench off an arm or a leg out of sheer wantonness. To -end such a deplorable state of matters, I very unceremoniously took -up wolf, and lopped off one of his large claws, and also one of his -hind legs. By this means I stopped his rapid movements to and fro, -and, moreover, deprived him somewhat of his power to grasp an object -forcibly. In spite of his mutilations, he still exhibited the same -antipathy to his companion, and, as far as possible, made her feel the -weight of his jealous ire. Retributive justice, however, was hanging -over his crustaceous head. The period arrived when nature compelled -him to change his coat. In due time the mysterious operation was -performed, and he stood forth a new creature, larger in size, handsomer -in appearance, but for a few days weak, sickly, and defenceless. His -back, legs, and every part of his body were of the consistency of -bakers' dough. The lamb well knew her power, and though much smaller in -size than her old enemy, she plucked up spirit and attacked him; nor -did she desist until she had seemingly made him cry peccavi, and run -for his life beneath the shelter of some friendly rock. Without wishing -to pun, I may truly say the little partane came off with _eclat_, -having my warmest approbation for her conduct, and a _claw_ in her arms -as token of her prowess. I knew that when wolf was himself again there -would be a scene. Reprisals, of course, would follow. Therefore, rather -than permit a continuance of such encounters, I separated the crabs, -and introduced them to companions more suited to the nature of each. - -The difference exhibited in the form and development of the tail in -the ten-footed Crustacea (_Decapoda_)--as for instance, the crab, the -lobster, and the hermit-crab--is so striking that naturalists have -very appropriately divided them into three sections, distinguished by -terms expressive of these peculiarities of structure: 1st, _Brachyura_, -or short-tailed decapods, as the Crabs; 2d, _Anomoura_, or irregular -tailed, as the Hermit-crabs; 3d, _Macroura_, or long-tailed, as -Lobster, Cray-fish, &c. - -It is to a further consideration of a few familiar examples of the -first mentioned group that I propose to devote the remainder of this -chapter. - -Few subjects of study are more difficult and obscure than such as -belong to the lower forms of the animal kingdom. However carefully -we may observe the habits of these animals, our conclusions are too -often apt to be unsound, from our proneness to judge of their actions -as we would of the actions of men. As a consequence, an animal may -be pronounced at one moment quiet and intelligent, and at another -obstinate and dull, while perhaps, if the truth were known, it deserves -neither verdict. - -For my own part, the more I contemplate the habits of many members -of the marine animal kingdom, the more am I astounded at the seeming -intelligence and purpose manifested in many of their actions. Prior, -apparently, must have been impressed with the same idea, for he says, -speaking of animals,-- - - "Vainly the philosopher avers - That reason guides our deeds, and instinct _theirs_. - How can we justly different causes frame - _When the effects entirely are the same?_ - Instinct and reason, how can we divide? - 'Tis the fool's ignorance, and the pedant's pride!" - -This train of thought has been suggested to my mind by viewing the -singular conduct of a Shore-Crab, whom I kept domesticated for many -consecutive months. Three times during his confinement he cast his -exuvium, and had become nearly double his original size. His increased -bulk made him rather unfit for my small ocean in miniature, and gave -him, as it were, a loblolliboy appearance. Besides, he was always -full of mischief, and exhibited such pawkiness, that I often wished -he were back again to his sea-side home. Whenever I dropped in a meal -for my Blennies, he would wait until I had retired, and then rush out, -disperse the fishes, and appropriate the booty to himself. If at all -possible, he would catch one of my finny pets in his arms, and speedily -devour it. Several times he succeeded in so doing; and fearing that -the whole pack would speedily disappear, unless stringent measures for -their preservation were adopted, I determined to eject the offender. -After considerable trouble, his crabship was captured, and transferred -to a capacious glass. - -The new lodging, though not so large as the one to which for so long -a time he had been accustomed, was nevertheless clean, neat, and -well-aired. At its base stood a fine piece of polished granite, to -serve as a chair of state, beneath which was spread a carpet of rich -green ulva. The water was clear as crystal; in fact, the accommodation, -as a whole, was unexceptionable. The part of host I played myself, -permitting no one to usurp my prerogative. But in spite of this, -the crab from the first was extremely dissatisfied and unhappy with -the change, and for hours together, day after day, he would make -frantic and ineffectual attempts to climb up the smooth walls of -his dwelling-place. Twice a day, for a week, I dropped in his food, -consisting of half a mussel, and left it under his very eyes; nay, I -often lifted him up and placed him upon the shell which contained his -once-loved meal; still, although the latter presented a most inviting -come-and-eat kind of appearance, not one particle would he take, but -constantly preferred to raise himself as high as possible up the sides -of the vase, until losing his balance, he as constantly toppled over -and fell upon its base. - -This behaviour not a little surprised me. Did it indicate sullenness? -or was it caused by disappointment? Was he aware that escape from -his prison without aid was impossible, and consequently exhibited -the pantomime, which I have described, to express his annoyance, and -longing for the home he had lately left? - -Thinking that perhaps there was not sufficient sea-weed in the glass, -I added a small bunch of _I. edulis_. Having thus contributed, as I -believed, to the comfort of the unhappy crab, I silently bade him -_bon soir_. On my return home, I was astonished by the servant, who -responded to my summons at the door, blurting out in a nervous manner, -'O sir! the creature's run awa!' 'The creature--what creature?' I -inquired. 'Do ye no ken, sir?--the wee crabbie in the tumler!' - -I could scarcely credit the evidence of my sight when I saw the -'tumler' minus its crustaceous occupant. The first thought that -occurred to me was as to where the crab could be found. Under chairs, -sofa, and fender, behind book-case, cabinet, and piano, in every -crevice, hole, and corner, for at least an hour did I hunt without -success. Eventually the hiding-place of the fugitive was discovered in -the following singular manner: As I sat at my desk, I was startled by -a mysterious noise which apparently proceeded from the interior of my -'Broadwood,' which, by-the-by, I verily believe knows something about -the early editions of 'The battle of Prague,' The strings of this -venerable instrument descend into ill-disguised cupboards, so that -at the lower part there are two doors, or, in scientific language, -'valves.' On opening one of these, what should I see but the poor -crab, who, at my approach, 'did' a kind of scamper polka over the -strings. This performance I took the liberty of cutting short with -all possible speed. On dragging away the performer, I found that his -appearance was by no means improved since I saw him last. Instead of -being ornamented with gracefully-bending polypes, he was coated, body -and legs, with dust and cobwebs. I determined to try the effect of a -bath, and presently had the satisfaction of seeing him regain his usual -comely appearance. The next step was to replace him in his old abode; -and having done so, I felt anxious to know how the creature had managed -to scale his prison walls. The _modus operandi_ was speedily made -apparent; yet I feel certain that, unless one had watched as I did, the -struggles of this little fellow, the determination and perseverance he -exhibited would be incredible. - -After examining his movements for an hour, I found, by dint of standing -on the points of his toes, poised on a segment of weed, that he managed -to touch the brim of the glass. Having got thus far, he next gradually -drew himself up, and sat upon the edge of the vessel. In this position -he would rest as seemingly content as a bird on a bush, or a schoolboy -on a gate. - -My curiosity satisfied, the _C. mænas_ was again placed in the vase, -and every means of escape removed. - -Here let me mention that I still had a Fiddler-Crab in my large tank, -who had formerly lived in companionship with the shore-crab above -mentioned. With 'the fiddler' I had no fault to find; he was always -modest and gentle, and gave no offence whatever to my Blennies. He -never attempted to embrace them, nor to usurp their lawful place at the -table, nor even to appropriate their meals. On the contrary, he always -crept under a stone, and closely watched the process of eating until -the coast was clear, when he would scuttle out, and feed, Lazarus-like, -upon any crumbs that might be scattered around. - -Although so modest and retiring, I soon discovered that this little -crab possessed an ambitious and roving disposition. This made him -wish to step into the world without, and proceed on a voyage of -discovery--to start, indeed, on his own account, and be independent of -my hospitality, or the dubious bounty of his finny companions. Taking -advantage on one occasion of a piece of sandstone that rested on the -side of the aquarium, he climbed up its slanting-side, from thence he -stepped on to the top of the vessel, and so dropped down outside upon -the room floor. For nearly two days I missed his familiar face, but had -no conception that he had escaped, or that he wished to escape from his -crystal abode. It was by mere accident that I discovered the fact. - -Entering my study, after a walk on a wet day, umbrella in hand, I -thoughtlessly placed this useful article against a chair. A little pool -of water immediately formed upon the carpet, which I had no sooner -noticed, than I got up to remove the _parapluie_ to its proper place in -the stand, but started back in surprise, for in the little pool stood -the fugitive fiddler moistening his branchiæ. - -Taking up the little prodigal who had left my protection so lately, -I soon deposited him in a vase of clear salt water. After a while, -thinking it might conduce to the happiness of both parties, I placed -him in companionship with his old friend, _Carcinus mænas_. This, -like many other philanthropic projects, proved a complete failure. -Both creatures, once so harmless towards each other, seemed suddenly -inspired by the demon of mischief. Combats, more or less severe, -constantly occurring, in a few days I separated them. - -The 'fiddler' I placed in the large tank, where he rested content, and -never again offered to escape--evidently the better of his experience. -Not so his old friend, who still continued obstinate and miserable as -ever. In his case I determined to see if a certain amount of sternness -would not curb his haughty spirit. For two days I offered him no -food, but punished him with repeated strokes on his back, morning and -evening. This treatment was evidently unpleasant, for he scampered -about with astonishing rapidity, and ever endeavoured to shelter -himself under the granite centre-piece. When I thought he had been -sufficiently chastised, I next endeavoured to coax him into contentment -and better conduct. My good efforts were, however, unavailing. Every -morning I placed before him a newly-opened mussel, but on no occasion -did he touch a morsel. All day he continued struggling, as heretofore, -to climb up the side of his chamber, trying by every means in his power -to escape. This untameable disposition manifested itself for about a -week, but at the end of that time, on looking into the vase, I saw -the crab seated on the top of the stone, his body resting against the -glass. I then took up a piece of meat and placed it before him. To my -surprise he did not run away as usual. Having waited for some minutes, -and looking upon his obstinacy as unpardonable, I tapped him with a -little stick--still he never moved. A sudden thought flashed across my -mind; I took him up in my hand, examined him, and quickly found that he -was stiff and dead! - - * * * * * - -There is a little crab, _Porcellana longicornis_, or Minute -Porcelain-Crab, frequently to be met with in certain localities. - -The peculiarity of this creature is the thickness and the great -disproportionate length of his arms, as compared with the size of his -pea-like body. He possesses a singular habit which I have not observed -in any other crustaceans. He does not sit under a stone, for instance, -but always lies beneath such object with his back upon the ground; -so that when a boulder is turned over, these crabs are always found -sitting upon it, whereas the shore-crabs, when the light of day is -suddenly let in upon them, scamper off with all possible speed; or if -any remain, it appears as if they had been pressed to death almost, by -the weight of the stone upon their backs. - -The colour of _P. longicornis_ is that of prepared chocolate, shaded -off to a warm red. - -Another crab, equally common with those already mentioned, is to -be met with when dredging, and in most rock-pools. At Wardie, near -Edinburgh, I have seen hundreds of all sizes hiding beneath the rocks -at low tide. Its scientific name is _Hyas araneus_, but it is better -known as one of the Spider-Crabs. It claims close relationship with -that noted crustaceous sanitory reformer, _Maia squinado_. Although -this H. araneus is a somewhat pleasant fellow when you get thoroughly -acquainted with his eccentricities, appearances are sadly against him -at starting. Speaking with due caution and in the gentlest manner -possible, consistent with truth, I must say that this crab is, without -exception, one of the dirtiest-looking animals I have ever met with in -my zoological researches. At a by no means hasty glance, he appears to -be miraculously built up of mud, hair, and grit on every part, except -his claws, which are long and sharp as those of any bird of prey. - -The first specimen I ever saw, seemed as if he had been dipped in a gum -pot, and then soused over head and ears in short-cut hair and filth. - -The second specimen, although equally grimy, had some redeeming points -in his personal appearance, for at intervals every part of his back and -claws were covered with small frondlets of ulva, dulse, _D. sanguinea_, -and other beautiful weeds, all of which were in a healthy condition. -After keeping him in a vase for a week, he managed, much against my -wish, to strip himself of the greater part of these novel excrescences. - -Instead of minute algæ, we read that these crabs are sometimes found -with oysters (_Ostrea edulis_) attached to their backs. Mr. W. Thompson -mentions two instances where this occurs, with specimens of _H. -araneus_, to be seen in Mr. Wyndman's cabinet. Speaking of these, he -adds, 'The oyster on the large crab is three inches in length, and five -or six years' old, and is covered with many large Balani. The shell, -a carapace of the crab, is but two inches and a quarter in length, -and hence it must, Atlas-like, have born a world of weight upon its -shoulders. The presence of the oyster affords interesting evidence that -the Hyas lived several years after attaining its full growth. - -For days after I had brought him home, my second specimen appeared as -if he were dead, and it was only by examining his mouth through a hand -lens that I could satisfy myself as to his being alive. When I pushed -him about with an ivory stick he never resisted, but always remained -still upon the spot where I had urged him. - -This species of _acting_ he has given up for some time, and at the -present moment I rank H. araneus among my list of marine pets, for he -does not appear any longer to pine for mud with which to decorate his -person, but is quite content to 'purge and live cleanly' all the rest -of his days. - -The ancients imagined that _Maia squinado_ possessed a great degree of -wisdom, and further believed him to be sensible to the divine charms -of music. It is very curious, as well as true, that this animal has -in a far higher degree than other crustaceans, a gravity of demeanour, -and a profound style of doing everything, that always excites our -irreverent laughter, but at the same time leaves an impression that, -if justice were done, the animal ought to hold a higher position in -the marine world than a scavenger and devourer of ocean garbage. If -_Maia_ and _C. mænas_ be both eating out of the same dish, in the shape -of an open mussel, the former seems ever inclined to admonish his -companion upon greediness and want of manners. The only seeming reason -why _M. squinado_ does not really give such advice, is because of the -impossibility of any individual speaking with his mouth full. The -knowledge, too, that if he commenced a pantomimic discourse, it would -give his young friend an opportunity of gaining too large a share of -the banquet, may, perhaps, have something to do with his preferring to -remain quiet. - -As for _Maia's_ possession of appreciative musical qualities, I can -only state that both he and his friend _Hyas_ really do convey to -the beholder an impression confirmatory of this statement. I have -frequently been amused to observe the singular phenomenon of each -animal coming to the side of the vase and rocking his body to and fro, -in apparent delight at the exercise of my vocal abilities, just as -when a pleasing melody is being played in the concert room, we bend -backwards and forwards, and beat time to the tune. These animals also -adopt the same course: it must be to unheard music (which the poets say -is sweetest), that seems ever and anon to fall on their ears, giving -them great delight. - -The movements here alluded to may be in no way influenced by music; but -such as they are, it is curious that they have not been noticed as an -apparent explanation of the origin of the ancient belief regarding the -Spider-Crabs. - - * * * * * - -A friend, on one occasion having procured for me, among other objects, -a Common Limpet, I placed this mollusc in my aquarium, and soon had -the pleasure of watching it affix its broad foot to the surface of the -glass. After a while, on the Limpet slightly raising its canopy, I was -surprised to observe a little Shore-Crab peer out from between the foot -and shell. On suddenly ejecting the intruder by means of a small brush, -he speedily hid himself from view among the surrounding pebbles. A few -hours after, on again approaching the tank to view the Patella (which -was easily identified, from the fact of an immense colony of Mussels -being settled on its back), I found to my great astonishment that the -crab had re-seated himself in his old position. I often repeated the -sweeping operation, but without success, for the little rascal had -become artful, and was not inclined to be driven forth a second time -by a _coup de main_. I touched the Limpet frequently and saw it glue -itself, as usual, to the glass; but, singular to state, the creature -always left a larger space between its foot and the circumference -of the shell on the side at which the crab was seated, than on the -opposite one, seemingly from a wish to accommodate its crustaceous -friend. This space, moreover, let me observe, was larger than was -absolutely necessary, for, as the shell was not air-tight, I was -enabled to thrust my camel-hair pencil teazingly upon the crab, and was -much amused to watch him clutch at the intruding object, and, at times, -move about with it in his grasp, thus proving that he was by no means -uncomfortably 'cabin'd, cribb'd, confin'd.' - -For a whole week the crab remained in his favorite lodgings, and only -resigned occupancy thereof when his friend gave up the shell--and died. - -There is a certain species of crab, _Pinnotheres pisum_, or common -Pea-Crab, frequently found in _Mytilus edulis_, the Oyster, and the -Common Cockle. Indeed, one gentleman states, that on his examining, on -two occasions, a large number of specimens of the _Cardium edule_, he -found that nine out of every ten cockles contained a crab. Still, in no -other instance than the one my own experience furnishes, have I ever -heard of the Shore-Crab, or, indeed, of any other crustacean, becoming -the guest of _Patella_. - -The classical reader will not fail to remember Pliny's statement -(somewhat analogous to that above narrated) of a small crab, -_Pinnotheres veterum_, which is always found to inhabit the Pinna,--a -large species of mussel. This latter animal being blind, but muscularly -strong, and its juvenile companion quick-sighted, but weak of limb, the -crab, it is said, always keeps a sharp look-out, and when any danger -approaches, he gladly creeps into the gaping shell for protection. Some -writers assert, that when the bivalve has occasion to eat, he sends -forth his faithful henchman to procure food. If any foe approaches, -_Pinnotheres_ flies for protection with his utmost speed to the anxious -bosom of his friend, who, being thus warned of danger, closes his -valves, and escapes the threatened attack. When, on the contrary, the -crab loads himself with booty, he makes a gentle noise at the opening -of the shell, which is closed during his absence, and on admission, -this curious pair fraternize, and feast on the fruits of the little -one's foray. - -For those of my readers who may prefer verse to prose, I here append a -poetical version of this fable--equally pretty, but, let me add in a -whisper, equally opposed to fact, at least in its principal details:-- - - 'In clouded depths below, the Pinna hides, - And through the silent paths obscurely glides; - A stupid wretch, and void of thoughtful care, - He forms no bait, nor lays no tempting snare; - But the dull sluggard boasts a _crab_ his friend, - Whose busy eyes the coming prey attend. - One room contains them, and the partners dwell - Beneath the convex of one sloping shell: - Deep in the watery vast the comrades rove, - And mutual interest binds their constant love; - That wiser friend the lucky juncture tells, - When in the circuit of his gaping shells - Fish wandering enters; then the bearded guide - Warns the dull mate, and pricks his tender side. - He knows the hint, nor at the treatment grieves, - But hugs the advantage, and the pain forgives: - His closing shell the Pinna sudden joins, - And 'twixt the pressing sides his prey confines. - Thus fed by mutual aid, the friendly pair - Divide their gains, and all their plunder share.' - -There is one singular feature in the Crustacea which it may prove -interesting to dwell a little upon. I allude to their power of living -apparently without food, or at least without any other sustenance -than is afforded by the animalculæ contained in the water in which -they dwell. One accurate observer states that he kept a Cray-fish for -a period of two years, during which time the only food the animal -received was a few worms,--not more than fifty altogether. This -statement I have often had ample means of verifying. Yet, on the other -hand, strange to say, the crab is always on the hunt after tit-bits; -and nothing seems to give him greater delight than a good morning meal, -in the shape of a newly opened Mussel, Cockle, and above all--a Pholas. -Let a youthful crustacean cast its shell, and rest assured, unless its -companions have had their appetites appeased, they will endeavour to -fall upon and devour the defenceless animal. This, to my chagrin and -annoyance, I have known to occur repeatedly. When nothing else can be -procured, not only the Lobster Crabs, but any Brachyurous Decapods -who may be at hand, will set to work, and industriously pick off and -eat the Acorn-Barnacles attached to any object within reach. These -facts show that the asceticism of the crab is not voluntary, and that -when opportunity occurs, he is as fond of a good dinner as are animals -possessed of a higher degree of organization. - -It will be gratifying if other observers are able to verify the -circumstance which I shall allude to hereafter, and which would seem -to show that the _exuviation_ of crustacea is expedited by affording -specimens an unlimited supply of food. - -'The organs for pursuing, seizing, tearing, and comminuting the food of -the Brachyurous Decapods,' says Professor Bell, 'are carried to a high -degree of development; ... these appendages consist of six pairs, of -which some are actual organs of mastication, as the mandibles or the -true jaws, the foot jaws or pedipalps, generally serving to keep the -food in contact with the former, whilst it is being broken up by them. - -'The buccal orifice in the Brachyura occupies the interior face of -the cephalic division of the body, and is bounded anteriorly by a -crustaceous lamina of determinate form, which has been termed the upper -lip, and posteriorly by another, termed the lower lip. The mandibles -occupy the sides of the opening. After these, and external to them, -are the first, and then the second pair of true jaws, followed by the -three pairs of pedipalps or foot jaws, the last of which, when at rest, -close the mouth, and include the whole of the preceding ones. In the -Macroura the pedipalps are very different in their forms, and have the -aspect of very simple feet. - -'The means of comminuting the food are not restricted to the -complicated machinery above referred to, for the stomach itself -contains a very remarkable apparatus, consisting of several hard -calcareous pieces, which may be termed _gastric teeth_. They are -attached to horny or calcareous levers, fixed in the parietes of -the stomach; they are moved by a complicated system of muscles, and -are admirably adapted to complete the thorough breaking-down of the -aliment, which had already been to a considerable extent affected by -the buccal appendages. These gastric teeth may be readily seen and -examined in the larger species of Decapoda, as in the large eatable -crab and the lobster; and it will be readily perceived how perfectly -the different pieces are made to act upon each other, and to grind the -food interposed between them.' - -Having been on a certain day at the sea-side collecting, I was amused -to observe the movements of two ragged little urchins, who approached -near to where I stood, bottle in hand, examining some beautiful -zoophytes by aid of a pocket lens. One of them had a short iron rod, -with which he very dexterously hooked out any unfortunate crab who -happened to have taken up its quarters in some crevice or beneath -a boulder. Having captured a specimen, it was handed over to his -companion, who quickly tied it to a string which he held in his hand. - -I had seen many a rope of onions, but this was the first time I had -seen a rope of crabs. On inquiry, I learned that the boys had taken two -dozen animals in about two hours. When any of the green-bellied crabs -happened to be poked out, they were allowed to escape back again as -quickly as they pleased. - -With poor _Cancer pagurus_ the case was different,--every specimen, as -soon as caught, being strung up, and doomed to 'death in the pot.' - -The above, I need scarcely state, is not the usual manner of fishing -for crabs, the approved plan being to take them in what are termed -crab-pots, 'a sort of wicker-trap made, by preference, of the twigs of -the golden willow (_salex vitellina_), at least in many parts of the -coast, on account, as they say, of its great durability and toughness. -These pots are formed on the principle of a common wire mousetrap, but -with the entrance at the top; they are baited with pieces of fish, -generally of some otherwise useless kind, and these are fixed into the -pots by means of a skewer. The pots are sunk by stones attached to the -bottom, and the situation where they are dropped is indicated, and the -means of raising them provided, by a long line fixed to the creel, or -pot, having a piece of cork attached to the free end of the line; these -float the line, and at the same time serve to designate the owners -of the different pots--one, perhaps, having three corks near together -towards the extremity of the line, and two distant ones--another may -have one cork fastened crosswise, another fastened together, and so -on. It is, of course, for their mutual security that the fishermen -abstain from poaching on their neighbour's property; and hence we find -that stealing from each other's pots is a crime almost wholly unknown -amongst them.' - -'The fishery for these crabs constitutes an important trade on many -parts of the coast. The numbers which are annually taken are immense; -and, as the occupation of procuring them is principally carried on -by persons who are past the more laborious and dangerous pursuits of -general fishing, it affords a means of subsistence to many a poor man -who, from age or infirmity, would be unable without it to keep himself -and his family from the workhouse.'[3] - -[3] Bell's Brit. Crus. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -Hermit-Crabs. - - - 'Finding on the shoar -Som handsome shell, whose native lord of late -Was dispossessed by the doom of Fate, -Therein he enters, and he takes possession -Of th' empty harbour, by the free concession -Of Nature's law--who goods that owner want, -Alwaies allots to the first occupant.' - - DU BARTAS. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 COMMON HERMIT-CRAB (_Pagurus bernhardus_) in shell of common Whelk -2 COMMON HERMIT-CRAB out of shell -3 SHIP BARNACLES] - - - - -V. - - -Twice in every twenty-four hours the waters of the ocean ebb and flow. -Twice only in each month, however, do the spring-tides occur. For there -are few dangers that the ardent student of nature would not encounter. -Lord Bacon tells of a certain bishop who used to bathe regularly twice -every day, and on being asked why he bathed thus often, answered, -'Because I cannot conveniently bathe _three_ times.' The zoologist, -like the 'right reverend father' alluded to, would willingly undergo -what appears to others much hardship and trouble, not only once or -twice, but even three times daily, in pursuit of his favourite studies, -did Nature but offer the kind convenience. - -On these occasions the zoologist can pursue his researches at the -shore, at a distance beyond the usual tidal line. Numerous boulders and -rock-pools, during many days covered by the sea, being then laid bare -and exposed to his eager, searching hands and eyes, he is frequently -able to discover many rare objects, or, at least, common ones -revelling in almost giant-like proportions, and wonderful profusion. - -The Soldier or Hermit-Crabs (to an account of whom we intend to devote -this chapter), offer a most remarkable proof of this. Occupying the -centre of a rocky excavation, I have repeatedly found several dozen -of these comical creatures, each inhabiting the cast-off shell of a -defunct Whelk (_Buccinum undatum_), which measured not less than five -or six inches in length. To my surprise these aldermanic crustaceans -possessed no companions of a smaller growth; while at a few yards -nearer shore, as many shells would be found congregated together as in -the more distant pool,--the largest, however, being no bigger than a -damson, while the smallest might be compared to an infantile pea, or -cherry-stone. - -I cannot explain this appearance otherwise, than by supposing that -the _Anomoura_ become prouder, or, it may be, more cunning, as they -grow older, and, having arrived at their full development, they -fit themselves with their final suit; thereafter, in a spirit of -aristocratic exclusiveness, they retire to fashionable subaqueous -residences, distant as far as possible from the homes of the -_canaille_, who inhabit the common, littoral boundaries of the shore. - -The peculiarity, to which I alluded, of the _Anomoura_ occupying -shells that have formerly belonged to other animals, is so strange -that some writers have not hesitated to express doubt upon the -subject. This denial of a fact, which can so readily be proved, is one -of the 'curiosities of literature.' Swammerdam, a Dutch naturalist -contemptuously observes, 'What an idle fable that is which is -established even among those who study shell-fishes, when they show -some kind of the crab kind in their museums, adding at the same time, -that they pass from one shell to another, devour the animals that -lived in those shells, and keep them for their own habitations. They -dignify them with the high-sounding names, and additions, as Soldiers, -Hermits, and the like; and thus, having no experience, they commit -gross errors, and deceive themselves, as well as others, with their -idle imaginations.' - -That there is nothing mythical in the matter can easily be made -apparent to any person who chooses to visit the sea-shore. At such -locality he need have no difficulty in recognising the Hermit-Crab, or -meeting with numerous specimens for examination. Supposing such a one -is at a rock-pool, and, moreover, that he knows by sight the Buckie -(periwinkle), and Common Whelk, he will probably in such case be aware -that the animals occupying these shells are snail-like in construction, -and that their locomotion is consequently slow and formal. If, -therefore, when peering into any pool he sees the Buckie, for instance, -apparently change its nature, and instead of - - 'Dragging its slow length along,' - -scamper off suddenly, or roll over and over from the top of an -eminence to the bottom, he may rest assured that the original -inhabitant has departed, and that its place is occupied by a -Lobster-Crab. - -The cause of his strange peculiarity I will briefly explain. - -In the true Lobster the tail forms a most valuable appendage. In the -tail the principal muscular power of the animal is seated; and by means -of it, too, the animal is enabled to spring to a considerable distance, -and also to swim through the water at will. This important organ is -well protected by a casing consisting of a 'series of calcareous rings, -forming a hard and insensible chain armour.' - -In the Lobster-Crab there is no such arrangement. 'The abdominal -segment of this singular animal, instead of possessing the same -crustaceous covering as the rest of his body and claws, is quite -soft, _and merely enveloped in a thin skin_. To protect this delicate -member from the attacks of his voracious companions, the poor Pagurus -is compelled to hunt about for some Univalve, such as a Whelk or -Trochus, and having found this, he drops his tail within the aperture -and hooks it firmly to the columella of the shell. Why Providence -has doomed the poor Hermits to descend to such physical hypocrisy, -and clothe themselves in the left-off garments of other animals, it -is not easy to conjecture. No doubt, besides the defence of their -otherwise unprotected bodies, he has some other object of importance -in view. Perhaps they may accelerate the decomposition of the shells -they inhabit, and cause them sooner to give way to the action of the -atmosphere; and as all exuviæ may be termed nuisances and deformities, -giving to these deserted mansions an appearance of renewed life and -locomotion, removes them in some sort from the catalogue of blemishes.' - -Professor Jones, when treating of this class of animals, forcibly -remarks that 'the wonderful adaptation of all the limbs to a residence -in such a dwelling, cannot fail to strike the most curious observer. -The _Chelæ_, or large claws, differ remarkably in size, so that when -the animal retires into its concealment, the smaller one may be -entirely withdrawn, while the larger closes and guards the orifice. The -two succeeding pairs of legs, unlike those of the Lobster, are of great -size and strength, and instead of being terminated by pincers, end in -strong-pointed levers, whereby the animal can not only crawl, but drag -after it, its heavy habitation. Behind these locomotive legs are two -feeble pairs, barely strong enough to enable the Soldier-Crab to shift -his position in the shell he has chosen; and the false feet attached -to the abdomen are even still more rudimentary in their development. -But the most singularly altered portion of the skeleton is the fin -of the tail, which here becomes transformed into a kind of holding -apparatus by which the creature retains a firm grasp of the bottom of -his residence.' - -So great is the power of the animals to retain hold of their shell, and -so intense their dislike to be forcibly ejected therefrom, that they -will often allow their bodies to be pulled asunder, and sacrifice their -life rather than submit to such indignity. This fact I have proved -on sundry occasions. But supposing a crab to have taken a fancy to a -shell, occupied by some brother Pagurus, (a circumstance of frequent -occurrence), he quickly proceeds to dislodge the latter. Curious to -state, this process never seems attended with any fatal result. - -When watching the operation, it has appeared to me as if the crab -attacked preferred to yield rather than be subjected to continuous -annoyance, and the discomfort of keeping for so long a time buried -within the inner recesses of his dwelling. - -The contrast in appearance of the Hermit-Crab when seated in his shell, -and crawling about minus such appendage, is great indeed. - -This the reader will readily perceive by examining the Illustrations on -Plate 4, which are drawn from nature, and are truthful portraitures of -this singular creature. - -I have already mentioned the extreme difficulty there is in expelling -a Lobster-Crab. This, be it understood, applies only to the animal in -good health; for no sooner does he feel sick than he instantly leaves -his shell, and crawls about in a most pitiable plight. He sometimes -becomes convalescent again by being placed solus in some fresh water, -or laid out in the air for a few moments. But he ought, on no account, -when in a sickly condition, to be allowed to hide himself beneath any -pieces of rock or shadow of the Algæ. - -If he is out of sight, be sure not to let him be out of mind; for, -should he die in the tank, and his body be allowed to remain for any -length of time, he will very soon afford you full proof that such -toleration on your part is anything but pleasant. - -Although, as already stated, this animal cannot be drawn out of his -shell except by extreme force, the object can easily be obtained by aid -of strategy. Having been for some time at a loss how to give certain -young visitors a sight of the Hermit-Crab in his defenceless state, I, -by accident, hit upon the following simple plan:-- - -With a piece of bent whalebone I lifted up a Pagurus, shell and all, -and allowed the latter to drop upon the outer row of the tentacula of -an Actinia, which quickly stuck fast to the intruding object. The crab -at first did not seem fully alive to his critical position. He popped -out of his shell and looked unsuspectingly around, until catching -sight of my face, he instantly retired from view with a casket-like -snap. In a minute he was out again, and this time prepared to change -his position. For this purpose he gave several successive pulls, but -finding all his efforts to remove his carriage unavailing, he unhooked -his tail and scrambled down among the pebbles. My purpose was thereby -gained, for the next moment he was resting in the palm of one of my -juvenile friends, who seemed quite delighted with his prize. Twice -afterwards, being in a mischievous mood, I gave the crab a fright in -the way just mentioned; but it was quite evident, that what might be -sport to me was death to him, for he was both annoyed and alarmed at -my procedure. Even when guiltless of any intention of touching the -creature, if I merely showed him the cane he immediately hobbled away -at the utmost rate of speed he could muster. On several occasions I -followed after and brought him back to the edge of the tank, although -such conduct met with his strongest disapproval, and caused him for -some time to sulk beneath an arch-way of rock work, away from the reach -of vulgar eyes. - -Upon the side and near the base of my tank a fine specimen of the -Limpet was at one time attached. From the centre of its shell a forest -of sea-grass waved gracefully, shadowing a large colony of Barnacles -thickly clustered beneath. Soon the Patella decided upon taking its -usual morning stroll in search of food, a task of little difficulty, -standing as the animal already did upon the margin of a broad meadow, -richly coated with a verdant growth, composed of the infant spores of -the Ulva. Slowly moving along, the Patella, with its riband-like band -of teeth, swept off the luscious weed in a series of graceful curves, -thus making an abundant and healthful meal. Before proceeding far, -however, he was forced to bear the weight of a Soldier-Crab, who had -most unceremoniously climbed upon his back, and taken up a position at -the base of the _latissima_ fronds. - -There seemed so much nonchalance about the Pagurus that I determined -to watch his movements, and, if possible, to see how he would manage -to descend from a position which, if the mollusc continued his mowing -operations, would soon be unenviably high. - -In about an hour the Limpet had reached the level of the water in the -aquarium, and there took up his abode for the night. Next day and the -next there was no change of situation. The crab now began evidently -to perceive the danger of the position in which he was placed, for he -constantly moved to and fro, and peered over into what must have seemed -to him an unfathomable abyss. - -While I stood, the Patella made a sudden movement of its shell--so -sudden, indeed, as to startle its companion, who quickly put out his -claws to save himself from falling. Unfortunately, in his spasmodic -gesture he allowed the tip of one of his claws to intrude under the -edge of the conical canopy, thus, in fact, pricking the fleshy 'mantle' -of the animal within, who instantly, of course, glued itself to the -glass with immoveable firmness. I suppose the same thing must have -frequently occurred without my knowledge, for after a lapse of several -days the Pagurus and his bearer were still in the same spot. I felt a -growing alarm for the continued health of the Hermit-Crab, from the -fact of its being poised so directly over the ever-expanded tentacles -of a large Anemone. To prevent any mishap, I went to lift his crabship, -with a view of transferring him to a place of safety, when, no sooner -did he perceive the advancing forceps, than he rushed into his shell -with a sudden and audible 'click,' forgetting for the moment that he -stood on such ticklish ground. The consequence was that, seeking to -avoid Scylla, he fell into Charybdis. In other words, he dropped plump -upon the well-gummed tenter-hooks of the Crassicornis, which instantly -closed and engulphed its prize. In vain did I endeavour with all speed -to pick out the devoted Pagurus. The more I tried, the more firmly did -the Actinia hold him in its convulsive grasp. - -With extremely few exceptions, the Hermit-Crabs are always found to be -a prying, prowling, curious class of animals, and are ever, like the -husband of the fair Lady Jane-- - - 'Poking their nose (?) into this thing and that.' - -They will turn over each shell and pebble that comes in their way, and -examine it with profound attention, or industriously climb up and roll -down hillocks and trees in the shape of small rocks and sea-weeds, -much to their danger. - -I once possessed a Hermit-Crab, whose voracious movements afforded -considerable amusement to myself and my friends. My Diogenes--or, -as the Cockney news-boys used to pronounce the now extinct comic -periodical, _Dodgenes_--on a certain occasion had climbed up a -segmentally cut frond of Irish Moss. On reaching the topmost point, his -weight became too great for the weed to bear; so, finding he was losing -his equilibrium, in great alarm he made a clutch at the first object -that stood near, in order to save him from falling. - -A mussel was moored hard by, to the side of the vase by means of its -silken byssus threads, and upon this friendly bivalve the Pagurus -leaped by aid of his long taper legs. Unluckily the shell of the -Mytilus was open, and the crab unwittingly thrusting his toe within the -aperture, the intruding object was of course instantly gripped by the -mollusc. This accident put him in a terrible fright. His gestures were -most excited, and no wonder. Let the reader fancy himself hanging on -to a window sill, at a height say of twenty feet from the ground, with -the sash-frame fixed on his hand, and a huge iron foot-bath, or some -such object, attached to the lower part of his body, and he will have a -tolerably correct idea of the painful position of our crustacean friend. - -After curling and uncurling his tail, and trying several times in vain -to throw his tub upon the valve of the mussel, he released hold of his -encumbrance, and allowed it to drop. Although still hanging, he had no -difficulty in rolling up his 'continuation,' and elevating his body -to the walls of his prison. Once again upon solid ground, he laboured -hard to get his leg free. But unsuccessful in his efforts, he adopted -another course, and snapped it off in a rage. - -Scarcely, however, was the act of mutilation finished, when the stupid -animal apparently seemed anxious to recover his lost toe, (which I may -mention, had in reality fallen down among the pebbles). - -After scraping, then resting, and scraping again, many successive -times, he at last succeeded in diving the points of his largest claw -into the chasm formed by the gaping mollusc. Of course, the member was -held as if by a powerful vice. Very soon his courage deserted him, and -he seemed to wait and weep despairingly for fate to release him from -the sad predicament into which he had foolishly fallen. Alas! he little -knew the singular part that fickle fortune had doomed him to play,--to -become, if I may so term it, a kind of Prometheus in the tank. - -My pack of fishes, having been on short rations for several days, had -become exceedingly ravenous, and consequently were keeping a sharp -look-out for scraps. Hence their intense delight on catching sight -of the devoted 'Dodgenes' can readily be imagined. Such a delicious -_morceau_ was perfectly irresistible:-- - - 'Mercy, mercy! - No pity, no release, no respite, oh!' - -At it they went, 'tooth and nail,' First one and then another tore away -a mouthful, until in the twinkling of an eye, almost, the martyr crab -was left forlorn and dead-- - - 'A remnant of his former self.' - -During the early portion of last year I had a Hermit-Crab inhabiting a -pretty Purpura, whose shell I wished to sketch as an illustration, it -being of peculiar form and colour. On going to the tank I discovered -that Pagurus had most apropos vacated his turbinated cot, apparently -in consequence of his feeling rather squeamish. Thinking he might -perhaps presently recover, or pick up another dwelling, I hesitated -not to abstract the shell, in order to make the required drawing. I -had not been occupied with my task for more than five minutes, when my -attention was attracted by a great excitement and clatter pervading the -tank. A hasty glance within the vessel sufficed to explain the cause of -the hubbub. - -The brief domestic drama of which I was a spectator, with its somewhat -singular denouement, I will now proceed to unfold for the reader's -entertainment. It conveys a good lesson in natural history, and also -exhibits a striking example of life beneath the waters. - -The Blennies, I may state, had become very voracious, pugnacious, and -audacious; nothing seemed safe from their attacks. I had begun to feed -them on the _Cardium edule_ and Mussel, but such diet, after a time, -only served to whet their appetite, which certainly appeared to 'grow -by what it fed on,' for they darted about through the water in all -directions, searching, as I suppose, for other dainties. These efforts -were unsuccessful, until they caught sight of the plump, undefended -portion of the body of their companion, the Hermit-Crab, who had just -left his shell, as above stated. - -The sight of such a feast must have (figuratively speaking) made their -'mouths water,' One after another these rascally fish dodged round -the crustaceous victim, and gripped, and shook his 'continuation' -with extraordinary violence. In vain did the crab try to act on the -defensive; all his efforts to retaliate were ineffectual, and in this -instance it might be truly said that 'might' overcame 'right.' He ran -to and fro in great distress, scraping the pebbles and shells about -(thus partly creating the clatter that I had heard while sketching), in -the hope that he might find an empty univalve in which to deposit his -mutilated carcase. When almost breathless and exhausted, he discovered -a worn-out Wentletrap, and strove to lift his quivering body into the -aperture, alas! without success. His strength failed him, and he fell -dead at the very threshold of his new-found home. - -While watching thus far the above transaction, the writer felt almost -inclined to waver in the faith he had long held with others, namely, -that fishes and other marine animals are insensible to pain. But -the movements of this poor Hermit-Crab were as indicative of severe -suffering as anything he ever witnessed in bird or quadruped. - -Wishing to examine the remains of the crab, I stepped aside for a few -moments to procure my forceps, but when I again reached the vase, to -my intense surprise the defunct animal was nowhere to be seen! I could -only account for so singular a circumstance by supposing some of the -larger crustaceans had taken advantage of my absence to complete the -work of destruction, and therefore took no further notice of the matter -at the time. - -I had often wished that some of my finny pets would deposit their spawn -in the tank, and felt very anxious, if such an event did take place, -that I might be near to witness it. But I was most anxious to watch the -gradual development of the ova, and, if practicable, to become the fond -owner of a host of infant 'fishlings.' - -Guess the thrill of pride, then, which ran through my veins when, on -peering into my mimic rock-pool, after a brief absence from home, I -observed the largest of my Blennies to be apparently in an 'interesting -condition.' I watched and petted her many times daily, and fed her with -every suitable dainty that could be thought of. Sometimes I took her -in the palm of my hand, and with a fine camel-hair pencil stroked her -glossy back. This operation evidently gave great delight to the little -beauty; and after a while, when my hand was laid in the water, she -gently floated off into her native element with almost swan-like grace. - -The law of nature being the same with this fish as with the -Stickleback, I knew the nest, if there was to be one at all, should -be built by the male. But as I could not detect any specimen of the -'sterner sex' among my pack, and there being no signs of preparation -for the grand event about to take place, I felt in a manner compelled -to carry out the nidifying task in my own humble way. Of course, I gave -up all idea of 'weaving' a nest with bits of weed, stones, and marine -glue; nor was such a style of structure a desideratum in the present -instance, wanting, as I did, to take notes, in Paul Pry fashion, of the -minutest particular that might occur within the building. The following -was the plan I adopted. First was procured the exquisitely formed valve -of a large _Pecten_, the interior of which was white and beautifully -irridescent. This pretty cot, I said to myself, shall serve as a -chamber for my _protégé_. The shell being deposited behind a piece of -rock, in such a position that its side rested against the surface of -the glass, I was thus enabled to watch what was going on within. Some -fronds of sea-weed were trained around so as to form a kind of drapery. -The Blenny, I am quite certain, knew perfectly well that all this care -and preparation was on her account, for nearly the whole of each day -she spent in the novel apartment extemporized for her accommodation. -After a week had elapsed, she grew uneasy and pettish, was ever -snapping at her companions, and hunting them about in all directions. -On one occasion, however, she seemed to be uneasy, now clashing round -the rock, then darting to the top of the tank, and down again upon the -pebbles. Scores of times these movements were repeated, until I felt -alarmed for her safety, and annoyed at my inability to relieve her -sufferings. But aid from me being impossible, I felt compelled, though -very unwillingly, to allow nature to take its course. - -On looking into the aquarium one morning, I observed some strange -object protruding from the fish. The little creature, too, on catching -sight of me, came to the side of the tank, near to where I stood, and -by her movements asked me, as plainly as any dumb animal could ask, to -give her my assistance. After a few minutes spent in a 'brown study', I -resolved to grant her petition, and immediately setting to work, drew -from her--what? what do you suppose, reader? In truth neither more nor -less than the body, head, and long antennæ of the 'martyr' Hermit-Crab! -whose late sudden disappearance was now fully accounted for. - -There are ten British species of Lobster-Crab, but one only, _P. -Bernardhus_, to which the reader has been introduced, is common to our -shores. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -Exuviation of Crustacea. - -(THE PHENOMENA OF CRABS, ETC., CASTING THEIR SHELLS.) - - -'As Samson at his marriage propounded a riddle to his companions -to try their wits thereon, so God offereth such enigmas in Nature, -partly that men may make use of their admiring as well as of their -understanding; partly that philosophers may be taught their distance -betwixt themselves, who are but the lovers, and God, who is the giver -of wisdom.'--INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY, page 384. - - - - -VI. - - -The Armory of the Tower of London forms, it is generally admitted, one -of the most interesting sights of the great metropolis. No one can look -without wonder upon that goodly array of knights and noble warriors, -nor help an involuntary sigh over the degeneracy of modern humanity. -Though the figures before us are technically and irreverently termed -'dummies,' the hardened shell with which their body and limbs are -cased we know has felt the throb of many a true English heart, maybe, -glistened beneath the sun at Cressy and Agincourt, or perhaps on the -bloody fields of Worcester and Marston Moor. It requires no great -power of the imagination to transport ourselves to bygone centuries, -and listen to the ring of hostile arms, the sepulchral voices of men -whose heads are inurned in casques of steel, blended with the clash of -battle-axes, the whizz of arrows, the neighing of steeds, the rattle of -musketry, and at intervals the deep booming cannon's roar. - -But, asks the gasping reader, what has this parade of mail-clad -warriors and old battle-fields to do with so prosaic a theme as the -exuviation of crabs? I must acknowledge that the question is a very -natural one, for there appears at first sight no connection between -the two subjects. The analogy will not, I believe, appear so forced -when I mention my possession of a smaller, although hardly less -singular armory, consisting of various coats of shelly mail, each of -which, at one time or other, belonged to, and was worn by a living -creature, and proved as effectual a protection in many fierce though -bloodless combats as any casque or helmet worn by knight. Unlike the -dummies of the Tower, my specimens are perfect, and give a complete -representation, more truthful than any photograph, of the defunct -originals, when armed by Nature _cap-a-pie_. - -In plain words, I own a curious collection of the cast-off shells of -various crabs, which have from time to time been under my protection. -From the fact that no museum in the kingdom contains a single _series_ -of such objects, exhibiting the various stages of growth in any -crustaceous animal, the reader will easily conceive the difficulty -there must be in procuring them, and consequently the interest that -attaches to the mysterious phenomenon of exuviation. - -Strange to say, the subject of this chapter is one of the least known -in the whole range of natural history. The facts connected with the -process are few, and far from well authenticated. This state of things -appears the more extraordinary, when we remember the great facility -with which specimens of crustacea may be found. - -For years past I have paid much attention to the elucidation of this -subject, and during that period have had to submit to numberless -mishaps and disappointments. For example, perhaps after watching a -'pet' day after day for months, anxiously expecting that exuviation -would take place, in nine cases out of ten,--ay, in ninety-nine out of -the hundred,--I would find that the process had been completed when -I was asleep, or that the animal had died suddenly. In the latter -case new specimens had to be procured, and the same watching process -repeated, in most cases with the like unhappy results. - -I will now, however, endeavour as briefly as possible to make the -reader acquainted with what has already been written upon exuviation, -as far as I have been able to learn, up to the present time, -interspersing the narrative with such notes as may seem necessary by -way of illustration, and then proceed, in the words of Shakspeare, to -lay down my own 'penny of observation.' - -The first clear and satisfactory remarks on this subject were made by -the celebrated Reaumur, who lived above a century ago: 'The unexampled -accuracy and truthfulness of this great naturalist is attested,' says -one writer, 'by the fact, that of all the observations made by himself -alone, far exceeding those of any other writer of past or present -times, and occupying in their published form numerous large quarto -volumes, scarcely one has been contravened by subsequent credible -observers, whilst they have formed the substance of half the numerous -compilations on insect life, acknowledged or otherwise, which have -appeared since his time.' - -Goldsmith, who derived his knowledge of this subject from Reamur, tells -us, in his usual free and easy style, that crustaceous animals (as -crabs and lobsters) 'regularly once a year, and about the beginning of -May, cast their old shell, and nature supplies them with a new one. -Some days before this necessary change takes place, the animal ceases -to take its usual food. It then swells itself in an unusual manner, -and by this the shell begins to divide at its junctures between the -body and the tail. After this, by the same operation, it disengages -itself of every part one after the other, _each part of the joints -bursting longitudinally_, till the animal is at perfect liberty. _This -operation, however, is so violent and painful that many die under -it_; those which survive are feeble, and their naked muscles soft to -the touch, being covered with a thin membrane; but in less than two -days this membrane hardens in a surprising manner, and a new shell as -impenetrable as the former supplies the place of that laid aside.' - -This, then, was and is to a great extent, up to the present time, the -universally adopted explanation. Goldie, of course, could not afford -time, and it may be doubted if he possessed the requisite amount of -patience, to confirm what he wrote by actual observation. Seeing that -the statement was graphic in its details, and evidently either wholly -or in part the result of personal observation, he very naturally -gave it full credence. But what shall we say of a noted writer (Sir -C. Bell)[4] who apparently half doubts the truth of exuviation, for -although he mentions the particular account which Reamur gives, yet -tells his readers that '_naturalists have not found these cast off -shells_.' After such a remark as this, we need no longer sneer at the -compilations of the author of the 'Vicar of Wakefield.' - -[4] Illustrations to Paley's Natural Theology. - -I need hardly state, that at certain seasons of the year almost every -rock-pool at the sea-shore will exhibit to the observant eye scores of -'these cast off shells' in a perfect state. The writer above quoted -also remarks, 'We presume the reason that the shells of the crustacea -are not found in our museums, is because they are not thrown off at -once, but that the portions are detached in succession.' An ill-founded -presumption this, the fact being that the inelastic integument is -invariably (in all the Decapoda at least) thrown off entire, the eyes -and long antennæ sheaths, the claws with the hair attached, even the -gastric teeth, all remain with wonderful exactness. - -To look at the rejected shell, indeed, any person not previously -acquainted with the fact would naturally suppose that he saw before him -the living animal, a close inspection being necessary to dispel the -illusion. As soon as the crab has emerged from its old covering, it -increases with such astounding rapidity, that at the end of one or two -days it can grow no larger until the next moulting time. - -In referring to my own introduction to the subject of exuviation, I may -be allowed to notice the annoyance a young aquarian experiences from -the rapidity with which the tank water is apt to become opaque. As such -a state involves considerable trouble, especially when the occupants of -the tank are the subjects of continued observation, I may mention, in -passing, that the means I adopted to correct this state of matters was -either to syringe the water frequently, or what seemed to answer still -better, to permit it to run off by a syphon into a basin on the floor. - -When the opacity of the tank is occasioned by decaying animal matter, -the only remedy is to remove the offending 'remains.' But with many of -the common inhabitants of the tank--the crustaceans, for example--great -difficulty is often experienced in ascertaining their state of health, -with a view to sanitary investigation. As these creatures, instead -of boldly exhibiting themselves during the day, generally hide under -pebbles or pieces of rock, or are buried in the sand, it is sometimes -necessary to submit the contents of the mimic rock-pool to a process -of 'putting things to rights,' as the ladies say when about doing a -kindness,--oh, horror!--to our books and papers. - -It happened on a certain occasion that my aquarium was in an -unsatisfactory condition. A nasty vapour arose from the base, and -diffused itself over nearly the entire vessel. My fishes disliking -their usual haunts, were all spread out at full length high and dry -upon a ledge of rock-work, projecting above the surface of the water. -The little Soldier-Crab had managed to drag his body and heavy tail -piece up the brae, hoping to breathe the fresh air in safety. His big -brother was not so successful, and despite his efforts speedily came to -grief. Finding he could not drag his carriage up the rock, he stepped -out of the lumbering vehicle. His appearance soon became woe-begone -in the extreme. In a few minutes he expired. The buckies, too, with -singular instinct, had collected in a row along the dry ledge of the -tank. - -Upon counting the numbers of my little colony, I found all right, -excepting _C. mænas_; him I could not discover, and I soon began to -suspect that he was defunct. No time, therefore, was to be lost, -so a diligent search for his remains was instantly commenced. -Fishes, Buckies, Hermits, &c., were speedily placed in safety in -an extemporaneous tank--nothing else than an old pie-dish. This -receptacle, when partly filled with sea-water, admirably answered the -required purpose. - -The water in the large vase was gently run off, and on approaching -the base I found, as I expected, the dismembered carcase of the -crab. One leg lay here, and another there, while the body was snugly -esconced beneath a stone, on which sat my favourite limpet with -its curiously formed shell, profusely decorated with a plume of -sea-grass and infantile _D. sanguinea_. Here, then, I thought, was -the mystery explained. It was from this spot that the noxious vapour -must have emanated. Of course, the body of the crab was removed; but -in performing this necessary act I tilted the stone, and so disturbed -the Limpet. Guess my surprise at observing the overturned shell of the -Patella to be quite empty, and its former occupant lying before me a -mass of putrefaction.[5] It now began to dawn upon me that I must have -libelled _C. mænas_. A few moments served to confirm this opinion, for -on lifting the stone, there darted out _a_--I could scarcely believe it -was _the_ crab, who instantly went through a circus-like performance -around the circumference of the vessel. - -[5] This affords an important hint to the young aquarian to watch the -Patella, and occasionally to touch its conical house, to make sure the -proprietor is alive and well. - -The reader will be prepared to learn that what I had at first observed -were portions of the exuvium, which had by some means been distributed -over the tank. - -Many months did I wait with nervous anxiety to see the exact process of -exuviation, but, except in the instances I am now about to chronicle, -my wishes were never gratified. - -I had at one time in my possession six little vases, each containing a -crab measuring about one inch across the back (_carapace_). By constant -watchfulness, morning and evening, for several months, I naturally -entertained a confident hope of being favoured with a sight of the -moulting operation in at least a single instance. But no; persevering -though my endeavours were, I was always disappointed. The exuviæ were -cast regularly enough, but the crabs so managed matters, that the -process was completed either when I was asleep, or had just gone away. -I could almost have sworn that the whole pack had entered into a league -to annoy me. - -On one occasion I sat up all night, feeling confident, from symptoms -which a certain Cancer mænas exhibited, that he was speedily about to -exuviate. Alas! I was mistaken. On my endeavouring to expedite the -event by lifting up the carapace of the crab, I received a nip on my -finger so severe, that I shall never forget it. - -But at length in the early portion of last year (1859), I, most -happily for my own peace of mind, did actually witness the entire -process of exuviation in a tolerably large specimen of the Common Shore -Crab. The animal in question, who was domiciled in a crystal vase, -or, in common language, a glass tumbler, rendered himself a favourite -from his constant habit of poking part of his head and his entire -claw (he had got but one), out of the water whenever he caught sight -of me. Who could resist such a powerful, though silent appeal to 'the -generous impulses of one's nature' as this? Certainly I could not, -and therefore, once a day at least, gave Master Cancer the half of a -newly-opened mussel, a tit-bit that was greatly relished. He would -sometimes get a grip of the valve, and allow himself and the Mytilus -to be entirely raised out of the water. Improving upon this, he would -then partly finish his meal while seated in my hand. On the morning -of the above mentioned eventful day, I gave the crab a portion of a -Pholas, but to my surprise, the heretofore high-class dainty remained -untouched. I was in ecstasies! for I felt morally certain that the -grand event, so long looked for, was soon to take place. Consequently, -I took out the crab, cleaned the windows of his dwelling in order -that I might the better see what was going on within, treated him to -some fresh water, as well as a new frond of sea-weed, and then again -introduced my pet to his old apartment. - -Before doing this I had the animal closely examined, to see if any -signs of the approaching moult could be detected, but none were -visible, except that the glassy bags, if I may so call them, which for -some weeks had been gradually thrown out from the stumps of the three -mutilated limbs, appeared finer in texture than usual. Indeed, so -transparent had they become, that I could distinctly see the contour of -the new limb about to be reproduced, folded up within each capsule. - -A few minutes after the crab had been placed in the tumbler, I gave a -peep to see how he was getting on. To my intense surprise, I observed -that his shell had just opened near the tail! My first feeling was -one of sorrow, thinking that in handling the specimen I had been too -rough, and had perhaps injured it. This apprehension was soon changed -to delight, as I became by degrees aware that exuviation had actually -commenced. - -The operation did not extend beyond five minutes (although the time -appeared much longer to me), and was carried on by gentle, and at first -almost imperceptible degrees. The shell, or carapace, was slowly raised -over the back, and gave one the idea of the rear view of a lawyer's -white wig when tilted over his brow, thus exposing the natural black -hair on the occiput below; for, as the body of the animal came forth, -it was very dark in colour, while the old case assumed a whitish hue. -I need hardly say, the leg sheaths of the crab did _not_ split open, -and yet the corresponding limbs were drawn out with the greatest ease. -Moreover, they did not appear in view one by one, but in a cluster, as -it were, and packed close to the bent body of the crab. - -During the entire process the animal appeared to use scarcely any -exertion whatever, certainly not half so much as any human being would -exhibit in throwing off the most trifling garment. In fact, the crab -seemed to swell painlessly, and gently roll or glide out in a kind -of ball. Until it had completely escaped from its old shell, I was -somewhat puzzled to guess what shape it would eventually assume. The -eyes and antennæ, so soon as they left their old sheaths, commenced, -together with the flabellæ, to work as usual, although as yet they were -still inside the exuvium. This circumstance was distinctly visible by -looking through the side of the half-cast shell. - -It was a curious and extraordinary sight to see the eyes gradually lose -their brilliancy, and exhibit the filmy, lack-lustre-like appearance of -death, while the act of exuviation was being accomplished. I may add -that the tumbler which held my little captive stood upon a table near -a large window, and that the sloughing operation was watched through a -powerful hand lens. - -On an after and well-remembered occasion, I saw a moderate-sized -Partane standing on the top of a bush of _Chondrus Crispus_ that grew -in my aquarium. The fronds were attached to a piece of sandstone, -placed uppermost upon a cluster of rock-work, situated, as before -mentioned, in the centre of the vessel, and rising slightly above the -level of the water. Thinking he was planning means of escape, I turned -away for a few moments to procure a simple instrument wherewith to -carry him to a less elevated position. On my return I saw him in the -act of backing out of his shell. It was a singular circumstance that -I should have just risen from the perusal of a talented author, who -informed me that 'the crab hitches one of its claws into some crack or -fissure, and from this point of resistance gives more power in emerging -and withdrawing itself from between the carapace and the tail.' - -Certainly no statement could more inadequately describe what I had -witnessed in both of my crabs. Not only was the whole operation -performed with perfect ease, but I am much inclined to believe with a -degree of pleasure. For a while one of my crabs stood in juxtaposition -to the shadow of its former self, and rubbed his antennæ and wee -peeping eyes as if awakening from a sleep. He had been lately, there -was no doubt, living in an oppressed state, and might probably have -surveyed things around him somewhat darkly, but now all was bright and -clear again. On turning, the first object that caught his awakened -eye was his cast-off vestment, which he seemed to scan as dubiously -as a grown man would an exhumed pair of boyish corduroys, and mutter -musingly, while stroking his chin, 'Well, come what will, it can never -be my _case_ again.' - -On taking it in my hand, the Partane felt quite soft and velvetty to -the touch, and exhibited no signs of alarm. - -Since then I have repeatedly had shells of crabs cast _in smooth glass -globes, containing nothing else but clear salt water_. This fact, in -my opinion, completely subverts the statements of certain writers, who -assert that these animals require extraneous assistance when about to -exuviate. - -Some writers have questioned the truth of the generally-received -opinion that the new parts of the crab are derived from the old: that, -for instance, a claw is regenerated within a claw, a limb within a -limb, eyes within the eyes, and that on exuviation each is withdrawn -from the pre-existing organ as from a sheath. But my operations tend -fully to confirm the popular and existing belief. - -There is yet one curious point connected with this subject which -requires explanation, as it is not generally understood. I allude to -the apparent disproportionate smallness of the 'glassy bag,' situated -at the stump, as compared with the size of the regenerated limb, which -is supposed to be folded up within the bag previous to exuviation. -On looking at the newly-formed member, we can scarcely believe it -possible that the transparent case could by any possibility have held -it. The mystery vanishes if the new limb or claw be examined; for, -although in shape it is perfect, even to the most minute particular, it -remains for a certain period comparatively useless to the animal, from -the fact of its being utterly devoid of flesh. - -The new limb, therefore, can be considered merely as an expanded case, -which, by a wonderful law of nature, becomes slowly filled up and -completed. Immediately after exuviation has taken place, and a claw is -introduced in the place of some mutilated stump, if any one will pull -off the new member, he can readily confirm the truth of what I have -stated, and, moreover, be able to test into how very small bulk the new -limb may be rolled. - -As the reader may remember, Goldsmith states that the crab casts its -shell 'regularly once a-year, at the beginning of May.' Professor -Owen fixes the date in the month of August. Professor Bell states, -that 'there is no doubt exuviation takes place _annually_ with great -regularity, until the growth is completed, which, in many species, is -not before the animal is many years old.' Another professor, treating -on the same subject, thus writes, 'We are told that all this coat -of mail is _annually_ thrown off in a single piece by the contained -animal,--the great proficient in Chinese puzzles may well be posed at -this greater puzzle.' In fact, all writers whose works I have had -opportunity of examining repeat the statement. Mr. Ball, who writes -from personal observation, apparently confirms beyond a doubt, the -annual moult of Crustacea. This gentleman, we learn, kept a Cray-fish -alive for two years in a vase, and found that _during each year its -exuvium was shed but once_. - -It may readily be believed, with such a formidable array of contrary -evidence, that I offer my own observations with modesty. But at the -same time, I feel justified in confidently stating that the moult of -the crab, (in its comparatively youthful state, at all events), takes -place not only once, but many times during each year of its existence. -My specimens may, perhaps, be considered exceptions to the general -rule, but the facts I relate cannot by any possibility admit of doubt. -The cast-off shells lie before me as I write. - -Here is a set of three belonging to the same animal, exhibiting with -marvellous exactness the gradual development of a broken claw. In the -first the member appears very diminutive, in the second it is nearly -twice its size, while in the third it has advanced to its natural form -and bulk. To my regret, I cannot state the exact period that elapsed -between each successive moult, but I am confident that the trio were -cast in the course of a very few months. - -I may here take the liberty of informing the uninitiated, that the -appearance of the above objects is extremely pleasing; for, as the -exuvium becomes dry, its colour changes to a bright scarlet, somewhat -resembling that which the crab assumes when placed for a time in -boiling water. - -The next series of specimens, five in number, possess even still -greater interest than the first examples. They were produced by a -youthful _C. mænas_, at the following consecutive intervals:-- - -The first moult took place on 11th April 1858; the second on the 22d -of May following; the third on July the 3d; the fourth on the 30th of -August; and the fifth on the 26th of September in the same year. So -that between the first and second period of exuviation there was an -interval of forty-one days, between the second and third forty-two days -elapsed, between the third and fourth fifty-eight days, but, singular -to state, between the fourth and fifth moult _only twenty-seven days -intervened_. - -My first impression was, that as the creature grew older, its shell -would be renewed less frequently, and the dates of the sloughings -seemed to support this idea--until the fourth moult. It had occurred -to me that perhaps the operation might be accelerated by the amount -of diet which the crab consumed. In order to test this, I fed the -animal carefully every day, as though he were a prize beast about to be -exhibited at some Christmas show. Nothing loath, he ate of everything -that was placed before him with a gusto that would have done credit to -an alderman. The result was, that the shell was renewed in less than -half the time that elapsed between the preceding moults. - -These interesting investigations, which had been conducted thus far so -satisfactorily, were suddenly brought to a close by the death of my -protégé. This sad event occurred unexpectedly, not from overfeeding, as -some persons may suppose, but from natural causes. - -Whether increase of food always produces a like effect to that -mentioned, is a point that I hope some of my brother naturalists will -be able to determine. That the moult was accelerated by such means -in my own specimen I have not the slightest doubt, for, on no other -grounds can I explain its unusually speedy occurrence. - -I may here assure my readers that the above dates may be confidently -relied upon as correct, and also that each exuvium was produced by the -same crab--one specimen only being in the tank during the whole period. - -Since the foregoing was written, I have again been fortunate enough to -have ocular demonstration of the phenomenon of exuviation, as occurring -in a _Cancer Pagurus_, about as large as a moderate-sized walnut. - -While watching this crab, it flashed across my mind that it would be a -happy circumstance if by any means _I could arrest the process then -going on before my eyes, while it was yet only half completed_, in -order that others might also be enabled to witness the marvellous act -of exuviation. - -But how to carry out this scheme was the rub. I knew that-- - - 'If 'twere done, then 'twere well it were done quickly.' - -One minute passed,--two minutes flew by;--the crab would speedily -complete his labours; still was I perplexed. - -To plump it into fresh water would, I knew, be fatal to the animal, -but not in such a speedy manner as was desirable. Boiling water next -suggested itself, and doubtless would have answered the purpose -effectually, had a supply been near at hand at the time, but such was -not the case. I then thought of _spirits_. Ah! capital idea.... Before -the third minute had passed, I might be seen to rush frantically to the -sideboard, pour _something_ into a glass, then dart back to the tank, -dive down my trembling hand, bring up the poor unfortunate crab, and -drop it into a fatal pool of pure "Glenlivet." - -The animal appeared to die quickly, and was next day transferred to a -vessel filled with Mythilated spirits. As it luckily turned out, the -whisky answered the intended purpose remarkably well. - -The preparation in question is, as far as I can discover, _unique_; at -least I have neither read nor heard of another such existing in any -private or public museum in the kingdom.[6] - -[6] A drawing of this crab will be found on Plate 3. - -It shows at a glance the increase that instantaneously takes place -in the size of the crab after the act of exuviation is performed, -the portion exuded being on a scale considerably larger than the old -covering, which, however, is capacious enough to hold that half of the -animal that had not effected its deliverance at the moment when the -novel arrestment was so unceremoniously served. - -The fourth and fifth pair of legs are free, while the eyes and antennæ -are also drawn out of their sheaths. (This is not very evident now, -but such is really the fact, I having distinctly seen those organs -in motion when the animal was in the living state.) The _chelæ_, or -large claws, being still undetached, serve to bind the crab to its old -integument, and thus enable the act of exuviation, or one phase of it -at least, to be distinctly apparent. - -I know of no work on Natural History that speaks of the Hermit-Crabs -(_Anomoura_) casting their shells, and on this account I have given -some attention to them. These animals being so common, I kept by me at -least a dozen specimens for the purpose of observing some of them, if -possible, in the act of exuviation. The result of my labours has not -been so satisfactory as I could wish, from my not having been able to -collect any 'sets' of exuviæ. I cannot, therefore, speak with certainty -as to the frequency of this phenomena. By this time my readers will -know that the tail of the Hermit-Crab is very tender and fleshy, being -covered merely with an extremely delicate membraneous skin, while the -carapace, claws, and antennæ of the animal are protected by a hard -crust, similar to the Lobster, Cray-fish, &c. - -From this peculiar formation of the crab, I was not at all surprised to -find, on several occasions, the upper part of its body alone cast off, -and therefore came to the very natural conclusion, that as the tail was -soft, it would grow and increase in proportion to the other parts of -the animal, without ever needing the skin to be changed. - -Each morning and evening during the time my experiments were being -conducted, I examined all the tanks attentively, to see whether an -exuvium had been cast. If visible, the object was picked out and gummed -in a box, and a date placed above it for future reference. After -having performed an operation of this kind one afternoon in October -1858, I saw a Hermit-Crab (who had cast his shell on the previous -day) hurriedly leave his testaceous dwelling, then scrape away at his -tail, and after a moment's interval, leap into his old seat again. On -inspection, I found to my surprise _that he had actually_ _slipped off -the skin of his tail_![7] much in the same fashion as we would draw off -a well-fitting glove. Here was a strange and unexpected discovery. - -[7] The fact of the exuvium of the Hermit-Crab being cast off in two -pieces, and at different periods, I have since confirmed 'many a time, -and oft.' - -On submitting the exuvium to the microscope, we find that the covering -of the false feet, and the cilia attached to the same, all remained -fixed in their natural position to the tail-piece. Although in several -cases I have had no difficulty in discovering the rejected cuticle of -the tail, at other times it has eluded my search. The cause of this -I cannot explain. It may be that the animal, adopting the habits of -the toad, swallows a portion of its exuviæ as soon as cast. On two -occasions I found the slough of the body and claws of a crab, and -waited patiently for several days, without success, expecting to get -the tail portion. Growing impatient, it occurred to me that it would be -a curious experiment to try and draw off the exuvium with my fingers. -This was easy to talk about, but difficult to perform. - -In the first place, the crab would not, if he could help it, allow -himself to be handled even in the most gentle manner. To overcome -this difficulty the shell had to be broken. This was done; but, alas! -the shock nearly killed the poor little Hermit. After some trouble, -I carefully unwound his body from the whirls of the Top Shell, and -proceeded to perform the intended operation. Reader, have you -ever seen a child take a rose-bud in his hands, and force open its -half-pouting blossom, in the belief that by so doing he was assisting -nature? If so, you must have watched the puzzled expression of the -boy's countenance when he beheld the leaves fall one by one at his -feet, and the bud itself exhibit evident signs of approaching decay. - -In just such a position did I stand with regard to the poor -Hermit-Crab, for, in spite of all my care in manipulation, the skin -of the animal was so tender and delicate that the first gentle pinch -caused a puncture which proved fatal; and as to drawing off the -covering, the thing I now believe to be impossible, even under the most -favourable circumstances. - -The upper portion of the Soldier-Crab, I may mention, is cast off in -one piece, while the animal is seated in its turbinated dwelling. The -act is performed with the most perfect ease. Unlike the _Brachyura_, -the _Anomoura_ do not exhibit signs of such rapid growth immediately -after exuviation, but increase in size very gradually indeed. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -Prawns and Shrimps. - - -'Men holden ye therefore prophanes - Ye eaten neither shrimps nor pranes,' - - - - -VII. - - -Although abundant at many parts of the Scottish coast, at Cockburnspath -(situated near the mouth of the Frith of Forth) only, has the writer -met with the very beautiful prawn, _Palæmon Squilla_. At this locality -specimens were very frequent in rock-pools situated near the shore, nor -were such difficult to capture. The small net being placed cautiously -over their head, the animals did not show signs of resistance, until -they found themselves, by a sudden jerk of the hand, drawn bodily out -of the water. Then, indeed, unless some degree of skill was used, the -captives would give a powerful spring, and escape, from the confinement -of the net, to the more congenial element from which they had been so -unceremoniously ejected. - -Prawns (_Palæmonidæ_) exuviate very frequently, in some instances as -often as once or twice a month. No sooner is one coat thrown off and -the Palæmon recovered from the weakness which the process occasions, -than it commences, at first at intervals, and then almost incessantly -day and night, preparations for a renewal of the wonderful operation. - -Every part of the body--eyes, antennæ, and especially the sub-abdominal -fins, to certain portions of which the ova are attached in groups, -and the lobes of the tail--are submitted to a severe rubbing and -brushing process. The appearance of the prawn at this period is -really most interesting, and, I may also add, amusing. Sometimes the -tail is compressed inwards, beneath the body for a few seconds, and -then suddenly elevated and forced out with donkey-like extravagance -of gesture, the animal the while standing upon its first pair of -forcep-like feet. - -At the appointed time the shell opens at the back part of the head, -and the prawn becomes gradually freed from its old covering. The -marvellous process completed, like all its crustaceous brethren, the -creature becomes to a certain extent helpless, and if such convenience -be afforded, retires for protection beneath some shell or fragment -of rock, from whence it soon re-appears, and repeats its gymnastic -exercises, which cease, however, for a few days, as soon as the new -coat is sufficiently hardened. - -The prawn is an extremely interesting occupant of an aquarium, from -the fact of its being constantly on the move, and also on account -of the pretty blue and orange markings of its many-jointed legs, -and the singular transparent appearance of its body. This latter -feature is made still more notable when the animal happens to have the -ova attached, as the latter are opaque, and of a deep brown colour -approaching to black. By the prawn the act of exuviation seems to be -considered an event of no slight importance, and, although occurring -so frequently, is fraught with danger. Specimens oftener die at the -moulting time than at any other. In fact, unless I am very much -mistaken, they are then subject to some peculiar disease, which is -apt to prove fatal. At all events, several of my little captives, -after having performed their gymnastic movements (before alluded -to) for several days, turned sickly, and died. The commencement of -their illness was always denoted by a small, white, opaque dot that -mysteriously appeared in the centre of the body. This object speedily -increased in size, until it eventually spread over the entire animal. -Then, no longer diaphanous, the flesh of the prawn seemed composed of a -solid substance not unlike lime or pounded chalk. - -The Shrimp is so common, and so well known, that a lengthened -description of it is unnecessary. I shall, therefore, merely record -an ingenious plan by which specimens of the _Crangon vulgaris_ may be -procured by visitors at the sea-side, who do not care to wade in the -water with a large net. - -It is one generally pursued by Scotch boys as a mere amusement, for -neither shrimps nor prawns are eaten to any great extent by the -inhabitants of Scotland generally. - -On arriving at a pool, a person will soon know whether shrimps are -contained therein, from the number of sand clouds that are raised by -these little crusty fellows at any intrusion upon their privacy. Many -persons employ a hand net, and pass it rapidly through the water, -thinking thereby to startle and entrap the animals in question. -Sometimes the plan succeeds, but more often it turns out a failure. - -Instead of using the net, let the young zoologist stoop down, place the -palms of his hands suddenly upon the surface of the sand, then slowly -draw them near each other, at same time cautiously close the fingers, -and he will in all probability feel the objects of his search wriggling -to escape from his unwelcome and unfriendly grasp. - -To satisfy curiosity, take one of the captured specimens and drop it in -the sand that surrounds the cavity in which your skill as a shrimper -has been exercised, and I will venture to assert that, in an instant, -the little creature will have disappeared as if by magic--such is -the wonderful rapidity with which the shrimp burrows itself. Even -when lying upon the surface a practised eye is required to detect the -presence of a shrimp, in consequence of its colour being of the exact -shade of the sand in which it hides. In clear pools its body is of -a light drab colour, which becomes changed to a dark tint when the -animal is located in a pool, the base of which is of a sombre hue. - -The prawn, or shrimp, is somewhat of a gourmand, and requires to be fed -occasionally. The most simple food to give either, when in an aquarium, -is an open mussel or cockle. A marine worm, such for instance as the -_Terrebella_, however (as on one occasion I vexatiously discovered), is -a dainty more highly prized than the flesh of a bivalve, but one which -cannot often be indulged in from its comparative rarity. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -Acorn Barnacles.--Ship Barnacles. - - -'Barnacles turn Solan Geese - In the islands of the Orcades.' - - - - -VIII. - - -If the reader has been struck at what has been said in regard to the -exuviation of crabs, &c., he will probably be more surprised when I -state that precisely the same phenomena take place in the simple _Acorn -Barnacle_, that studs in countless numbers almost every rock and shell -situated between tide marks. No one can visit the sea-shore, at certain -localities, without noticing the white spots which constitute the -shells of the cirripeds in question, although he may not be acquainted -with the marvellous beauty of the animal contained within each. - -Its loveliness, it is true, is in no wise apparent when parched and -dry; but let the welcome waves advance and playfully dash their spray -against the dwelling of the little crustacean, and quickly its valves -will open, displaying a delicate feathery plume, thrust forth and -hastily withdrawn again. - -As it is not convenient to watch the movements of this animal in a -rock-pool, let me request the reader kindly to take a peep into my -aquarium. Here is a Trochus shell, for example, inhabited, as you -perceive, by a Soldier-Crab, the surface of which is thickly covered -with shelly cones, of small dimensions. These are the Barnacles -(_Balani_). The Trochus most fortunately being near the side of the -glass, is capitally situated for our purpose. Take the hand lens, -adjust its focus, and watch carefully for the opening of the cones. -Tush! The hermit never _will_ rest contented in any position for two -consecutive minutes; but see! as he walks away the fairy hands are -being rapidly thrown out and made to sweep the water in graceful -curves, thereby suggesting some resemblance to a bevy of school -children at Christmas time, bidding _adieux_ to their friends, while -seated on the roof of an old stage coach. - -Carefully I lift the Pagurus bodily out of the tank, and transfer him -to a wine glass filled with clean water. After a few minutes have -elapsed, the hands again commence their fishing operations. Observe, -now, that these organs fan the fluid in such a manner as to catch any -animalculæ that may be near, and draw them towards the aperture caused -by the opening of the valves of the Barnacle. A close inspection will, -I am sure, prove to your satisfaction that there is also distinctly -apparent a second and smaller cluster of feathery fingers, whose duty -it is to catch the food, brought near by the larger and corresponding -organs, and finally convey it into the mouth of the little cirriped. -There may be, in the wide range of Nature's lower scale of life, -prettier sights to gladden the eye of the student than that above -described,--but if so, I must confess _my_ inability to indicate where -such are to be found. The fishing apparatus here mentioned consists of -a number of slender _cirri_, thickly coated with microscopic filaments -(cilia), and is, at certain periods, thrown off complete and entire by -the process of exuviation, just as we have seen it occur in the higher -crustacea. - -Would you, my young friend, like to procure an exuvium of the Barnacle -for examination? Yes. Then follow the directions I am now about to -give, and your wish will be speedily gratified. - -Presuming that your tank already contains a number of Barnacles -attached to various objects, and that such have been in the same vessel -for some weeks; syringe the water for a few minutes, and you will -find floating about, or rising to the surface, many specimens of the -desired object. They will, in all probability, be visible to the naked -eye. To attempt to lift one out of the water, however, by means of -your finger and thumb would be utterly useless. Such a procedure, even -were it successful, would inevitably mar the delicate beauty of this -'inessential' object, which, spirit like, casts no shadow upon weed or -water. The best plan is to insert a tube of glass into the aquarium, in -such a way that the exuvium may ascend the interior. Then place your -finger on the top, and draw the tube out of the water, and you will be -able to deposit the skin of the Barnacle upon a slip of glass by merely -lifting off your finger. The specimen can then be leisurely arranged, -and spread out by aid of a hand lens and fine pointed needles. - -Walking by the sea-shore one fine summer afternoon, I met a fisher -boy running along with some curious objects spread out in the palm of -his left hand, while in his right, suspended from finger and thumb, -appeared a still more desirable prize. - -At first glance I detected the objects to be specimens of the _Lepas -anatifera_. They had, so the boy stated in answer to my inquiries, been -plucked from the base of a ship newly arrived from a long voyage. When -I offered him sixpence for the 'lot,' the embryo plougher of the deep -looked up in my face with a singularly mistrustful expression, and -said, 'D'ye mean it, sir?' I gave speedy assurance of my sincerity, -and on receiving the purchase money, after handing over the Barnacles -to my custody, the young urchin started off as fast as his legs, -encased in huge wading boots, would allow him. His alarm was quite -unnecessary, for although in a few days after I would not have given a -penny for a thousand, I would willingly, on the above occasion, have -paid five shillings for a single specimen, rather than have missed -the opportunity of possessing such an interesting object as the Ship -Barnacle. - -On placing them in water one only of the creatures showed any signs -of life, and by next morning they made the scentral organ of my face -so highly indignant that, in order to allay its irritability, I was -obliged to remove the defunct animals to the outside of the window. -There they remained for several months, and were eventually transferred -to the privacy of a card-board box. Although twelve months have elapsed -since the last-mentioned removal took place, these creatures even now, -when the lid of the case is lifted, give out a smell, so 'antient and -fish-like,' that I believe not a few of 'the sweet perfumes of Arabia' -would be needed in order to subdue its power. - -One cluster contained thirty Lepades, and the other eighteen. The -average length of each Barnacle is about three or four inches. -One, however, measured nearly ten inches. The fleshy stalk is of a -purplish-grey colour, semi-transparent, and perfectly smooth. The -shell, which consists of five pieces, is bluish-white, while that -portion from whence the cirri protrude appears of a brilliant orange, -the cirri themselves being exquisitely tinted with violet, shaded off -to a deep purple. - -I may here mention that the above animal was by our ancestors most -unaccountably supposed to be the young of the solan goose!--a bird that -haunts in vast numbers the Bass Rock and Ailsa Craig. Indeed, a common -belief in different parts of Scotland, and over the west of England -was, that the shells grew upon certain trees, and in process of time -opened of themselves; whereupon a certain animated substance contained -within the shell dropped down, and according to the place where it fell -perished or fructified. By falling into the water it grew to be a fowl; -but by falling upon land the vital principle became extinct. The fowls -which resulted from the more fortunate contingency were called Barnacle -Geese in Scotland, and Brant, or Tree Geese in England. This delusion -appears to have arisen from the fact of Barnacles having been found in -great abundance on trunks and even branches of trees long submerged -in the sea.[8] Bishop Hall thus alludes to the popular notion in his -Satires:-- - - 'His father dead! tush, no, it was not he; - He finds records of his great pedigree; - And tells how first his famous ancestor - Did come in long since with the Conqueror. - Nor hath some bribed herald first assigned - His quartered arms, and crest of gentle kind; - _The Scottish Barnacle, if I might choose, - That of a worme, doth waxe a winged goose_.' - -[8] Vide author's 'Seaside and Aquarium.' - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -Phyllodoce Laminosa--the Laminated Nereis - - - 'His meaner works -Are yet his care, and have and interest all-- -All, in the universal Father's love.' - - --COWPER. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 COMMON BARNACLES attached to shell of Limpet -2 ANIMAL OF THE LIMPET (_P. vulgata_) as seen from below -3 THE LAMINATED NEREIS (_Phyllodoce Laminosa_)] - - - - -IX. - - -To oblige an English correspondent who requested some blocks of -stone containing Pholas perforations, the writer, in company with a -fellow-student, started betimes for the sea-shore, some four miles' -distance. We made for a certain spot, where it was expected the object -of our wishes could easily be found. Our equipment consisted merely -of a hammer, a bottle, and two chisels, enclosed in a carpet-bag, the -better to mask our mission from impertinent curiosity. - -On reaching the shore, it soon became painfully apparent that no pieces -of rock could be procured of a character at all suitable for a museum. -To make matters still more irritating, a breeze arose, and with it -came a furious shower of rain, which soon completely saturated our -light costume. At such a time it is laughable to note how faint becomes -the poetry of practical zoology--how excessively like street puddles -are the fairy-grots, as the rock-pools are called; how unsightly the -great, distorted anemones look, too, when viewed from beneath a large -boulder, where you are crouched in the fond idea that you are thus -getting shelter from the rain. - -On this occasion, my friend and I, being soaked to the skin, started -up from our unpleasant position, and boldly daring the rain to do its -worst, proceeded to hunt after any object of interest that might by -chance be lying stranded near. - -After an hour's search, two objects, among many others of more or less -interest, were captured, that fully repaid us for our uncomfortable -'ducking.' The first was an elegant Actinia (_A. Dianthus_), which -seemed to be exquisitely modelled in the finest virgin wax. The second -was a specimen of the Laminated Nereis (_Phyllodoce Laminosa_), a -wonderfully beautiful _worm_! - -Fair reader, start not nor curl that rosy lip of thine at the -expression, 'beautiful,' being applied to such an humble creature, for -indeed the title is a just and true one. - -This Annelid is generally found coiled up and attached to the under -part of stones situated near low water mark. Its general colour is -emerald green, excepting along the centre of the back, which is -iridescent, and reflects a brilliant blue, changing into purple and -other hues, only equalled in beauty by the enamelled corslet of the -brightest beetle, or the flashing tints that dance upon the plumage of -the humming-bird. - -The body of the _P. Laminosa_, like that of all other _Dorsibranchiate -Annelidans_, is divided into a consecutive series of rings. Upon either -side of each ring is situated a singular appendage, which acts as a -gill or branchial organ, by the exercise of which the blood of the -animal is effectually purified, and respiration adequately provided for. - -When the Nereis is in a state of repose, these gills are laid flat over -its back; but in a state of activity they are fully spread out, and act -as 'paddles,' by aid of which the animal is enabled to glide through -its native element with a graceful serpentine motion. - -At the base of each paddle is situated a smaller one, consisting of -a fleshy pedicle shielding a fan-like bunch of hairs, each of which -tapers to a sharp point. Combined, these hairs or spines form a -powerful defensive weapon, which can be extended or retracted at will; -and it also serves as an _oar_, or propeller. - -As a noteworthy instance of tenacity of life in the lower animals, it -may be well to mention here that I have on various occasions, by aid of -the microscope, watched for several minutes the bunch of spines, above -alluded to, thrust out and retracted in a single segment cut from the -body of the Nereis; and only as the object became devoid of moisture -did its beautiful mechanism cease to play. - -The specimen now before me is comparatively small, being only twelve -inches in length, yet its body contains nearly one thousand lateral -appendages, constituting, it must be admitted, a most extensive and -wonderful locomotive apparatus. - -This Annelid is not a suitable object for the aquarium, on account of -its frequent great length, and the consequent likelihood of its getting -entangled among stones and rock-work when in search of food. - -If the hinder parts be cut off, as has been already hinted, they will -exhibit vitality for a considerable period when placed in water, but -we are told it is the anterior (?) portion of the Phyllodoce which -alone possesses the power of regenerating lost segments; these will be -reproduced sometimes at the rate of three or four in a week. - -'These creatures,' says a learned author, 'as might be expected from -their activity and erratic habits, are carnivorous; and innocent and -beautiful as they look, they are furnished with weapons of destruction -of a unique and most curious description. The mouth of the Nereis would -seem at first to be a simple opening, quite destitute of teeth; but on -further examination, this aperture is found to lead into a capacious -bag, the walls of which are provided with sharp, horny plates, even -more terrible than those which are occasionally to be met with in -the gizzards of some of the higher animals. It is not surprising, -therefore, that by many anatomists the structure in question has been -described as a real gizzard, or by some as the stomach itself. A little -attention to the habits of the living Annelid will, however, soon -reveal the true character of the organ. No sooner does the creature -wish to seize its food than this so-called gizzard is at once turned -inside out, in which condition it protrudes from the mouth like a great -proboscis, and the teeth, which were before concealed in the interior -of the cavity, now become external, and display as formidable an -assortment of rasps, files, knives, saws, hooks, or crooked fangs, as -any one could wish to see. Let us suppose them, when in this condition, -plunged into the body of some poor helpless victim, while at the same -moment the proboscis is rapidly inverted and withdrawn; the prey thus -seized is at the same instant swallowed, and at once plunged into a -gulf where all struggles are unavailing, there to be bruised, and -crushed, and sucked at leisure.' - -There is a curious fact in connection with these Annelids which is -too interesting to be omitted here. I allude to the wonderful manner -in which their young are produced by a process that may be called -'sprouting.' - -This invariably takes place in the segment immediately preceding -the terminal one. When a new animal is about to be formed, the -reproductive segment swells, and after a certain time the infant -worm is seen growing from the tail of its parent. When sufficiently -developed, the offspring detaches itself, and starts life on its own -account. Sometimes before the elder born Annelid is fully formed, the -mysterious segment produces a second offspring, and, according to -Professor Milne Edwards, as many as six young ones may be generated in -succession from the same posterior segment, all of which will for some -time continue attached to the parent worm. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -The Fan-Amphitrite. - - - - -X. - - -At the lowest ebb of spring-tide may often be seen protruding above -the surface of the beach an object that at a little distance might be -mistaken for the twig of a tree, or a decayed and blackened reed. A -close examination discloses it to be a smooth, tough tube, apparently -composed of dark leather or old gutta-percha, affixed at its lower -extremity to some rock or other solid substance. - -The pretty Annelid occupying this dark cylinder is the Fan-Amphitrite -(_A. ventilabrum_). Unlike the Terrebella, this animal may really be -captured without much difficulty. The first time I made the experiment -it was successful. By carefully digging down with chisel, or digits, -to the base of the tube, which may be reached in the course of a -few minutes, the entire structure, with its living occupant, may be -transferred to your extemporaneous tank. - -I have an Amphitrite in my aquarium at the present time displaying its -richly-tinted tentacula to the sun, which lights them up with unusual -beauty. - -As the 'case' of this animal is flexible, and as its owner will only -thrive in an upright position, the reader will easily conceive that -to afford the Annelid suitable accommodation in the aquarium is not -a very easy task. What other naturalists do I cannot tell; but the -following is the plan I adopt for the creature's comfort and my own -gratification:-- - -Having procured a small cylinder of glass (or gutta-percha), close up -one end, and drop in the Amphitrite, taking care to first tie the lower -portion of its sheath with a piece of thread or silk. It is very pretty -to see the plume of the Annelid spreading completely over and covering -the extremity of the tube, giving the idea in the one instance that the -animal was mysteriously gifted with the power of exuding gutta-percha -instead of its usual mucus. - -The Annelid may be made to recline against the sides of the vase, or be -propped up on any chosen spot by aid of a small cairn of pebbles, and -thus form a very curious feature in the aquarium. - -To test a fact, relative to the power which the Amphitrite is said -to possess, in common with other tubiculous Annelids, of renewing -certain portions of its body after sustaining injury, I snipped off the -principal portions of its branchiæ, and found that, after the lapse of -a few months, my specimen renewed its mutilated organs. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -The Common Mussel. - - -'Travelling is not good for us; we travel so seldom. How much more -dignified leisure _hath a Mussel glued to his impassable rocky limit -two inches square_! He hears the tide roll over him, backwards and -forwards, twice a day (as the Salisbury coach goes and returns in eight -and forty hours), but knows better than to take an outside place on -the top on't. _He is the owl of the sea, Minerva's fish_, the _fish of -wisdom_.' - - C. LAMB to B. BARTON. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 COMMON MUSSEL (_Mytilus edulis_) - -a The foot -b The byssus -c c Muscles which regulate the action of the foot - -2 THE MUSSEL CLOSED - -3 THE BERÖE (_Cydippe pileus_) - -4 THE FAN AMPHITRITE (_A. ventilabrum_)] - - - - -XI. - - -In his celebrated journey to the western islands of Scotland, Dr. -Johnson tells us that when at Ulinish, hearing of a cavern by the -sea-side remarkable for powerful reverberations of sound, he determined -to pay a visit to the spot. After dinner, having procured the services -of some boatmen, the doctor, in company with Bozzy, started off on -his trip, which, on the whole, appears to have been a pleasant one. -There was, however, no _echo_ to be heard; but to make up for this -disappointment, Mr. Boswell went angling, and caught a wee 'cuddy,' -(a fish about the size of a gudgeon), while the doctor was gratified -by the sight of some sea-weed growing upon stones, and above all, at -witnessing for the first time _Mussels in their natural state_. - -The impression made by this candid acknowledgment upon our minds -is one of wonder, that a man like Johnson could have reached his -advanced years without having seen so common a sight. But it is -possible that even in our day, with its unprecedented facilities -for cheap travelling for the most inland inhabitants, there may be -many persons to whom the sight of a Mussel fixed to a boulder by its -self-constructed cable, would be as great a novelty as it was to the -eloquent author of Rasselas. - -It is, however, one of the commonest appearances which meet the eye of -those in the habit of visiting the sea-shore. At certain localities -myriads of Mussels may be noticed attached to the surface of the rocks. -So thickly are these sometimes covered over, that the blade of a knife -cannot be inserted at any part without touching one or more of the -esculent bivalves that are to form the subject of this chapter. - -The Mussel anchors itself by means of the Byssus; or, as it is commonly -termed, the 'beard.' This appendage is composed of various slender -threads which are attached to any object within reach, whether such be -the shell of a neighbouring Mussel, a small stone, or huge boulder. -The members of each colony are thereby bound together, it may be -figuratively said, by the silken cords of friendship, and mayhap of -love. The _Mytili_ evidently believe that 'there's no place like home.' -Although gifted with a power of moving about at will, they never -attempt to exercise this when living together in a family circle, -but pass through life's stages upon the spot where they were born. -Certainly, if there be such a sight as a truly happy and contented -family in the marine animal kingdom, it is to be found exemplified in -these bearded molluscs. - -As hinted, they live shoulder to shoulder, back to back, and otherwise -mutually support each other. They need not look about for a single -meal, but have merely to allow themselves to be fed by the waves, which -yield them a constant supply of fresh and wholesome food. Their sole -duty in this respect is limited to the selection of objects suitable -to their palate. Their 'at homes' being so frequent, the _Mytili_ can -boast of a large circle of acquaintances. The Periwinkle, and his -friend Silver Willie, often make a morning call, take pot luck, as it -is termed, and then politely retire. _Mr. Carcinus Mænas_ and his poor -and dirty relation, _Maia Squinado_, perchance look in of an evening. -_Solaster Papposa_, or occasionally the lanky-legged _Uraster Rubens_, -and other 'stars' of the marine world, crawl in at unseasonable hours -in their usual lazy style, and are generally rewarded by finding the -doors (valves) shut against them. This 'cut direct' does not appear to -be at all annoying; or if so, the Star-fishes are too cunning to show -it, for they quietly saunter away as if they never had the slightest -wish to put their feet within their neighbour's dwelling. - -There is a 'black sheep,' as Sir Pertinax Mac Sycophant would say, who -intrudes himself into Mussel society, and plays sad havoc among its -members. This crawling rascal is the wolf of all Musseldom flocks. -Young and old alike experience the blighting effects of his villanous -propensities. The name of this obnoxious personage is _Purpura -Lapillus_ (Common Whelk). What, the reader will ask in surprise, a -univalve prey upon a bivalve? Is that possible? It is, unfortunately, -too true. - -If we take a Mussel in our hand we shall find it perfectly impossible -to force its valves asunder, without the aid of a strong knife or other -instrument; yet the Common Whelk, fleshy and insignificant creature -though it be, will consume the animal within, and make the valves -fly open in a brief space of time, by means of its soft tongue. But -leaving such general remarks, let us suppose we are standing before a -boulder covered with these mussels. Numbers of gaping shells may be at -intervals perceived still attached to the rock, but with the interior -of each valve so empty and smooth, that we could scarce believe they -had ever embraced a living occupant. On taking up one of the valves and -closely examining it, do you observe nothing peculiar about it now? -'No.' Take up the other then, and submit it to a similar inspection. -Well, what do you see now? 'Nothing,' you still reply, 'unless it be a -peculiar little hole about the size of a pin's head, which surely is -of no importance.' That little hole was of _vital_ importance to the -poor mollusc, for through that aperture the life and substance of the -Mytilus was drawn by the voracious Purpura. - -But the poor Mussel is exposed to the attacks of other enemies--aquatic -birds, as sea-gulls and ducks, eagles, vultures. Even water-rats and -monkeys may also be included in the list. - -It is amusing to see a gull, by no means a foolish bird, standing -patiently before a Limpet, for example. The animal, unsuspicious of the -presence of an enemy, raises his canopy with the view of relaxing his -overstrained muscles, and is instantly toppled over by the intruding -beak of the bird. If unsuccessful in his first attempt, the gull is -well aware it would be useless to try a second time at that tide. - -But if a Mussel be the object of attack, it is wrenched from its seat, -raised to a certain height, and then allowed to drop upon a stone with -the view of breaking the shell. In one locality called Mussel Bay, Mr. -Barrow says he disturbed some thousands of birds, and found so many -thousands of shell-fish scattered over the surface of a heap of shells, -that, for aught he knew, would have filled as many thousand waggons. - -This habit of the feathered tribe was, by the way, well known to the -ancients, and I may be pardoned relieving my pages by a quotation on -the subject from the 'Shepherd's Calender' of Spenser, whose exquisite -descriptions of natural history are as marvellous as his allegorical -poem. The author of the 'Fairy Queen' thus humorously reads a lesson -to an ambitious man,-- - - "He is a shepherd in gree, - But hath been long ypent, - One day he sat upon a hill, - As now thou wouldst mee; - But I am taught by Algrinds ill, - To love the lowe degree. - For sitting so, with barred scalpe, - An eagle soared hye, - _That weening his white head was chalke, - A shell-fish down let flye! - She weened the shell-fish to have broke, - But therewith bruised his brayne_, - So now astoined with the stroke, - Hee lyes in lingering payne!" - -It seems remarkable that the 'illustrious French naturalist,' Reaumur, -should have been the first, if not to discover, at least to publish, -any description of the manner in which the Mussel spins its silken -cable. Yet one hour's experience in a tea-cup or tumbler will exhibit -most of the features in this interesting process. - -That Reaumur's narrative, although usually copied by most writers of -the present day, is not strictly correct, and, moreover, that the foot -of the mussel is _not_ 'useless as an instrument of progression' (as -generally asserted), may be easily proved to the satisfaction of the -student by adopting some such simple experiment as that which I am now -about to describe:-- - -Being at the sea-side on a fine summer afternoon, I procured three -specimens (I might have had as many hundreds if disposed) of the -Mytilus. On my return home I placed them in a common tumbler, and -waited patiently to see the result. My object was, if possible, to -witness the manner in which this animal grows its beard. - -In less than five minutes an industrious little fellow, whom we will -call No. 1, gently opened his shell, and immediately protruded his -fleshy foot until it reached a length of nearly two inches. So far as I -could determine, the design of the Mussel was to discover, in the first -place, what kind of a lodging he occupied; whether or not he had any -companions; and also, to know if these or any other objects could be -found worthy of his _attachment_. - -Sometimes the foot would be protruded under the shell, then in a -contrary direction. Or by an exertion of the strong muscular power -which that organ possesses, the entire shell would be lifted off the -ground and urged forward to a considerable distance. Of course he soon -come in contact with a neighbour Mussel, whom we may term No. 2, but as -the latter was not anchored by any byssus, he was speedily pushed on, -and on, until No. 3 was met, and the latter, in his turn, made to take -up a new position. - -Being tired of wandering about, No. 1 then extended his foot along the -base of the vase to a certain point, and there let it rest for a few -seconds. When again withdrawn, to my great delight, I saw the first -thread of a new byssus had been constructed. - -As my principal object was to become acquainted with the mode of -formation of the beard, I did not feel satisfied with merely watching -the movements of the animal from above. After a brief interval another -thread was spun. I bore in mind the words of Reaumur, who says, 'The -Mussel never spins more than four or five threads in the twenty-four -hours.' Aware that no time must be lost, though still afraid to disturb -the mollusc lest it might suspend its labours, I instantly detached -my specimen, and again turned its shell round so as to bring the -opening of the valves against the face of the glass. The creature did -not seem at all offended at his handiwork having been destroyed, but -still obstinately refused to let me see the working of its foot. Again -was the shell rolled over, and again did I replace it in its former -position. This time, in order to keep it from being shifted, a stone -was deposited upon the valve. Nothing daunted, the animal gradually -separated the valves of its shell, and at the same time advanced and -elevated its foot to the exact position that I had so long desired. - -The spinner, when at its full length, was pressed firmly upon the -flat surface of the glass, and there allowed to remain for a while. -Suddenly, at nearly _half an inch distance from its extreme end_ (or -point), a little mouth was seen to form, about the size of a large -pin's head, from which there issued a milk-white fluid, that gradually -hardened and became fixed to the glass. This object being light in -colour, had a pretty effect when contrasted with the rich brown tint -of the spinner. Shortly afterwards the foot rolled over and withdrew -into the shell, leaving behind it the silken thread which had just been -spun. The 'little mouth,' above described, was, if I may so term it, -the mould in which the end of the thread was cast. - -In the course of two hours a bundle of byssus threads, sixteen in -number, were produced by this industrious little labourer. - -Having thus seen that the foot is useful to the Mussel as an instrument -of progression _before_ the beard is formed, let me now endeavour -to show that it is, at times, of equal service for the same object, -_after_, and when the mollusc is anchored thereby to any particular -spot. - -When we remember that this anchorage is formed of a harp-like set of -strings, amounting to ten or even _a hundred_ in number, it does seem -an almost incredible fact that the Mytilus is enabled to change its -station, even when living in single blessedness. - -To see a Mussel 'flit,' is a sight one may often watch and wait -for without success. On the other hand, when least expected, the -self-willed mollusc may commence operations. When about to take up -a new home, the animal shaves off its beard entirely, or in more -scientific language, 'rejects its byssus' altogether. In order to -excite the locomotive instincts of my specimens, I used to cut all -the threads of their cable except one. The animal being suspended, of -course its whole weight was then thrown upon a single fibre. Such a -state of insecurity was by no means agreeable, and I generally found in -the course of a few hours that fresh threads were rapidly thrown out, -and an entirely new byssus formed; the old one, which was broken off at -the root, being left behind as useless. - -Another singular peculiarity of the Mussel which came under my -observation has not been, so far as I am aware, noticed by previous -naturalists. I allude to the power which the animal possesses of -lengthening out the root or stem of the beard, apparently to an -unlimited extent. This power appears to be seldom exercised, for -although I have had hundreds of specimens of the Mytili, in only one -instance have I witnessed the phenomenon in question. - -A large specimen of this bivalve, procured accidentally from a fishwife -in the street, was dropped into the aquarium, and placed close against -the surface of the glass. The animal seemed highly delighted with its -change of situation, for in a few moments the valves were opened, and -a long draught of water taken in to bathe its branchiæ, and furnish -a hearty meal. Having satisfied its appetite, the next process, of -course, was to find out what kind of a home he had been introduced -into. The foot, a noble specimen, was soon protruded, and one after -the other, in rapid succession, various threads were formed. By next -morning the animal, advancing by a series of easy stages, had reached -the surface of the water, which was exactly five inches deep. I knew -it would not remain long in this position, and was anxious to discover -what plan would next be adopted. Several courses were open to him. -For instance, like a marine Captain Cook, he might circumnavigate his -little _Globe_,--or he might let go his cable and drop plump to the -bottom,--or he could follow the route I had often seen taken by his -relations, viz., to journey back to the place from whence he started. -It pleased him, however, to strike out into a new path,--to devise a -method of his own. While located near the top of the tank, he threw out -exactly ninety-eight threads, not certainly for security, but merely, -it would appear, for pleasure. - -Then slowly but surely, day by day, he lengthened out the stem of his -byssus tree, until it reached the extreme length of nearly five inches. -To what further degree it would have been extended, had the mollusc not -reached the base of the tank, it is impossible to conjecture. - -No sooner did the shell touch terra firma, than the cable which had -taken so long to spin was immediately broken off. I have succeeded in -keeping the same animal by me for the last twelve months, but have seen -no attempt at a renewal of the operation, in the progress of which I -had taken so lively an interest. I may add that this Mussel taught me -another lesson; it was this: in my early studies regarding the habits -of the Mytilus, I had adopted a certain theory of the manner in which -the beard was formed; and having watched so long, and witnessed the -process so repeatedly, I thought myself justified in forming certain -conclusions. My belief was that the creature could not form more than -one thread at a time, _without withdrawing its foot into the shell_, as -I believed, in order to procure a fresh supply of material. That this -notion was erroneous, this animal proved to my entire satisfaction. Not -only may one, but two, three, four, and even six threads be attached -to any selected object, the point of the foot being passed from one -position to another, without the organ being withdrawn into the valves -until the whole of the threads are formed. How many more the Mussel is -capable of producing at one 'stretch,' I have no means of knowing, but -six is the largest number that any of my specimens in such case have -ever fabricated. - -The general idea seems to be that the Mussel works in the same manner -as the spider, who emits a drop of liquid against some foreign -substance, which, being allowed to harden somewhat, is then drawn out -as the spider recedes. This notion, I may state, is quite erroneous. -When the sucker of which we have spoken is formed, _the thread is -completed_. It is true that the foot as it retires into the shell -generally glides down the newly-constructed filament, but this is not -of necessity, nor does such circumstance invariably occur. Indeed, -while busily engaged in attaching a disc to the glass, the muscles of -the foot will contract, and thus throw open the folds of the groove, -situated in the middle of that organ; when thus exposed, the byssus -thread may be seen in the furrow, stretched like the string of a harp -or dulcimer. - -While the end of the thread is being attached to a certain spot, a -conspicuous muscular action is perceived going on in the foot, which -alternately swells and contracts, as if something were being pumped -up through the byssal channel, until it reached a certain point. -There being dilated and spread out in successive layers, it assumes a -trumpet-like disc, which is firmly fixed to the foreign object. Indeed, -I am by no means certain that the thread is not, when first produced, -exactly like a trumpet in shape. It also conveys the idea of being -blown out in a similar manner to a piece of bottle glass. After being -exposed to the air for some little time, the hollowness of the thread -is not so apparent as when it is newly fabricated. - -The mucous fluid, from which the fibres are formed, is secreted in -a gland situated at the base of the foot, whence it is apparently -expelled at the will of the animal into the furrow already referred -to, and is there spun into threads. The toughness of these filaments, -considering that each is finer than the thinnest strand of silk, is -remarkable. Their strength, however, may be easily accounted for, -when we know that each is composed in reality of innumerable delicate -threads, bound together by a subtle gelatinous fluid. This phenomenon -may be made out quite distinctly with a common hand lens, if the -following simple experiment be adopted: Make a Mussel construct its -thread in such a way that the disc of each is planted on the face of -the glass. Then place the fine point of a common needle upon the outer -edge of a chosen disc or sucker, and gently draw the former away to -a little distance, and you will find that by so doing the stretched -string becomes _peeled_. Continue this process carefully, and before -the thread gives way you will have divided it into a dozen parts at -least, all of which are visible to the naked eye, but clearer when the -hand lens is used, and still more distinctly and beautifully defined, -of course, if the microscope be brought into play. - -The foot of the Mussel appears to be firmly strapped on, as it were, -to certain transverse muscles, by a contraction of which the animal -closes its shell with surprising force. This strap, composed of a -powerful tendon which passes under the adductor muscles, is attached at -either end to the base of the foot. Thus we account for the remarkable -strength which is evidently seated in the foot, and makes it of so much -importance to the animal. At first sight nothing appears more easy -than to pluck out this organ by the roots, but an attempt will prove -the experiment to be more difficult than many persons suppose. - -The colour of the foot varies considerably in different specimens, -even of the same species. Some, for instance, are of a chestnut brown; -others of a kind of mauve or purple, covered with a peach-like bloom -during life; others, again, are of a deep-toned umber, while not a few -are pearly white, and streaked sometimes with pink like a tulip. - -The peculiarity of the Mussel to attach itself to foreign substances -has been taken advantage of for the benefit of man, and a curious -instance is exhibited at Bideford in Devonshire, at which town there is -a bridge of twenty-four arches, stretching across the Torridge river -near its junction with the Taw. 'At this bridge the tide flows so -rapidly that it cannot be kept in repair by mortar. The corporation, -therefore, keep boats in employ to bring mussels to it, and the -interstices of the bridge are filled by hand with these mussels. It is -supported from being driven away entirely by the strong threads these -mussels fix to the stonework.' - -Like most other writers who quote this strange account, I have not -had ocular proof of its accuracy.[9] That it is quite probable I can -readily believe, as a pretty experiment will partly prove it to any -spirited aquarian. Following out the above idea of the bridge at -Bideford, I managed to build an exceedingly pretty centre piece for my -tank. - -[9] Since writing the above, I have received the following interesting -epistle from Mr. Edward Capern, the celebrated 'poet and rural postman' -of Bideford, who kindly sought out the information I desired, relative -to the present state of the bridge above alluded to:-- - - Bideford, January 27, 1859. - -DEAR SIR,--I have inquired of the bridge warder, and he informs me that -the feoffees of the bridge command mussels to be brought up by the -cart-load, to protect the foundation, which is laid on _rubble_. - -I am pleased that it has been in my power to procure this information -for you--I am, dear sir, faithfully yours, - - EDWARD CAPERN. - -Having no ready means of making a rock arch, I collected such pieces -of rock, stones, &c., with weeds attached, as I thought would answer -my purpose, and then proceeded to fabricate the object of my wishes in -the following simple way: First were laid two stones parallel to each -other at three or four inches apart. Upon these I placed a large piece -of rock in a transverse direction. Between the interstices a number -of small mussels were then inserted. When fully satisfied that the -bivalves had moored themselves, I gradually piled one piece of rock -upon another until the structure reached the desired height, each piece -being bound to its neighbour by means of the byssus threads of the -Mytili. - -Before each block of stone that formed the foundations of the arch -was placed a splendid frond of Lettuce Ulva, tied by a strand of -silk to a white pebble. These verdant fronds, so smooth in texture -and so gracefully convoluted, rising up from the base of the tank -and reaching to its brim,--mingling, too, with the various tufts of -corallines and other sea-weeds that jutted from each crevice, were -very pretty to look at. When disturbed by the movements of the fishes -passing in and out, the gracefulness and beauty of the sea-weed was -doubly increased. - -In making observations upon any bivalve, such as the Mussel, it is -extremely puzzling to know what is going on _inside_ the shell. -Yet it is almost necessary to acquire this knowledge by means not -always apparent, in order to satisfy one's mind relative to certain -appearances, which we perceive going on externally. We have to form our -judgment of things we do not see from those that are apparent--at all -times a difficult task. But not often so tantalizing as in the case of -an insignificant creature like the Mussel, who lives, moves, and works -constantly before our eyes. I may add that it was not enough for me -that I saw the spinning process frequently. It all seemed tolerably -clear to my mind, but still I did not feel thoroughly satisfied. My -desire was to peep into the shell, and find out where the last spun -thread was situated; or, in other words, from what part of the trunk -the new branch sprung. On examining various specimens of the byssus, -this point was by no means apparent. Various means I adopted failed -to secure me the requisite knowledge. At length I hit upon a plan, -which, after no long time, I found opportunity to put in practice. My -largest Mussel lifted up its testaceous canopy, put aside the fringed -and fleshy veil that surrounded its edge, protruded its spinner to -make sure the ground was secure, and then withdrew it again into the -shell as usual. After the lapse of a second, the foot reappeared and -was stretched out to an unusual length. No sooner was the end of the -thread formed on the glass than immediately I firmly pressed the valves -together, and held them in this position until I had gradually worked -the Mussel up out of the vase, when I bound them close together by -means of a piece of cord. I need not describe my manÅ“uvres further; -suffice it to say that the thread nearest to the base of the groove -was found to be the one that was spun last. This, in my opinion, is -invariably the case. - -I may mention that the above experiment also proved to my mind that the -foot must be a most important vital organ of the Mytilus. At times, on -placing an open Mussel in my tank as food for crabs or other animals, I -have noted that if every other part were eaten, and the foot allowed to -remain attached to the muscles of the bivalve, that member would after -a lapse of several days show signs of--I do not say life--but sensation -and retractile power. - -But when the foot is cut and otherwise injured, the animal dies -quickly. In the experiment mentioned the valves were not kept closed -for more than half an hour; yet when they were opened, vitality had -evidently ceased within. This was the more singular when we remember -that the Mytili will live for many days out of the water; the shells, -of course, during the whole period being firmly closed. - -The Mussel, as already hinted, is very tenacious of life. I have kept -specimens by accident for several days in the pocket of my coat, but -found them quite well and lively when placed in sea-water. - -In general the sure sign of their not being in a healthy condition is -when the shell opens; for, while the animal retains any sense whatever, -it exercises a strict and judicious 'closeness.' - -I have found, however, on several occasions, that the shell being -contracted is not always a valid proof of its owner's convalescence, -for when placed in water the Mussel would float for several days upon -the surface like a cork, although it was near death's door. - -This phenomenon must be caused, I should suppose, by some sudden fright -compelling the mollusc to close its shell with such rapidity as to -prevent a proper supply of water being taken in. Having only air to -exist upon, the animal then lingers on until its branchiæ become dried -up, and all moisture exhausted. In this state the Mussel opens its -shell with a deep bursting sigh, and sinks to the bottom--dead. - -Being at the sea-side one fine summer day, I heard a little Scotch -girl cry out to her brother who was about to swallow entire, a fine -specimen of the _Mytilus edulis_, 'Eh, Willie dear, dinna ye eat that. -Dinna eat the _beard_ or ye'll dee!' Many years ago I remember a remark -to the same purport as the above being made by a poor child to its -playmate, in the neighbourhood of Gravesend. - -I little thought at that time that the Mussel was so interesting a -shell-fish, or that I years after should spend many an anxious hour -studying the formation and nature of its despised beard. - -I need hardly state that the idea of the beard being poisonous is a -vulgar error. In general the fish may be eaten entire with impunity. - -Cases have occurred where persons have been taken ill after eating it, -but this result has been satisfactorily explained to have been caused -by the Mussels being procured from places such as Leith Docks, where -their food consisted chiefly of unwholesome and putrescent matters. - -This mollusc is not used as food to any very great extent by the poorer -classes. It is employed very extensively, however, by the fishermen as -bait along all parts of the British coast. But in France it is much -esteemed both by rich and poor. The trade in them is successfully -cultivated, and affords a means of support to hundreds of industrious -and deserving men. - -From the learned author of the "Rambles of a Naturalist" we learn -that at the village of Esnandes, on the coast of France, the Mussel -trade, commenced about eight hundred years ago, has assumed a gigantic -extent. Both here and at the neighbouring villages of Charron, -Marsilly, Mussels are bred in an ingenious and systematic manner. At -the level of the lowest tide short piles or stakes are driven into the -mud, in a series of rows about a yard apart. This palisade is then -roughly fenced in with long branches. On this structure the Mussel -spawn is deposited, and it is found that the molluscs thus produced in -the open sea are much finer than those which are bred nearer the shore. - -These artificial Mussel beds are termed 'bouchots.' The fishermen who -engage in this branch of industry are known as 'boucholeurs.' - -'The little Mussels,' continues M. Quatrefage, 'that appear in the -spring are known as _seeds_. They are scarcely larger than lentils, -till towards the end of May, but at this time they rapidly increase, -and in July they attain the size of a haricot bean. They then take -the name of _renouvelains_, and are fit for transplanting. For this -purpose they are detached from those _bouchots_, which are situated -at the lowest tide mark, and are then introduced into the pockets or -bags made of old nets, which are placed upon the fences that are not -quite so far advanced into the sea. The young Mussels spread themselves -all round the pockets, fixing themselves by means of those filaments -which naturalists designate by the name of byssus. In proportion as -they grow and become crowded together within the pockets, they are -cleared out and distributed over other poles lying somewhat nearer -to the shore, whilst the full-grown Mussels which are fit for sale -are planted on the _bouchots_ nearest the shore. It is from this part -of the Mussel bed that the fishermen reap their harvest, and every -day enormous quantities of freshly gathered Mussels are transported -in carts or on the backs of horses to La Rochelle and other places, -from whence they are sent as far as Tours, Limoges, and Bordeaux.... -The following data, which were collected by M. D. Orbigny more than -twenty years ago, will show how important this branch of industry -must be to the district in which it is cultivated. In 1834 the three -communes of Esnandes, Charron, and Marsilly, representing a population -of 3000 souls, possessed 340 _bouchots_, the original cost of which -was valued by M. D. Orbigny at 696,660 francs; the annual expenses of -maintaining them amounted to 386,240 francs, including the interest of -the capital employed, and the cost of labour, which, however, is spared -to the proprietor who works on his own account. The nett revenue is -estimated at 364 francs for each _bouchot_, or 123,760 francs for the -three communes. Finally, the expense of the carts, horses, and boats, -employed in transporting the Mussels, then amounted annually to 510,000 -francs; but these numbers are far from representing the expenses -or profits at the present day. At the time M. D. Orbigny lived at -Esnandes, the _bouchots_ were only arranged in four rows; now however, -there are _no less than seven rows, and some of them measure more than -1000 yards from the base to the summit_. The whole of these _bouchots_, -which were at first limited to the immediate neighbourhood of the three -villages, of which I have already spoken, extend at the present day -uninterruptedly from Marsilly far beyond Charron, and _form a gigantic -stockade for two miles and a half in breadth, and six miles in length_.' - -A curious circumstance connected with the Mytilus remains to be -described. Let the reader, who may be so fortunate as to possess a -good microscope, cut away a portion of the fleshy part of the Mussel, -then place it in a watch glass, and examine it through that 'portal -to things invisible,' and, unless I am much mistaken, he will own the -sight to be supremely wonderful. Some water being deposited in the -glass the fleshy object will be seen to swim about in a most singular -and mysterious manner, while a close inspection shows every portion of -it to be in active motion. - -This motive power is caused by countless cilia, the rapid vibration of -which creates constant currents. This action preserves the health of -the poor mollusc by ærating the water which passes over his respiratory -organs. - -That some such wonderful contrivance is adopted, for conveying food -within the valves, too, is evident, when we consider that the Mussel -is always affixed to some foreign substance, that it cannot hunt after -prey, and therefore can subsist only upon whatever nutritious particles -may be contained in the element in which it lives. These consist of -minute animalculæ, principally crustacea, which are drawn within the -shell by powerful currents. - -I have often watched this phenomenon through a hand lens, and have -seen the young shrimps and skip-jacks, for instance, notwithstanding -the nimbleness of their movements, irresistibly drawn into the gulf -of destruction. Even tolerably sized specimens that were seated in -fancied security upon a valve of the Mussel, have suddenly been drawn -in, out of sight. As an instance of the power of these currents, I may -state that the water in a small aquarium is often seen to be affected -by the respiratory action of a single bivalve. The same thing has even -been apparent to the writer, while watching the movements of a colony -of Barnacles attached to a Limpet, the most distant part of the fluid -being gradually drawn near, in obedience to the beck of these delicate -and graceful little creatures. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -Terebella figulus. - -(THE POTTER.) - - -'Whether progressing on the solid surface, or moving through the -water, or tunneling the sand, advancing or retreating in its tube, -the Annelid performs muscular feats distinguished at once for their -complexity and harmony. In grace of form the little worm excels the -serpent. In regularity of march, the thousand-footed Nereid outrivals -the Centipede. The leaf-armed Phyllodoce swims with greater beauty of -mechanism than the fish; and the vulgar earthworm shames the mole in -the exactitude and skill of its subterranean operations. Why, then, -should the "humble worm" have remained so long without a historian? Is -the care, the wisdom, the love, the paternal solicitude of the Almighty -not legible in the surpassing organism, the ingenious architectures, -the individual and social habits, the adaptation of structure to the -physical conditions of existence of these "degraded beings?" Do not -their habitations display His care, their instincts His wisdom, their -_merriment_ His love, their vast specific diversities His solicitous -and inscrutable Providence.'--DR. WILLIAMS. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 THE POTTER (_Terebella figulus_) -2 _Terebella littoralis_] - - - - -XII. - - -Having visited the sea-side a few weeks since, along with some -'aquarian naturalists,' among other objects we managed to capture -a very fine _Terebella Figulus_, commonly called the 'Potter.' The -specimen measured about five inches in length, and was nearly as -thick as a common drawing pencil. I could discover no signs whatever -of any tube in the rocky basin in which the Annelid was situated, a -circumstance that struck me as being rather curious. - -On returning home, my much-valued prize was placed in a tumbler of -large dimensions, the base of which I strewed with newly-pounded shells -and gravel. By the following morning all the fine or powdered portion -of the 'Silver Willies' had been collected and used in the construction -of a tube, sufficient in length to cover half the contracted body of -the industrious little mason. After labouring for a fortnight, the tube -was gradually extended across the bottom of the vase in a cylindrical -form, but eventually it assumed a semi-circular shape, being built -upon the glass, and elevated by gentle stages up each side of the -vessel until the level of the water was reached, when all further -labours ceased for a time. - -After the lapse of a few days the building operation was resumed, -and the tube carried fully an inch further, at right angles to its -former position. The opposite end of the structure was next extended -at an angle of 45° from the base of the vase, to a height of about two -inches. Then commenced a very curious phenomenon. Some of the tentacles -were incessantly elevated and extended across the vessel, until they -touched the opposite end of the tube, with what object I could not then -conceive. The design, however, was afterwards made evident: in less -than two days the animal succeeded _in making both ends of its tube -meet together, so as to form a continuous circle_. I happened to be -watching the mason, when the last stroke of his labial trowel was given -to the building, and shall never forget the cautious way in which the -animal crept for the first time over the newly-completed portion of the -work, and the seeming delight with which it continued to glide, hour -after hour, over the entire circuit of its dwelling-place. - -Sometimes its body would be long drawn out, until the tips of the -tentacula would reach, and apparently tickle the extreme point of the -tail; then a race would commence, in character exactly resembling -that so often witnessed with the kitten, or the playful whelp, when -either of these animals foolishly imagine that the tip of their tail is -adorned with some coveted tit-bit. - -The branchial organs of my specimen were very beautiful objects, being -formed of three blood-red spiral tufts, the effect of which were -heightened by their being placed in contact with the drab, coloured -cephalic[10] tentacles, which seemed to be almost innumerable. These -latter organs, although apparently so useless when seen closed, are in -reality of the greatest importance to the _Terebella_, for they not -only act as auxiliary organs of respiration, and aid most materially -in building its dwelling-place, but also constitute the real organs of -locomotion. - -[10] Cephalic, belonging to the head. - -'They consist,' says Dr. Williams, 'of hollow flattened, tubular -filaments furnished with strong muscular parietes. The band may be -rolled longitudinally into a cylindrical form, so as to enclose a -hollow cylindrical space, if the two edges of the band meet, or a -semi-cylindrical space if they only meet imperfectly. This inimitable -mechanism enables each filament to take up and firmly grasp _at any -point of its length_ a molecule of sand, or, if placed in a linear -series, a row of molecules. But so perfect is the disposition of the -muscular fibres at the extreme free end of each filament, that it is -gifted with the twofold power of acting on the sucking and muscular -principle. - -'When the tentacle is about to seize an object, the extremity is -drawn in, in consequence of the sudden reflux of fluid in the hollow -interior. By this movement a cup-shaped cavity is formed, in which -the object is securely held by atmospheric pressure. This power is, -however, immediately aided by the contraction of the circular muscular -fibres. Such, then, are the marvellous instruments by which these -peaceful worms construct their habitation, and probably sweep their -vicinity for food.' - -The foregoing beautifully and accurately describes the tentacular -cirri. The use of these organs in the formation of the tube in which -the Annelid dwells, I will now endeavour to make clear, from close -personal observation. - -It is an extremely interesting sight to watch a Terebella extend its -tentacles in all directions in search of building materials, catching -up the surrounding molecules (sometimes visible along the whole length -of each filament), and then, by a strong muscular contraction, bringing -the collected atoms to the opening of the tube, around which, as is -generally supposed, they are then immediately attached by a secretion -which is exuded from the body of the animal. Such, however, is not the -case. - -When the filaments bring their 'subscriptions,' the material thus -gathered, instead of being used at once for building purposes, _is, -in reality, first eaten by the animal, and, after undergoing a kind -of mastication, becomes coated with a salivary secretion, and is then -ejected in mouthfuls at the extremity of the tube_, which, by such -means, becomes gradually elongated. The shell work, when deposited as -above mentioned, is held in position, and prevented from falling over -the outside of the cavity, by the filaments which are made to hang -down in a most ingenious manner; the animal, at the same time, putting -itself in motion, allows the slimy surface of its body to press and -rub against the new addition to the tube, which is thus effectually -strengthened and soldered together. - -The animal does not always wait until the opening of the tube is -reached, but gently disgorging while lying at its ease, it then pushes -forward by aid of its head and tentacles the mass of building material, -which soon becomes distributed and moulded to its proper shape. - -If your specimen should happen to build a complete tube, its mode of -working cannot be well seen; but should it economize its labours, and -run its house up in a semi-circular form against the transparent side -of the vessel, as the animal I write of did, you will be enabled to see -distinctly every movement that goes on in the interior. - -It seems somewhat singular that the Terebella should possess the power -of turning itself within its tube, so as to be able to extend its -habitation from either end at will. I have very often watched the -operation with emotions of pleasure, not unmixed with wonder. - -Wishing to test the powers and intelligence of my specimen, I -dropped within its tube, which was curved in shape lengthways, some -particles of sand, and a pebble which nearly filled up the 'bore' of -the cylinder. The great annoyance occasioned by this intrusion to -the master of the house was painfully evident. For a whole day the -Terebella endeavoured to push out the objectionable matter by means of -its head and cephalic tentacula, but without success; for although the -mass frequently neared, it never touched or toppled over the mouth of -the aperture, and consequently fell to its original position at the -bottom of the tube as soon as the animal removed the pressure. - -Apparently despairing of its efforts, though still oftener repeated, -being eventually prosperous, the poor Annelid literally 'turned tail,' -and very coolly proceeded to elongate the opposite end of its dwelling. -This operation did not last long; for in the course of a few hours, on -peering again into the vessel, I saw that the humble and insignificant -worm had mustered up courage to 'face the enemy' once more, and had, -in fact, apparently conceived a new idea, the wisdom of which was -soon made palpable; for slowly, but surely, most of the arenaceous -particles were eaten, and nothing being left but the pebble, it was -speedily and triumphantly ejected from the tube, and the sand soon -after employed for building purposes. The Terebella having completed -its laborious and well-executed task, seemed to be quite exhausted, and -lay to all appearance lifeless for the succeeding four and twenty hours. - -When walking along the sandy beach, myriads of peculiar objects may be -seen swayed to and fro by the roll of the waves. Frequently, when the -tide has receded, these tubes remain sticking out of the sand to the -height of two or three inches, each terminating in a tuft, like the end -of a piece of cord that had been teazed out. - -Within such a fragile habitation dwells the _Terebella littoralis_, -the most common species of the marine tubiculous Annelids. I have very -often tried, by aid of my fingers only, or a strong spade, to capture -one of these creatures, but have never been successful, even in a -solitary instance. Yet several authors tell their readers the task is -perfectly easy. Mr. Lewes, for instance, made me feel ashamed of my -previous manipulative efforts when I read his vivid description of a -Terebella hunt, and caused me lately to journey a distance of six miles -to try my hand again, with no better result than hitherto. - -I have lately seen a specimen of _T. littoralis_ which a friend of -mine was so fortunate as to capture. The tube of the animal, instead -of being in its usual position, was situated in a pool, and offered a -most rare prize to its discoverer, it being the only one he had ever -caught. The tube, being of great length, was cut down to about six -inches and transferred to a shallow glass tank, in which was introduced -some pounded shells. The beautiful Annelid soon made itself at home, -and commenced to repair the damage done to its habitation by collecting -these particles, by means of its tentacula, which were thrown out to an -extraordinary distance in all directions. - -The result of the animal's labours was soon apparent by a most amusing -white patch being added to each end of its dark tube. - -As soon as this operation was completed _mon ami_ carefully tore up -the patched garment, and ejected the defenceless Terebella into the -vessel, wherein was placed a piece of glass tube that measured an -inch in length. Strange to state, the animal instantly crept into -this object, and soon made itself quite at home and comfortable. When -the building materials were placed near, they were collected and -_attached to each end of the glass cylinder_ by the little architect, -who doubtless was the first of its 'family' who could boast of such a -noble mansion,--which ultimately assumed a very remarkable aspect from -the variously-coloured 'mortar' that was employed in its construction. -Above and below the transparent centre came patches of red, white, and -blue material, composed respectively of broken tile, pounded shells, -and coloured glass. Such a 'concourse of atoms' was surely never before -combined, either 'fortuitously' or otherwise, in the construction of so -common an object as the tube of an Annelid. - -The branchiæ of the above mentioned specimen presented a most exquisite -appearance, resembling the perfect skeleton of a leaf, supposing that -to be dyed a brilliant crimson colour, and made to exhibit incessant -life-like motion even in its most delicate and minute ramifications. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -Acalephæ. - -(MEDUSÆ, OR JELLY-FISH.) - - -'And now your view upon the ocean turn, - And there the splendour of the waves discern; - Cast but a stone, or strike them with an oar, - And you shall flames within the deep explore; - Or scoop the stream phosphoric as you stand, - And the cold flames shall flash along your hand, - When lost in wonder, you shall walk and gaze - On weeds that sparkle, and on waves that blaze.' - - - - -XIII. - - -There are certain narrow-minded persons who raise objections to men -of science prying into the secrets of nature, and profanely, as they -think, attempting to explain the design and purpose of the great -Creator. - -But to the intelligent and right thinking man, no employment could -be found more elevating or ennobling than this; and whether he be a -fellow-worker himself, or merely an approving observer of the labours -of others, still he feels, and conscientiously believes in the words of -Milton, that-- - - "The desire which tends to know - The works of God, thereby to glorify - The great Workmaster, leads to no excess - That merits blame, but rather merits praise - The more it seems excess." - -When such a one contemplates the atmosphere, for instance, with its -'wonderful phenomena of clouds, rain, and sunshine, that alternately -shield, moisten, and warm the face of the earth, he feels awed by the -grandeur of the exquisite system of machinery by which such beautiful -results are accomplished. To him also the sea, with its physical -geography, becomes as the main-spring of a watch; its waters, and its -currents, and its salts, and its inhabitants with their adaptations, -as balance wheels, cogs, and pinions, and jewels. Thus he perceives -that they too are according to design; that they are the expression of -one thought, a unity with harmonies, which one intelligence only could -utter.' To his eye all created things possess an interest doubly great, -not only from their marvellous structure, but from the mission they are -destined to fulfil in this lower world. - -What peculiar mission the Acalephæ (which we are now about to consider) -were destined to fulfil it has long puzzled men of science to explain. -Nor can this be wondered at, when we remember the amazing number of -these creatures, and also the extreme delicacy of their structure. -Some indeed appear almost as if they were formed by the sportive -combination of air and water, as if the sea-breeze ruffling the face of -ocean caused bubbles innumerable to arise, which becoming mysteriously -endowed with life, thenceforth existed as Medusæ. - -They have, indeed, frequently been spoken of as 'animated sea-water,' -or 'living jelly.' These expressions seem most appropriate when we -remember, that if one of these creatures be placed upon a plate of -glass, and allowed to remain exposed to the sun's rays, the only -thing that will remain to testify to the existence of this singularly -graceful object is a thin film, that a stroke of the sponge or finger -will remove in an instant. - -The most satisfactory explanation that has been offered as to the use -and purpose of the Medusæ is, that _they serve as the principal food of -whales and other Cetacea_. To these marine monsters--frequently found -from 70 to 110 feet long--we can imagine a few hundreds of jelly-fish -would be considered a small meal. The supply, however, is ever equal to -the demand, as we shall see hereafter. - -I may here be permitted to explain that, in most large fishes, the -jaws are completely filled with formidable teeth, as in the shark, -for instance. This rapacious monster--which has been aptly termed the -tiger of the sea by us, and which the French, in allusion to the deadly -character of its habits, have named Requin, or Requiem, the rest or -stillness of death--possesses a most marvellous dental apparatus. - -Its teeth are not, as might be supposed, fixed in sockets, but attached -to a cartilaginous membrane. The teeth, in fact, are placed one -behind the other in a series of rows; the first of which, composed of -triangular cutting teeth, stands erect and ready for use. But as the -membrane continues to grow and advance forward, it slowly perishes, -and the teeth drop off, their place being taken by the next row which -formerly stood second. These, in the course of time, are succeeded by -a third series, which are again followed by others. - -Now, whales possess no such weapons. Their enormous mouths are not -filled with 'tusks or grinders, but fitted instead with vast numbers of -oblique laminæ of a softer substance, usually denominated whalebone, -which is admirably adapted for the crushing and masticating of soft -bodies.' - -To give an idea of the amazing extent of the harvests of 'whale food,' -as the Medusæ are termed, that abound in various parts of the ocean, -we need only quote the evidence of various navigators on the subject. -One (Lieut. Maury), for example, states, that on the coast of Florida -he met with a shoal of these animals, that covered the sea for many -leagues, through which his vessel, bound for England, was five or six -days in passing. The most singular part of the story is that, on his -return some sixty days after, he fell in with the same shoal off the -Western Islands, and here again he was three or four days in getting -clear of them. - -The Western Islands here mentioned are, it seems, the great resort for -whales; and 'at first there is something curious to us in the idea -that the Gulf of Mexico is the harvest field, and the Gulf Stream -the gleaner which collects the fruitage planted there, and conveys -it thousands of miles off to the living whales at sea. But, perhaps, -perfectly in unison is it with the kind and providential care of that -great, good Being who feeds the young ravens when they cry, and caters -for the sparrow.' - -But Dr. Scoresby, in his work on the Arctic Regions, by aid of figures -conveys the most vivid idea of the myriads of these creatures that -float in the bosom of the ocean. This writer discovered that the -olive-green colour of the waters of the Greenland sea was caused by the -multitudes of jelly-fish contained therein. On examination he found -that 'they were about one-fourth of an inch asunder. In this proportion -a cubic inch of water must contain 64; a cubic foot, 110,592; a cubic -fathom, 23,887,872; and a cubical mile, 23,888,000,000,000,000! From -soundings made in the situation where these animals were found, it -is probable the sea is upwards of a mile in depth; but whether these -substances occupy the whole depth is uncertain. Provided, however, the -depth which they extend be but 250 fathoms, the above immense number -of one species may occur in a space of two miles square. It may give -a better conception of the amount of Medusæ in this extent, if we -calculate the length of time that would be requisite with a certain -number of persons for counting this number. Allowing that one person -could count 1,000,000 in seven days, which is barely possible, it would -have required that 80,000 persons should have started at the creation -of the world to complete the enumeration at the present time! What a -prodigious idea this fact gives of the immensity of creation, and of -the bounty of Divine Providence, in furnishing such a profusion of life -in a region so remote from the habitations of man. But if the number of -animals be so great in a space of two miles square, what must be the -amount requisite for the discolouration of the sea through an extent of -perhaps 20,000, or 30,000 square miles.' - -These creatures may be appropriately termed the glow-worms of the -ocean, for it is to them that the phosphorescence of the sea is mainly -attributable. - -Sir Walter Scott, in his poem of the 'Lord of the Isles,' thus alludes -to this phenomenon:-- - - 'Awaked before the rushing prow, - The mimic fires of ocean glow. - Those lightnings of the wave. - Wild sparkles crest the broken tides, - And, flashing round the vessel's sides, - With elfish lustre lave; - While far behind their livid light - To the dark billows of the night - A gloomy splendour gave.' - -Hugh Miller also gives a beautiful prose description of the luminosity -of our own seas, but we must resist the temptation to introduce it here. - -The appearance of the Greenland Seas is principally owing to the -presence of the minute species of Acalephæ, but there are many others -that grow to an immense size. Specimens of these may be frequently seen -cast on the sea-beach by the force of the waves. When in their native -element they form the swimmer's dread, owing to a peculiar stinging -power which they possess. - -The Medusæ have been divided into groups, and distinguished according -to their different organs of locomotion. The common idea is that all -jelly-fishes are like mushrooms or miniature umbrellas. Such, it is -true, is their general form, but others abound both in our own and -in foreign seas, that possess a totally different appearance. For -instance, some move by means of numerous cilia, or minute hairs that -are attached to various parts of their bodies. By the exercise of these -organs the creatures glide through the water, and hence they are called -_ciliograde Acalephæ_. - -One of the most remarkable examples of this class is seen in the -Girdle of Venus (_Cestum veneris_). 'This creature is a large, flat, -gelatinous riband, the margins of which are fringed with innumerable -cilia, tinted with most lively irridescent colours during the day, -and emitting in the dark a phosphorescent light of great brilliancy. -In this animal, too, which sometimes attains the length of five or -six feet, canals may be traced running beneath each of the ciliated -margins.' - -This animal, as it glides rapidly along, has the appearance of an -undulating riband of flame. Most likely it is the species to which -Coleridge alludes in the following passage:-- - - 'Beyond the shadow of the ship - I watched the water snakes - They moved in tracks of shining white, - And when they reared, the elfish light - Fell off in heavy flakes. - * * * * * - Within the shadow of the ship - I watched their rich attire-- - Blue, glossy green, and velvet black, - They curled and swam; and every track - Was a flash of golden fire.' - -Another of this class is the common Beroë (_Cydippe pileus_); its body -is melon-shaped, and covered over by rows or bands of cilia, placed -similarly to the treads on a water wheel, one above another. These are -entirely under the will of the little gelatine. It can use each or -all of them, and thus row itself along at pleasure. But perhaps the -most singular portion of this creature is what has been termed its -fishing apparatus, though by some writers it is considered merely to -be the means by which the Beroë anchors its body to any desired spot. -It consists of two exceedingly slender filaments or streamers, which -measure many times the length of the Beroë itself. Some writers, again, -fancy that these organs are used to propel the animal. This must be an -erroneous notion, for if they were cut off, the creature would still -continue to move with the same power as before. Nay more, if the little -Cydippe be cut into pieces, and the ciliated bands be attached to -each fragment, the latter will swim about with the same power as when -connected with the entire animal. - -From the filaments here described, others more slender still depend at -regular intervals, which curl up like vine tendrils upon the principal -stem. The whole can be spontaneously elongated or slowly withdrawn -within the body of the Beroë, where they lie enclosed in two sheaths -until again required for use. - -These interior 'sheaths,' which resemble in shape the drone of a -bag-pipe, are easily seen, being almost the only parts which are not -perfectly transparent. They are whitish in colour, and semiopaque. -(Plate 6 contains a sketch of the Beroë, drawn from nature.) - -I may mention that the paddles, with their comb-like array of cilia, -flap successively in regular order from the top to the bottom of each -row. This wave-like movement takes place simultaneously in all the -rows, when the animal is in full vigour. - -The organs of progression in the _Pulmonigrade_ Acalephæ, as their name -imports, bear certain resemblance to the lungs in respiration. They -move by the expansion and contraction of their umbrella-shaped bodies. -Graceful and elegant indeed are the motions of these creatures. I have -seen small specimens about the size of a sixpence, advance, in three -springs, from the bottom to the top of a large vase in which they were -confined. - -In descending they turn over and allow themselves to sink gradually as -if by their own weight. - -The third division of the Acalephæ is termed _Physograde_. The most -common member of this group is the _Physalus_, so well known to all -sailors under the name of the Portuguese Man-of-War. It is buoyed up -by air bladders--in fact, its entire body appears as one bladder, which -the animal is enabled to contract or expand at will. At first glance -the _Physalus_ appears to belong to quite a different family--suffering -under some maltreatment; for from its lower side, what seem a number of -entrails, of all shapes and sizes, hang down. When the upper surface -or crest of its swimming bladder projects above the waves, it has a -beautiful appearance, spangled with rays of purple, blue, and gold. -This formation acts as a kind of sail, by means of which the creature -is enabled to glide along with considerable speed. - -This Physalus is a somewhat mysterious being, and zoologists have not -as yet been able to determine many points connected with its structure -and development. - -The _Cirrigrade_ Acalephæ, too, are a singular family. They exhibit a -higher stage of development than those already alluded to, and possess -a kind of skeleton embedded within their gelatinous bodies. - -The _Porpita_ and _Velella_ are examples of this class, but for -detailed descriptions I must refer the reader to larger works which -treat on the subject. - -I cannot conclude this brief and imperfect sketch of the Acalephæ -without noticing their singular mode of reproduction. Nothing can -appear more marvellous than this process when first brought before -one's attention. It far excels the wildest dreams of fiction; and were -it not so well authenticated by naturalists who have devoted labour and -valuable time to gain ocular demonstration of the fact, we might well -hesitate to believe the statements laid before us in their works. - -For example, a Polype, as _Hydra Gelatinosa_ or _Hydra Tuba_(found -on buoys, oyster shells, &c., long submerged), will, it may be in a -simple aquarium, produce a number of small objects which, on being -examined through the microscope, are found to be, not young Polypes, -but Jelly-fish! In process of time, the latter, by a wondrous law of -nature, will produce in their turn, not Medusæ, but Polypes! - -'Imagine,' says Mr. Lewes, 'a lily producing a butterfly, and the -butterfly in turn producing a lily, and you would scarcely invent -a marvel greater than this production of Medusæ was to its first -discoverers. Nay, the marvel most go further still, the lily must first -produce a whole bed of lilies like its own fair self before giving -birth to the butterfly, and this butterfly must separate itself into a -crowd of butterflies, before giving birth to the lily.' - -Let me now, by entering briefly into detail, endeavour to make the -reader acquainted with the leading features of this mysterious subject, -known as 'the alternation of generations.' - -The adult Medusæ, then, gives birth to a number of oval gemmæ or buds, -appropriately so called by most writers, which appear like minute -jelly bubbles, covered with numberless vibratile cilia. These organs, -ten thousand times more delicate, we may imagine, than the eyelashes -of some infant member of fairy land, are ever in constant motion. The -currents produced thereby serve to propel the little animal to some -stray pebble or stalk of sea-weed, situated at a respectful distance -from its gelatinous relative. On some such object the young bud -attaches itself, and proceeds to vegetate. - -The body gradually lengthens, and becomes enlarged at its upper -extremity; from this portion of the animal four arms appear surrounding -a kind of mouth. The arms lengthen, and are soon joined by four others. -These organs, as also the inner surface of the lips and of the stomach, -are covered with cilia, and become highly sensitive. They are used -in the same manner as the tentacula of the Actiniæ, namely, for the -capture of food. There is this difference, be it observed, between the -two animals, that while the infant Medusæ labours incessantly to gain -its daily meals, the zoophyte remains still, and trusts to chance for -every meal that it enjoys. - -Fresh sets of arms continue to be developed successively upon the -little jelly fish, until the whole amount in number to twenty-five or -thirty. 'And the body, originally about the size of a grain of sand, -becomes a line, or the twelfth part of an inch in length.' - -Thus far there appears nothing particularly striking or improbable in -the history of the Medusæ; the next stage, however, exhibits matter for -our 'special wonder.' - -The young Acaleph now throws off its animal existence, and sinks into a -plant or compound polype. - -The lower part of the body swells, and from thence, what may be termed -a _stolen_, is thrown out. On the upper surface of the stolen one -and even two buds are often formed. 'As the bud enlarges it becomes -elongated, and bends itself downwards to reach the surface of the stone -to which the elongated extremity adheres; after this the attached end -is gradually separated from the body of the parent. When thus detached, -a small opening presents itself at its upper end, its interior -gradually becomes hollowed out, and cilia grow upon it, and tentacula -begin to sprout around the mouth, exactly in the same manner as in the -buds formed on the upper surface of the stolens.' - -Thus, from a single bud numberless other buds are formed, each being -endowed with equally prolific powers. If the parent be cut in half -transversely, the cut will close in, attach itself to some object, and -produce stolens and buds! If cut longitudinally, and the cut edges -be allowed to touch each other, they will again adhere, and exhibit -no trace of their ever having been divided. If the cut edges of each -division be not kept apart they will approximate and adhere together, -and thus two separate animals will be produced, each gifted with the -power of throwing out stolens and buds with the same prodigality as if -they had never been disunited! - -How long this budding process of necessity continues we cannot tell. It -may be only during the winter season. These creatures in their perfect -condition are generally found crowding our seas during the summer -months; most probably, therefore, as Sars and Steenstrup state, it is -at the commencement of spring that they undergo the last portion of -this 'transformation strange.' - -Still, this cannot be taken as a general rule. Dr. Reid, who for a -period of two years kept colonies of Medusæ, and assiduously watched -the various stages of their development, found that the larvæ of -one colony, which was obtained in September 1845, did not split -transversely into young Medusæ in the spring of 1846, as he expected -them to do, but continued to produce stolens and buds abundantly. - -On the other hand, the larvæ of the other colonies, which this -gentleman obtained in July, began to yield young Medusæ about the -middle of March. This process takes place in the following manner: -A 'bud' having arrived at maturity, it becomes 'cylindrical,' -considerably elongated, and much diminished in diameter, its outer -surface being marked with a series of transverse wrinkles. - -These wrinkles, or rings, which frequently amount to thirty or forty -in number, are first formed at the top, and slowly extend downwards. -Gradually as these furrows become deeper, the tentacula waste away, and -upon the margin of the upper ring eight equi-distant rays are formed. -The process continuing, in the space of a fortnight or so each groove -or ring is in like manner furnished with rays. The Medusæ now present -an appearance exactly resembling a series of cups piled up one within -the other. Strange to state, each little cup becomes eventually endowed -with life! As the uppermost segment is completely developed, it rests -upon the slender lips of the one beneath. It then glides off from its -old resting-place, and swims freely about in the water. Quickly it -aspires to the rippling surface above, and by a series of graceful -evolutions accomplishes its object. Once among the dancing waves and -exposed to the rays of a cheering sun, our little Medusa assumes its -complete form; and as a beautiful _Modecra formosa_, it may be destined -at some time or other to be the prize of an ardent zoologist, who, I -venture to assert, could not compliment it in more poetical language -than Professor Forbes has already done. This delightful author, -describing the little gem in question, says, 'It is gorgeous enough -to be the diadem of sea fairies, and sufficiently graceful to be the -night-cap of the tiniest and prettiest of mermaidens.' Or as an adult -_Cyanea capillata_, our once insignificant jelly-bag may perhaps -appear, and by an exercise of its urticating powers, send some unhappy -swimmer smarting and trembling to his home. - -While the Medusæ column proceeds to throw off from its uppermost part -living segments of itself, its lower half, or stem, continues to grow, -but does not become ringed, for as the budding process ceases, the last -formed cup rests on newly-formed tentacula! Then again stolens are -thrown out, on which young Medusæ are formed, as before described. - -Contemplating such mysteries as these, the mind becomes bewildered and -the spirits humbled. - - 'Imagination wastes its strength in vain, - And fancy tries and turns within itself, - Struck with the amazing depths of Deity.' - -The above may be deemed one of the most interesting zoological theories -that has ever been promulgated in modern times. It was founded by -Chamisso, and termed the 'alternation of generation,' but was much -improved and extended by the researches of Steenstrup. Professor Owen, -however, had previously reduced the theory to a fixed and definite -scientific form, under the title of '_Parthenogenesis_.' Another -author, not viewing the Medusæ in the various stages of development -as an aggregation of individuals, 'in the same sense that one of -the higher animals is an individual,' proposes that each Medusa be -considered as an individual, developed into so many 'zooids.' - -Into this abstract question, of course, I cannot enter. The reader who -would wish to know more of the subject than I have faintly shadowed -forth in this chapter, may consult Steenstrup's Memoir, published -by the Ray Society; Dr. Reid's admirable papers in the 'Magazine of -Natural History' 2d series; Lewes' 'Sea-Side Studies;' and the learned -works of Professor Owen. - - - - -[Illustration: MEDUSÆ IN VARIOUS STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT.] - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -Doris, Eolis, &c. - - -'The inhabitants of the watery element were made for wise men to -contemplate and fools to pass by without consideration.'--ISAAK -WALTON. - - - - -XIV. - - -One fine morning during the month of January, on peering into my -largest tank I perceived, attached to the upper portion of the marble -arch (centre piece), a peculiar object that had evidently been -deposited during the preceding night, but by whom or by what means I -knew not. It resembled a fungoid growth, or riband of flesh, plaited up -and attached at one edge to the stone. At every undulation of the water -the object moved to and fro with an extremely graceful motion. - -By careful and close examination it was seen to be covered with a film, -that gradually expanded until it burst, and thus gave means of escape -to thousands of minute white granules. On submitting these to the -microscope, a most wondrous sight met my astonished eyes. Each dot or -granule proved to be a transparent shell, resembling the periwinkle or -rather the nautilus in shape; containing an animal whose excited and -rapid movements were amusing to witness. From out the opening of the -shell appeared now and again two rings of cilia. When these organs -were about to be put into action, they reminded me of two circular -tubes of gas connected together, and each containing innumerable -perforations, which were sometimes suddenly and entirely lit up by a -torch being applied to one end. - -The _cilia_ may be distinctly seen to play at a certain point, and then -gradually extend round the circumference of the rings. When the whole -are in full action their movements are so extremely swift _as to appear -devoid of motion_, and thus bear a resemblance to rings of flame. - -The result of the movements of the cilia was always evident in -the vigorous evolutions of the little embryos, for the microscope -filaments, while in action, caused the animal to roll about in all -directions in a confined circle. When this envelope burst, the little -nautiline dashed out, and then--then it was of little use attempting to -get a view of the animal again, so rapid and violent were its movements -to and fro, never resting for one instant on any spot, and least of -all the spot wished. By the aid of blotting-paper, I sometimes reduced -the quantity of water in the watch glass; and the animal, thus being -compelled to confine its evolutions to a narrower stage, was more often -within the field of view. - -On visiting the sea-shore shortly after the discovery of the egg -cluster just described, I perceived attached to numberless stones and -large boulders thick clusters, composed of the self-same objects! -Beside them were lying confused heaps of _sea-slugs_, evidently -exhausted with their hatching exertions. Anything more repulsive to -the eye than those animal heaps exhibited it would be difficult to -conceive. Yet, at the same time, I know of no sight more pleasing than -to watch the _Doris_ in its healthy state, gliding along with outspread -plume on the under surface of the water, or up the sides of the tank, -more especially if it be observed through a powerful hand lens. - -These remarks will perhaps convey some new information to the young -naturalist, embracing as they do the leading facts connected with the -wondrous embryotic development of many marine animals. The reader will -already be prepared to learn that the vivacious little animal, moving -by aid of cilia and enclosed in a _shell_, was in reality the youthful -stage of that slow creeping gasteropod the _Doris_, which, in its -mature form, is possessed of no cilia, nor any shelly covering whatever. - -I should not have introduced this subject so familiarly did I not feel -anxious to make my readers aware how easy it is for each of them to -conduct experiments in the early stages of embryotic development, and -to gain practical evidence of the wonders which this study unfolds. - -'What,' eloquently asks Mr. Lewes, 'can be more interesting than to -watch the beginnings of life, to trace the gradual evolution of an -animal from a mass of cells, each stage in the evolution presenting -not only its own characteristics, but those marks of affinity with -other animals which make the whole world kin? To watch the formation -of the blood-vessels, to see the heart first begin its tremulous -pulsations, to note how life is from the first one incessant struggle -and progress--these keep us with fascinated pertinacity at our studies.' - -The remarkable fact above mentioned, of the young of the Nudibranchiate -Gasteropoda being furnished with a shell is exhibited not only in -Doris, but in Eolis, Tritonia, Aplysia, &c., while the embryos of the -Purpura, Nerita, Trochus, &c., are likewise in their youthful state -furnished with cilia, by the agency of which these animals swim freely -about in their native element. - -There is one exception to this, which occurs in _Chiton_, the early -stage of which has recently been shown by the observations of Mr. -Clarke and Professor Loven to be peculiar, and more resembling that -of an annelid than of a mollusc. In this case the animal can scarcely -be said to undergo a metamorphosis; for the embryo, even within the -egg, has nearly the form of the parent, and the appearance of the -shell-plates is a mere matter of development. - -I have never attempted to count the ova that were contained in any -single riband of Doris spawn, in fact I considered the task an -impossibility; but at a rough calculation, I concluded there would not -be less than a million. Dr. Darwin, however, travelling in the Falkland -Isles, met with a riband of spawn from a white Doris (the animal itself -was three and a half inches long), which measured twenty inches in -length, and half an inch in breadth! and by counting how many balls -were contained in a tenth of an inch in the row, and how many rows in -an equal length of riband, this gentleman reckoned that upon a moderate -computation there could not be less than six millions of eggs. Yet, in -spite of such amazing fecundity, this Doris was not common. 'Although,' -says Dr. Darwin, 'I was searching under the stones, I saw only seven -individuals. No fallacy is more common with naturalists, than that the -numbers of an individual species depend on its powers of propagation.' - -This apparent paradox is not difficult of explanation when we consider -the number of enemies which are always hovering near, and ready with -hungry mouths to snap up the infant embryos as soon as they begin -to show signs of vitality. The Hermit-Crabs are especially fond of -Doris spawn, so much so, indeed, that the writer could never retain -any for hatching purposes while any of the Paguri were near. Mr. -Peach says they (the young Dorides) have myriads of enemies in the -small _Infusoria_, which may be noticed, with a powerful microscope, -hovering round them, and ready to devour them the instant weakness or -injury prevents their keeping in motion the cilia, which serve both -for locomotion and defence. Let them cease to move, a regular attack -is made, and the animal is soon devoured; and it is interesting to -observe several of the scavengers sporting with the empty shell, as if -in derision of the havoc they have made. - -The same difficulty of calculation does not exist, at least to any such -extent, with the spawn of Eolis, which is laid in stringy coils. M. -Gosse mentions a specimen of _E. papillosa_ that laid nine strings of -spawn in his tank between the 20th of March and the 24th of May, all as -nearly as possible of the same length. Each string contained about a -hundred convolutions, each convolution about two hundred ova, and each -ova including, on an average, two embryos, making a total progeny of -forty thousand, produced from one parent in little more than two months. - -I may mention that on no occasion have I ever found the spawn coils of -either Doridiæ or Eolididæ in my tanks, or at the sea-shore, except -during the months of January and February or March; neither have any -of my specimens spawned more than once during an entire season. From -noticing the same group of parent slugs congregated, and remaining, -as I can affirm, for weeks near their egg clusters, evidently in a -most enfeebled condition, it has occurred to me that on the Frith of -Forth, at least, vast numbers of these animals do not long survive the -hatching season. - -Whether this be the case or not, it is a most singular fact that -in this locality, a Doris more than one or two inches in length is -scarcely ever to be met with. - -There is at present in one of my tanks a specimen of the Doris of a -pearly-white colour, a second, tinted white and pink, and two others -which are quite _black_,--all being procured from the coast near -Edinburgh. The last-mentioned animals are, I think, somewhat uncommon. -When watching one of them in motion while the sun is shining down upon -it, the hue of the creature changes from a black to a very deep purple, -owing, no doubt, to its fleshy disc being many shades lighter than its -body, which, being extended, and exhibited under a full glow of light, -becomes semi-transparent. This peculiarity is not evident, of course, -when the Doris is lying in a passive state, with all its gill-plumes -closed up. - -This sombre-coated gasteropod, although rare in some localities, is -very plentiful in foreign parts, if the following may be received as -an accurate narrative. 'On a reef of rocks near the island of Raiatea -is a huge unshapely black or brown slug, here called '_Biche_,' from -six to seven inches long, and five to six broad. Is is caught in vast -quantities, and not only regarded as a great delicacy by the natives, -but being cured, has become a valuable article of commerce in the China -market, whither it is carried from many insular coasts of the Pacific -by American ships. We have seen a number of lads fill three canoes in -two hours with these sea-snails.' - -Thus uninviting as this slimy animal seems to our English taste, there -is evidently no doubt of its being used by the Chinese as an article of -food, and according to the evidence of certain authors, is esteemed by -the 'barbarians' a high-class luxury; but then we must remember that -the inhabitants of the land of gongs and chopsticks, have always been -famed for their singular gastronomic tastes. One poet writes:-- - - 'That man had sure a palate covered o'er - With brass or steel, that, on the rocky shore, - First broke the oozy oyster's pearly coat, - And risked the living morsel down his throat.' - -But, 'Mandarins and Pigtails,' what was such _risk_, I ask, compared -to that which _he_ endured, who swallowed the first mouthful of -birds'-nest soup? or horror of horrors, the first spoonful of sea-snail -stew? Yet we are told that both the 'mucilage' and the _Bêches de Mer_ -dishes are savoury and highly grateful to the palate of an appreciating -gourmand. - -A recent author, describing a Chinese dinner from personal observation, -tells us, that when the first dish, composed of birds'-nest soup, -was over, he waited the advent of the next course with very nervous -excitement. 'It was a stew of sea-slugs. They are slippery, and very -difficult to be handled by inexperienced chopsticks; but they are most -pleasant and succulent food, not at all unlike in flavour to the green -fat of the turtle. If a man cannot eat anything of a kind whereof he -has not seen his father and grandfather eat before him, we must leave -him to his oysters, and his periwinkles, and his craw-fish, and not -expect him to swallow the much more comely sea-slug. But surely a -Briton, who has eaten himself into a poisonous plethora upon mussels, -has no right to hold up his hands and eyes at a Chinaman enjoying his -honest, well-cooked stew of _Bêches de Mer_. - -'During the discussion of this dish our Chinese master of the -ceremonies solemnly interposed. We were neglecting the rudiments of -politeness, no one had offered to intrude one of these sleek and -savoury delicacies, deeply rolled in sauce, into the mouth of his -neighbour. Efforts were made to retrieve the barbarian honour, but -with no great success, for the slugs were _evasive_, and the proffered -mouthful was not always welcome.' - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -The Crab and the Dainty Beggar. - - -'In taking a review of most, if not all the actions of the animal -world, it must be obvious that, whether we allow them reason or not, -the actions themselves comprehend those elements of reason, so to -speak, which we commonly refer to rational beings, so that if the same -actions had been done by our fellow-creatures, we should have ascribed -them without hesitation to motives and feelings worthy of a rational -nature.'--SCHLEIDER. - -'All things are bigge with jest; nothing that's plain - But may be wittie, if thou hast the vein.' - - --GEORGE HERBERT. - - - - -XV. - - -I have been observing for several days the movements of a Common -Shore-Crab, which has been almost all his life under my protection. -Although his present dimensions would render such a feat impossible, -when first I shook the little fellow off a bunch of _C. officinalis_, -he could have crawled with the greatest of ease into the mouth of a -small popgun. We all know that members of this family are bold and -daring in their attacks upon their weaker neighbours; upon each and all -they wage a constant predatory warfare. The poor Pholades, however, are -the favourite objects of their attacks. On these innocent bivalves the -Crustacea successfully prey, unless they are protected by their usual -rock-bound citadel, which, of course, they cannot always be. In order -to watch the Pholas at work, it is necessary that the siphons should be -more or less protruding from his tubular dwelling. If supported, say, -to the full depth of his valves, the animal is secure; for I notice -that neither crab nor fish can tear away the gristly ends of the -siphonal appendages when withdrawn; and when disturbed, the poor Pholas -leaves only this part in view. I have frequently seen the Fiddler-Crab -embrace a Pholas in his claws, and struggle to pull him from his seat. -On one occasion this operation was performed successfully, much to my -annoyance, as I had been at some trouble to saw the rock away in order -to watch easily every movement of the animal within. At night when I -looked into the tank my pet was safe; next morning it was wedged under -some pebbles, and the crab was feasting leisurely upon his tender flesh. - -It is most amusing to watch the Blennies, too, attack a Pholas, cast -into the tank, and to witness their mode of pecking at and shaking -their victim, and turning innumerable somersaults with it in their -mouths. The strength they exhibit in these manÅ“uvres is perfectly -astounding. - -About two hours after they had received one of their favourite -'muttons' to feast upon, I peeped into the aquarium, and found, as I -expected, the Blennies hard at their work of destruction. Behind them, -among some bushy tufts of _I. edulis_, the little crab, before alluded -to, was seated. In his arms he held an object unlike anything I had -seen on sea or land. It appeared like a slender stick of beautifully -iridescent opal. My amazement at this sight may readily be conceived, -for I had not the remotest idea as to how he had become possessed of -such a prize. - -Next day I placed another devoted Pholas in the tank, and after a while -looked in to see how its finny enemies were conducting themselves, -when, what should meet my eye, but the crab, sneaking off with another -opal baton in his arms! I was more puzzled than ever. It was quite -certain that the object in question had been procured from the Pholas, -yet I had not heard of, or ever seen anything like it in that animal. - -I was 'on thorns' until next day, so that I might by watching solve -the mystery. A third Pholas was flung into the den. The fishes, eager -as usual, instantly attacked and pulled the mollusc to pieces. After a -while the crab began to move about to and fro, evidently very restless, -and anxious for my departure. I did retire, but only to such distance -as would allow me a distinct view of his movements. In a few moments he -stepped out mincingly on the tips of his toes, and crossed the tank to -the spot where the poor Pholas lay, like some fine beau in Queen Anne's -reign tripping jauntily down the Mall, or across St. James' Park, to -feed the ducks in Rosamond's Pond. - -The Blennies darted off at his approach. He then seated himself before -the mangled corpse, and scraped at it vigorously, manifestly searching -for some coveted treasure. Shortly after, perceiving him clutch at -something, I quickly approached and disturbed his movements--took up -the Pholas, and to my surprise found, on drawing out an object that -protruded from the foot of the animal, that I possessed the pearly and -gelatinous cylinder, such as the crab had twice before devoured with -such evident relish.[11] - -[11] My first introduction to the Hyaline stylet as above narrated, -occurred in October 1858. - -It was plain then that the little rascal had become so dainty, that -he 'turned up his nose,' or rather his 'pair of noses,' at what is -vulgarly termed the 'first cut,' and condescended only upon the -tit-bits, for his marine banquet. So his crabship, in order to save -himself trouble, actually waited until the fishes had cut up the -Pholas to a certain point, when he would rush forward and seize on his -favourite fare. - -Some of my readers will doubtless remember the anecdote of the crossing -sweeper, whose idiosyncrasy led him to covet diurnally a mutton-chop -situated in the middle of the loin. My Lady Pepys, or Mr. Saccharine, -the great grocer, couldn't always procure the desired 'cut!' -_n'importe_ the knight of the besom met with no such disappointment. - -This individual's place of business was luckily situated opposite to a -noted butcher's shop, which circumstance easily enabled him to watch -until, from the demands of sundry customers, the perspective of the -loin, which lay temptingly upon the chopping block, had become adapted -to his point of sight. He would then step in and meekly order a simple -pound avoirdupois. With this _bonne-bouche_ carefully packed in his -pocket, he would again mount guard, and remain until night. At dusk of -evening he shut up shop,--that is, he swept the dirt over the parallel -path that he had all day kept scrupulously clean, and then marched off -to enjoy his dinner at a fashionable hour, in private. - -Are not these cases palpably alike? Passing by certain details, were -not the pawkiness and cunning of the epicurean beggar fully equalled by -our diminutive friend, _C. mænas_? - -'But,' you ask, 'what then was the opal stick?' Ay, there's the rub, -for even the greatest naturalists cannot positively agree as to the -use and purpose of this mysterious organ. Yet it is to be found (as we -have seen) in the foot of the Pholas, in the Mussel, the Cockle; and, -in fact, it occurs in almost all bivalves both great and small. It is -termed the 'hyaline cylindrical stylet,' and is very _lucidly_ and -scientifically described as 'an elastic spring to work the corneous -plate or attritor, and by the muscular action of the foot and body, to -divide and comminute the food, and especially the minute crustaceous -and testaceous alimentary matters received into the stomachial cavity. -It appears then that this appendage acts as _a gizzard_, and the -bivalve mollusca are thus supplied with a masticatory apparatus very -analogous to the gizzards of some of the gasteropoda.' - -Now, the simple fact that I have stated above, of the hyaline stylet -being found in the _foot_, and not in the stomach, at once proves -that it cannot possibly act as a _gizzard_ to the Pholas, or any other -bivalve in which it is known to exist. - -In the succeeding chapter I shall endeavour, from personal observation, -to shed a slender ray of light upon the function of the stylet. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -The Pholas, &c. - -(ROCK-BORERS.) - - -'He that of greatest works is finisher - Oft does them by the meanest minister.' - - - - -XVI. - - -At certain parts of the Scottish coast, the 'dykes,' or walls built -near the road-side, are constructed entirely of rough-hewn pieces of -hard sandstone rock, brought from the neighbouring shore. Sometimes a -dyke will extend for two or three miles, without presenting an isolated -fragment, in which the honeycomb-like perforations of certain species -of the boring Mollusca are not more or less apparent. - -A fragment of soft sandstone lies before me, measuring three and a half -inches in length, and two inches in breadth, which, small though it be, -contains no fewer than seventeen cylindrical tunnels. Each of these -exhibits so wonderful a skill in construction, that human hands could -not surpass it, though aided by 'all the means and appliances to boot,' -of mechanical agency. - -It is generally stated that the Pholas never intrudes itself into the -apartment occupied by a neighbouring 'worker.' The Pholas, however, -often intrudes on its neighbour; and such intrusion is manifested in -the small piece of stone alluded to in no less than four instances. -Here let me observe, that it is not always the larger mollusc that -bores through the smaller one; it as frequently happens that the latter -deserves the brand of wanton aggressor. Both cases are common enough, -and, indeed, must of necessity occur, wherever at any time a colony of -various sized Pholades are clustered together in a small portion of -rock. - -A fragment of rock riddled by the Pholas is a much more pleasing -sight than can be witnessed at the sea-shore in connection with that -animal under usual circumstances. For this reason: When visiting the -habitat of the boring bivalves, a host of small circular holes are -sometimes seen; at other times the surface of the same portion of the -beach appears comparatively sound, and it is only by striking a smart -blow with a hammer upon the ground, that we render scores of orifices -instantly observable in all directions, from each of which is thrown a -small jet of water. This phenomenon is caused by the Pholades in alarm -retracting their siphons, which had hitherto filled the entire extent -of the tunnels. At such a locality, if a piece of rock be excavated, -various specimens of these boring molluscs, shrunk to their smallest -possible size, will be discovered at the base of the cavities, which -are invariably of a conical form, tapered at the top, and gradually -enlarging as they descend. - -It must be evident, then, that neither the likeness of the animal, nor -the formation of its singular dwelling-place, can be seen by the casual -wanderer along the sea-shore. - -It will also be apparent to the intelligent reader, that when once the -Pholas is located in a certain spot, he becomes a tenant for life; -for never by any chance whatever, can the poor miner leave his rocky -habitation by his own unaided exertions, even were he so inclined. As -he grows older and increases in size, nature teaches the animal to -enlarge his habitation in a proportionate and suitable manner. - -During the period of the boring process, the orifice becomes clogged -above the shell with the _debris_ of the rock, and this, if allowed to -accumulate would speedily asphyxiate the animal. To get rid of such -an unpleasant obstruction, the Pholas retracts, and closes the end of -its siphons, then suddenly extends the 'double barrelled' tube to its -full length, until it reaches the entrance of the tunnel. This movement -often repeated, causes portions of the pulverized stone to be forced -outwards at each operation. - -It is interesting to watch the curious manner in which the end of the -principal siphon is alternately closed and spread out when it reaches -the water, like a man inspiring heavily after any unusual exertion; it -is then made again to descend, and renew its task, as above described. - -In extracting that portion of the _debris_ which is deposited at -the _base_ of the cavity, below the body of the industrious miner, a -different plan is adopted. Wherever a Pholas is at its labours, there -are always deposited within a circumference of several inches round the -tunnel, myriads of short thin threads, which are squirted out from the -smaller siphon. - -The nodules on examination are found to be composed of pulverized -rock, which is drawn in at the pedal opening, and ejected in the -above manner, thereby effectually clearing the lower portion of the -orifice. It was suggested to me that these threadlike objects were the -fÅ“cal matters of the Pholas, but this idea was soon dispelled by the -assistance of the microscope; and, moreover, from the fact that the -threads are never visible when the animal is in a quiescent state, but -only when it is busily engaged in its mysterious task of boring. - -I was for some time puzzled to find any aperture in connection with -the club-like foot of the Pholas (_P. crispata_), although several of -the bivalves were sacrificed to the cause of science. But what the -microscope and scalpel in this instance failed to unfold, attentive -watching of the animal in the aquarium made palpably apparent, in the -following manner. - -I had on one occasion captured about a dozen Pholades, some of which -were embedded in the solid rock, others detached. - -The first mentioned, I knew would be quite safe among the blennies -and crabs, from the untempting and unedible nature of their siphonal -tubes. Very different was the case with the defenceless, disentombed -specimens. These were intended as food for their finny companions, who -happened to be particularly fond of a change of diet. My 'pack' had -subsisted for some time on Mussels, and on such excellent food, had -become impudent, corpulent, and dainty. But overgorged epicures though -they were, I knew that although everything else failed, a 'real live' -Pholas placed before them would serve to speedily whet their appetites. - -A splendid specimen of the siphoniferous bivalve was dropped into the -tank, the base of which it had no sooner reached, than the fishes, with -eager eyes and watering mouths, came hovering like a flock of vultures -round the welcome meal thus unexpectedly placed before them. - -One rascal, who seemed to be cock of the walk, came forward and made -the first grip at the delicate fleshy foot, that in appearance was as -white as a newly fallen snowflake. The pedal organ was, of course, -instantly and forcibly withdrawn, so much so, indeed, as to be almost -hidden from view, except at its extreme base. In this position it -remained for several seconds. When the finny gourmand again boldly -advanced to take a second mouthful, to my intense surprise he was, -apparently, blown to a distance of several inches. I could scarcely -credit the evidence of my senses. Another and another of the fishes -were in their turn served in like manner as their leader. In a short -time, however, the poor mollusc failed to repulse his enemies, and -finally fell a passive victim to their gluttonous propensities. - -Now comes the important question, 'How is the boring operation -performed?' How can this simple animal, with its brittle shell, and -soft fleshy body, manage to perforate the sandstone, or other hard -substances, in which it lives? - -For hundreds of years this query has been asked, and various are the -replies which from time to time have been given. Singular to state, -although specimens of the Pholas, and its allies the Saxicavæ, are to -be procured in abundance in many parts of the kingdom, the subject is -not even yet positively settled. - -There have been many theories advanced, some the result of fancy -or guess-work; others, of practical study. All these have their -supporters, but none have, by common consent, been adopted by -physiologists as the true one. - -Having for several years made this subject a study of personal -observation, I believe I may venture to state, that I have succeeded -in casting a feeble ray of light upon it; and, although the result of -my labours may not be deemed conclusive, I may at least claim some -credit for my endeavours to clear up a most difficult, though deeply -interesting point in natural history. - -The various theories promulgated on this knotty point are generally -classed under five heads: 1st, That the animal secretes a chemical -solvent--an acid--which dissolves the substance in which it bores. -2d, That the combined action of the secreted solvent, and rasping by -the valves, effects the perforations. 3d, That the holes are made by -rasping effected by silicious particles studding the substance of -certain parts of the animal. 4th, That currents of water, set in action -by the motions of vibratile cilia, are the agents. 5th, and lastly, -That the boring mollusca perforate by means of the rotation of their -shells, which serve as augurs. - -Of all the above, the first which is quite a fancy theory, seems to -meet with greatest favour among certain naturalists. But as it is -rather puzzling to find a chemical solvent, which will act equally upon -sandstone, clay, chalk, wax, and wood, this hypothesis can only be -looked upon by practical men as ingenious, but incorrect. Even were it -proved that the animal really possessed the power of secreting an acid -sufficiently powerful, the question naturally arises, How can the shell -escape being affected in like manner with the much harder substance in -which it is situated? - -The second theory, or the combined action of rasping and the secreted -solvent, is, for obvious reasons, equally objectionable. - -The third theory, which endeavours to account for the wearing away of -the rock by means of silicious particles situated in the foot and other -parts of the animal, has been for some time proved to be erroneous, -from the fact, that the combined skill of some of our best anatomists -and microscopists has failed to discover the slightest presence of any -particles of silex in the Pholadidæ, although these are believed to -exist in other families of the boring acephala. - -The fourth theory, that of ciliary currents as an accessory agent in -boring, is worthy of greater consideration, chiefly from the evidence -we possess of the immense power which the incessant action of currents -of water possess in wearing away hard substances. - -We come now to what may be considered the most important of the -theories above enumerated, viz., the mechanical action of the valves of -the Pholas in rasping away the rock, &c. This hypothesis is one which -most naturally suggests itself to the mind of any impartial person, on -examining, for instance, the rasp-like exterior of the shell of _Pholas -crispata_.[12] But as I shall endeavour to show, although the shell -forms the principal, it does not by any means constitute the _sole_ -agent in completing the perforating process. - -[12] Specimens of this species, I may mention, have always formed the -subject of my experiments, and therefore are alone alluded to in the -following remarks. - -Mr. Clark, a clever naturalist, considers with Mr. Hancock that the -powerfully armed ventral portion of the _mantle_ of the closed boring -acephala is fully adequate to rub down their habitations, and that the -theories of mechanical boring, solvents, and ciliary currents, are -so utterly worthless and incapable of producing the effects assigned -to them, as not to be worth dwelling upon for one moment. Mr. Clark, -therefore, comes to the conclusion that 'the foot is the true and -sole terebrating agent in the Pholas.' This 'fact' he considers to -be 'incontestably proved,' for the following reason, viz., because -he had discovered specimens of this bivalve with the foot entirely -obliterated,--which phenomenon, Mr. Clark states, is caused by -the animal having arrived at its full growth, at which period the -terebrating functions cease; and as 'nature never permanently retains -what is superfluous,' the foot is supposed gradually to wither away, -and finally disappear. - -This, I suspect, is another 'fancy' theory. Although I have excavated -hundreds of Pholades, some of giant-like proportions, it has never -been my lot to witness the foot otherwise than in a healthy and fully -developed condition. - -Another writer, having no opportunity of viewing the living animal, -does not consider it difficult to imagine the Pholas 'licking a hole' -with its foot, from the fact that he (Mr. Sowerby) managed to make 'a -sensible impression' upon a piece of kitchen hearthstone. 'I had,' he -says, 'not patience to carry the experiment any further, but as far -as it went, it left no doubt on my mind that, with the foot alone, -and without any silicious particles, without a chemical solvent, and -without using the rasping power of its shell, our little animal could -easily execute his self-pronounced sentence of solitary confinement for -life.' - -Such an inconclusive statement as this would, I feel certain, never -have been penned, had its author been so fortunate as to have had -opportunity of watching a Pholas at work. - -But, as Professor Owen truly observes, 'Direct observation of the -boring bivalves in the act of perforation has been rarely enjoyed, and -the instruments have consequently been guessed at, or judged of from -the structure of the animal.' Such, evidently, is the case with Mr. -Sowerby, and several other writers who treat on this subject. - -Here we may call attention to the folly of naturalists endeavouring -to tag a pet theory upon all the boring acephala, to the exclusion of -every other. Such a system is defended upon the principle that, 'it -is much more philosophical to allow that animals, so nearly allied as -these in question, are more likely to effect a similar purpose by the -same means, than that several should be adopted. Surely this is more -consistent with the unity of the laws of nature, and that beautiful -simplicity which is everywhere prevalent in her works.' - -How much more shrewd and philosophical are the opinions of such a man -as Professor Owen, who, when speaking of the mechanical action of the -valves of _P. crispata_, says, 'To deny this use of the Pholas shell, -because the shell of some other rock-boring bivalves is smooth, is -another sign of a narrow mind.' Again, this learned author forcibly -remarks, in direct opposition to the writer previously quoted, '_The -diversity of the organization of the boring molluscs plainly speaks -against any one single and uniform, boring agent at all_!' - -The more I study this subject, the more does the truth of the -last-mentioned statement become apparent to my mind. - -An examination of engravings of the shells, or even of the Pholas -itself, when lying loose in the tank, or quietly seated in the rock, -extending and retracting its siphons, fails to give one the slightest -idea of its extraordinary appearance when enlarging its dwelling. At -such times it seems to be a totally different animal, and to have -suddenly acquired a most marvellous degree of power, energy, and -perseverance, forming a striking contrast to its usual quiet, passive -habits. - -In the first place, as I have elsewhere written, it retracts its tube -to, and even under, the level of its shell, just as a man, about to -urge onwards some heavy mass with his shoulders, would depress his -head to increase and concentrate his muscular power. Then follows an -expansion of the neck or upper part of the ventral border, from whence -the siphons protrude. This movement closes the posterior portions of -the valves below the hinge, and brings their serrated points together. -The next act on the part of the animal is to place its foot firmly -at the base of the hole; when leaning forward, it makes a sweeping -movement fully half round the cavity, pressing firmly-upon the umboes, -which nature has strengthened for the purpose by two curved teeth -fixed on the inside of the valves. At this stage it again reclines on -its breast, and tilting up the shell as much as possible, it makes -another motion round to its former position, leaning upon its back. By -these intricate movements, which the Pholas appears to accomplish by -a contraction almost painfully strong, it opens the rasping points of -the valves. These execute a very peculiar scooping movement at the base -of the cavity, and the animal having got so far, prepares itself for -further exertion by a short rest. - -The specimen whose movements I have attempted to describe, lived in -my possession for a considerable time. It bored so completely through -the piece of rock in which it was embedded, that the whole of its foot -dropped through the aperture, and remained in this position for months, -the animal, in consequence, being unable to change its position even in -the slightest degree. Each movement of this specimen, both before and -while the hole at the base of the cavity was gradually being enlarged, -was watched, and every striking and interesting feature that occurred -noted down at the moment. Various queries were put and answered, as -far as possible, by direct ocular demonstration of the labours of the -animal in the vase before me. - -I consider myself to have been singularly fortunate in being able -to view the actions of the creature from beneath, in consequence of -the hole being bored through the rock. This circumstance allowed me -distinctly to see what was going on at the base of the orifice. - -My early observations have fortunately been confirmed in other captive -Pholades, which at various periods have been domesticated in my tanks. - -I am convinced, then, that the shell forms the _principal_ agent in -boring the animal's dwelling, without either acid or flinty particles. -The late lamented Professor Forbes held that if this were the case, -the rasping points on the surface of the valves would soon be worn -down,--an appearance which, he says, is never seen. With all respect -for such an eminent name, I must state that he was in error. Not only -are the edges at certain times worn, but the rough surface is worn -nearly smooth, appearing in certain parts of a white colour, instead of -a light drab, as usual. - -But the reader may ask, if certain parts of the valves are occasionally -worn smooth, and the animal works so vigorously, how is it that they -are never rasped through? This is a very natural question, and one that -I put to myself repeatedly. - -I have made frequent and careful observations while the animal was -actually at work, in order to satisfy myself upon this point, and have -always perceived that the particles of softened rock fell from, and on -each side of, the large and well-developed _ligament_ that binds the -hinge, and extends to the lowest points of the valves. Moreover, this -leathery substance always seemed scraped on the surface. I cannot, -therefore, but believe that the ligament aids very materially in -rubbing off the rock, or at all events, in graduating the pressure of -the valves during the process, and that this curious organ, instead -of being worn away, may, like the callosity upon a workman's hand, -increase in toughness the more labour it is called upon to perform.[13] - -[13] Mr. Clark says, 'M. Deshayes, in his comment on Pholas, in the -last edition of Lanarck, mentions the hinge as scarcely existing, and -not being _a veritable ligament_.' How different from the fact; and -I will observe, that '_if there is a genus better provided than any -other of the bivalves with ligamental appendages, it is Pholas.... The -Pholas is iron-bound as to ligament_, which in it is far more powerful -in securing the valves, than is the shell of any other group of the -acephala, of similar fragility and tenuity!' - -The reason why so few specimens of the Pholades exhibit a worn shell -may be thus explained: As the animal only bores the rock in sufficient -degree to admit of its increased bulk of body, it only requires to bore -occasionally, and there may be often an interval of many months, during -which time nature may have renewed the serrated edge and rough surface -of the valves, and thus enabled the creature to renew its wondrous -operations. - -We now come to a consideration of the foot, which, as many writers -aver, forms the 'sole terebrating agent.' - -Although this sweeping statement is incorrect, I will freely admit that -the foot constitutes an agent second only in importance to the shell of -the animal. A casual examination of any Pholas perforation will show -that the foot could not have been the only instrument by which the -cavity was formed, from the peculiar rings that line the lower portion -of its interior. These rough appearances, I feel convinced, could be -formed by no other means than the rotatory motion of the shelly valves. - -The valves, however, could not rotate and press against the surface of -the rock, were it not for the aid which the foot affords to the animal, -by its being placed firmly at the base of the hole, and thus made to -act as a powerful fulcrum. - -This supposition fully accounts for the lowest extremity of the rocky -chamber being always smooth, and hollowed out into a cup-like form by -the action of the fleshy foot above alluded to. - -The foot for a long time was a complete puzzle to me: I was unable to -satisfy my mind as to how it acquired its seeming extraordinary power. -The phenomenon was fully explained when I became aware of the presence -of that mysterious organ the hyaline stylet, situated _in the centre of -the foot_. The use of this springy muscle, which is, as we have shown -in the previous chapter, by naturalists erroneously considered to be -the gizzard of the animal, is, I believe, _solely to assist the Pholas -in its boring operations_. - -Perhaps some of my readers would like to know how to procure a sight -of the stylet; if so, their wishes may be easily gratified. Take up a -disentombed Pholas in your hand, and with a sharp lancet or point of a -pen-knife, briskly cut a slit in the extreme end of the foot, and, if -the operation be done skilfully, the object of your search will spring -out of the incision to the extent, it may be, of a quarter of an inch. -If not, a very slight examination will discover the opal gelatinous -cylinder, which may be drawn out by means of a pair of forceps. - -When extracted and held between the finger and thumb by its smaller -end, the stylet will, if struck with a certain degree of force, vibrate -rapidly to and fro for some seconds, in the same manner as a piece of -steel or whalebone would be affected, under like circumstances.[14] - -[14] In the _Athenæum_ (Nos. 1632 and 1636), were kindly published two -letters from the author on the above subject, under the respective -dates January 26th, and February 28th, 1859. - -So long as a Pholas exhibits only the ends of its siphons to the eyes -of a greedy crab, it is perfectly safe from attack. It is only when -the fleshy foot is unprotected that it falls a prey to some hungry -crustacean. - -The toughness of the siphonal orifices is, I believe, a most important -point, for, as I shall endeavour to explain, the siphonal tubes -constitute important accessory excavating agents, to those already -enumerated. - -We all know that the hole which each young Pholas makes, when first -he takes possession of his rocky home, is extremely minute,--not -larger than a small pin's head; now, it stands to reason, that if the -shell was the only terebrating agent, the opening of the cavity in -question would always remain of the same size, or, perhaps, on account -of the action of the water, a slight degree larger than its original -dimensions. Such, however, is not the case. - -Here is a fragment of rock exhibiting several Pholas holes. The -aperture of one of these, which I measure, is nearly half-an-inch in -diameter, while in juxtaposition with it is situated another cavity, -measuring across the entrance less than the eighth part of an inch. -The reader will at once perceive, if the foot and shell were the sole -augurs, that as the animal descended deeper into the rock, the siphonal -tube, as it enlarged in proportion to other parts of the animal, would -have to be drawn out to an extremely fine point to fit the opening of -the tunnel. But as this is not the state of matters, the conclusion -forces itself upon us, that that portion of the orifice situated above -the shell of the animal must be enlarged by the constant extension and -retraction of the siphons, aided by currents of water acting on the -interior surface of the cavity. - -This same theory will also serve to explain how it is that all Pholades -situated at the same depth in the rock, are not all of a uniform size. -I have frequently seen a piece of rock exhibit the peculiarity of two -burrows of vastly different proportions as regards breadth, being -precisely the same depth from the surface of the stone. This appears -to me equally wonderful and puzzling at first sight, as the 'boring' -question. - -What age is attained by any species of the rock-borers before they -arrive at full growth, there are no means of knowing. This point, -like several others in the history of these animals, still remains a -mystery, nor is it likely soon to be cleared up. The largest specimen -of _P. crispata_ that I have seen is at present in my possession. Each -valve measures three and a half inches in length, by two inches in -breadth. Some foreign specimens of this species, and especially of _P. -dactylus_, are, however, frequently found of much larger dimensions. - -On no occasion have I ever examined any Pholas excavation that had lost -its conical shape, a fact that seems to prove that the successive -stages of the boring operation must have taken place solely in -consequence of the animal not having reached its adult form.[15] For -had the shell attained its full development, and its owner continued -to labour, and rasp away the rock, the sides of the cavity at its base -would necessarily present a parallel appearance--a phenomenon which is -never witnessed. - -[15] The above remark holds good, even although (_as is frequently the -case_) the animal wilfully deviates from the straight path, and bores -its tunnel in a curved form. - -From this we may conclude that the depth of the perforation, which is -seldom many inches, depends entirely upon the growth of the mollusc. - -When keeping specimens of the Pholas for observation, the usual plan is -to chip away the rock to the level of the valves, so that the whole of -the animal's siphonal tubes may be distinctly seen, however slightly -these organs may be extended. This plan, I found, did very well for a -time, but I was annoyed to witness, that in the course of a few months, -the siphons ceased to be either advanced or retracted,--they having -become, as it were, rudimentary. - -To obviate such contingency, the writer adopted the following scheme. - -To place in the tank a Pholas completely embedded in a fragment of -rock, so that nothing but the tips of its siphons, when extended to the -utmost, were visible, would not afford much pleasure to the student. I -therefore managed to saw away the rock in such a manner, as to leave a -narrow slit along the entire length of the tunnel, so as to expose the -slightest movement of the animal within. Having natural support for its -siphons, I expected that these organs would be constantly retracted and -extended; but such was not the case; at least for so long a period as I -had anticipated. - -After repeated experiments, I have now discovered that whether the -siphons be protected as above described or not, they will always be -vigorously exercised if the animal be placed in shallow water, so that -its tubes when fully extended will reach the surface of the fluid. - -The conclusion, from what has been stated, is, that the Pholas can -no longer be considered a weak and helpless animal. Possessed of a -rasp-like shell, a horny ligament, retractile tubes, a strong muscular -foot, and a powerful spring or stylet, it is not by any means difficult -to conceive that these agents when they are all brought into play, are -fully equal to the task of excavating the rocky chamber in which the -animal lives. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -The Sea-Mouse. - -(APHRODITE ACULEATA.) - - -'For seas have ... - As well as earth, vines, roses, nettles, melons, - Mushrooms, pinks, gilliflowers, and many millions - Of other plants, more rare, more strange than these, - As very fishes living in the seas.' - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 THE SEA MOUSE (_Aphrodite aculeata_) -2 THE DORIS -3 YOUNG OF THE DORIS -4 EOLIS PAPILLOSA] - - - - -XVII. - - -Beauteous stars also the sea contains, as numberless, though not so -brilliant in appearance as those which stud the firmament of heaven; -flowers, too, grow beneath the wave, and rival in loveliness the gems -which adorn our fields and hedge-rows. Nay, more, like the land, the -ocean owns its various grasses, its lemons, and cucumbers, its worms, -slugs, and shelly snails, its hedgehogs, its birds, its ducks and geese -(_anatidæ_), its dogs, its hares, and lastly its _mice_ (_aphroditæ_.) -The latter objects, despite their unprepossessing name, being in no -wise less interesting than those above mentioned. - -The _Aphrodite aculeata_ is, perhaps, one of the most gorgeous -creatures that inhabits the seas of our British coast. Its body is -covered with a coating of short brown hairs, but as these approach the -sides of the animal, they become intermixed with long dark bristles, -the whole of which are of an iridescent character. In one respect -this creature bears no resemblance to its namesake of the land, being -extremely slow and sluggish in its movements (at least according to -our experience) when kept in confinement. Some writers, however, affirm -that the Aphrodite possesses the power, although seldom exercised, of -both running and swimming through the water with considerable speed. - -In general the animal loves to tenant the slimy mud, and wherever the -writer has happened to come upon a specimen at the sea-shore, its back -has always been thickly coated with sand or dirt. The Sea-Mouse, then, -unlike the peacock, can never be deemed an emblem of haughty pride, -yet has nature in her lavish beauty endowed this humble inhabitant of -the deep with a richness of plumage, so to speak, fully equal in its -metallic brilliancy to that which decorates the tail of the strutting -bird we have mentioned. As the bristles of the Aphrodite are moved -about, tints--green, yellow, and orange, blue, purple, and scarlet--all -the hues of Iris play upon them with the changing light, and shine with -a metallic effulgence. Even if the animal, when dead, is placed in -clear water, the same varied effect is seen as often as the observer -changes his position. - -Not only are the _Setæ_ worthy of notice on account of their lustrous -beauty, but also for their shape, and the important part they play in -the economy of the animal. These lance-like spines seem to be used by -the Aphrodite as weapons of defence, like the spines of the hedgehog -or porcupine. In some species they are like harpoons, each being -supplied with a double series of strong barbs. - -The instruments can all be withdrawn into the body of the animal at -will, but we can easily conceive that such formidable weapons being -retracted into its flesh would not add to the creature's comfort--in -fact they would produce a deadly effect, were it not for the following -simple and beautiful contrivance. - -Each spine is furnished with a double sheath composed of two blades, -between which it is lodged; these sheaths closing upon the sharp points -of the spear when the latter is drawn inwards, effectually guard the -surrounding flesh from injury. - -The shape of this animal is oval, the back convex, while the under part -presents a flat and curious ribbed-like appearance. Its length varies -from three to five inches; specimens, however, are sometimes to be -procured, even on our own shores, of much larger dimensions. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -Star-fishes. - -(OPHIURIDAE AND ASTERIADAE.) - - -'As there are stars in the sky, so there are stars in the sea.'--LINK. - - - - -XVIII. - - -There are not a few persons still to be met with, who believe that -man and the lower animals appeared simultaneously upon the face of -the earth. Geology most forcibly proves the error of such an idea, -for although the fossilized remains of every other class of organized -beings have been discovered, human bones have nowhere been found. -This fact, though deeply interesting, is perhaps not more so than -many others which this wonderful science has unfolded. What can be -more startling to the student for instance, than the information that -for a long period, it may be thousands of years, no species of fish -whatever inhabited the primeval seas? True it is that certain creatures -occupied the shallows and depths of ocean, but these were of the lowest -type. The most conspicuous were the coral polypes, which even then as -now were ever industriously building up lasting monuments of their -existence, as the Trilobites, a group of Crustacea, and the Crinoids, -or Lily-stars. - -The last-mentioned group of animals were analogous to the present tribe -of Star-fishes, and are now nearly extinct. The body of the Lily-star, -which resembled some beautiful radiate flower, was affixed to a long, -slender stalk, composed of a series of solid plates superposed upon -one another, bound together by a fleshy coat, and made to undulate -to and fro in any direction at the will of the animal. The stalk -was firmly attached to some foreign substance, and consequently the -Crinoid Star-fish, unlike its modern representative, could not rove -about in search of prey, but only capture such objects as came within -reach of its widely expanded arms. 'Scarcely a dozen kinds of these -beautiful creatures,' observes Professor Forbes, 'now live in the seas -of our globe, and individuals of these kinds are comparatively rarely -to be met with; formerly they were among the most numerous of the -ocean's inhabitants,--so numerous that the remains of their skeletons -constitute great tracts of the dry land as it now appears. For miles -and miles we may walk over the stony fragments of the Crinoidae, -fragments which were once built up in animated forms, encased in -living flesh, and obeying the will of creatures among the loveliest -of the inhabitants of the ocean. Even in their present disjointed and -petrified state, they excite the admiration not only of the naturalist, -but of the common gazer; and the name of stone lily, popularly applied -to them, indicates a popular appreciation of their beauty.' Each -wheel-like joint of the fossil Encrinite being generally perforated -in the centre, facility is thus afforded for stringing a number of -these objects together like beads, and in this form the monks of old, -according to tradition, used the broken fragments of the lily-stars as -rosaries. Hence the common appellation of St Cuthbert's Beads, to which -Sir Walter Scott alludes,-- - - 'On a rock by Lindisfarn - St. Cuthbert sits, and toils to frame - The sea-born beads that bear his name.' - -One solitary species of the Crinoid Star-fishes has of late years been -found to flourish in our own seas; it is, however, affixed to a stalk -(pedunculated) only in the early periods of its existence. - -When first discovered by Mr. Thompson in its infant state, the -_Pentacrinus Europæus_ was believed to be a distinct animal. It was -taken attached to the stems of zoophytes of different orders, and -measured about three-fourths of an inch in height. In form it resembled -a minute comatula mounted on the stalk of a Pentacrinus. Subsequent -research has proved that the little stranger was merely the young state -of the feather star _Comatula rosacea_, and that although for a certain -period attached to a slender waving stem, the Pentacrinus, when arrived -at a certain stage of development, feels fully able to start life on -its own accord, and hence takes opportunity to break off its early -ties, and become a free animal, dependent upon its own exertions for -subsistence. - -It is no uncommon thing, as a late writer forcibly remarks, in the -inferior classes of the animal kingdom, to find animals permanently -attached from the period of their birth, and during all their -existence. Familiar examples of this occur in the oyster, and various -other bivalve shell-fish, as well as in numerous compound zoophytes. We -likewise meet with races which are free and locomotive in their first -stages, and afterwards become permanently fixed; but an animal growing -for a period in the similitude of a flower on a stem, and then dropping -from its pedicle, and becoming during the remainder of its life free -and peripatetic, is not only new, but without any parellel in the whole -range of the organized creation. - -The Comatula, or as it is commonly called, the Rosy Feather-star, is -allowed to be without exception the most lively of all the star-fishes. -Its movements in swimming are said to resemble exactly the alternating -strokes given by the medusa to the liquid element, and have the same -effect, causing the animal to raise itself from the bottom, and to -advance back foremost even more rapidly than the medusa. It has ten -very slender rays with numbers of long beards on the sides. The body, -which is of a deep rose colour, is small and surrounded with ten little -filiform rays. The extremities of these organs are shaped like claws, -by means of which the animal attaches itself to various kinds of -sea-weed, and other submarine objects. - -The adult Comatula generally measures about five inches across its -fully expanded rays. - -Before treating of what are termed the _true_ Star-fishes, we require -to dwell briefly upon an intermediate family named by Professor Forbes -the _Ophiuridæ_, 'from the long serpent or worm-like arms, which are -appended to their round, depressed, urchin like bodies.... They hold -the same relation to the Crinoidea that the true Star-fishes hold to -the Sea-Urchins. They are spinigrade animals, and have no true suckers -by which to walk, their progression being effected (and with great -facility) by means of five long flexible-jointed processes placed at -regular distances around their body, and furnished with spines on the -sides and membraneous tentacula. These processes are very different -from the arms of the true Star-fishes, which are lobes of the animal's -body, whereas the arms of the Ophiuridæ are super-added to the body, -and there is no excavation in them for any longation of the digestive -organs.'[16] - -[16] British Star-fishes. - -The British Ophiuridæ are now classed under two genera; of the Ophiuræ, -or Sand-stars only two species (_O. texturata_ and _O. albida_) are -found on our shores; and the Ophicomæ, or Brittle-stars, of which there -are ten. - -An extraordinary feature, characteristic of all the above-mentioned -animals, is the great tendency which they have to mutilate themselves, -and throw their limbs about in fragments on the slightest provocation. -If a specimen be handled, a certain number of fragments will assuredly -be cast off. If the rays become entangled in sea-weed, or even if the -water in which the animal resides happens to become impure, the same -disastrous result follows, until nothing but the little circular disc -remains. As a set off against this weakness, both the Ophiuræ and the -Brittle-stars possess reproductive powers of a high order. Hence it not -unfrequently happens that if each and all the rays of a specimen be -rejected, the animal will live on, and eventually, perhaps, become a -complete and perfect star-fish. - -The best means of preserving an Ophiura is to let the devoted animal -remain for a time expanded in sea-water, then with a small pair of -forceps lift it carefully up, and plump it into a bath of cold 'fresh' -water, letting it lie there for about an hour. The animal speedily -dies, as if poisoned, in the fresh liquid, in a state of rigid -expansion. Some writers recommend that, at this stage, the specimen -should be dipped for a moment into boiling water, and then dried in a -current of air; but I have never been able to detect any great benefit -arising from the adoption of the process. - -When examining any of the Brittle-stars, I have always found it an -excellent plan to raise them up by aid of the forceps applied to the -disc. By this means a specimen may be moved about without any fear -of mutilation; whereas if the fingers be used as forceps, an unhappy -result will assuredly follow. - -The _Ophiocoma rosula_, figured on Plate 9, will serve to convey to -the reader a general idea of this class of animals. Its popular title -is the Common Brittle-star, indicative of the inherent fragility of the -species, as also of their prevalent appearance at the sea-shore; but, -though so exceedingly 'common,' we must at the same time in justice -add, that the _O. rosula_ exceeds in beauty many other species which -are rare, and consequently more highly prized by the collector. - -It is very abundant on all parts of the British coast, and is often -found in clusters upon the stems of _L. digitata_, and as frequently -upon the under side of boulders. In dredging, the Brittle-star is an -unfailing prize. It is a marvellous sight when the scrapings of the -ocean bed are spread out upon the dredging-board for examination, -to see hundreds of these singularly delicate creatures twisting and -twining about in all directions,--over each other's bodies, through the -weed, sand, shells, and mud, and strewing fragments of their snake-like -arms upon every surrounding object. - -At the mere mention of 'Star-fishes,' the most uninitiated reader will -at once realize in his mind's eye a tolerably correct notion of the -form of these curious productions of the marine animal kingdom, even -although he had never seen a living or dead specimen. - -The body of the animal is divided into rays, like the pictured form of -one of the heavenly stars, and the fancied resemblance is most apparent -in the Asteridæ, or true Star-fishes, of which we are now about to -speak. - -This wonderful race of animals, for their beauty of colour, elegance -of shape, and peculiarity of structure, possess a great degree of -interest, not only to the naturalist, but also to the casual observer -by the sea-side. - -There are fourteen British species of Asteriadæ, which are arranged -under four families, namely--the Urasteriæ, the Solasteriæ, the -Gonasteriæ, and the Asteriæ. This group contains no less than eight -generic types, clearly distinguished from each other by certain -characters, 'derived from the outline of the body, the number of rows -of suckers in the avenues, and the structure and arrangement of the -spines covering the surface and bordering the avenues.' - -There are four species of Star-fishes belonging to the genus Uraster, -the most common of which is the _Uraster rubens_, or Common Cross-fish. - -No person in the habit of visiting the sea-shore can be unfamiliar with -the likeness of this creature, which is generally seen lying wedged -in some rocky crevice, or among the Fuci, there patiently waiting the -return of the tide. - -At such a time, the Devil's-hand (as the Irish people term it), does -not appear by any means attractive. If placed in water, however, its -appearance becomes wonderfully improved. - -Here is a small specimen, just brought from the sea-shore at -Cockburnspath (a most romantic and delightful locality, situated on -the coast of Berwickshire). It is neatly wrapped up in a mantle of -sea-weed. Freed of its verdant envelope, I deposit the youthful Rubens -upon his back--'willy-nilly'--in a tumbler partly filled with clear -sea-water, and then proceed to watch its movements through a magnifier. - -At a glance we perceive that each of its five rays is grooved on its -lower surface, and filled with minute perforations, through which is -gradually protruded a multitude of fleshy suckers, knobbed at the end. -It is by aid of these organs that the animal grasps its food, and -changes its position, as we shall presently see. One of the rays is now -slowly lifted up and moved about in various directions, while from its -extreme point the suckers are extended to the utmost limit. No sooner -do they touch the side of the vessel than they are firmly fixed and -contracted. A _point d'appui_ being thus gained, the animal is enabled -by degrees to draw its body round, so as to get another regiment of -suckers into play, and, by such plan of operations being repeated, -the animal is eventually enabled to 'right itself,' and crawl up the -polished surface of the glass. - -Generally, when the Star-fish is disturbed, or placed on a dry piece -of stone, the suckers are withdrawn into the body, leaving no signs -of their previous existence except a series of minute tubercles. In -fact, the Asterias, although enabled to adhere with great tenacity to -any foreign object when immersed in water, possesses but little power -to retain its hold if the fluid be removed. Hence the young zoologist, -keeping this peculiarity in mind, should not too hurriedly return a -verdict of 'Found dead,' when he meets with a helpless specimen upon -the beach, for in all likelihood, were the creature to be laid for a -few minutes in a rock-pool, it would soon exhibit signs of returning -animation. - -A simpler, though not so sure a test for ascertaining whether a -Star-fish be living or not, is to handle the specimen. If it feels soft -and flabby, it is dead; but if tolerably firm to the touch, it may be -'recalled to life,' by the means pointed out. - -It may not be out of place to chronicle here a singular circumstance -which the writer has often verified in connection with the true -Star-fishes. It is this. When any captured specimens have been placed -in confinement, no matter how large or small such might be, they never -moved through the liquid element with a tithe of the rapidity that I -well knew they were capable of. At the sea-side, I have seen a specimen -of the Cross-fish glide through the water so nimbly, yet withal so -gracefully, that I have felt inclined to rank natation among the few -other acomplishments of which the species can boast. - -The _Uraster rubens_ is also popularly known as 'Five Fingers.' For -ages past it has been subject to the bitter denunciation of fishermen -and others, for the injury which it is said to inflict upon oysters. -At one time, according to Bishop Spratt, the Admiralty Court laid -penalties upon those engaged in the oyster-fishing who did not -tread under their feet, or throw upon the shore, a fish they call a -Five-Finger, resembling a spur-rowel, because that fish gets into the -oysters when they gape, and sucks them out. Poets have also endeavoured -to perpetuate the vulgar opinion:-- - - 'The prickly Star-fish creeps with fell deceit, - To force the Oyster from his close retreat, - Whose gaping lids their widened void display; - The watchful Star thrusts in a pointed ray-- - Of all its treasures robs the rifled case, - And empty shells the sandy hillock grace.' - -Even yet the oyster fishermen at certain localities wreak all -possible vengeance upon the 'submarine Dando's,' for their supposed -gourmandizing propensities. I say _supposed_, for although so -many naturalists have studied the question, it is not, up to the -present time, satisfactorily settled. Some deny the alleged tendency -altogether, while less sceptical observers are unable to understand -the mode in which the Star-fish could injure an animal apparently so -capable of self-defence as the oyster. According to certain authors, -the Star-fish encircles the oyster with its five fingers, and by some -clever process of suction destroys the unfortunate mollusc. Others, -again, maintain that the first step of the attack is the injection -of some marine chloroform between the shells of the oyster, and that -during the insensibility that follows, the Star-fish effects an -entrance. - -As this is an interesting subject, perhaps the reader would like to -have the exact words which are used by two celebrated naturalists, one -of whom attempts to vindicate the character of the Asteridæ, the other -to blacken it. - -Sir John Dalyell--a high authority upon all matters of marine -zoology--shrewdly remarks: 'I have not heard it suggested that the -Star-fish possesses any kind of solvent compelling the bivalves -to sunder. Neither can its hostility be very deadly to the larger -univalves, from the distance to which they are enabled to retreat -within their portable dwellings. Their general habits are, to force the -shells of smaller bivalves asunder, and to devour the contents; they -likewise consume the substance of ordinary fishes entire; nevertheless, -as far as I am yet aware, their destruction of oysters is destitute of -evidence. The Star-fish sometimes shows an eversion of stomach, or of -some membrane of it. Whether this may be the means of affecting their -prey, merits investigation.' - -Professor Jones, who affirms that in the latter suggestion Sir J. -Dalyell has nearly hit upon the true solution of the problem, thus -gives what _he_ considers to be the correct mode of procedure on the -part of the Star-fish: 'Grasping its shell-clad prey between its rays, -and firmly fixing it by means of its prehensile suckers, it proceeds -deliberately to turn its stomach inside out, embracing in its ample -folds the helpless bivalve, and perhaps at the same time instilling -some torpifying fluid, for the shells of the poor victim seized soon -open, and it then becomes an easy prey.' - -Now, many fishermen with whom I have conversed hold the same opinion as -Bishop Spratt, and believe that when the oyster is gaping the Star-fish -insinuates a finger, and hastily scrapes out the delicious mouthful; -nay, further maintain that the Star-fish is far from being successful -at all times, very often, especially when there has only been one ray -inserted, the frightened oyster grasps it with all his might, and -obliges his discomfited opponent to retire minus a limb. - -If the writer might venture to suggest an opinion, he would express -his belief that the following is the correct account of the state of -matters. He believes with the fishermen that frequently the star-fish -begins his attack by inserting an arm, but he does not believe that the -oyster under such circumstances escapes with life. Let us suppose the -star-fish to have succeeded in insidiously introducing a ray within the -shell of the apathetic oyster, and that the oyster immediately resented -such intrusion by closing his shell with all the force he can exert. -The opposite argument at this stage is, that the intruder is obliged -from _pain_ to abandon his hold, and even pay for his audacity by the -forfeit of a limb. But against this we advance the notorious fact, that -the star-fish, like so many marine creatures of a similar organization, -is remarkably indifferent to pain. I therefore believe the true -explanation to be, that the oyster being unable to sustain such -continued muscular exertion for nearly so long a time as the star-fish -can tolerate the pressure upon its ray, the latter is consequently, in -the long run, successful. - -The number of rays in the several genera of the true Star-fishes is -extremely various. In the genus _Uraster_, as we have seen, five is -the predominant number. If we turn to the two species which comprise -the genus _Cribella_, we still find the quintuple arrangement adhered -to. In _Solaster endeca_, on the contrary, the rays vary from nine -to eleven, and even reach as high as twelve or fifteen in _Solaster -papposa_. - -In the genus _Palmipes_ we have the pentagonal form, it is true, but -the space between each ray is filled up, so as to resemble the webbed -foot of a bird, hence the popular title of this solitary species, -'The Bird's-foot Sea-star.' 'It is the flattest of all its class, and -when alive it is flexible like a piece of leather.' Passing by the -'Cushion-stars' (which have five _angles_--it seems a misnomer to call -them rays), which connect the true Star-fishes with the Sea-Urchins, -we come lastly to the 'Lingthorn,' _Luidia fragillisima_, with its -seven rays. This is the animal of which Professor Forbes discourses so -pleasantly about its winking derisively at his despairing endeavours -to preserve even a small portion of what at that time was his maiden -specimen. The Luidia is even more brittle--more regardless of its -wholeness, than the _Ophiuræ_, which renders the capture of a perfect -specimen a most difficult task. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -Sea-Urchins (Sea-Hedgehogs). - - -'Truly the skill of the Great Architect of Nature is not less displayed -in the construction of the Sea-Urchin than in the building up of a -world.'--P. FORBES. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 THE APLYSIA or SEA-HARE -2 PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN -3 Spine of PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN -4, 5 Suckers of PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN -6 COMMON SUN-STAR] - - - - -XIX. - - -Sea-Urchins are frequently taken in dredging. Several common species, -usually of a small size, are often found among the rocks situated -between tide marks. - -Into the aquarium no specimens larger than from one to two inches in -diameter should be introduced, and even these require to be closely -watched, for if afflicted with a fatal illness, I know of no animal -whose remains sooner taint the water. Almost before life is extinct, -the Urchin throws out a light-coloured nauseous fluid, that speedily -poisons the surrounding water, and, of course, causes the destruction -of any inhabitants of the tank who may neither have the sense nor -opportunity to inhale copious draughts of fresh air. As a rule, if the -suckers are motionless, or if on touching the animal it is found not to -be adherent to any object, transfer it at once to your 'infirmary' for -further observation. - -I have always found small specimens to be much more lively and -walkative, (if I may be allowed the expression) than their more -corpulent brethren. - -The inflexible, mail-like crust, or shell, as it is commonly called, -of the Echinus is perhaps one of the most marvellous objects on which -the eye can rest. Although at first sight it appears to be a solid -calcareous box, it is in reality composed of several hundred pentagonal -plates,[17] of various sizes, so closely dove-tailed together that -their marks of junction are scarcely perceptible. Upon a superficial -examination we are apt (most erroneously) to consider this wonderful -piece of work to be more elaborate than the wants of the animal demand. -The fact of the Lobster or Crab throwing off its entire shell at -certain seasons, to admit of the increased growth of the animal is a -truly marvellous phenomenon, still, it would more excite our wonder -were we to find that, instead of being cast away at all, the hard, -inelastic envelope which surrounds the bodies of crustaceans was made -to swell or expand proportionately with the soft parts of the animal! -Now, the mosaic-like shell of the Sea-Urchin, though built up, as -before stated, of several hundred pieces, is by a beautiful process -slowly and imperceptibly enlarged correspondingly with the growth of -the animal. - -[17] In a specimen that I examined, and then carefully took to pieces, -there were exactly 1780 plates. - -The gradual enlargement of the Echinus shell takes place in the -following manner:-- - -Over the entire surface of the globular shell, spines, and joints of -the living Urchin, there exists a delicate membrane that insinuates -itself between the pentagonal plates above mentioned, and continually -deposits around the edges a certain portion of calcareous matter -(carbonate of lime). The same process being also carried on by the -fleshy covering that surrounds the spines, &c., it must be evident that -so long as the vital power of the animal exists, each plate and spine, -still keeping to its original form, must be daily and hourly augmented -in size until the Sea-Egg has attained its full and mature dimensions. - -As to how the spines retain their relative position in each plate, as -the latter gradually becomes enlarged, I cannot positively state; but -may be permitted to mention, that, judging from carefully prepared -sections of the plates when submitted to the microscope, each spine -appeared to my eye to be by some singular process urged along in a kind -of groove to its proper place. - -The hedgehog-like spines that surround the globose body of the -Sea-Urchin are all moveable at the will of the animal,--each prickle -being connected by a ball-and-socket joint to a pearly tubercle, which -acts as the 'socket' on which the 'ball' of the spine revolves. If -the spine be removed, a comparatively smooth surface will be left, on -which are various sized tubercles systematically arranged. Situated at -regular intervals between the tubercles are ten broad bands, disposed -in pairs, and containing many hundreds of very minute perforations, or -ambulacral orifices, as they are generally termed by naturalists. - -Through these apertures issue numerous sucker-like feet, closely -resembling those of the Star-fish, but endowed with far greater powers -of contraction and extension. - -The number of suckers is very great. In an Urchin measuring exactly -three inches in diameter, by aid of a hand lens, I counted no less than -3300 pores in the ten avenues. Now, these pores are always situated in -pairs, and as each sucker occupies a pair of pores, it will give 1650 -as the total amount of suckers. - -There is no doubt that it is almost entirely by means of these curious -organs that the Sea-Urchin is enabled to move about from place to -place, although no less an authority than Professor Agassiz asserts -to the contrary. 'How, in fact,' says this author, 'could these small -tentacula, situated as they generally are in that part of the body -which is never brought into contact with the ground when the animal -moves, and overhung by calcareous solid spines--how, I ask, could -these flexible tubes be used as organs of motion? It is an undeniable -fact, and I have often observed it myself, that _it is with their -spines the Echini move themselves, seize their_ _prey, and bring it -to their mouths_ by turning the rays of their lower edge in different -directions. But the correction of an error respecting the functions -of the ambulacral tubes does not solve the problem relating to their -nature and use. This problem we are yet unable to solve, as we know -nothing more respecting them than that they are connected with the -aquiferous system.' - -Many other writers, among whom is Professor Forbes (from whose work -on Star-fishes I have transferred the foregoing extract), assert, in -opposition to the great Swiss naturalist, that the Echinidæ move by -the joint action of their suckers and spines. 'The argument,' says the -great British naturalist, 'against the suckers being organs of motion, -founded on their position above as well as below, would equally apply -to the spines, to which organs Professor Agassiz has attributed all -progressive powers in these animals.' - -The fact is now so well established, that it is scarcely necessary -for the writer to state, that from personal observation he can fully -confirm the evidence of Professor Forbes relative to the functions -of the suckers of the Sea-Urchins. But although that talented author -entertained no doubt as to the organs in question being powerful -locomotive agents, he evidently seems to have felt himself unable to -suggest any purpose they could possibly serve when situated on the back -or upper part of the animal. - -My own experience incontestibly proves that the suckers in question -are used for precisely the same purpose as those situated in any -other part of the body. I am enabled to state, from having repeatedly -witnessed the phenomenon, that _the Echinus can walk about with equal -facility while lying on its back as in its more natural position_. The -advantage of this power to the animal under certain circumstances will -be apparent upon a little reflection. - -With regard to the spines, I fancy their purpose is almost solely to -assist the Urchin to burrow in the sand, and to protect it from the -attacks of its enemies. It may be, however, that at particular times -they serve as aids to locomotion, but that their assistance can be, and -is, often dispensed with entirely by the animal, I can most positively -assert. - -My experiments were always conducted in glass vases, up the smooth, -polished sides of which my specimens frequently advanced. Upon reaching -the surface of the water, I have seen an Urchin roll completely round -and move along on its back, then after a time change its position, and -travel round the circumference of the vessel _while attached by its -side_, the body of the animal being sometimes inverted. - -At such times as these it must be quite evident that the spines would -be totally useless, and that by the suckers alone did the animal -perform its interesting movements. - -According to a certain writer, there are some foreign species of the -Echini remarkable for possessing spines, which act both as offensive -and defensive weapons. 'On one occasion' (this writer says) 'when -searching for a fish in the crevice of a coral rock, I felt a severe -pain in my hand, and upon withdrawing it, found my fingers covered -with slender spines, evidently those of the Echinus, of a grey colour, -elegantly banded with black. - -'They projected from my fingers like well-planted arrows from a target, -and their points being barbed could not be removed, but remained -for some weeks imbedded as black specks in the skin. Its concealed -situation did not permit me to examine this particular Echinus. In some -experiments I approached the spines with so much caution, that had they -been the most finely pointed needles in a fixed state no injury could -have been received from them, yet their points were always stuck into -my hand rapidly and severely.' - -In addition to those above described, the Sea-Urchin is provided with -other organs, in shape somewhat resembling minute pincers, supported on -fleshy stems, which always keep up an incessant motion when the animal -is in a healthy condition. They are scattered in great numbers over -the surface of the body, among the spines, and around the mouth of the -Urchin. - -The use of these singular objects--by naturalists termed -Pedicellariæ--is totally unknown. Some writers think they are an -integral part of the Echinus, others describe them as distinct and -parasitic animals. There is good reason to believe that the former will -eventually be proved to be the correct explanation of the matter. - -Its masticatory apparatus is not the least wonderful portion of the -Sea-Urchin. The teeth, five in number, which may frequently be seen -protruding from the mouth, are of extreme hardness, and of seemingly -disproportionate length. They are not fixed in sockets as ours are, -or they would be speedily worn away by their action on the shelled -mollusca upon which the animal feeds, but fresh substance is added -to each tooth as fast as it is worn away by use, as in the case of -many gnawing animals. 'In order to allow of such an arrangement, as -well as to provide for the movements of the teeth, jaws are provided, -which are situated in the interior of the shell, and these jaws, from -their great complexity and unique structure, form perhaps the most -admirable masticating instrument met with in the animal kingdom. The -entire apparatus removed from the shell consists of the following -parts. There are five long teeth, each of which is enclosed in a -triangular bony piece, that for the sake of brevity we will call jaws. -The five jaws are united together by various muscles, so as to form a -pentagonal pyramid, having its apex in contact with the oval orifice -of the shell, while its base is connected with several bony levers by -means of numerous muscles provided for the movements of the whole. -When the five jaws are fixed together in their natural position, they -form a five-sided conical mass, aptly enough compared by Aristotle -to a lantern, and not unfrequently described by modern writers under -the name of "the lantern of Aristotle." The whole of this complicated -machinery is suspended by muscles from a frame-work fixed in the -interior of the shell, and may often be picked up upon the beach, or -still better exposed _in situ_ in a dead Echinus, by those who would -examine closely this wonderful piece of mechanism.'[18] - -[18] The 'Aquarian Naturalist,' p. 224. - -I have made two careful drawings of the jaws and teeth of the Echinus. -No. 1 represents, as it were, the 'elevation' of the pentagonal pyramid -above described, while No. 2 constitutes the 'plan' of the same object. - -The _Echinus sphæra_, or common Egg-Urchin, may often be seen forming -a curious ornament in the drawing-rooms of the "West End," and also in -the dwellings of the poorer classes, who, according to some authors, -boil it like eggs, and so eat it. Hence its popular title. Among the -ancients the Echinidæ were accounted a favourite dish. 'They were -dressed with vinegar, honied wine or mead, parsley and mint. They were -the first dish in the famous supper of Lentulus when he was made Flamen -Martialis. By some of the concomitant dishes they seemed designed as a -whet for the second course to the holy personages, priests and vestals, -invited on the occasion.' - -The illustration on Plate 10 was drawn from a living specimen, and -gives a somewhat unusual representation of a Sea-Urchin. In general the -spines alone are shown, but I have endeavoured to give the uninitiated -reader some faint notion of the appearance which the _suckers_ present -when extended from the surface of the shell. - -The young Urchin sat very quietly while I was engaged in taking his -portrait, but continually extended crowds of his slender tubular legs -in all directions, as above indicated, much to my gratification and -apparently to his own. - -In preparing a Sea-Urchin for a chimney ornament, the most important -point is to remove the spines so as to let the tubercles remain entire. -In performing this operation some little experience is necessary. -Several times I attempted the process by aid of a pen-knife and a pair -of pliers, but not with a satisfactory result. Having mentioned my -difficulty to a friend, he laughingly asked me if I had ever heard of a -certain pilgrim who, for some peccadillo he had committed, was doomed -to perform penance by walking to Loretto's shrine with peas in his -shoes? Of course I was acquainted with the story, but could not see -what it had to do with Sea-Urchins, and told my brother naturalist so. -Still smiling, he said, 'Do you remember the relief that was said to be -afforded to the humorous rascal, both mentally and bodily, by _boiling -his peas_?' Yes. 'Well, then,' was the reply, 'do you boil your -Sea-Eggs, and you will find your troubles speedily cease.' I did as I -was directed, and found the advice of great service; for, after being -an hour or two in the 'pot,' the spines of the Urchin may be totally -rubbed off by aid of a nail brush, or some such instrument. Moreover, -the colour of the shell is improved, and the dental apparatus may be -drawn out entire, with the greatest ease. - -I may here take opportunity to mention, that the student who may think -proper to act upon the hint above given, should not boil the Urchin too -long, or the fleshy parts will become dissolved, and the entire shell -fall into a multitude of fragments. - -This unfortunate result actually happened on one occasion to a genial, -clever friend of mine, much to his chagrin and my malicious delight. - -There are several other species of Sea-Urchins whose forms are -tolerably well distinguished by their popular appellations. Thus we -have the 'Silky Spined Urchin;' the 'Green Pea-Urchin,'--the latter -is the commonest and prettiest of all its kindred, its back being -covered with a kind of powdery green, as is seen on the elytra of -many beetles; the 'Cake-Urchin,' which from its flattened form may be -regarded as a link between the Sea-Urchins and the true Star-fishes; -the 'Purple Heart-Urchin,' and the pretty 'Rosy Heart-Urchin,' -appropriately named from the brilliant crimson hue that its body -presents during life. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -Sea-Cucumbers. - -(HOLOTHURIADÆ.) - - - - -XX. - - -There is a very singular group of animals, the _Holothuriadæ_, that -claims a passing notice, from their near relation in structural -formation to the Sea-Urchins, although externally they also exhibit -a certain resemblance to the _Annelides_. They are commonly termed -Sea-Cucumbers, from the fancied likeness which they bear, both in shape -and colour, to their namesakes of the vegetable kingdom. - -A Holothuria is very unattractive in appearance when lying listless -upon the sea-beach, but if a small specimen be transferred to the -aquarium, it exhibits features of a very singular and interesting -character. When about to change its position, the head, hitherto -concealed, is protruded and expanded, until it assumes the form of a -beautiful flower. - -The animal moves principally by aid of sucker-like feet, similar in -form to those of the Asteriadæ, or Sea-Urchins. In most species, the -body is divided longitudinally into five rows of suckers. In some, -however, these organs are scattered over the entire surface, while in -the small Sea-Cucumber (_Psolus phantapus_), they are arranged in three -rows upon a soft, oblong, flat disc, situated beneath the body of the -animal, like the foot of a gasteropod mollusc. - -Of one genus--the Trepang--many species are eaten by the omnivorous -inhabitants of the Celestial Empire, by whom it is employed in the -preparation of 'nutritious soups, in common with an esculent sea-weed, -shark's fins, edible birds' nests, and other materials affording much -jelly.' The intestines, which are generally found to be filled with -coral, and solid masses of madreporic rock, are extracted, and the -animal then boiled in sea-water and dried in smoke. - -Nothing can possibly be less enticing than the black and shrivelled -carcases of these defunct gasteropods, as they are seen spread out and -exposed for sale in the China markets. There are many varieties of -Trepang, some being held in higher esteem than others,--hence the great -difference which exists in the price of the article. The lowest quality -being ten dollars, and the highest fifty dollars, per pecul of 133 lbs. - -The following are titles by which a few of the Holothuriæ are known in -China:-- - - Great Black-Stone Trepang; - Peach-blossom Trepang; - Great White-Stone Trepang; - The Bald Trepang; - The Scarlet Trepang; - Great Clear-Ball Trepang; - The Middle Ash-Bald Trepang, &c., &c. - -The illustration on Plate 11 gives a good idea of the typical form -of the Holothuriadæ. It represents a species of the genus Cucumaria, -_C. communis_, or common Sea-Cucumber. Its length is from four to -eight inches; but, like all its kindred, it possesses the power of -considerably extending or contracting its body at will. The Tentacula -are ten in number, pinnate and plumose, stalked and rather large. The -body is five-sided, with numerous suckers on the angles, but more on -the sides, which are papilose. The colour is yellow, or brownish-white, -although specimens found on the Irish coast exhibit a purplish hue. - -This, the most common species of its genus, is an inhabitant of -deep water, and is therefore most frequently taken with the dredge. -Occasionally, specimens may be found after violent storms stranded on -various parts of the shores of the United Kingdom. - -The Sea-Cucumbers possess the singular power of disembowelling -themselves upon the slightest provocation, and also of throwing off -their Tentacula entire. There is one species, indeed, that exhibits -a still more wonderful phenomenon. At certain times members of this -species will divide their body into a number of parts, each of which -will in due course become a new and completely-formed animal. After -this the reader will be prepared to learn, that to build up a new -inside, or create a new set of branchiæ, is to a Holothuria a very -trifling and insignificant task. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -The Aplysia, or Sea-Hare. - - -'The origin and the source of the smallest portion of the universe -overpowers our comprehension. How little can the acutest senses, the -profoundest judgment, the widest view, embrace! It is as nothing; it is -as less than nothing. We are capable of doing no more than surveying -the edifice and adoring the Architect.' - - SIR J. DALYELL. - - - - -XXI. - - -At several parts of the Scottish coast, and especially at North -Berwick, may be found specimens of that curious gasteropod named the -Aplysia, or Sea-Hare, the _Lepus marinus_ of the ancients. - -On visiting North Berwick during summer, I have been astonished to -discover, in almost every pool, from two to twenty of these creatures. - -At rest, the Aplysia is not by any means inviting, but when in motion, -elevating and depressing the fleshy mantle that covers over the fringed -and lobed branchiæ, its appearance is exceedingly graceful. - -Striding across a pool on the look-out for some Gobies, whose forms -darting beneath a large stone had not escaped my glance, I perceived -the water in the rocky basin gradually lose its crystal brightness, and -become changed to crimson. The Gobies were therefore allowed to rest -in peace, while I proceeded to investigate a phenomenon that, at the -moment, seemed somewhat singular. - -A kind friend and brother zoologist, who happened to be near, called -attention to the fact that the crimson stream flowed thickest near -where my foot rested. - -On closely examining the spot pointed out, and turning over some fronds -of Dulse, we came upon a small fleshy ball of a dark brown colour, -from which there still issued a fluid of vivid crimson hue. Having -placed this strange object in a bottle, I soon pronounced it to be an -Aplysia, with whose full-length portrait, as represented in books, I -had previously been made acquainted. - -The power which this animal possesses, under irritation, of spurting -out a peculiar secretion, I also remembered to have seen mentioned by -several writers on natural history. - -Although generally believed to be gentle and perfectly harmless, yet, -as Professor Forbes observes, few molluscs have had a worse character -than the Aplysiæ. From very ancient times they have been regarded with -horror and suspicion; and many writers on natural history, conversant -with them only through the silly stories of ignorant fishermen, -have combined to hold them up as objects of detestation. To touch -them, according to European prejudices, was sufficient to generate -disease in the foolhardy experimenter; while Asiatics, reversing -the consequences, maintained, perhaps with greater truth, that they -met with instantaneous death when handled by man. Physicians wrote -treatises on the effects of their poison, and discussed the remedies -best adapted to neutralize it. Conspirators brewed nauseous beverages -from their slimy bodies, and administered the potion confident of its -deadly powers. Every nation in the world on whose shores the poor -Sea-Hares crawled, accorded to them the attributes of ferocity and -malignant virulence, although there never appears to have been the -slightest foundation for a belief in their crimes. - -A specimen of the Aplysia that I had in my tank deposited a stringy -coil of spawn, which closely resembled that of the Eolis, with the -exception that the eggs, instead of being white, were of a reddish -tint. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -Serpulæ and Sabellæ. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1, 2 SEA-URCHIN'S TEETH (Two illustrations.) -3 COMMON SEA CUCUMBER -4 COMMON RAZOR-SHELL -5 COMMON SERPULÆ, attached to a piece of stone.] - - - - -XXII. - - -With the exception of the Balani (Acorn-Barnacles), perhaps the most -common objects to be met with at the sea-shore are the Serpulæ. -Scarcely a rock, or shell, or bit of old china, or piece of wood, or -rusty nail, lying near low-water mark, but is encrusted with colonies -of these animals. I have a small twig of a tree by me, so thickly -coated with Serpulæ as to obscure all signs of its ligneous character, -except at each end. A shell also exhibits the same phenomenon, and -well-nigh defies the most skilful observer to define its original form -with any degree of certainty. - -The shelly tubes of these animals are built in the form of serpents, -or twisted funnels, of a milk-white colour. Although so extremely -hard, these tubes are formed solely by an exudation from the body -of the animal--a simple marine worm. Unlike its erratic friend, the -earth-worm, the Serpula is sedentary in its habits, and at no time does -it ever leave its dwelling. - -The delicate, but brilliant feathery plume--the only portion of the -animal ever visible--constitutes the principal mechanism by means of -which the Serpula constructs its calcareous tube. - -A most wonderful instance of how mighty are the works which these -insignificant creatures form when congregated together in vast numbers, -and how useful such labours may sometimes be to mankind, is narrated by -Dr. Darwin in his 'Voyage of the Beagle.' - -Being delayed by adverse winds, this gentleman made a stay at -Pernambuco, a large city on the coast of Brazil, and the most curious -object that he saw there was the reef that formed the harbour. 'I -doubt,' to use his own words, 'whether in the whole world any other -natural structure has so artificial an appearance. It runs for a length -of several miles in an absolutely straight line, and parallel to, and -not far distant from the shore. It varies in width from thirty to -sixty yards, and its surface is level and smooth; it is composed of -obscurely stratified hard sandstone. At high water the waves break over -it; at low water its summit is left dry, and it might then be mistaken -for a breakwater erected by Cyclopean workmen. On this coast the -currents of the sea tend to throw up in front of the land long spits -and bars of loose sand, and on one of these the town of Pernambuco -stands. In former times a long spit of this nature seems to have become -consolidated by the percolation of calcareous matter, and afterwards -to have been gradually upheaved, the outer and loose parts during the -process having been worn away by the action of the sea, and the solid -nucleus left as we now see it. Although night and day the waves of -the open Atlantic, turbid with sediment, are driven against the steep -outside edges of this wall of stone, yet the oldest pilots know of no -tradition of any change in its appearance. This durability is by far -the most curious fact in its history; _it is due to a tough layer, a -few inches thick, of calcareous matter, wholly formed by the successive -growth and death of the small shells of Serpulæ, together with some -few Barnacles_, &c. These insignificant organic beings, especially -the Serpulæ, have done good service to the people of Pernambuco, for -without their protective aid the bar of sandstone would inevitably have -been long ago worn away, and without the bar there would have been no -harbour,' - -Nothing whatever appears to be known relative to the mode of -reproduction of these Annelids. I have paid much attention to the -subject, but as yet have not gained any positive information regarding -it. The only fact which I consider worthy of being chronicled is the -following: On one occasion, when quite a novice in Marine Zoology, -while observing a beautiful group of Serpulæ seated on a stone, I saw -issuing from out one of the tubes a kind of very fine dust, of a rich -crimson hue, which continued to arise for nearly an hour in spite of -repeated efforts to disperse it by aid of a camel-hair pencil. At first -I believed the 'dust' to be the 'remains' of a deceased serpula, but -afterwards found that such was not the case, the annelid being alive -and healthy. Never having seen the phenomenon since, it has been a -great source of regret to me that I did not endeavour to discover what -the dust was composed of; but have little doubt that the microscope -would have shown it to be, in reality, the ova of the Serpula. - -Another class of Annelidans, termed Sabellæ, like the Serpulæ, also -build habitations for themselves, but not of the same materials. -Instead of being white, the tubes of the first mentioned animals are -brown in colour, and composed of minute granules of sand, or small -shells, and lined internally with a gelatinous substance exuded from -the body of the worm. On the interior of the oyster and other shells, -and even in univalves occupied by the Lobster Crab, various tubes of -Sabellæ may often be seen. They are, however, generally discovered -congregated together, forming a kind of honeycomb mass in the fissures -of rocks, or against the sides of rock-pools, or on the surface of -small stones, &c. - -A mass of Sabellæ tubes forms by no means an inappropriate or -unpleasant object for the tank, as the animals are hardy, and will -live for many months if the water be kept pure. Moreover, while in -confinement, they do not live in luxurious indolence, but ever seem -to be busy in the exercise of their architectural propensities, making -alterations, repairing damages, or otherwise 'sorting' their tubiculous -habitations. - -'The tubes of the Sabellæ,' says Dr. Williams, 'are soft, flexible, -and muddy. Slimy mucus furnished by the integumentary glands of the -body is the mortar or cement, fine sand molecules are the "stones" or -solid material of the architecture. In the Sabellæ the lime of which -the tubes are built is held in solution in the mucus provided by the -cutaneous glands. It is adjusted in the fluid form, and moulded by -appropriate tools into the required shape. It then _solidifies, too, -under water_, like the "Aberthaw lime." The tube of the Sabellæ fits -closely round the body of the worm; it is slightly elastic, and the -interior is smooth.' - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -The Solen, or Razor-Fish - - - 'His mansion he extends, -So well concealed beneath the crumbling sands.' - - - - -XXIII. - - -Few people who are in the habit of visiting the sea-shore but must have -noticed the empty shells of the animal about to be described. I allude -to the Solen, or Razor-Shell, commonly so called from its resemblance -to the handle attached to a barber's scythe. - -This bivalve, improbable as the statement will appear to the -uninitiated, is one of the most efficient burrowers to be met with on -our shores. - -By means of its fleshy foot it digs a hole in the mud or sand. -Sometimes it retreats from the surface to a distance of several feet, -but generally remains sufficiently near to allow its short, fringed -siphons to project above the sand. - -In walking along the beach, left bare by the receding tide, the -pedestrian may often perceive little jets of water thrown up at his -approach. These jets proceed from the Razor-Fish in question. Although -we may be several yards from his burrow, his sense of feeling is so -acute, that the faintest vibration of the earth around causes the -creature to retire alarmed within his dwelling. - -In many places the Solen is much sought after by the poor, who esteem -it a great luxury. In foreign countries--Japan, for example--it is so -highly prized that we are told, 'by express order of the prince of that -country, it is forbid to fish them until a sufficient quantity hath -been provided for the emperor's table.' - -The Irish people, when they go out to catch the Solen siliqua, have -an appropriate song and chorus which they sing, but whether to amuse -themselves or charm the fish 'this deponent sayeth not,' for very -obvious reasons. In general, I should think the less noise the more -likelihood of success to those endeavouring to capture this animal. - -'Who has not seen the picture of the stupid-looking boy going warily -out with a box of salt, having been gravely informed by some village -wag that if he would only just drop a pinch of salt on the birds' tails -he would be sure to catch them. We are all familiar enough with this -venerable joke, but not so with its successful application in another -case. This time it is the fisherman, instead of the village boy, who -carries the box. He cautiously slips a little salt into the hole, -which irritates the ends of the siphons, and makes the _Solen_ come -quickly out to see what is the matter, and clear itself of this painful -intrusion. The fisher, on the alert, must quickly seize his prey, or -else it will dart back again into its retreat, whence no amount of -salting or coaxing will bring it out again.' - -If after reading the above quotation any person should fancy that in -his mind's eye he perceives at many sea-side places, scores of hardy, -weather-beaten fishermen walking about, each armed with nothing but a -box filled with salt, wherewith to bamboozle the Spout-Fish, he will be -most lamentably deceived. True it is, this plan is sometimes adopted by -children and amateur naturalists, but by fishermen--never. Instead of a -salt-box, these, when in search of their favourite bait, always carry -a kind of harpoon, formed of a piece of iron rod, the end of which is -sharpened to a point. - -Having witnessed the Solen throw up his jet of water, and retire -beneath the soil, the fisherman suddenly plunges his instrument into -the orifice. Should the action have been skilfully performed, the -rod will have pierced the animal between its valves, which instantly -retract upon the intruding object. To draw the fish to the surface is -then a comparatively easy task. If the first plunge of the rod be not -successful, the fisher knows full well it would be futile for him to -repeat the attempt, as the object of his attack would quickly burrow -itself down to such a depth as to render pursuit hopeless. Juveniles -at the sea-side, imitating the plan above described, become by practice -very expert in procuring specimens of the Razor-Fish by means of a -piece of wire sharpened at one end. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -A Gossip on Fishes &c., - -INCLUDING THE ROCKLING, SMOOTH BLENNY, GUNNEL-FISH, GOBY, ETC. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 SMOOTH BLENNY -2 VIVIPAROUS BLINNY -3 SPOTTED BLENNY or Gunnel-Fish -4, 5, 6 THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH - (Three illustrations.) -7 SUCKER of THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH] - - - - -XXIV. - - -One of the best _bons mots_ that I ever remember to have read was -entitled, 'Punch's Address to the Ocean'-- - - 'With all thy faults I love thee _still_.' - -Any landsman who finds himself occupying a seat in a fishing-smack or -oyster-boat while a stiffish breeze is blowing will, I am sure, with -great mental fervour echo the above sentiment. - -For myself, I can never take even a short trip on the water without -experiencing some unpleasantness--proving to me that the sea is not 'my -element.' Still, I am one of those to whom the 'salt ocean' is endeared -by early recollections, having been, when a child, frequently among the -aged and mutilated veterans of our country who vegetate on the banks of -the 'silver Thames.' - -From the tobacco-stained mouths of some of these old blue-jackets (all -of whom, I may mention, according to their own account, had fought -'alongside of the _galyant_ Nelson'), many strange stories have been -poured into my eager and willing ears, and even now a thrill of delight -is evoked when any of these 'yarns' rise to remembrance. Still, the -truth must be told: ever since I narrowly escaped drowning by plumping -into the water backwards, from leaning against the _unsnibbed_-door of -a bathing-machine, and at another time from being in a boat that, to -my intense horror and dismay, had sprung a leak--I have enjoyed the -sea best when my feet are on dry land; in other words, I like to view -the 'world of fluid matter,' in its various phases, from a distant and -perfectly safe point of view. Nay more, I can always better appreciate -certain of its beauties (at all events during winter time) when seated -by a warm fireside. - -When lately in such a cosy position, my thoughts reverted to the -marvellous operations ever going on within the liquid walls of the -great deep. There artifices and stratagems, robbery and murder, and -cannibalism in its worst forms continually occur. On the other hand, -there may be scenes of courtship, touching instances of maternal -affection, such as, were they chronicled, would make our hearts bleed -with truest sympathy. Still, the Rob Roy maxim of - - 'They should take who have the power, - And they should keep who can,' - -seems therein to be carried out with a rigour that would do honour to -the 'bold outlaw Macgregor.' Might there is generally predominant over -right. Fishes eternally prey upon each other; and for such reason, were -it not for the wonderful fecundity of these creatures (one cod-fish, -for instance, producing several millions of ova in a single season), we -should soon have the waters depopulated of all but the monsters of the -deep. - -Now, knowing that such a state of things exists--that cannibalism is -of such frequent occurrence, and the dogs of war are there ever let -loose--the inquiry naturally presented itself: Are the inhabitants of -the ocean a happy race or not? According to many writers, the answer -must be given in the affirmative; nay, more, some authors state, and -with good show of authority, too, be it observed, that _fishes are -in reality the happiest of created things_, by reason that they have -no fear or apprehension of death, nor are they subject to pain or -disease, nor, in fact, to any of those ills that _flesh_ is heir to. -These creatures cannot, of course, live for ever; but by a merciful -dispensation of Providence, their final pang endures but for an instant. - -The celebrated St. Anthony is among the believers in the consummate -happiness of the finny tribe. There is on record a discourse said to -have been preached by him to an assembly of fish, in which they are -flattered to an amazing extent. It almost rouses one's jealous ire to -find such fulsome adulation bestowed upon the lower animals, at the -expense of all other objects in nature, not excepting _man_ himself. -There is, however, such a singular force and truthfulness in some of -the expressions and sentiments which occur in the Jesuitical discourse -alluded to (given by Addison in his 'Remarks on Italy'), that I cannot -resist the temptation of quoting a few of its most prominent passages. - -We are told that St. Anthony, feeling annoyed at certain heretics not -listening devoutly to his preaching, he determined to teach them a -lesson; and for this purpose went down to the sea-shore, and called -the fishes together in the name of God, that they might hear his holy -word. The fish soon swam towards the speaker in vast shoals, and, -having ranged themselves, according to their several species, into a -very beautiful congregation, were addressed just as if they had been -rational creatures. - -The sermon commences in the following words:-- - -'My dearly-beloved Fish,--Although the infinite power and goodness -of God discovers itself in all the works of his creation, as in the -heavens, in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars--in the lower world, -in man, and in other perfect creatures,--nevertheless, the goodness of -the divine Majesty shines out in you more eminently, and appears after -a more particular manner, than in any other created beings. - -'It is from God, my beloved fish, that you have received being, life, -motion, and sense. It is he that has given you, in compliance with your -natural inclinations, the whole world of waters for your habitation. -It is he that has furnished it with lodgings, chambers, caverns, -grottoes, _and such magnificent retirements as are not to be met with -in the seats of kings or in the palaces of princes_! - -'You have the water for your dwelling--a clear, transparent element, -brighter than crystal; you can see from its deepest bottom everything -that passes on its surface. You have the eyes of a lynx or of an Argus; -you are guided by a secret and unerring principle, delighting in -everything that may be beneficial to you, and avoiding everything that -may be hurtful; you are carried on by a hidden instinct to preserve -yourselves, and to propagate your species; you obey, in all your -actions, works, and motions, the dictates and suggestions of nature, -without the least repugnance or contradiction. - -'The cold of winter and the heat of summer are alike incapable of -molesting you. A serene or a clouded sky are indifferent to you. Let -the earth abound in fruits or be cursed with scarcity, it has no -influence on your welfare. You live secure in rains and thunders, -lightnings and earthquakes; you have no concern in the blossoms of -spring or in the glowings of summer, in the fruits of autumn or in the -frosts of winter. You are not solicitous about hours or days, months or -years, the variableness of the weather or the change of seasons.' - -The saint still further 'butters his fish' by reminding them, among -other things, that they were specially favoured by God at the time of -the universal deluge, they being the only species of creatures that -were insensible of the mischief that had laid waste the whole world! He -then begs of them, as they are not provided with words, to make some -sign of reverence; give some show of gratitude, according to the best -of their capacities; express their thanks in the most becoming manner -that they are able, and be not unmindful of all the benefits which the -divine Majesty has bestowed upon them. - -He had no sooner done speaking, but behold a miracle! The fish, as -though they had been endued with reason, bowed down their heads with -all the marks of a profound devotion, and then went joyously bobbing -around with a kind of fondness, as in approval of what had been spoken -by the blessed father, St. Anthony. - -Many of the heretics, as a matter of course, were converted at -beholding the miracle; and the polite and pious little fishes, having -received his benediction, were dismissed by the saint. - -Shakspeare authoritatively asserts that-- - - 'Travellers ne'er do lie, -Though fools at home condemn them.' - -Here I beg to differ with the sweet Bard of Avon, who, I am sure, would -have retracted his statement had he read the above fishy discourse, -and also the following among many other strange anecdotes which are -published regarding the 'denizens of the deep.' - -An Eastern traveller tells us that, 'in a certain river whose waters -flow from Mount Caucasus into the Euxine, there arrives every year a -great quantity of fish.' This information not being particularly novel -in regard to most rivers, will fail to excite surprise in the mind of -the reader. A different result, however, will follow when he hears -that, according to Abon-el-Cassim, 'The people cut off all the flesh on -one side of those inhabitants of the deep, and let them go. Well, the -year following,' as this veracious writer avers, 'the same creatures -return and offer the other side, which they had preserved untouched; it -is then discovered that new flesh has replaced the old!' - -This account reminds us of the tale of the traveller who reported that -he had seen a cabbage, under whose leaves a whole regiment of soldiers -were sheltered from a shower of rain. Another, who was no traveller -(but the wiser man), said he had passed by a place where there were -four hundred braziers making a cauldron--two hundred within, and two -hundred without beating the nails in. The traveller, asking for what -use that huge cauldron was, he told him, 'Sir, it was to boil your -cabbage!' A wittily severe, but deserved rebuke. - -There are many other statements regarding fishes which, although -curious, are, nevertheless, to a certain extent true. - -The Chinese, for instance, who breed large quantities of the well-known -gold-fish, call them, it is said, with a whistle to receive their food. -Sir Joseph Banks used to collect his fish by sounding a small gong; and -Carew, the historian of Cornwall, brought his grey Mullet together to -be fed by making a noise with two sticks. - -In spite of these accounts, there are many writers who affirm that -_fishes do not possess the sense of hearing at all_; and certainly -a belief that these creatures are gifted with such a faculty is not -necessary, in my opinion, in order to explain the above-mentioned -phenomenon. - -At the fountains, in the gardens of Versailles, the writer has seen -numbers of fishes flocking together and anxiously waiting for the -subscriptions of the visitors. Now, had a bell been rung, these -animals, doubtless, would have appeared at the edge of the fountain as -usual; but had the bell _not_ been sounded, and any human figure been -visible, they would have taken up the self-same position. - -I have, at various times, kept packs of fishes (Blennies, &c.), and -tamed them, so that each member would feed out of my hand. For some -time I used to attract them to the side of the vessel in which, they -resided by striking a wine glass with a small stick; but I also noted -that if I made myself visible, and remained silent, while handing down -a few fish mouthfuls, that the whole pack followed as readily as if I -had sounded the mimic gong. Nay, whether I offered any bribe or not, -and silently approached their crystal abode, the whole family would -immediately flock in great haste towards me. - -The tameness of these little creatures was somewhat remarkable. On -numberless occasions I have taken them up in the palm of my hand, -without the slightest opposition on their part, and then stroked and -smoothed them on the back, as I would do a bird. At such times they -made a kind of musical chirp, expressive of pleasurable emotion, and -seemed in no hurry to escape into their native element even when I laid -my hand in the water. - -Such delightful confidence was always rewarded with some dainty. - -Dr. Warwick relates an instance of instinct and intelligence in the -Pike, which is so remarkable that I am sure my readers will be pleased -to be made acquainted with it. I am the more induced to transfer it -to these pages, from the remarks with which the doctor closes his -narrative. From reasons stated above, the reader will be prepared to -learn that I do not consider the statements therein advanced--that -fishes are really sensible to sound--by any means conclusive. - -When residing at Dunham, the seat of the Earl of Stamford and -Warrington, he (Dr. Warwick), was walking one evening in the park, -and came to a pond where fish intended for the table were temporarily -kept. He took particular notice of a fine pike of about six pounds -weight, which, when it observed him, darted hastily away. In so doing -it struck its head against a tenterhook in a post (of which there were -several in the pond, placed to prevent poaching), and, as it afterwards -appeared, fractured its skull, and turned the optic nerve on one side. -The agony evinced by the animal appeared most horrible. It rushed to -the bottom, and boring its head into the mud, whirled itself round with -such velocity that it was almost lost to sight for a short interval. -It then plunged about the pond, and at length threw itself completely -out of the water on to the bank. He (the doctor) went and examined it, -and found that a very small portion of the brain was protruding from -the fracture in the skull. He then carefully replaced this, and with a -small silver toothpick raised the indented portion of the skull. The -fish remained still for a short time, and he then put it again in the -pond. It appeared at first a good deal relieved, but in a few minutes -it again darted and plunged about until it threw itself out of the -water a second time. A second time Dr. Warwick did what he could to -relieve it, and again put it in the water. It continued for several -times to throw itself out of the pond, and with the assistance of the -keeper, the doctor at length made a kind of pillow for the fish, which -was then left in the pond to its fate. Upon making his appearance at -the pond on the following morning, the pike came towards him to the -edge of the water, and actually laid its head upon his foot. The doctor -thought this most extraordinary, but he examined the fish's skull and -found it going on all right. He then walked backwards and forwards, -along the edge of the pond for some time, and the fish continued to -swim up and down, turning whenever he turned; but being blind on the -wounded side of its skull, it always appeared agitated when it had that -side toward the bank, as it could not then see its benefactor. On the -next day he took some young friends down to see the fish, which came -to him as usual, and at length he actually taught the pike to come -to him at his whistle, and feed out of his hands. With other persons -it continued as shy as fish usually are. He (Dr. Warwick) thought -this a most remarkable instance of gratitude in a fish for a benefit -received, and as it always came at his whistle, _it proved also what he -had previously, with other naturalists, disbelieved, that fishes are -sensible to sound_. (?) - -On hunting among the rock-pools by the sea-shore, several peculiar -little fishes are frequently to be found, and although some of them -cannot be considered suitable for the aquarium, still, for the reader's -information, it may be as well that I devote a brief space to a -description of the peculiarities of each. - -By far the most interesting of all the finny occupants of the -rock-pool, is, to my taste, the Smooth Blenny, or, as it is variously -termed, Shanny, or Tansy. It is also more abundant than many other -species, and may therefore be readily captured during summer. The -Blenny varies from two to five inches in length. The back is ornamented -with exquisite markings, but the most characteristic features are the -peculiar bluntness of the head, and the brilliant crimson dot both on -and immediately beneath the eyes. - -Although easily tamed, the Blenny, in his native haunts, appears to -be the most timid of animals, darting with the rapidity of lightning -to the shelter of some stone or overhanging weeds at the remotest -indication of approaching footsteps, or the faintest shadow of a human -form being cast on the water. - -When desirous to procure a specimen, it is best to choose as small a -pool as you can for your hunt. Drop in your net at one end, and as the -Shanny precipitately retreats to the other, give him chase. Having -arrived at the extremity of his domain, he will endeavour to hide among -the weeds, but if you hold your net across the pool with one hand, and -with the other lift up a stone or beat the bushes, the little fellow -will become greatly excited, and darting out, of course, unwillingly, -falls into the snare prepared for him. - -Having gained your prize, do not handle it, but placing your finger -under the net, tilt it over the mouth of the bottle, and allow the -Blenny to fall as gently as possible into the water. You need be under -no uneasiness after introducing him to the aquarium about the nature of -his diet. He is far from being epicurean in his tastes. I supply mine -according to my whim at the moment, with whatever is at hand, a bit of -fowl, roast beef, or the like. - -The only caution I adopt when giving animal food to the Blenny is to -remove all traces of fat. I mince their food into minute particles, and -having sufficiently moistened it, I place a morsel upon a hair pencil. -This attention to their comforts the Blennies soon learn to appreciate, -and will, after a while, display at meal times the sagacity of larger -animals. - -Perhaps the simplest plan to adopt is to cut open a mussel and throw -it into the tank. A considerable deal of amusement, moreover, is often -to be obtained by watching the fishes engaged at such a meal. How -they toss the valves of the Mytilus about, and snap at each other's -tails! How vexed they become if by accident the shelly dish is turned -topsy-turvy, and resists all their manÅ“uvres to reverse it so as -to get at the meat! The valves of a large mussel will sometimes be -literally cleaned out by some half dozen Blennies in the course of an -hour. - -I have noticed a singular fact in connection with the Blenny--namely, -_that they do not all increase in size as they grow older_. Out of five -that I kept domesticated for more than two years, one specimen remained -at the end of that period of the same size as when I first made its -acquaintance in a rock-pool by the sea-shore, while its companions had -greatly increased their proportions. But let me in justice add, that -if my little finny pet failed to increase in corpulency, it gained -largely in intelligence. Who is there that has not seen children, short -in stature, and comparatively old in years, who deserve the epithet -applied to them by the vulgar, of 'little--but _knowing_.' This remark -would apply with great truth to my 'little Dombey' fish. - -Before becoming expert in carrying out the plan (which will be fully -detailed hereafter) for clarifying the water of an aquarium which has -become opaque from superabundant vegetative growth, I had to submit to -many annoying failures. Thus it was in a certain instance. - -I had cleaned out my tank, refilled it with partially purified water, -and again inserted the various animals constituting my 'stock.' -Emboldened by the success which had attended my operations, I thought a -still further dose of diluted acid might be added, in order thoroughly -to remove the greenish hue of the water. A few minutes showed me -the folly of not letting well alone, for soon flakes of discharged -vegetation were precipitated to the base of the vessel, covering it -with a coating of fur. - -The poor Blennies speedily showed signs of distress, and changed -colour, as they generally do, upon the most trifling cause. Instead of -dark brown or black, their bodies appeared of a yellowish tint, spotted -with white. Such a change was lovely to the eye, but, alas! it was-- - - 'The loveliness in death, -Which parts not quite with parting breath.' - -The little creatures jumped and dived about in all directions, all -their motions being extremely violent. I quickly perceived the error -which had been committed, and, moreover, discovered to my chagrin that -such error could not possibly be rectified for some time, on account of -my not having by me any reserve of pure salt water. Taking several of -the fishes in my hand, I stroked their backs with a camel-hair pencil, -and was pleased to find that as their alarm subsided their natural -hue returned. My being obliged to place my pets in their unhappy and -pestilential home again was, as the reader may suppose, a source of -regret to me; but I had some hopes that they might by chance survive, -and become used to the 'vapour of their dungeon,' at all events until -such time as I could hasten to the sea-side and procure a new supply -of water. My expectations of such a result were built upon the fact, -that although four of the fishes had changed colour, the small Blenny -still retained its natural hue. How did this happen? it will be asked. -I answer, by little Dombey (doing as his brethren had always hitherto -done in similar circumstances) leaping on to a ledge of rock that -projected out of the water, and there breathing the fresh air in safety. - -On the following morning I peeped into the vessel, and saw by their -upturned gills that all my finny proteges were dead! - - 'All my pretty ones? -Did I say all?' - -All except the smallest of the pack, he was still dressed in his sombre -coat, and gracefully reclining upon the rocky couch above mentioned. - -How thankfully he received the breakfast that I temptingly offered upon -the tips of my feeding brush, and how grateful he seemed to be, when, -after the lapse of a few hours, I was enabled to let him float again in -his pure native element, a fresh supply of which had been procured with -as little delay as possible! - -The Viviparous Blenny differs from the other British Blennies 'in the -circumstance to which its name refers--that of bringing forth its young -alive, which seem perfectly able to provide for themselves from the -moment they are excluded.' - -It is a most gentle, graceful-looking fish, but as far as my experience -goes, one that is impossible to tame, or rather, I should say, -embolden. All my efforts to domesticate various specimens have proved -unavailing; and in spite of the most earnest and kindly attention, -they have generally pined away and died within a week after their -introduction to the aquarium. - -From the illustration on Plate 12 the reader will have no difficulty -in recognising the original, should he by chance meet with it hiding -among the tangle, or beneath the stones by the sea-shore. - -The spotted Blenny, Butter-Fish, or Gunnel-Fish, as it is variously -termed, is found lurking under stones in the same places as the -preceding. In the north of Scotland it is called 'cloachs,' and is used -extensively as a bait for larger fish. When disturbed, it wriggles its -body about in the muddy bottom of the rock-pool like an eel, for which, -indeed, it is occasionally mistaken. - -Its length varies from three to nine inches; the depth only half an -inch; the sides very much compressed and extremely thin. - -The dorsal fin consists of seventy-eight short spiny rays, and runs the -length of the back almost to the tail. The most conspicuous feature in -the Gunnel-Fish are the eleven round spots which occur at the top of -the back, and reach the lower half of the dorsal fin; they are black, -half encircled by white. - -The tail is rounded, and of a yellow colour. The back and sides are of -a deep olive; the belly whitish. - -In its young state I have had this fish live in my aquarium for several -months, but it never seemed to be happy or contented. - -The Five Bearded Rockling is almost as great a favourite with the -writer as the Smooth Blenny. It is a very pretty fish, and may be -easily tamed. In the course of a week I trained one to feed out of my -hand, and when I put my finger in the water the fish would rub against -it with its head, just as a favourite cat frequently does against the -leg of a person with whom it is very familiar; moreover, if I moved the -intruding digit with a circular motion through the water, the Rockling -would waltz round the tip with evident signs of pleasure. - -This fish is often found in tide-pools, and may readily be identified -by the prominent appendages attached to its head, to the presence of -which, the Rockling owes its familiar appellation. - -The Goby (_Gobius unipunctatus_), or, as it is more popularly termed, -One-Spotted Goby, is frequently found inhabiting the same pool as the -Blenny or the Rockling. The distinguishing character of this pretty -creature is the black spot which is situated between the fifth and -sixth ray of the first dorsal fin. Its length is usually about one, or -one and a half inches; specimens have, however, sometimes been found on -the shores of the Frith of Forth, that measured nearly three inches. - -The colour of the Goby is very changeable. If the animal is labouring -under excitement, its body assumes a deep brownish tint, approaching -in some instances to black; this gives place to brown, drab, and even -amber, or yellowish white. - -The Goby possesses the power of attaching its body to any object by -means of its ventral fins, which become united together in the form of -a funnel. - -Another species (_Gobius bipunctatus_), or Two-Spotted Goby, is -generally found among the _Fuci_, in rocky situations. Its name is -derived from a dark spot which is distinctly apparent on each side, -near to the origin of the pectoral fin. - -The head and upper part of the body is dark brown,--the under part of -the head and belly white or pale drab. - -Allusion has already been made to the peculiarity of the Gobies -affixing their bodies to rocks or other substances, by means of a -sucker formed by the junction of the ventral fins. The adhesive power -in question, which this class of creatures possess, is very limited -as compared with that which is exercised by the true sucker fishes, -and especially by the members of a certain species, whose bodies are -furnished with two distinct organs of adhesion. - -The extraordinary adhesive powers of the Lump-Sucker, for instance, -have been tested by several writers. One observer states, that a fish -of moderate size has been known to suspend a weight of above 20 lbs., -upon which it had accidentally fastened itself. Mr. Pennant says still -more, for he has known that, in flinging a fish of this kind just -caught into a pail of water, it fixed itself so firmly to the bottom, -that, on taking it by the tail, the pail was lifted up, though it -contained several gallons of water. - -To descend from the largest to the smallest species, we arrive at the -Montague Sucker-Fish, or, as it is sometimes called, the Diminutive -Sucker, one of the most interesting little creatures to be met with -at the sea-shore. At the coast near Edinburgh I have met with many -specimens, equally well in the spring or winter season, as during -the summer months. At such locality this species may therefore be -pronounced common; yet it is comparatively unknown to most 'collectors' -in the neighbourhood. Many, indeed, contend that my designation is -erroneous. But having taken considerable pains to satisfy my mind upon -the subject, I have no hesitation whatever in stating that the little -fish in question is identical with that of the Montague Sucker. - -Donovan, in his 'Natural History of British Fishes,'[19] was the first -to illustrate and publish an account of this _petite_ gem of ocean. -His figures are copied from drawings made by Colonel Montague, who -also furnished the description of the specimen delineated. With the -important exception of the sucker--an organ of adhesion which is very -nearly correct--the general appearance of the Diminutive Sucker-Fish -as figured, is not at all satisfactory. Perhaps this is not to be -wondered at, when we remember that the specimen from which the sketches -were taken was very small indeed. Moreover, it was diaphanous, and is -depicted as being principally transparent, spotted, and tinged with -pink. - -[19] This splendid work, which was published in five volumes, between -the years 1802-8, contains 120 exquisite illustrations, all, _with -the solitary exception, unfortunately, of the Montague Sucker-Fish_, -accurately drawn and coloured from living specimens, procured at vast -trouble by the author. - -The Diminutive Sucker, in its adult state, is said to be from two to -three inches in length; consequently Colonel Montague's first specimen -must have been an extremely young one. - -The usual colour is deep orange, varied with minute dark spots. The -under parts of the body and throat are of flesh colour; the centre of -the sucker being faintly tinged with crimson. - -I have seldom met with specimens measuring more than one, or one and a -quarter inches. It is a marked peculiarity in this Sucker-Fish, that -when adhering to any substance it has a constant habit of curving the -tail towards the head. In such position it will remain motionless for -several hours. - -There is little difficulty in capturing the Montague Sucker in its -native haunts. It does not possess the power of darting to and fro with -the speed of the Blenny, or most other fishes, but progresses through -the liquid element with a peculiar quivering motion. - -It is not a fish that can be recommended for the aquarium. A fortnight -to three weeks is the longest time that I have been able to keep a -specimen alive; indeed, until I adopted the plan of allowing each -little captive to remain quiet and undisturbed in a dark and shady -place, death ensued in the course of one or two days. - -My illustrations (Plate 12) having been carefully drawn and coloured -from a living specimen, the student will, I trust, find no difficulty -in recognising the Diminutive Sucker, should he be so fortunate as to -meet with it in a rocky pool. - -'There is also a fish called the Sticklebag, a fish without scales, but -hath his body fenced with several prickles. I know not where he dwells -in winter, nor what he is good for in summer, but only to make sport -for boys and _women anglers_.' Thus contemptuously does dear old Izaak -speak of the Sticklebag, or Stickleback, as it is now termed, one of -the most amusing and interesting members of the finny tribe. I have -frequently transferred specimens of the Stickleback from fresh water to -salt water, and found them live quite as well in the latter as in the -former. - -The contrast, however, between the appearance of the three spined -Stickleback, when first taken from the sea, and one captured in the -fresh water pond is very remarkable. The first is dressed in a gorgeous -coat of varied colours. Around the mouth and belly it is bright -crimson, on the upper part of its body various tints of green prevail; -while in the pond specimen no red colour is visible at all, but only -white blended with green. - -In addition to _Gasterosteus aculeatus_, whom we have above alluded -to, there is another species, _G. spinachia_, or Fifteen-Spined -Stickleback, which is also an inhabitant of rock-pools by the -sea-shore, but unlike the first-mentioned, is never found in fresh -water. Both species possess one peculiarity in common, a description of -which will form an appropriate conclusion to this chapter. I allude to -their nest-building habits, which has only of late years been proved to -exist, although Aristotle has recorded the same fact regarding a fish -(_Phycis_) in the Mediterranean Sea, which was known to make a nest and -deposit its spawn therein. - -The duties of mason and architect are invariably undertaken by the -male Stickleback. His materials are of course very limited, still his -labours are skilfully and even artistically performed. Having chosen a -suitable spot as a foundation for his house, he collects some delicate -sea-weeds, gravel and sand, and with these materials, aided by a -glutinous fluid which is given off from his body, the house is built. -When completed, and not before, he seeks out his mate, and invites -her to take possession of her newly formed home. If she shows any -affectation or coquetishness, he does not hesitate to nip hold of her -tail, and urge her forward by equally expressive signs. Soon, like a -dutiful little pet, she enters, and having deposited spawn, retires -again, leaving her lord and master to guard the casket and its living -treasure. This task, though extremely arduous, he adopts with pride and -gratification. - -How so small a creature can bear up so long under such a state -of apparent excitement appears marvellous. His assiduity is most -extraordinary. By night he rests beside the nest, and by day, if he can -possibly hinder it, he allows nothing to approach. When there are other -members of the Stickleback family in the aquarium, numerous combats -are sure to ensue, for as the young and transparent offspring of one -fish are deemed a great dainty by the non-parental body, the latter -invariably endeavour to satisfy their cannibal propensities at the -harrowing expense of their neighbours. - -When the spawn are hatched, fresh care devolves upon the parent, in -order to keep them within the nursery, and protect them from the greedy -mouths of the larger fish, always on the look-out for tit-bits. Should -one of the little fishlings stray beyond the prescribed bounds, the -watchful parent darts after it, and in an instant his jaws close over -the wanderer apparently for ever, but in fact only for a time, for -swimming quickly back the old fish puffs out the straggler into its -nest lively and uninjured. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -On the Formation of an Aquarium, &c. - - -'And so I end this little book, hoping, even praying that it may -encourage a few more labourers to go forth into a vineyard which those -who have toiled in it know to be full of ever fresh health, and wonder, -and simple joy, and the presence and the glory of Him whose name is -Love.'--C. KINGSLEY. - - - - -[Illustration: A SKETCH FROM NATURE - -1 Mussels attached by their byssus threads to the glass -2 Fronds of _Chondrus chrispus_ -3 Fronds of _Delesseria Sanguinea_ -4 Fronds of _Ulva latissima_] - - - - -XXV. - - -No ornament for the drawing-room or parlour can possibly be more -beautiful than a well-stocked and tastefully-arranged aquarium; nor is -there one likely to be productive of a greater amount of pleasure and -amusement. And it is instructive as well as amusing, for by means of -it the statements of writers relative to the habits of certain marine -animals may be verified by personal observation, and even difficult -problems in natural history satisfactorily solved. Aided by one of -these 'mimic oceans,' let the reader commence the practical study of -marine zoology, and I have little fear of his ever becoming tired of it. - -'Age cannot wither it, nor custom stale - Its infinite variety.' - -When pursued even in the most humble way, this recreation yields a -degree of interest greater than any other 'hobby' can produce, at least -in an equal space of time. If engaged in business during the day, the -student can always devote an hour morning or evening to the aquarium, -and when least expected, some circumstance will take place to excite -his wonder, and fill his mind with deep and devout reflection. -Moreover, the young naturalist will undoubtedly derive pleasure from -his endeavours to establish published facts relative to many of his -little prisoners; pleasure in noting down any interesting anecdote that -may occur; pleasure in knowing that his time is being profitably spent; -and above all, that he is making himself acquainted with objects framed -with marvellous skill and care by the hand of the Almighty:-- - -'Wonderful indeed are all His works, - Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all - Had in remembrance, always with delight.' - -Without further preface, I shall now proceed to offer some practical -hints relative to the establishment of a marine aquarium. And, as some -of my readers may be perfectly unacquainted with the subject, I shall -treat it in as simple a style as possible. If, however, the experienced -zoologist will kindly follow me to the end of the chapter, it may be -that he will find some hints sufficiently new and useful to repay him -for his trouble. - -First, then, in regard to the tank. This indispensable requisite may be -procured at certain shops in almost every town in the United Kingdom. -Its price varies from two or three shillings to £20. The expensive -kinds are generally oblong in form, but their construction being -somewhat intricate, they are apt to get out of order, unless made by -skilful and thoroughly competent artistes. Under certain circumstances, -there is no doubt that an oblong tank of moderate dimensions is a great -desideratum; but what I wish particularly to impress upon the mind of -the reader is, that a large tank is not at all necessary in order to -study the habits of marine animals; indeed, the more capacious the -vessel, the more difficult becomes the task of watching the secret -movements of any of its occupants. On this account it not unfrequently -happens that a common glass tumbler becomes of much greater service to -the student than the most elaborate aquarium. - -The tanks which I use are circular in form, the largest being not more -than sixteen inches in diameter, by seven inches in depth. Its cost -was four shillings. Each one rests on a base of mahogany, elevated on -turned legs to a height of nine inches. - -Some persons object to the circular tank, on the ground that its -occupants when seen from the sides appear magnified. This fact, as -I have elsewhere remarked, is rather a recommendation with me, as -it presents more distinct views of each movement in the vessel, and -whenever I wish to see the objects of their natural size, I can do so -by looking in from the top. - -On the edge of the tank are placed three chips of gutta percha in which -are inserted three steel pins with brass heads; on these there is -laid a circular piece of common glass, cut two inches larger than the -diameter of the tank. As the 'pins' are about three-quarters of an inch -above the tank, they allow a current of air to pass over the water, -and also prevent, to a certain extent, particles of dust from falling -in. On the edge of the movable lid I _paste_ some crimson lace, which -serves for ornament, and also prevents the glass from cutting the hand -of any person moving it about. Sometimes I have a circular piece, about -four inches in diameter, cut out of the centre of the glass lid, which -allows the latter to be lifted off easily. - -A glass syringe to aerate the water occasionally, a camel-hair pencil, -an ivory crotchet pin, and a pair of gutta percha forceps, complete the -whole machinery of the aquarium, the cost of which is so trifling that -the poorest person might manage to procure them. - -One great point in favour of an aquarium, and one by no means generally -understood is, that having once filled the tank with salt water, it -will last for months, and even years, if proper care be taken, without -requiring one particle of sea-water to be again added; for as the water -evaporates, the salt falls to the bottom, and the deficiency may be -supplied with _fresh_ water from the cistern or filter. In order to -ascertain when the sea-water is of the proper density, you require -to have a 'gravity bubble,' which can be had for sixpence. This may -always be kept in the tank. When 'all's well' it sinks to the bottom, -and when anything comes amiss it rises to the surface, but falls again -quickly upon the introduction of the fresh water.[20] - -[20] _Vide_ author's "Sea-side and Aquarium." - -A more simple plan is, to mark on the glass the height of the fluid -when the tank is first filled, then as the water sinks, raise it again -to its original level by means of fresh water. - -Many persons decline starting an aquarium on account of the great -difficulty of procuring a proper supply of sea-water. This objection, -of course, can be offered only by those who happen to reside inland; -but even these need not now be discouraged, for an ingenious plan has -lately been devised for sending the commodity in question through the -post! - -Mr. Bolton, chemist, Holborn Bars, London, supplies, not sea-water, but -'marine salts for the instantaneous production of sea-water,' About six -ounces is sufficient to make a gallon, by the application of _fresh_ -water. The saline material here alluded to, is not an artificial -chemical compound, but is produced by the simple process of evaporating -sea-water itself. Those individuals so fortunate as to possess a marine -villa, or any other more humble residence at or near the sea-coast, -have no occasion to resort to the scheme above-mentioned for filling -their tanks, a pure supply of sea-water being attainable with scarcely -any trouble whatever. A stone jar should be kept for this purpose only, -and care taken that the vessel is perfectly free from any smell, as -that of spirits, dirty corks, or the like, as any such impurity would -quickly spoil the water. - -It may not be uninteresting to some of my readers to know, that in -France an aquarium cannot be established with the same ease as in -England. In the former country 'the whole contents of the sea itself -is a contraband article,--that is, the contents of the salt sea of -the English Channel or the Atlantic Ocean.' One writer tells us, that -staying on the French coast, he kept sea-anemones alive in glasses, -but was frequently warned by his friends to be careful how he fetched -water from the sea, lest the custom-officers should interrupt him. 'My -bottle,' to use the writer's own words, 'being very small, they let -it pass, on the principle that the law does not care about extremest -trifles; had it been a pailful, the case would have been different. A -lady keeping a marine aquarium, explained her wants to the local head -of the customs. He came and saw it--found it beautiful, and being a -gentlemanly man, with some love for natural history, he gave a written -order for the procuring of any reasonable quantity of water from the -sea. Every time the needful element was brought from the shore, it was -accompanied by its passport, as formally as if it had been a cask of -wine, or a suspicious stranger. French salt sellers thus enjoy the -height of protection; they are protected even from their colossal -competitor, the sea!' - -I do not know a prettier sight than that exhibited by a healthy -aquarium on a fine summer's day; the effect of the sunshine upon it -being to cause innumerable bubbles of oxygen--that look like balls of -quicksilver--to form on every weed, shell, and smallest pebble. On -looking through the transparent sides of the vessel, small particles -hitherto resting on its base, may be seen slowly arising to the -surface of the water, each buoyed up by a miniature gas balloon. The -broad, ribbon like fronds of the ulva, from the self-same cause, float -upwards, and reflect a beauteous emerald hue upon all objects that lie -beneath; while the glass bulb, placed in the tank as before stated, to -denote the density of the water, at such a time belies its mission, -and covered with numerous argent globules, mounts gracefully in -companionship with the sea-weed, until shades of evening approach, when -its buoyancy gradually subsides, and once more it falls to its original -resting-place. - -Wherever the above phenomenon is apparent, rest assured that the -aquarium is in good condition. It is, in fact, to the oxygen thus given -out by the plants and infant vegetation that the animals owe their -existence. If no algæ were introduced, the water would become impure, -and unless changed often, your little colony would surely die,--at -least those of its members who were unable to rise above the fluid, and -occasionally breathe the fresh air. - -The secret herein involved, that animal and vegetable respirations -counterbalance each other, has only of late years been discovered; yet -it is apparent to any observing eye at the sea-shore; there we never -meet with a rock-pool containing living animals, that is not more or -less adorned with sea-weeds. - -The green Lettuce Ulva, so abundant in rock-pools, the sea-grass, which -covers almost every fixed object at the sea-shore, or the well-known -dulse or Chondrus Crispus, form the only sea-weeds that it is necessary -to introduce into an aquarium. In fact, one or two fronds of the Ulva -Latissima alone, will answer perfectly well to purify the water of even -a comparatively large tank. I have often been surprised to find how -small a quantity of algæ was required for the purpose mentioned. After -allowing a single frond to float for a few days in a tank, in which -some sea-water was newly deposited, I took it out, and for an entire -twelvemonth the water remained healthy and as clear as crystal. - -The arrangement of the 'stock' of an aquarium is quite a matter of -taste; perhaps no two persons adopt precisely the same plan. It may, -therefore, be advisable, as this matter is so arbitrary, for the writer -to state how his own tanks are mapped out, leaving it to his readers -to imitate the arrangements, or adopt a style of their own as they may -think proper. - -At one time I used to make a grounding of sand, but this plan is not -to be recommended, even though it be one highly approved of by several -species of crabs, &c. White pebbles do very well, but I now prefer to -cover the base of the tank with crushed shells, washed very clean. - -The following is a sketch of one of my tanks as it at present stands:-- - -In the centre of the vessel is a _semi-circular arch_, formed of pure -white Sicilian marble, which has to my eye a most pleasing appearance. -Around it, and indeed over the entire floor of the tank, are strewn -chippings of the same material as the centre piece itself.[21] From -the arch, at certain intervals, hang various sized specimens of the -_Mytilus edulis_, which have gradually advanced to their more or less -elevated positions entirely by their own unaided exertions. Near hand -a hardy _A. mesembryanthemum_ has taken up his abode, and sits with -ever expanded tentacles, motionless and happy. On either side of -the Anemone is deposited a riband of Doris spawn, that undulates to -and fro whenever by any chance the water is in the slightest degree -disturbed. Several soldier crabs, of course, act as sentinels of the -tank, and appear to be ever 'on duty,' marching about in all parts -of their subaqueous habitation; while beneath the marble fragments -repose, each with his 'weather eye' open, a small _Maia squinado_, two -long-armed crabs, and a small _Carcinus mænas_. On the sides of the -vase rest a Limpet, a Trochus, and two fine Periwinkles, with skin -of glossy blackness. The shells of either 'Buckie' is covered with -myriads of quicksilver globules, that rest on the tips of the young -and rising vegetation like dew upon the bladed grass. As I write, -upon the inner surface of the water, like a fly upon the ceiling of -a room, an Eolis and two pearly white Dorides lie idly floating in -close companionship. Beneath them, upon the verge of the aperture of a -large empty whelk shell, sits a pretty, cream-coloured Plumose Anemone -(_A. dianthus_). On two blocks of stone repose several specimens of -that mysterious animal the Pholas, who, by my unkindness, are thus -made to become members of the marine 'houseless poor.' Several young -specimens of these bivalves are seated, in a piece of rock, and daily -engaged in 'boring.' A stick of wood, formerly the slender twig of -a tree, is thickly clustered with fairy-handed acorn barnacles and -serpulæ, and being placed against the glass, the movements of these -singularly beautiful creatures can be watched with ease. Then there are -two Star-fishes, a pack of three little Blennies, and a Five-bearded -Rockling, whose singular movements I have previously alluded to. -Against the arch some fronds of ulva are anchored, while at chosen -spots specimens of delicate sea-weeds are also fixed--these rising up, -and being magnified through the sides of the vase, have a pleasing -effect, even to the eye of a child. - -[21] The arch was cut from one of the waste pieces, of which there are -always a large number, lying in a marble mason's yard, and cost but a -few pence. The 'chippings' may be had in most cases for the trouble of -carrying them away. - -It is a pretty sight to watch the fishes glide under and around the -marble arch, or throw themselves upon its highest point, there to enjoy -the fresh air, and have a pleasant 'crack' together. This expression is -literally correct, for the Blennies, when thus situated, usually make a -kind of noise not inaptly expressed by snapping the nail of the thumb -and finger together. - -The foregoing animals which constitute the entire stock of one tank, -are, I am proud to state, all in a healthy condition, and if we may -judge by appearances, all contented and happy. It will be from no fault -of mine if they do not long continue thus, and exhibit no signs of -yearning for their native haunts by the sea-shore. - -'Those gay watery grots-- - Small excavations on a rocky shore, - That seem like fairy baths or mimic wells, - Richly embossed with choicest weed and shells, - As if her trinkets nature chose to hide - Where nought invaded but the flowing tide.' - -In another tank I have introduced as a centre object a fine piece of -white coral, the higher branches of which rise above the surface of the -water. The roughness of the coral seems to be much approved of by many -of the animals, who are not slow to avail themselves of the facility -thus afforded them of climbing and otherwise exercising their peculiar -propensities. When purchasing coral, care must be taken to procure a -specimen that has not undergone any cleaning process, for although such -may be more pleasing to the eye, it is not so suitable for a 'centre -piece' as the cream-coloured, and less expensive coral. - -A third aquarium which I possess is fitted up in a somewhat novel -style, which offers, for certain purposes, some slight advantages over -others that I have seen employed. It can be adopted in almost any kind -of tank; but the one under consideration is circular in form, and is, -in fact, a bell-shaped inverted fern glass, the knob of which is sunk -into a stand of wood supported on three legs. - -The plan alluded to, which was suggested to the writer by an ingenious -friend,[22] consists of the introduction of a floating centre piece -composed of gutta percha, which serves as a resting place for various -small animals, such as Actiniæ, Mussels, Barnacles, Serpulæ, and -even Pholades and Cockles. At the base of the vessel, which is quite -uncovered, rest sundry members of the crustaceous family, whilst -fishes of various kinds swim freely about over the entire vessel free -from all annoyance. - -[22] Mr. Walter Hardie of Edinburgh, who has been my companion in many -a delightful excursion among the rock-pools of the shores of the Frith -of Forth, and to whom I feel myself greatly indebted for much valuable -information relative to the subject of marine zoology. - -The question will doubtless be asked, 'How can I procure the centre -piece here spoken of?' I answer, Make it yourself; a little skill -combined with patience and gutta percha being all that is required. The -following directions will serve to aid the young reader who may wish to -test his manipulative powers. - -Procure a thin piece of gutta percha, and lay it in hot water for a few -minutes until it is thoroughly soft and pliable. Then get a globe--an -orange will do if nothing better offers--and cover it with the above -material. Having done this, throw it into cold water, and when hard, -cut the fruit in two, so as to leave the gutta percha cast to the shape -of each half. - -Next make a circular tray about eight or nine inches in diameter, and -turn up its edge about half an inch all round. Then heat the brim of -each cup, and fasten them to the centre of the upper and under part of -the 'tray.' The structure will then float in water. This, however, is -not all that you want, as your centre piece must always be entirely -immersed. First bore a few holes in the tray, then fix a pretty shell, -with a hole in it, to the base of the lower 'cup,' and also form a loop -of gutta percha, from which to suspend, by means of a piece of silk, a -fragment of stone or marble of sufficient bulk to balance the centre -piece, and sink it an inch or two below the surface of the water. -At the centre of the upper cup fasten a small piece of gutta percha -tube, at the end of which the valve of a Pecten may be attached as an -ornament. The whole structure must be gently warmed and entirely coated -with fine sand; then tastefully decorated with shells and fronds of -green Ulva, and the crimson Delesseria Sanguinea. - -Sometimes I introduce a globe of glass as a buoy, and to its centre -attach the tray of gutta percha. - -A useful centre piece, a specimen of which I have had in use for -several months, may be formed thus. Make a tripod of gutta percha, on -the top of which attach the valve of a Pecten. From the centre of this -object fix a branch of coral by aid of gutta percha, in such a way that -it rises above the water in the tank. From under the shell pieces of -coral may be made to branch out in various directions. The stand should -be coated either with crushed shells or sand, to give it an ornamental -appearance. - -It is often a source of annoyance to find the base of the aquarium so -thickly covered with dirt, &c. To get rid of this great 'eye sore,' -without emptying and re-arranging the tank, I call in the aid of a very -simple and effective instrument. By its application all objectionable -matter may be gradually removed without in the slightest degree -disturbing the water, or materially displacing the objects situated at -the base of the vessel. - -The instrument mentioned is composed of a gutta percha globe, made in -the manner previously described, into one end of which is inserted -a tube of gutta percha or glass about four inches long, and at the -opposite end of the ball is introduced a second tube about eight inches -in length. - -To use this instrument, close the orifice of the longest tube, and -plunge it into the water over any spot where the debris is collected, -then by removing your finger from the end of the tube, _the impurity -will be instantly sucked up into the ball_. By again placing the finger -in its former position, the siphon may be lifted out of the tank, and -its contents allowed to run off into a jug or basin placed near for the -purpose. - -This operation must be repeated until the whole of the offending -particles are removed. Of course, more water will be drawn off than is -necessary, but it can easily be poured back into the tank as soon as -the sediment has been fully precipitated. - -Aquaria are generally much more difficult to keep in order in summer -than in winter, owing to the rapid and profuse growth of minute -vegetation which renders the water opaque and exceedingly unpleasant to -the eye. - -This ugly opacity I at one time attributed to decaying animal matter, -for I could scarcely believe that the mere increase of the algæ spores -could produce such a vile effect. Experience, however, has proved that -the latter was in reality the true cause. I tried often by syringing -the water, or drawing it off by means of the siphon, or stirring it -about in all manner of ways, to remove the objectionable muddiness, -but always without success. Limpets and Periwinkles seemed quite -useless. Nor did shutting out the rays of light for a few days have any -perceptible effect in subduing the growth of the algæ which collected -with wondrous rapidity, and arrayed each stone, shell, pebble, and even -the poor crabs, in a greenish garb. - -I was therefore under the necessity, on several occasions, of renewing -the water, and considering that my residence was several miles from the -sea-coast, this task was by no means a pleasant one. What made matters -still more provoking, was the fact that the rejected fluid seemed -perfectly free from all offensive smell. I now adopt the following -novel method for removing the opacity of the water, without the latter -being changed, and also for preventing the too abundant growth of the -algæ at all seasons. - -The plan in question (which requires, as already shown, to be carried -out with extreme caution by the inexperienced aquarianist) is merely to -dilute a small quantity of _alum_ in a wine-glass full of water, and -then mix it with the water contained in the aquarium. A pellet of alum -about the size of a pea is sufficient for the purpose, if the tank be -of moderate size. And if inserted on the first appearance of dimness -in the water, much future trouble will be saved. - -Supposing the water to have become opaque, proceed thus--Draw off a -portion into a large jug, and mix with it the diluted acid as before -stated, then let the jug remain undisturbed for about twelve hours. The -vegetation having been deposited in flakes at the base of the vessel, -the water should then be gently strained off through a piece of fine -muslin into a second receptacle, which, in its turn, should be allowed -to stand for some time, and the contents again strained as before. This -process it is advisable to repeat several times, until the whole of the -fluid in the tank has been thoroughly cleansed from impurity. - -Should the water be returned too early, an unpleasant fur coating will -appear over the entire base of the tank. This can be easily removed by -means of the siphon. Let one end of this instrument, when in action, -be passed gradually over the lower portion of the vase, and in the -course of a few minutes every sign of 'fur' will be obliterated with -the loss of but a small portion of water. When once the fluid has been -clarified in the manner here mentioned, there is little fear of the -young aquarianist being again troubled in like manner for many months, -the acid apparently preventing the algæ from being reproduced to any -such excess as hitherto. - - - - -GLOSSARY OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS. - - -Extracted principally from Professor Owen's learned work entitled, -"Lectures on the Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Invertebrate -Animals." - -=Ambulacra= (L. _ambulacrum_, an avenue, or place for walking). -The perforated series of plates in the shell of the Sea-star, or -Sea-urchin, through which the sucking-feet are protruded. - -=Acalepha= (Gr. _akalephe_, a nettle). The class of radiated animals -with soft skins which have the power of stinging like a nettle. -Commonly called Sea-nettles or Jelly-fish. - -=Actinæ= (Gr. _aktin_, a ray). The genus of Polypes which have many -arms radiating from around the mouth. - -=Alternate generation.= That modification of generation in which -the young do not resemble the parent, but the grandparent; so that -the successive series of individuals seem to represent two species, -alternately reproduced, in which also parthenogenesis alternates with -the ordinary engendering by impregnation. - -=Algæ= (sea-weeds). A large class of cryptogamic plants inhabiting salt -and fresh water. - -=Anomoura= (Gr. _anomos_, irregular, and _oura_, a tail). A section -of crustaceous animals distinguished like the Hermit crabs, by the -irregular form of the tails. - -=Annelid.= The Anglicised singular of _annelleta_. - -=Adductor muscles=, are those which hold together the shell of a -bivalve, such as the Oyster, Mussel, &c. - -=Animalcules.= Those extremely small animals which are invisible to the -naked eye. - -=Antenna= (from the Latin for yard-arm). Applied to the jointed feelers -or horns upon the head of insects and crustacea. - - -=Balanoids= (Gr. _balanos_, an acorn). A family of Sessile cirripeds, -the shells of which are commonly called Acorn-shells. - -=Bivalve.= When a shell consists of two parts, closing like a double -door. The mollusca so protected are commonly called bivalves, as the -Mussel. - -=Brachyura= (Gr. _brachus_, short; _oura_, tail). The tribe of -crustacea with short tails, as the Crabs. - -=Branchiæ= The gills or respiratory organs which extract the oxygen -from air contained in water, as in fishes and other aquatic animals. - -=Buccal= (L. _bucca_, mouth). Belonging to the mouth. - -=Byssus= (Gr. _byssos_, fine flax). A term applied to the silken -filaments or 'beard' of the Mussel and Pinna. - -=Carapace.= The upper shell of the Crab, &c. - -=Calcareous.= Composed more or less of lime. - -=Carnivorous= (L. _caro_, flesh; _voro_, I devour). The animals which -feed on flesh. - -=Caudal= (L. _cauda_, the tail). Belonging to the tail. - -=Cephalópoda= (Gr. _kephale_, a head; _pous_, a foot). The class of -Molluscous animals in which long prehensile processes, or feet, project -from the head, as in the Cuttle-fish. - -=Ciliogrades= (L. _cilium_, an eyelash; _gradior_, I walk). The order -of the _acalephæ_ (as the Beröe) which swims by action of cilia. - -=Cilia= (L. _cilium_, an eyelash). The microscopic hair-like bodies -which cause, by their vibratile action, currents in the contiguous -fluid, or a motion of the body to which they are attached. - -=Cirri= (L. _cirrus_, a curl). The curled filamentary appendages, as at -the feet of the Barnacles. - -=Cirripedes=, or =Cirripedia= (L. _cirrus_, a curl; _pes_, a foot). -A class of articulate animals having curled, jointed feet; sometimes -written Cirrhipedia and Cirrhopoda. - -=Conchifera= (L. _concha_, a shell; _fero_, I bear). Shell-fish; -usually restricted to those with bivalve shells. - -=Comminuted.= Broken or ground down into small pieces. - -=Conchology.= The department of science which treats of shells. - -=Convoluted= (L. _convolutus_). Rolled together. - -=Cornea= (L. _corneus_, horny). The transparent horny membrane in front -of the eye. - -=Crinoid= (Gr. _krinon_, a lily; _eidos_, a discourse). A family of -Star-fishes which bear some resemblance to the form of a lily. The -fossils called Stone-lilies, or Encrinites, are examples. - -=Crustacea= (L. _crusta_, a crust). The class of articulate animals -(which includes the Crab, Lobster, &c.) with a hard skin or crust, -which they cast periodically. - - -=Decapoda= (Gr. _deca_, ten; _pous_, a foot). The crustaceous and -molluscous animals, which have ten feet, such as the Crab, Cray-fish, -&c. - -=Digitate= (L. _digitus_, a finger). When a part supports processes -like fingers. - - -=Effete.= Barren, worn out. - -=Elytra= (Gr. _elytron_, a sheath). The sheath or wing covers of -coleopterous insects (Beetles). - -=Entomostraca= (Gr. _entoma_, insects; _ostracon_, a shell). The order -of small crustaceans, many of which are enclosed in an integument like -a bivalve shell. - -=Entomology= (Gr. _entoma_, insects; _logos_, a discourse). The branch -of science treating of insects. - -=Exuvium=, Pl. =exuviæ= (L. _exuo_, I cast off). The shell or skin of -an animal which is shed in moulting. - -=Epizoa= (Gr. _epi_, upon; _zoon_, an animal). The class of low -organized parasitic crustaceans which live upon other animals. - - -=Fissiparous= (L. _fissus_, divided; _pario_, I produce). The -multiplication of a species by the self-cleavage of the individual into -two parts. - -=Frond= (L. _frons_, a leaf). A term applied to that part of flowerless -plants resembling true leaves. - -=Fucivorous= (L. _fucus_, sea-weed; _voro_, I devour). Animals which -subsist on sea-weed. - -=Flora.= The plants which belong to a country or district. - -=Foliaceous= (L. _folium_, a leaf). Shaped or arranged like leaves. - - -=Gasteropoda= (Gr. _gaster_, stomach; _pous_, a foot). That class of -animals which (like the Snail) have the locomotive organ attached to -the under part of the body. - -=Gemmiparous= (L. _gemma_, a bud; _pario_, I produce). Propagation by -the growth of the young like a bud from the parent. - - -=Habitat.= The locality in which an animal habitually resides. - -=Hinge.= That part of a shell at which the valves cohere. - -=Hyaline= (Gr. _hualos_, crystal). The pellucid substance which -determines the spontaneous fission of cells. - -=Hydra= (Gr. _hudra_, a water serpent). The modern generic name of -certain fresh water polypes. - -=Hydrogen= (Gr. _hydor_, water; _gemmæ_, I produce). A gas forming one -of the components of water and atmospheric air. - - -=Infusoria.= The class of animalcules which abound in vegetable and -animal infusions. - - -=Lamellibranchiata= (L. _lamella_, a plate; _branchiæ_, gills). The -class of acephalous molluscs, with gills in the form of membraneous -plates, of which the oyster and mussel are familiar examples. - -=Larva= (L. _larva_, a mask). Applied to an insect in its first active -state, which is generally different from, and, as it were, masks the -ulterior form. - -=Ligament=. A membrane close by the hinge which connects the valves. - - -=Mantle.= The external soft, contractile skin of the mollusca, which -covers the viscera and a great part of the body like a cloak. - -=Macroura= (Gr. _makros_, long; _oura_, a tail). A tribe of ten-footed -crustacea (as the Lobster, Cray-fish), which have long tails. - -=Medusæ.= A genus or family of soft radiated animals or Acalephæ, so -called because their organs of motion and prehension are spread out -like the snaky hair of the fabled medusa. - -=Molecules.= Microscopic particles of matter. - -=Mollusc--Mollusca= (L. _mollis_, soft). The primary division of the -animal kingdom. It contains most shell-fish, slugs, &c. - -=Monograph= (Gr. _monos_, one; _grapho_, I write). A written -description of a single thing, or class of things. - -=Multivalve= (L. _multus_, many; _valvæ_, folding doors). Shells -composed of many pieces or valves, as the Chiton. - - -=Nudibranchiate= (L. _nudus_, naked; _branchiæ_, gills). An order of -gasteropods, in which the gills are exposed, as the Eolis, Doris, &c. - - -=Oxygen.= A gas which is one of the constituent parts of water and of -atmospheric air. It is essential to animal life. - -=Oviparous= (L. _ovum_, an egg; _pario_, I bring forth). The animals -which bring forth eggs. - -=Operculum= (from the Latin for lid). Applied to the horny or shelly -plate which closes certain univalve shells, as the Whelk, Periwinkle, -&c. - - -=Papillæ= (L. _papilla_, a nipple). Soft prominences which resemble in -form the teats of animals. - -=Palpi= (L. _palpo_, I touch). The organs of touch commonly called -'feelers,' developed from the lablum and maxillæ of insects. - -=Pectinated= (L. _pecten_, a comb). Toothed like a comb. - -=Physograde= (Gr. _physis_, air; _gradior_, I advance). The acalephes -that swim by means of air-bladders. - -=Phytophagous= (Gr. _phuton_, a plant; _phago_, I eat). Plant-eating -animals. - -=Pulmonigrade= (L. _pulmo_, a lung; _gradior_, I walk). The tribe of -Medusæ which swim by contraction of the respiratory disc. - - -=Rotifera= (L. _rota_, a wheel; _fero_, I bear). The name of a class of -infusorial animalcules, characterized by the vibratile and apparently -rotating ciliary organs upon the heads. - -=Rhodospermes.= The red-coloured sea-weeds. - - -=Serrated= (L. _serra_, a saw). Toothed like a saw. - -=Sessile.= Attached by a base. - -=Silicious= (L. _silex_, a flint). Flinty. - -=Setæ.= Bristles, or similar parts. - -=Spicula= (L. _spiculum_, a point or dart). Fine-pointed bodies, like -needles. - - -=Tuberculate.= Warty, or carved with small rounded knobs. - -=Testacea= (L. _testa_, a shell). Molluscs with a shelly covering, as -the Oyster, Whelk, &c. - - -=Univalve= (L. _unus_, one; _valvæ_, doors). A shell composed of one -calcareous piece, as the Periwinkle. - -=Umbones.= The base of a shell about the hinge. - - -=Viviparous= (L. _vivus_, alive; _pario_, I bring forth). The animals -which bring forth their young alive. See Oviparous. - - -=Whorl.= The spiral turn of a shell. - - -=Zoology= (Gr. _zoon_, animal; _logos_, a discourse). That branch of -science that treats of the habits, structure, and classification of -animals. - -=Zoologist.= One who is acquainted with the science of Zoology. - -=Zoophyte= (Gr. _zoon_, an animal; _phyton_, a plant). The lowest -primary division of the animal kingdom, which includes many animals -that are fixed to the ground and have the form of plants. - - - - -INDEX. - - - _Animalculæ_, 37. - - _Actiniæ_ (Sea anemones), 38, 47. - _mesembryanthemum_, 48, 365. - _troglodytes_, 51, 62. - _bellis_, 56. - _dianthus_, 57, 62, 154, 366. - _crassicornis_, 61, 100. - _coriacea_, 56. - _parasitica_, 66. - _explorator_, 51. - - Acorn barnacles, 145. - - Adductor muscle, 178, 182. - - Annelids, 154, 191, 315. - - _Acalephæ_, 203. - - Alternation of generations, 214. - - _Aphrodite aculeata_, 267. - - _Aplysiæ_, 54, 309, 311. - - _Aquariæ_ (on the formation of marine), 357. - - _Anomoura_ (Hermit crabs), 69, 92, 130, 133. - - _Asteriadæ_, 271. - - Algæ, 97. - - _A. ventilabrum_, 161. - - Amphitrite, 162. - - - _Buccinum undutum_, 92. - - Byssus of Mussel, 168, 170, 177, 184. - - _Beröe_, 210. - - _Bêches de mer_, 31. - - Brittle Star-fishes, 277. - - Bird's foot Sea-star, 285. - - Blenny (Smooth), 71, 104, 236, 336, 341, 365. - - Blenny (Viviparous), 346. - - Butter fish, 347. - - _Brachyura_ (crabs, &c.), 69, 133. - - Buckie, 93. - - Barnacles, 98, 146. - - Barnacle geese, 150. - - Boring Acephaia, 251. - - Bivalves, 122, 167, 282, 363. - - Bearded rockling, 346. - - - _Cilia_, 35, 147, 214. - - _Coryne_, 41. - - Crabs, 67. - - _Cancer Pagurus_ (Edible crab), 67, 69, 128. - - _Carcinus mænas_ (Common Shore crab), 67, 78, 120, 127, 167, 239. - - Common Whelk, 94. - - Common Cockle, 84, 106, 239. - - Cray fish, 128, 131. - - _Crangon vulgaris_ (Common Shrimp), 139. - - _Cestum veneris_, 209. - - _Cydippe pileus_, 210. - - _Cyanea capillata_, 218. - - _Comatula rosacea_, 275. - - Crinoid Star fishes, 275. - - Cross fish, 280. - - Cushion stars, 285. - - Cake Urchin, 300. - - _Chondrus crispus_ (Irish moss), 101, 123. - - _Cirri_, 147. - - _Cetacea_, 205. - - Chiton, 226. - - _C. offinalis_, 285. - - _Ciliograde acalephæ_, 209. - - Common Sea cucumber, 305. - - - Doris, 223, 363. - - Doris (Spawn of), 226. - - Diminutive Sucker-fish, 350. - - _Decapoda_ (ten-footed crustacea), 69, 85, 115. - - _D. sanguinea_, 78, 118, 368. - - Dorsibranchiate annelidans, 155. - - Devil's hand, 279. - - Dulse, 310. - - - Exuviation of Crabs, &c., 85, 113, 120, 132. - - Exuviation of Prawns, &c., 139. - - Exuviation of Barnacles, 147. - _Eolis_, 223. - - _Eolis_, (Spawn of) 228. - _papillosa_, 228. - - _Echinus_, 291. - _sphæra_, 297. - - Entomology, 28. - - Egg Urchin, 297. - - - _Foraminifera_, 24, 30. - - Fan-amphitrite, 161, 163. - - Fishes 329. - - Five-fingers (Star-fish), 281. - - - Gulf stream, 206. - - Girdle of Venus, 209. - - Green-pea urchin, 299. - - Gunnel-fish, 346. - - Goby (one-spotted), 309, 348. - - Goby (two-spotted), 348. - - _Gasterosteus aculeatus_, 352. - - Golden willow, 87. - - - _Hyas araneus_, 80. - - Hermit crabs, 94, 105, 108, 130. - - _Hydra tuba_, 213. - - _Hydra gelatinosa_, 213. - - Hyaline stylet, 239. - - _Holothuriadæ_, 303. - - - _Infusoria_, 33, 43, 227. - - _Iridea edulis_, 74, 236. - - Irish Moss, 101. - - - Jelly fish, 203. - - - _Kerona silurus_, 35. - - - _Lepas anatifera_ (Ship barnacle), 148, 150. - - Laminated nereis, 155. - - _Luidia fragillissima_, 285. - - _Lepus marinus_, 309. - - Lettuce Ulva, 180, 364. - - Limpet, 81, 98. - - Lobster crabs, 94. - - Lily stars, 271. - - Lobster (The), 131, 290. - - _L. digitata_ (Oar weed), 277. - - Lingthorn, 285. - - Lump sucker, 347. - - - _Maia squinado_ (Spider crab), 79, 80, 82, 167. - - Mussel (_Mytilus edulis_), 82, 122, 167, 363. - - _Medusæ_, 203, 210, 216. - - _Modera formosa_, 217. - - Montague Sucker-fish, 349. - - Marine Aquariæ, 357. - - _Macroura_ (as Lobsters), &c. - - - _Nereis_, 155, 158. - - Nudibranchiate gasteropoda, 226. - - - _Ostrea edulis_ (oyster), 81. - - _Ophiuræ_, 277. - _texturata_, 277. - _albida_, 277. - - _Ophiocoma rosula_, 279. - - - _Paramecium caudatum_, 35. - - _Portunus puber_ (Velvet crab), 68. - - _Porcellana longicornis_ (Minute Porcelain crab), 79. - - Periwinkle, 95. - - _Pagurus bernardhus_ (Hermit crab), 96, 108, 146. - - Pecten, 108, 370. - - Prawn, Common (_Palæmon squilla_), 137. - - _Phyllodoce laminosa_, 155. - - _Purpura lapillus_ (Whelk), 103, 168. - - Portuguese man-of-war, 212. - - Pholas (_crispata_), 84, 153, 236, 245, 258, 365. - - Pholas (_dactylus_), 260. - - _Pentacrinus Europæus_, 275. - - _Psolus phantapus_, 304. - - Pike-fish, 339. - - _Pinnotheres pisum_ (Common Pea-crab), 82. - - Pinna, 83. - - Partane, The (Edible crab), 65, 124. - - _Pulmonigrade acalephæ_, 21l. - - _Physograde acalephæ_, 211. - - _Parthenogenesis_, 218. - - - _Rotifera_, or Wheel-bearers, 36. - - Rosy Feather star, 276. - - Rosy Heart urchin, 300. - - Rockling (Five-bearded), 347. - - Razor-fish, 323. - - - Stickleback, 25, 108, 352. - - _Sertularia_, 41. - - Ship Barnacle, 145. - - Sea-Mouse, 267. - - Star fishes, 273. - - _Solaster papposa_, 167, 286. - _endeca_, 286. - - Sea Urchins, 289. - Silky Spined urchin, 299. - - Sea Cucumbers, 303. - - Sea Hares, 309. - - _Serpulæ_, 315. - - _Sabellæ_,315, 319. - - _Solen siliqua_, Razor-fish, 324. - - Soldier crabs, 92. - - Shrimps, 137. - - _Saxicavæ_, 248. - - Sucker fishes, 348. - - Shore crab, 65, 68, 72, 120, 235. - - Swimming crab, 66. - - Spider crab, 78. - - _Salex vitellina_ (golden willow), 87. - - Silver Willie (_T. zizziphanus_), 191. - - - _Terebella figulus_ (the potter), 191, 195. - _littoralis_, 197. - - Trepang, 304. - - Top-shell, 132. - - _Trochus_, 146. - - Tubiculous annelids, 162, 194. - - Tanks, 355. - - - _Uraster rubens_, 167, 281. - - _Ulva latissima_, 98, 180, 367, 368. - - Univalves, 94. - - Urchins (Sea), 298. - - - _Vorticellæ_, 35, 38. - - Velvet Fiddler crab, 66, 74. - - - Whelk (_Purpura lapillus_), 168. - - - _Zoothamnium spirale_, 43. - - _Zooids_, 219. - - Zoophytes, 47, 49. - - - - -NEW WORKS - -SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS, &c. - -JUST PUBLISHED, BY T. 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Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/52666-0.zip b/old/52666-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0e2fa73..0000000 --- a/old/52666-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52666-8.txt b/old/52666-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index bf6b3df..0000000 --- a/old/52666-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9246 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Glimpses of Ocean Life, by John Harper - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Glimpses of Ocean Life - Rock-Pools and the Lessons they Teach - -Author: John Harper - -Release Date: July 28, 2016 [EBook #52666] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GLIMPSES OF OCEAN LIFE *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Whitehead, K.D. Thornton and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - 'Natural History is the appointed handmaiden of Religion, enabling - us to feel and in some humble proportion to appreciate how closely - and how carefully the well-being and happiness of all creatures has - been provided for,--how admirably they are severally adapted to their - respective stations and employments, and how wonderfully every part - of their economy is made subservient to the general good. This is the - true spirit in which the aquarïst ought to work, and this is the end - and object of his science.'--_Rhymer Jones._ - - - - - [Illustration: - - 1 & 2 Valves of PHOLAS SHELL - 3 _Pholas crispata_, with siphons extended - 4 COMMON BRITTLE STAR (_Ophiocoma rosula_) From Nature, showing the - progressive growth of new rays - 5 COMMON CROSS-FISH (_Uraster rubens_)] - - - - - GLIMPSES OF OCEAN LIFE; - OR, - Rock-Pools and the Lessons they Teach. - - BY - - JOHN HARPER, F.R.S.S.A. - AUTHOR OF 'THE SEA-SIDE AND AQUARIUM,' ETC. - - WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR. - - '_Armado._ How hast thou purchased thy experience? - _Moth._ By my penny of observation.' - - SHAKSPEARE. - - - LONDON: - T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW; - EDINBURGH; AND NEW YORK. - - MDCCCLX. - - - - - TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE - LORD BROUGHAM AND VAUX, - - CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, - ETC., ETC., ETC., - - THIS LITTLE VOLUME - Is Inscribed, - AS A TRIFLING TOKEN OF RESPECTFUL ADMIRATION - FOR - UNIVERSALLY RECOGNISED GREATNESS. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER I. - - ON THE PLEASURES DERIVED FROM THE STUDY OF MARINE ZOOLOGY. - Page - - Introduction--Two classes of readers--Marine zoology - as an amusement--The botanist and his - pleasures--Entomological pursuits--Hidden marvels - of nature--The little Stickleback--Conclusion, 17 - - - CHAPTER II. - - A GLANCE AT THE INVISIBLE WORLD. - - Microscopic studies--When to use the - microscope--Modern martyrs of science--Infusoria--Use - of Infusoria--Distinction between plants and - animals--_Vorticella_--_Rotatoria_--Wheel - animalcules--Mooring Thread of Vorticellæ--A - compound species of Vorticella described--_Zoothamnium - spirale_ of Mr. Gosse--Nature's scavengers, 27 - - - CHAPTER III. - - SEA ANEMONES. - - Animal-flowers--_A. mesembryanthemum_--'Granny,' - Sir J. Dalyell's celebrated anemone--Original anecdote--_A. - troglodytes_--How to capture actiniæ--A roving 'mess.'--An - intelligent anemone--Diet of the actiniæ--Voracity of these - zoophytes--Defence of certain species--Actiniæ eating - crabs--Their reproductive powers--Size of the 'crass.'--The - Plumose anemone--Its powers of contraction, 45 - - - CHAPTER IV. - - EDIBLE CRAB--SHORE CRAB--SPIDER CRAB, ETC. - - The Partane--Its character defended--Crustaceous demons--The - wolf and the lamb--Interesting anecdote--Reason and - instinct--Anecdote of the Shore crab--'The creature's run - awa''--A crustaceous performer--The Fiddler crab--A little - prodigal--Singular conduct of the Shore crab--The minute - Porcelain crab--_Maia squinado_--_Hyas - araneus_--_Maia_ and _C. mænas_--Anecdote--The - common Pea crab--Pinna and Pinnotheres--The Cray - fish--Masticatory organs of crabs--Fishing for - crabs--Crab fishers, 63 - - - CHAPTER V. - - HERMIT CRABS. - - Enthusiastic students of nature--Aristocratic Hermit - crabs--Swammerdam--Hermit crab and its habits--Anecdote--The - Hermit in a fright--Soldier crab and Limpet--A crustaceous - Diogenes--Prometheus in the tank--The martyr Hermit - crab--The author's pet Blenny--Anecdote, 89 - - - CHAPTER VI. - - EXUVIATION OF CRUSTACEA (THE PHENOMENA OF CRABS, ETC., - CASTING THEIR SHELLS). - - The Tower of London--A crustaceous armory--The author's - experience on the subject--Reamur and Goldsmith--Rejected - shells of crabs--Anecdote--Hint to the young - aquarian--Exuviation described from personal observation - in several instances--Renewal of injured limbs--Frequency - of exuviation--Effect of diet on crustacea--Exuviation - arrested--Exuviation of the Hermit crab--How the process - is effected, 109 - - - CHAPTER VII. - - PRAWNS AND SHRIMPS. - - Habits of the Prawn--The Common Shrimp--How to catch - shrimps--Conclusion, 135 - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - ACORN-BARNACLES--SHIP-BARNACLES. - - The Common Barnacle described--Exuviation of the - _Balani_--Anecdote--The Ship Barnacle--Barnacle - Geese, 143 - - - CHAPTER IX. - - PHYLLODOCE LAMINOSA (THE LAMINATED NEREIS). - - A rainy day at the sea-shore--Laminated Nereis--Its - tenacity of life--Its unsuitableness for the aquarium--How - the young annelids are produced--Evidence of a French - naturalist, 151 - - - CHAPTER X. - - THE FAN-AMPHITRITE. - - Its renewal of mutilated organs--How to accommodate this - annelid in the tank--The 'case' of the - Fan-Amphitrite, 159 - - - CHAPTER XI. - - THE COMMON MUSSEL. - - Dr. Johnson and Bozzy--Habits of the Mussel--Marine - 'at homes'--The Purpura and its habits--Enemies of the - Mussel--Anecdote--Construction of the beard (or - Byssus)--Author's experience--Anecdote of the - mussel--Muscular action of its foot--Threads of the - beard--The bridge at Bideford--Anecdote--The - Mussel tenacious of life--The beard not poisonous--M. - Quatrefage--Mussel beds of Esnandes--Branchiæ of the - Mussel--Food of this bivalve, 163 - - - CHAPTER XII. - - TEREBELLA FIGULAS (THE POTTER). - - Anecdote of the Potter--Its cephalic tentacula--Construction - of its tubular dwelling--_Terebella littoralis_--Curious - anecdote--Branchial organs of this annelid, 189 - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - ACALEPHÆ (MEDUSÆ, OR JELLY-FISH). - - Introduction--Jelly-fish--Whales' - food--Lieutenant Maury--Appearance of the Greenland - Seas--Sir Walter Scott--The girdle of Venus--The - Beröe--_Pulmonigrade acalephæ_--Portuguese - man-of-war--_Hydra-tuba_--Alternation of - generations--Dr. Reid--_Modera-formosa_--_Cyanea - capillata_--Conclusion, 201 - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - DORIS EOLIS, ETC. - - Anecdote--Young Dorides--Doris spawn--_Nudibranchiate - gasteropoda_--Dr. Darwin--Mr. Gosse--A black - Doris--_Bêches de mer_--A Chinese dinner--Bird's - nest soup, and Sea-slug stew, 221 - - - CHAPTER XV. - - THE CRAB AND THE DAINTY BEGGAR. - - Anecdote--The Pholas and Shore-crab--The - _hyaline stylet_--The dainty beggar--The - gizzard of the Pholas--Of what use is the stylet? 233 - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - THE PHOLAS, ETC. (ROCK-BORERS). - - Pholades at home--Habits of the Pholas--_P. - crispata_--The pedal organ--Finny gourmands--How is - the boring operation performed?--Various theories on - the subject--Mr Clark, Professor Owen--The Pholas at - work--The boring process described from personal - observation--Author's remarks on the subject--Pholas - in the tank--Conclusion, 241 - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - THE SEA-MOUSE. - - The Sea-mouse--Bristles of the aphrodite--Its - beautiful plumage (?)--Its weapons - of defence--The spines described--Shape of the - aphrodite, &c., 263 - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - STAR-FISHES, ETC. - - The Coral polypes--The Lily-stars--St. Cuthbert's - beads--_Pentacrinus europæus_--Rosy feather star - _Ophiuridæ_--Brittle-stars--_Ophiocomo-rosula_--British - asteridæ--_Uraster rubens_--Habits of this species--Submarine - Dandos--Sir John Dalyell--Professor Jones--Star-fish feeding - on the oyster--Bird's foot Sea-star--_Luidia - fragillissima_--Cushion-stars--Professor Forbes, 269 - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - SEA-URCHINS. - - Sea Urchins in the tank--Growth of the Echinus--Its - hedgehog-like spines--Suckers and pores--Ambulacral - tubes--Professor Agassiz--Movements of the - Echinus--_Pedicellariæ_--Masticatory - apparatus--Common Egg Urchin--_Echinus sphæra_--How - to remove the spines--'Do you boil your sea eggs?'--The - Green-pea Urchin--The Silky-spined Urchin--The Rosy-heart - Urchin, 287 - - - CHAPTER XX. - - THE SEA-CUCUMBER. - - Its unattractive appearance out of water--Trepang--Several - varieties eaten by the Chinese--Common Sea Cucumber--Habits - of the Holothuriæ--Their self-mutilation and renewal of - lost parts, 301 - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - THE APLYSIA, OR SEA-HARE. - - Anecdote--The Sea Hare plentiful at North Berwick--Its - powers of ejecting a purple fluid at certain times--Sea - Hares abhorred by the ancients--Professor Forbes--Spawn - of the Aplysia, 307 - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - SERPULÆ AND SABELLÆ. - - Tubes of the _Serpulæ_--Dr. Darwin--The harbour - of Pernambuco--Its wonderful structure--Reproduction of - the _Serpulæ_--_Sabellæ_--Their sandy - tubes, &c., 313 - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - THE SOLEN, OR RAZOR FISH. - - How it burrows in the sand--How specimens are - caught--_Cum grano salis_--Bamboozling the Spout - Fish--Amateur naturalists, and fishermen at the - sea-shore, 321 - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - A GOSSIP ON FISHES--INCLUDING THE ROCKLING, SMOOTH BLENNY, - GUNNEL FISH, GOBY, ETC. - - Punch's address to the ocean--Old blue-jackets and the - 'galyant' Nelson--The ocean and its inhabitants--Life - beneath the wave--Fishes the happiest of created - things--A fishy discourse by St. Antony of - Padua--Traveller's ne'er do lie?--The veracious - Abon-el-Cassim--Do fishes possess the sense of - hearing--Author's experience--An intelligent Pike - fish--Dr. Warwick--The Blenny in its native - haunts--A 'Little Dombey' fish--Anecdote--The - Viviparous Blenny--The Gunnel fish--Five-bearded - Rockling--Two-spotted Goby--Diminutive - Sucker-fish--Montagu's Sucker--The - Stickleback--Its nest-building habits - described--Conclusion, 327 - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - ON THE FORMATION OF MARINE AQUARIÆ, ETC. - - Mimic oceans--Practical hints on marine - aquariæ--Various tanks described--The 'gravity - bubble'--Evaporated sea-water--Aquariæ in - France--Sea-water a contraband article across the - Channel--An aquarium on a fine summer's day--The - Lettuce Ulva--Author's tank--'Excavations on a - rocky shore'--Tank 'interiors'--Various centre - pieces--New siphon--Aquariæ difficult to keep in - hot weather--How to remove the opacity of the - tank--New scheme proposed--Conclusion, 353 - - - - - LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - No. - - FRONTISPIECE, 1 - - COMPOUND VORTICELLÆ, 2 - - "GRANNY," Sir John Dalyell's celebrated Anemone, 3 - - A. TROGLODYTES, 4 - - A. CRASSICORNIS, 5 - - EDIBLE CRAB, 6 - - EDIBLE CRAB casting its Shell (from Nature), 7 - - SPIDER CRAB, 8 - - SHORE CRAB, 9 - - PORCELAIN CRAB, 10 - - HERMIT CRAB, 11 - - HERMIT CRAB in Shell of Large Whelk, 12 - - SHIP BARNACLES, 13 - - ACORN BARNACLES attached to Shell of the Limpet, 14 - - THE LIMPET, as seen from beneath, 15 - - LAMINATED NEREIS, 16 - - COMMON MUSSEL,--Shell open, 17 - - COMMON MUSSEL,--Shell closed, 18 - - THE BERÖE, 19 - - FAN AMPHITRITE, 20 - - TEREBELLA FIGULUS, 21 - - TEREBELLA LITTORALIS, 22 - - THE SEA-MOUSE, 23 - - DORIS, 24 - - YOUNG OF DORIS, 25 - - EOLIS, 26 - - THE PHOLAS, and Valves of its Shell, 27 - - THE BRITTLE STAR, 28 - - COMMON CROSS-FISH, 29 - - COMMON SUN-STAR (with 14 rays), 30 - - PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN, 31 - - PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN, Spine of, 32 - - PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN, Suckers of, 33 - - THE APLYSIA, or SEA-HARE, 34 - - TEETH of the SEA-URCHIN (two views), 35 - - THE SEA-CUCUMBER, 36 - - SERPULÆ attached to piece of rock, 37 - - THE SOLEN, or RAZOR FISH, 38 - - THE BLENNY, 39 - - THE VIVIPAROUS BLENNY, 40 - - THE SPOTTED BLENNY, or GUNNEL-FISH, 41 - - THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH (three views), 42 - - THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH, Sucker of (magnified), 43 - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -INTRODUCTORY. - -On the Pleasures derived from the Study of Marine Zoology. - - -'Woe to the man-- - Who studies nature with a wanton eye, - Admires the work, but slips the lesson by.' - - - - -I. - - -As every fresh branch of investigation in natural history has a -tendency to gather around it a rapidly accumulating literature, some -explanation may probably be looked for from an author who offers a new -contribution to the public. And when, as in the present instance, the -writer's intentions are of an humble kind, it is the more desirable -that he should state his views at the outset. Nor can the force of this -claim be supposed to be lessened, from the gratifying fact, that the -present writer has already received a warm welcome from the public. - -But, before entering upon any personal explanations, it may not be out -of place, in an introductory chapter such as the present, to bring -under review some of the objections which have been, and still continue -to be urged against this, in common with other departments of study, -which are attempted to be made popular. No branch of natural history -has been subjected to more disparaging opposition, partly, it must be -owned, from the misplaced enthusiasm of over zealous students, than -that of marine zoology. - -There are two classes of readers, different in almost all other -respects, whose sympathies are united in dislike of such works as this. -The one, represented by men distinguished for their powers of original -research, are apt to undervalue the labours of such as are not, -strictly speaking, scientific writers. There is another class who, from -the prejudice of ignorance, look upon marine zoology as too trivial, -from the homeliness and minuteness of its details. The wonders of -astronomy, and the speculations suggested by geological studies, nay, -the laws of organization as exhibited in the higher forms of animal -life, are clear enough to this class of readers; but it is not easy to -convince them that design can be extracted from a mussel, or that a -jelly-fish exhibits a marvellous power of construction. - -Now, in my belief, the opposition of the better educated of these two -classes of readers is the more dangerous, as it is unquestionably the -more ungenerous. If Professor Ansted, when treating of the surprising -neglect of geology, could thus express himself--'How many people do -we meet, otherwise well educated, who look with indifference, or even -contempt on this branch of knowledge,'--how much oftener may the -student of the humble theme of marine zoology bewail the systematic -depreciation of persons even laying claim to general scientific -acquirements. This may be illustrated by an observation, made in a -northern university, by a celebrated professor of Greek to a no less -celebrated professor of natural history. The latter, intently pursuing -his researches into the anatomy of a Nudibranche lying before him, -was startled by the sudden entrance of his brother professor, who -contemptuously advised him to give up skinning slugs, and take to more -manly pursuits. - -There is one light in which the study of marine zoology may be -regarded, without necessarily offending the susceptibilities of the -learned, or exciting the sneers of the ignorant. The subject may be -pursued as an amusement--a pastime, if you will; and it is in no -higher character than that of a holiday caterer, that the author asks -the reader's company to the sea-side. No lessons but the simplest are -attempted to be conveyed in this little volume, and these in as quiet -and homely a style as possible. - -Even in the light of an amusement, the author has something to say in -behalf of his favourite study. He believes it to be as interesting, -and fully as instructive as many infinitely more popular. For example: -The sportsman may love to hear the whirr of the startled pheasant, as -it springs from the meadow, and seeks safety in an adjoining thicket. -I am as much pleased with the rustling of a simple crab, that runs for -shelter, at my approach, into a rocky crevice, or beneath a boulder, -shaggy with corallines and sea-weed. He, too, while walking down some -rural lane, may love to see a blackbird hastily woo the privacy of a -hawthorn bush, or a frightened hare limp across his path, and strive to -hide among the poppies in the corn-field; I am equally gratified with -the sight of a simple razor-fish sinking into the sand, or with the -flash of a silver-bodied fish darting across a rock-pool. - -Nay, even the trembling lark that mounts upwards as my shadow falls -upon its nest among the clover, is not a more pleasant object to my -eye, than the crustaceous hermit, who rushes within his borrowed -dwelling at the sound of footsteps. In fact, the latter considerably -more excites my kindly sympathies, from its mysterious curse of -helplessness. It cannot run from danger, but can only hide itself -within its shelly burden, and trust to chance for protection. - -Neither the botanist nor the florist do I envy. The latter may love to -gather the 'early flowrets of the year,' or pluck an opening rose-bud, -but, although very beautiful, his treasures are ephemeral compared with -mine. - - 'Lilies that fester, smell far worse than weeds.' - -But I can gather many simple ocean flowers, or weeds that-- - - 'Look like flowers beneath the flattering brine,' - -whose prettily tinted fronds will 'grow, bloom, and luxuriate' for -months upon my table. They do not want careful planting, or close -attention, or even-- - - 'Like their earthly sisters, pine for drought,' - -but are strong and hardy, like the pretty wild flowers that adorn our -fields and hedge-rows. In the pages of an album, I can, if so disposed, -feast my eyes for years upon their graceful forms, whilst their colours -will remain as bright as when first transplanted from their native -haunts by the sea-shore. - -The entomologist delights to stroll in the forest and the field, to -hear the pleasant chirp of the cricket in the bladed grass, to watch -the honey people bustling down in the blue bells, or even to net the -butterfly as it settles on the sweet pea-blossom, while I am content to -ramble along the beach, and watch the ebb and flow of the restless sea-- - - 'So fearful in its spleeny humours bent, - So lovely in repose--' - -or search for nature's treasures among the weed-clad rocks left bare by -the receding tide. - -A disciple of the above mentioned branch of natural history will -dilate with rapture upon the wondrous transformations which many of -his favourite insects undergo. But none that he can show surpasses in -grandeur and beauty the changes which are witnessed in many members of -the marine animal kingdom. He points to the leaf, to the bloom upon -the peach, brings his microscope and bids me peer in, and behold -the mysteries of creation which his instrument unfolds. 'Look,' he -says, pointing to the verdant leaf, 'at the myriads of beings that -inhabit this simple object. Every atom,' he exultingly exclaims, 'is -a standing miracle, and adorned with such qualities, as could not be -impressed upon it by a power less than infinite!' Agreed. But has not -the zoologist equal reason to be proud of his science and its hidden -marvels? Can he not exhibit equal miracles of divine power? - -Take, as an example, one of the monsters of the deep, the whale; and -we shall find, according to several learned writers, that this animal -carries on its back and in its tissues a mass of creatures so minute, -that their number equals that of the entire population of the globe. A -single frond of marine algæ, in size - - 'No bigger than an agate stone - On the forefinger of an alderman,' - -may contain a combination of living zoophytic beings so infinitely -small, that in comparison the 'fairies' midwife' and her 'team of -little atomies' appear monsters as gigantic, even as the whale or -behemoth, opposed to the gnat that flutters in the brightest sunbeam. - -Again: in a simple drop of sea-water, no larger than the head of a pin, -the microscope will discover a million of animals. Nay, more; there are -some delicate sea-shells(_foraminifera_) so minute that the point of a -fine needle at one touch crushes hundreds of them. - - 'Full nature swarms with life; one wondrous mass - Of animals, or atoms organized, - Waiting the vital breath when Parent Heaven - Shall bid his spirit flow.' - -Lastly, How fondly some writers dwell upon the many touching instances -of affection apparent in the feathered tribe, and narrate how carefully -and how skilfully the little wren, for example, builds its nest, and -tenderly rears its young. I have often watched the common fowl, and -admired her maternal anxiety to make her outspread wings embrace -the whole of her unfledged brood, and keep them warm. The cat, too, -exhibits this characteristic love of offspring in a marked degree. She -will run after a rude hand that grasps one of her blind kittens, and, -if possible, will lift the little creature, and run away home with it -in her mouth. Now, whether we look at the singular skill of the bird -building its nest, the hen sitting near and protecting its brood, or -the cat grasping her young in its jaws, and carrying them home in -safety, we shall find that all these charming traits are wonderfully -combined in one of the humblest members of the finny tribe, viz., the -common stickleback,--the little creature that boys catch by thousands -with a worm and a pin,--that lives equally content in the clear blue -sea or the muddy fresh water pool. - -The author now finds that he has been much too prolix in these -preliminary observations to leave himself space for a lengthened -explanation of his reasons for again intruding upon the public. These -are neither original nor profound. But he cannot help expressing an -earnest hope that he may get credit from old friends, and perhaps from -some new, for wishing to show that the book of nature is as open as it -is varied and inexhaustible; and that, however jealously guarded are -many of the great secrets of organization, a knowledge of some of the -most familiar objects tends to inspire us alike with wonder and with -awe. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -A Glance at the Invisible World. - - -'There is a great deal of pleasure in prying into this world of -wonders, which Nature has laid out of sight, and seems industrious to -conceal from us.... It seems almost impossible to talk of things so -remote from common life and the ordinary notions which mankind receive -from the blunt and gross organs of sense, without appearing extravagant -and ridiculous.'--ADDISON. - - - - -II. - - -It is hardly possible to write upon marine zoology without either -more or less alluding to those many objects, invisible to the naked -eye, which call for the use of the microscope; and it seems equally -difficult for any one who has been accustomed to this instrument -to speak in sober terms of its wonderful revelations. The lines of -Cowper, as the youngest student in microscopic anatomy will readily -acknowledge, present no exaggerated picture of ecstasy:-- - - 'I have seen a man, a worthy man, - In happy mood conversing with a fly; - And as he through his glass, made by himself, - Beheld its wondrous eye and plumage fine, - From leaping scarce he kept for perfect joy.' - -It is proper, however, to notice that a serious objection has been -urged against the use of the microscope by young persons, namely, the -injurious effects of its habitual use upon the eyesight. - -So far as my experience goes, I cannot deny that this objection is -well founded. Since I have begun to use the instrument, I am obliged, -if I wish to view distinctly any distant object, to distort my eyes -somewhat to the shape of ill-formed button-holes puckered in the -sewing. Some individuals, I am aware, foolishly affect this appearance, -from the notion that it exhibits an outward and visible sign of their -inward profundity of character. In my own case this result may have -arisen from my having worked principally at night or in the dusk. -'As to the sight being injured by a continuous examination of minute -objects,' writes Mr. Clark, a most scientific naturalist, 'I can truly -say this idea is wholly without foundation, if the pursuit is properly -conducted; and that, on the contrary, it is materially strengthened by -the use of properly adapted glasses, even of high powers; and in proof -I state, that twenty years ago I used spectacles, but the continued -and daily examination of these minutiæ (_foraminifera_) has so greatly -increased the power of vision, that I now read the smallest type -without difficulty and without aid. The great point to be attended to -is not to use a power that in the least exceeds the necessity; not -to continue the exercise of vision too long, and never by artificial -light; and to reserve the high powers of certain lenses and the -microscope for important investigations of very moderate continuance. -The observant eye seizes at a glance the intelligence required; -whilst strained poring and long optical exertions are delusive and -unsatisfactory, and produce those fanciful imaginations of objects -which have really no existence. The proper time for research after -microscopic objects is for _one_ hour after breakfast, when we are in -the fittest state for exertion.' - -Mr. Lewes, again, speaking to the same point, viz., the eyes being -injured by microscopic studies, says:--'On evidence the most conclusive -I deny the accusation. My own eyes, unhappily made delicate by -over-study in imprudent youth, have been employed for hours daily -over the microscope without injury or fatigue. By artificial light, -indeed, I find it very trying; but by daylight, which on all accounts -is the best light for the work, it does not produce more fatigue than -any other steadfast employment of the eye. Compared with looking at -pictures, for instance, the fatigue is as nothing.' - -In spite of the foregoing assertions, I feel it my duty to caution the -student against excess of labour. Let him ride his hobby cautiously, -instead of seeking to enrol his name among the martyrs of science, -of whom the noble Geoffry St. Hilaire, M. Sauvigny, and M. Strauss -Dürckheim, are noted modern examples. Each member of this celebrated -trio spent the latter part of his existence in physical repose, having -become totally blind from intense study over the microscope. But -setting aside the evils of excess, we must bear witness to the intense -delight which this pursuit affords when followed with moderation. - - "'Tis sweet to muse upon the skill displayed - (Infinite skill!) in all that _He_ has made: - To trace in Nature's most minute design - The signature and stamp of power divine. - Contrivance intricate, expressed with ease, - _Where unassisted sight no beauty sees_." - -As my aim is merely to give the reader a taste of the subject, and -whet his appetite for its more extensive pursuit at other sources, I -shall confine my remarks to a few of those creatures which are readily -to be found in any well-stocked aquarium. The number of animalculæ -and microscopic zoospores of plants, invisible to the naked eye, -with which such a receptacle is filled, even when the water is clear -as crystal, is truly marvellous. These animals mostly belong to the -class _Infusoria_, so called from their being found to be invariably -generated in any _infusion_, or solution of vegetable or animal matter, -which has begun to decay. Now, the water in an aquarium which has -been kept for any length of time necessarily becomes more or less -charged with the effete matter of its inhabitants, which, if allowed to -accumulate, would soon render the fluid poisonous to every living thing -within it. This result is happily averted by the Infusoria, which feed -upon the decaying substances in solution, while they themselves become -in their turn the food of the larger animals. Indeed, they constitute -almost the sole nutriment of many strong, muscular shell-fish, as -pholas, mussel, cockle, &c.; and doubtless help to maintain the life -of others, such as actiniæ, and even crabs, which, as is well known, -live and grow without any other apparent means of sustenance. Thus -the presence of Infusoria in the tank may be considered a sign of its -healthy condition, although their increase to such an extent as to give -a milky appearance to the water, is apt to endanger the well-being -of the larger, though delicate creatures. The peculiar phenomenon -alluded to arises from decaying matter, such as a dead worm or limpet, -which should be sought after and removed with all possible speed. The -whereabouts of such objectionable remains will be generally indicated -by a dense cloud of Infusoria hovering over the spot. The milkiness, -however, although it may look for the time unsightly, is ofttimes -the saving of the aquarium 'stock.' When these tiny but industrious -scavengers have completed their task of purification, they will cease -to multiply, and mostly disappear, leaving the water clear as crystal. -I believe it is the absence or deficient supply of Infusoria that -sometimes so tantalizingly defeats the attempts of many persons to -establish an aquarium. Pure deep-sea water, although never without -them, often contains but very few, hence great caution is necessary not -to overstock the tank filled with it, otherwise the animals will die -rapidly, although the water itself appears beautifully transparent. - -Of Infusoria there are many species. They are nearly all, at one stage -or other of their existence, extremely vivacious in their movements; -so much so, indeed, that it becomes a matter of difficulty to observe -them closely. Some have the power of darting about with astonishing -velocity, others unceasingly gyrate, or waltz around with the grace of -a Cellarius; while not a few content themselves by, slug-like, dragging -their slow length along. The last are frequently startled from their -propriety and aplomb by the rapid evolutions of their terpshicorean -neighbours. Some, again, grasping hold of an object by one of their -long filaments, revolve rapidly round it, whilst others spring, leap, -and perform sundry feats of acrobatism that are unmatched in dexterity -by any of the larger animals. - -I may here observe that the motions and general structure of many of -the microscopic forms of vegetation, so much resemble those of some -of the infusoria, that it has long puzzled naturalists to distinguish -between them with any degree of certainty. The chief distinction -appears to lie in the nature of their food. Those forms which are truly -vegetable can live upon purely inorganic matter, while the animals -require that which is organized. The plants also live entirely by the -absorption of fluid through the exterior, while the animalculæ are -capable of taking in solid particles into the interior of the body. -Their mode of multiplication, and the metamorphoses they undergo, are -much alike in both classes, being, during one stage of their existence, -still and sometimes immovably fixed to stones, sea-weed, &c., and at -another freely swimming about. Notwithstanding the similarities here -stated, the appearance of certain of the species is as various as it -is curious. One of the commonest species of the Infusoria (_Paramecium -caudatum_) is shaped somewhat like a grain of rice, with a piece -chipped out on one side, near the extremity of its body. It swims about -with its unchipped extremity foremost, rotating as it goes. During the -milky condition of the water (before alluded to), these creatures swarm -to such a degree, that a single drop of the fluid, when placed under -the microscope, appears filled with a dense cloud of dancing midges. -Another (_Kerona silurus_) may be said to resemble a coffee-bean, with -a host of _cilia_, or short bristles, on the flat side. These are used -when swimming or running. But perhaps the most singular and beautiful -of all the infusorial animalcules are the _Vorticellæ_, which resemble -minute cups or flower-bells, mounted upon slender retractile threadlike -stalks, by which they are moored to the surface of the weeds and -stones. They are called Vorticellæ on account of the little vortices -or whirlpools which they continually create in the water, by means of -a fringe of very minute cilia placed round the brim of their cups. -These cilia are so minute as to require a very high microscopic power -to make them visible, and even then they are not easily detected, on -account of their extremely rapid vibration, which never relaxes while -the animal is in full vigour. On the other hand, when near death, -their velocity diminishes, and ample opportunity is afforded for -observing that the movements consist of a rapid bending inwards and -outwards, over the edge of the cup. This is best seen in a side view. -The action is repeated by each cilium in succession, with such rapidity -and regularity that, when viewed from above, the fringe looks like the -rim of a wheel in rapid revolution. A similar appearance, produced -by the same cause, in another class of animalcula, of much more -complex structure than the Vorticellæ, has procured for it the name of -_Rotifera_, or wheel-bearers. The result of this combined movement of -the cilia is, that a constant stream of water is drawn in towards the -centre of the cup, and thrown off over the sides, when, having reached -a short distance beyond the edge, it circles rapidly in a small vortex, -curling downwards over the lips. These currents are rendered evident -by floating particles in the water. The possession of these vibratile -cilia is not peculiar to this class of animals; indeed, there is good -reason to believe that there is scarcely a living creature, from the -lowest animalcule, or plant germ, up to man himself, that is not -provided with them in some part or other. In many of these Infusoria -the cilia constitute the organs of locomotion; while in the higher -forms they serve various other purposes, but chiefly that of directing -the flow of the various internal fluids through their proper channels. -But the peculiar and perhaps most wonderful organ of the Vorticella, -is its stalk or mooring thread. This though generally of such extreme -tenuity as to be almost invisible with ordinary microscopes, yet -exhibits a remarkable degree of strength and muscular activity in -its movements, which apparently are more voluntary than those of the -cilia. Its action consists of a sudden contraction from a straight to -a spiral form with the coils closely packed together, by which the -head or bell is jerked down almost into contact with the foot of the -stalk; after a few seconds the tension seems gradually relaxed, the -coils are slowly unwound, and the stalk straightens itself out. This -action takes place at irregular intervals, but it is seldom that more -than a minute elapses between each contraction. It (the contraction) -invariably happens when the animal is touched or alarmed, and is, -consequently, very frequent when the water swarms with many other -swimming animalcula. When it takes place the flower-bell generally -closes up into a little round ball, which opens out again only when -the stalk becomes fully extended. From this we might almost infer that -some animalcule, or other morsel of food, had been seized and retained -within the cup; moreover, that the contraction of the stalk assisted in -securing or disposing of the prey. This, however, is uncertain. - -The motions of the Vorticella do not seem much affected by the stalk -losing hold of its attachment; but the result of such an accident -taking place is that the cilia cause the animal to swim through the -water, trailing its thread behind it, and the contraction of the latter -merely causes it to be drawn up to the head. - -There are various species of Vorticellæ. That just described is the -simplest, consisting merely of a hemispherical ciliated cup, attached -to a single thread. It is barely visible to the naked eye. But there -is a compound species which I have this year found to be extremely -abundant in my aquarium,--whose occupants, both large and small, it -excels in singularity and beauty. In structure it is to the simple -Vorticella what a many-branched zoophyte is to an _Actinia_. My -attention was first drawn to the presence of this creature by observing -some pebbles and fronds of green ulva thickly coated with a fine -flocculent down. On closer inspection this growth appeared to consist -of a multitude of feathery plumes, about one-sixteenth of an inch in -height, and individually of so fine and transparent a texture as to be -scarcely discernible to the unassisted sight. On touching one with the -point of a fine needle it would instantly shrink up into a small but -dense mass, like a ball of white cotton--scarcely so large as a fine -grain of sand. In a few seconds it would again unfold and spread itself -out to its original size. By carefully detaching a specimen with the -point of a needle or pen-knife, and transferring it, along with a drop -of water upon a slip of glass, to the stage of the microscope, a sight -was presented of great wonder and loveliness:-- - - 'The more I fixed mine eye, - Mine eye the more new wonders did espye!' - -Let the reader imagine a tree with slender, gracefully curved, and -tapering branches thickly studded over with delicate flower-bells -in place of leaves. Let him suppose the bells to be shaped somewhat -between those of the fox-glove and convolvolus, and the stem, branches, -bells, and all, made of the purest crystal. Let him further conceive -every component part of this singular structure to be tremulous with -life-like motion, and he will have as correct an idea as words can give -of the complex form of this minute inhabitant of the deep. Moreover, -while gazing at it through the microscope, the observer is startled -by the sudden collapse of the entire structure. The lovely tree has -shrunk together into a dense ball, in which the branching stem lies -completely hidden among the flower-bells--themselves closed up into -little spherules, so closely packed together that the entire mass -resembles a piece of herring-roe. This contraction is so instantaneous -that the mode in which it is accomplished cannot be observed until the -tree is again extended. As the re-extension takes place very slowly, we -are enabled to observe that each branchlet has been coiled in a spiral -form, like the thread of the simple Vorticella previously described; -and also that the main stem, above the lowest branch, was coiled up in -the same way, but not so closely, and that the part below the lowest -branch had, curiously enough, remained straight. Sometimes, in large -and numerously branched specimens, one or two of the lowest members -do not contract at the same time with the rest, but do so immediately -afterwards, as if they had been startled by the shrinking movements of -their neighbours. Sometimes these lowest branches will contract alone, -while all the others remain fully extended,--a fact that would almost -seem to indicate that they possessed an independent life of their own. - -In the accompanying engraving I have attempted faithfully to portray -one of these wonderful creatures. Fig. 1 represents it fully extended, -while Fig. 2 indicates its collapsed form. There is another curious -circumstance which I have fortunately observed in connection with this -Vorticella, a description of which will perhaps be interesting to the -reader. I allude to the casting off of what may be called the fruit -of the tree. When this event takes place, the buds (or fruit) dart -about with such rapidity, that it is almost impossible to keep them -in the field of view for the briefest space of time. A represents the -enchanted fruit hanging on the tree; B shows it as it swims about. - -[Illustration: Fig. 1. and Fig. 2.] - -Although not exactly fruit, it is, no doubt, the means by which -the Vorticellæ are propagated, for it is known that many fixed -zoophytes, and even some plants, produce free swimming germs or spores, -which afterwards become fixed, and grow up into forms like those -which produced them. In some of the branching zoophytes (_Coryne_, -_Sertularia_, &c.), the germs are exactly like little medusae, being -small, gelatinous cups fringed with tentacula, by means of which they -twitch themselves along with surprising agility. In this Vorticella, -however, it is more like one of the ciliated Infusoria. The first one -that I saw attached I conceived to be a remarkably large bell, with -its mouth directed towards me, but the cilia with which it appeared -to be fringed were unusually large and distinct. The movements of -these appendages being comparatively slow, it was most interesting -to watch them as they successively bent inwards and rose again, like -the steady swell of a tidal wave, or an eccentric movement in some -piece of machinery, making a revolution about twice in a second, and -in the opposite direction to the hands of a clock. Suddenly the tree -contracted, when, to my surprise, I observed the bell, which not an -instant before appeared attached, now floating freely in the water, -its ciliary movements not being in the least interrupted. Presently, -however, they became brisker, the bell turned over on its side, and, -ere the tree had again expanded, darted out of view, not, however, -before I had remarked that it was not a bell, but a sphere flattened -on one side, and having its circular ring of cilia on the flat side, -with only a slight depression in the middle of it. There also appeared -to be a small granular nucleus immediately above this depression, the -rest of the body being perfectly transparent. I afterwards saw several -others attached to the tree, each seated about the centre of a branch; -but none of these were so fully developed. They were like little -transparent button mushrooms, and had all more or less of a nucleus -on the side by which they were attached. On only one of these did I -detect any cilia. - -Mr. Gosse, in his 'Tenby,' gives a picture of an animal exceedingly -like what I have described; but from his account of it, there seems to -be some doubt of their identity. He calls it '_Zoothamnium spirale_,' -because the insertions of the branches were placed spirally around the -main stem, like those of a fir-tree. In my specimens the branches were -set alternately on opposite sides of the main trunk, and the whole was -curved like a drooping fern leaf or an ostrich feather, the bells being -mostly set on the convex side. - -In conclusion, let me mention that it is an error to suppose, as many -persons do, that putrid water alone contains life. Infusoria occur, -as before hinted, in the clear waters of the ocean, in the water that -we drink daily, and also in the limpid burn that flows through our -valleys, or trickles like a silver thread down the mountain side.[1] - -[1] Ehrenberg states that Infusoria are in a higher state of -organization when taken from pure streams than from putrid waters. - - 'Where the pool - Stands mantled o'er with green, invisible, - Amid the floating verdure millions stray. - Each liquid too, whether it pierces, soothes, - Inflames, refreshes, or exalts the taste, - With various forms abounds. Nor is the stream - Of purest crystal, nor the lucid air, - Though one transparent vacancy it seems, - Void of their unseen people. These, concealed - By the kind art of forming Heaven, escape - The grosser eye of man.' - -Let it be remembered, too, that Infusoria, when found in either do not -themselves constitute the impurity of fresh or salt water; they merely -act as 'nature's invisible scavengers,' whose duty it is to remove -all nuisances that may spring up; and most unceasingly do these tiny -creatures labour in the performance of their all-important mission of -usefulness. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -Sea Anemones. - - -'The living flower that, rooted to the rock, - Late from the thinner element, - Shrunk down within its purple stem to sleep, - Now feels the water, and again - Awakening, blossoms out - All its green anther-necks.' - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 Sir J. G. Dalyell's celebrated ACTINIA (Drawn from Nature Jan. 1860.) -2 A. CRASSICORNIS -3 CAVE DWELLER (_A. troglodytes_)] - - - - -III. - - -No marine objects have become more universally popular of late years -than Sea Anemones. Certainly none better deserve the attention which -has been, and is daily bestowed upon them by thousands of amateur -naturalists, who cannot but be delighted with the wondrous variety of -form, and the beauteous colouring which these zoophytes possess. - -A stranger could scarcely believe, on looking into an aquarium, that -the lovely object before him, seated motionless at the base of the -vessel, with tentacula expanded in all directions, was not a simple -daisy newly plucked from the mountain side, or it may be a blooming -marigold or _Anemone_ from some rich parterre--instead of being, in -reality, a living, moving, animal-flower. - -One great advantage which the _Actiniæ_ possess over certain other -inhabitants of the sea-shore, at least to the eye of the naturalist, is -the facility with which specimens may be procured for observation and -study. Scarcely any rock-pool near low water mark but will be found to -encompass a certain number of these curious creatures, while some rocky -excavations of moderate size will at times contain as many as fifty. -Should the tide be far advanced, the young zoologist need not despair -of success, for, by carefully examining the under part of the boulders -totally uncovered by the sea, he will frequently find specimens of the -smooth anemone, contracted and hanging listlessly from the surface of -the stone, like masses of green, marone, or crimson jelly. - -The Actiniæ, and especially examples of the above mentioned species, -are extremely hardy and tenacious of life, as the following interesting -narrative will prove. - -The late Sir John Dalyell writing in 1851, says, 'I took a specimen -of _A. mesembryanthemum_ (smooth anemone) in August 1828, at North -Berwick, where the species is very abundant among the crevices of the -rocks, and in the pools remaining still replenished after the recess of -the tide. It was originally very fine, though not of the largest size, -and I computed from comparison with those bred in my possession, that -it must have been then at least seven years old.' - -Through the kindness of Dr. M'Bain, R.N., the writer has been permitted -to enjoy the extreme pleasure of inspecting the venerable zoophyte -above alluded to, which cannot now be much under thirty-eight years of -age! - -In the studio of the above accomplished naturalist, 'Granny' (as she -has been amusingly christened) still dwells, her wants being attended -to with all that tenderness and care which her great age demands. - -Sir J. Dalyell informs us that during a period of twenty years this -creature produced no less than 344 young ones. But, strange to say, -nearly the fortieth part of this large progeny consisted of monstrous -animals, the monstrosity being rather by redundance than defect. One, -for instance, was distinguished by two mouths of unequal dimensions -in the same disc, environed by a profusion of tentacula. Each mouth -fed independently of its fellow, and the whole system seemed to derive -benefit from the repast of either. In three years this monster became -a fine specimen, its numerous tentacula were disposed in four rows, -whereas only three characterize the species, and the tubercles of vivid -purple, regular and prominent, at that time amounted to twenty-eight. - -From the foregoing statement we learn that this extraordinary animal -produced about 300 young during a period of twenty years, but, 'wonder -of wonders!' I have now to publish the still more surprising fact, -that in the spring of the year 1857, after being unproductive for many -years, it unexpectedly gave birth, during a single night, to no less -than 240 living models of its illustrious self! - -This circumstance excited the greatest surprise and pleasure in the -mind of the late Professor Fleming, in whose possession this famous -Actinia then was. - -Up to this date (January 1860) there has been no fresh instance of -fertility on the part of Granny, whose health, notwithstanding her -great reproductive labours and advanced age, appears to be all that -her warmest friends and admirers could desire. Nor does her digestive -powers exhibit any signs of weakness or decay; on the contrary, that -her appetite is still exquisitely keen, I had ample opportunity of -judging. The half of a newly opened mussel being laid gently upon the -outer row of tentacula, these organs were rapidly set in motion, and -the devoted mollusc engulphed in the course of a few seconds. - -The colour of this interesting pet is pale brown. Its size, when fully -expanded, no larger than a half-crown piece. It is not allowed to -suffer any annoyance by being placed in companionship with the usual -occupants of an aquarium, but dwells alone in a small tank, the water -of which is changed regularly once a week. This being the plan adopted -by the original owner of Granny, is the one still followed by Dr. -M'Bain, whose anxiety is too great to allow him to pursue any other -course, for fear of accident thereby occurring to his protegée. - -A portrait of Granny, drawn from nature, will be found on Plate 2. - -_A. troglodytes_[2] (cave-dweller) is a very common, but interesting -object. The members of this species are especial favourites with the -writer, from their great suitableness for the aquarium. They vary -considerably in their appearance from each other. Some are red, violet, -purple, or fawn colour; others exhibit a mixture of these tints, while -not a few are almost entirely white. There are certain specimens which -disclose tentacula, that in colour and character look, at a little -distance, like a mass of eider-down spread out in a circular form. A -better comparison, perhaps, presents itself in the smallest plumage of -a bird beautifully stippled, and radiating from a centre. The centre -is the mouth of the zoophyte, and is generally a light buff or yellow -colour. From each corner, in certain specimens, there branches out -a white horn that tapers to a very delicate point, and is oft times -gracefully curled like an Ionic volute, or rather like the tendril of a -vine. - -[2] The above mentioned Actinia is extremely abundant on the shores -of the Frith of Forth. Sir J. Dalyell terms it _A. explorator_. -Local amateur naturalists frequently reject the specific name -of 'Troglodytes,' and adopt the more musical appellation of -'Daisy-Anemone.' Such error seems very pardonable, when we remember the -close resemblance which the creature when expanded bears to the daisy -of the field. In no single instance have I met with specimens of the -true _A. bellis_ at the above named locality, nor do I think any have -ever been found by previous naturalists. - -In addition to the pair of horns alluded to, may sometimes be seen a -series of light-coloured rays, occurring at regular intervals around -the circumference of the deep tinted tentacula, and thereby producing -to the eye of the beholder a most pleasing effect. - -As a general rule, never attempt to capture an anemone unless it be -fully expanded, before commencing operations. By this means you will be -able to form a pretty accurate estimate of its appearance in the tanks. -This condition of being seen necessitates, of course, its being covered -with water, and, consequently, increases the difficulty of capturing -your prize, especially when the creature happens to have taken up a -position upon a combination of stone and solid rock, or in a crevice, -or in a muddy pool, which when disturbed seems as if it would never -come clear again. - -It is, in consequence, advisable to search for those situated in -shallow water, the bottom of which is covered with clean sand. When -such a favourable spot is found, take hammer and chisel and commence -operations. Several strokes may be given before any alarm is caused to -the anemone, provided it be not actually touched. No sooner, however, -does the creature feel a palpable vibration, and suspect the object of -such disturbance, than, spurting up a stream of water, it infolds its -blossom, and shrinks to its smallest possible compass. At same time -apparently tightens its hold of the rock, and is, indeed, often enabled -successfully to defy the utmost efforts to dislodge it. - -After a little experience, the zoologist will be able to guess whether -he is likely to succeed in getting his prize perfect and entire; if -not, let me beg of him not to persevere, but immediately try some other -place, and hope for better fortune. - -Although apparently sedentary creatures, the Actiniæ often prove -themselves to be capable of moving about at will over any portion of -their subaqueous domain. Having selected a particular spot, they will -ofttimes remain stationary there many consecutive months. A smooth -anemone that had been domesticated for a whole year in my aquarium -thought fit to change its station and adopt a roving life, but at last -'settled down,' much to my surprise, upon a large mussel suspended -from the surface of the glass. Across both valves of the mytilus the -'mess.' attached by its fleshy disc, remained seated for a considerable -length of time. It was my opinion that the mussel would eventually be -sacrificed. Such, however, was not the case, for on the zoophyte again -starting off on a new journey, the mollusc showed no palpable signs of -having suffered from the confinement to which it had so unceremoniously -been subjected. - -The appearance of this anemone situated several inches from the base -of the vessel, branching out from such an unusual resting-place, and -being swayed to and fro, as it frequently was, by the contact of a -passing fish, afforded a most pleasing sight to my eye. Indeed, it was -considered for a while one of the 'lions' of the tank, and often became -an object of admiration not only to my juvenile visitors, but also to -many 'children of larger growth.' - -There is a curious fact in connection with the Actiniæ which deserves -to be chronicled here. I allude to the apparent instinct which they -possess. This power I have seen exercised at various times. The -following is a somewhat remarkable instance of the peculiarity in -question. - -In a small glass vase was deposited a choice _A. dianthus_, about an -inch in diameter. The water in the vessel was at least five inches -in depth. Having several specimens of the _Aplysiæ_, I placed one in -companionship with the anemone, and was often amused to observe the -former floating head downward upon the surface of the water. After a -while it took up a position at the base of the vase, and remained there -for nearly a week. Knowing the natural sluggishness of the animal, -its passiveness did not cause me any anxiety. I was rather annoyed, -however, at observing that the fluid was becoming somewhat opaque, -and that the Dianthus remained entirely closed, and intended to find -out the cause of the phenomena, but from some reason or other failed -to carry out this laudable purpose at the time. After the lapse of a -few days, on looking into the tank, I was delighted to perceive the -lace-like tentacula of the actinia spread out on the surface of the -water, which had become more muddy-looking than before. - -I soon discovered that the impurity in question arose from the Aplysia -(whose presence in the tank I had forgotten) having died, and its body -being allowed to remain in the vessel in a decaying state. The deceased -animal on being removed emitted an effluvium so intolerably bad that -it seemed like the concentrated essence of vile odours. The water, of -course, must have been of the most deadly character, yet had this most -delicate of sea-anemones existed in it for several consecutive days. - -In order further to test how long my little captive would remain alive -in its uncongenial habitation, I cruelly refused to grant any succour, -but must own to having felt extremely gratified at perceiving, in the -course of a few days, that instead of remaining with its body elongated -to such an unusual extent, the Dianthus gradually advanced along the -base, then up the side of the vessel, and finally located itself in -a certain spot, from which it could gain easy access to the outer -atmosphere. - -After this second instance of intelligence (?) I speedily transferred -my pet to a more healthy situation. - -Having procured a small colony of Actiniæ, you need be under no anxiety -about their diet, for they will exist for years without any further -subsistence than is derived from the fluid in which they live. Yet -strange as the statement will appear to many persons, the Actiniæ -are generally branded with the character of being extremely greedy -and voracious. 'Nothing,' says Professor Jones, 'can escape their -deadly touch. Every animated thing that comes in contact with them is -instantly caught, retained, and mercilessly devoured. Neither strength -nor size, nor the resistance of the victim, can daunt the ravenous -captor. It will readily grasp an animal, which, if endowed with similar -strength, advantage, and resolution, could certainly rend its body -asunder. It will endeavour to gorge itself with thrice the quantity of -food that its most capacious stomach is capable of receiving. Nothing -is refused, provided it be of animal substance. All the varieties of -the smaller fishes, the fiercest of the crustacea, the most active of -the annelidans, and the soft tenants of shells among the mollusca, all -fall a prey to the Actiniæ.' - -This is a sweeping statement, and, although corroborated by Sir J. -Dalyell and others, is one that requires to be received with a certain -degree of caution. It most certainly does not apply to _A. bellis_, -_A. parisitica_, _A. dianthus_, _troglodytes_, or any other members of -this group; and to a very limited extent only is it applicable to _A. -coriacea_ or _A. mesembryanthemum_. - -As may readily be conceived, the writer could not keep monster -specimens, such as are often found at the sea-shore; but surely if -the statement were correct that, _as a general rule_, the actiniæ -eat living crabs, the phenomenon would occasionally occur with -moderate-sized specimens, when kept in companionship with a mixed -assembly of crustaceans. Yet in no single instance have I witnessed a -small crab sacrificed to the gluttony of a small anemone. - -With regard to _A. mesembryanthemum_, _A. bellis_, and _A. dianthus_, -they get so accustomed to the presence of their crusty neighbours, -as not to retract their expanded tentacula when a hermit crab, for -instance, drags his lumbering mansion across, or a fiddler crab steps -through the delicate rays, like a sky terrier prancing over a bed of -tulips. - -Thus much I have felt myself called upon to say in defence of certain -species of Actiniæ; but with regard to _A. crassicornis_, I must -candidly own the creature is greedy and voracious to an extreme degree. - -Like many other writers, I have seen scores of this species of Actiniæ -that contained the remains of crabs of large dimensions, but at one -time considered that the latter were dead specimens, which had been -drifted by the tide within reach of the Actiniæ, and afterwards -consumed. That such, indeed, was the correct explanation in many -instances I can scarcely doubt, from the disproportionate bigness of -the crabs as compared with the anemones, but feel quite confident, that -in other instances, the crustacea were alive when first caught by their -voracious companions. - -To test the power of the 'crass.,' I have frequently chosen a specimen -well situated for observation, and dropped a crab upon its tentacula. -Instantly the intruding animal was grasped (perhaps merely by a claw), -but in spite of its struggles to escape, was slowly drawn into the -mouth of its captor, and eventually consumed. In one case, after the -crab had been lost to view for the space of three minutes only, I drew -it out of the Actinia, but although not quite dead, it evidently did -not seem likely to survive for any length of time. - -In collecting Actiniæ great care should be taken in detaching them from -their position. If possible, it is far the better plan not to disturb -them, but to transport them to the aquarium on the piece of rock or -other substance to which they may happen to be affixed. This can in -general be done by a smart blow of the chisel and hammer. - -Should the attempt fail, an endeavour should be made to insinuate the -finger nails under the base, and so detach each specimen uninjured. -This operation is a delicate one, requiring practice, much patience, -and no little skill. We are told by some authors that a slight rent -is of no consequence, since the anemone is represented as having the -power of darning it up. It may be so, but for my part I am inclined in -other instances to consider the statement more facetious than truthful. -In making this remark, I allude solely to the disc of the animal, an -injury to which I have never seen repaired. On the other hand, it is -well known that certain other parts may be destroyed with impunity. If -the tentacula, for instance, be cut away, so great are the reproductive -powers of the Actiniæ, that in a comparatively short space of time the -mutilated members will begin to bud anew. - -'If cut transversely through the middle, the lower portion of the -body will after a time produce more tentacula, pretty near as they -were before the operation, while the upper portion swallows food as -if nothing had happened, permitting it indeed at first to come out at -the opposite end; just as if a man's head being cut off would let out -at the neck the bit taken in at the mouth, but which it soon learns to -retain and digest in a proper manner.' - -The smooth anemone being viviparous, as already hinted, it is no -uncommon circumstance for the naturalist to find himself unexpectedly -in possession of a large brood of infant zoophytes, which have been -ejected from the mouth of the parent. - -There is often an unpleasant-looking film surrounding the body of -the Actiniæ. This 'film' is the skin of the animal, and is cast off -very frequently. It should be brushed away by aid of a camel-hair -pencil. Should any rejected food be attached to the lips, it may be -removed by the same means. When in its native haunts this process is -performed daily and hourly by the action of the waves. Such attention -to the wants of his little captives should not be grudgingly, but -lovingly performed by the student. His labour frequently meets with -ample reward, in the improved appearance which his specimens exhibit. -Instead of looking sickly and weak, with mouth pouting, and tentacula -withdrawn, each little pet elevates its body and gracefully spreads -out its many rays, apparently for no other purpose than to please its -master's eye. - -_A. mesembryanthemum_ (in colloquial parlance abbreviated to 'mess.'), -is very common at the sea-shore. It is easily recognised by the row of -blue torquoise-like beads, about the size of a large pin's head, that -are situated around the base of the tentacula. This test is an unerring -one, and can easily be put in practice by the assistance of a small -piece of stick, with which to brush aside the overhanging rays. - -_A. crassicornis_ grows to a very large size. Some specimens would, -when expanded, cover the crown of a man's hat, while others are no -larger than a 'bachelor's button.' Unless rarely marked, I do not now -introduce the 'crass.' into my tanks, from a dislike, which I cannot -conquer, to the strange peculiarity which members of this species -possess, of turning themselves inside out, and going through a long -series of inelegant contortions. Still, to the young zoologist, this -habit will doubtless be interesting to witness. One author has named -these large anemones 'quilled dahlias;' and the expression is so -felicitous, that if a stranger at the sea-side bear it in mind, he -could hardly fail to identify the 'crass.,' were he to meet with -a specimen in a rocky pool. Not the least remarkable feature in -connection with these animal-flowers, is the extraordinary variety of -colouring which various specimens display. - -_A. troglodytes_, is seldom found larger than a florin. Its general -size is that of a shilling. From the description previously given, the -reader will be able to make the acquaintance of this anemone without -any trouble whatever. - -_A. dianthus_ (Plumose anemone), is one of the most delicately -beautiful of all the Actiniæ; it can, moreover, be very readily -identified in its native haunts. Its colour is milky-white,--body, -base, and tentacula, all present the same chaste hue. Specimens, -however, are sometimes found lemon-coloured, and occasionally of a deep -orange tint. Various are the forms which this zoophyte assumes, yet -each one is graceful and elegant. - -The most remarkable as well as the most common shape, according to -my experience, is that of a lady's corset, such as may often be seen -displayed in fashionable milliners' windows. Even to the slender waist, -the interior filled with a mass of lace-work, the rib-like streaks, and -the general contour, suggestive of the Hogarthian line of beauty, the -likeness is sustained. - -When entirely closed, this anemone, unlike many others, is extremely -flat, being scarcely more than a quarter of an inch in thickness; -indeed, so extraordinary is the peculiarity to which I allude, that a -novice would have great difficulty in believing that the object before -him was possessed of expansive powers at all, whereas, in point of -fact, it is even more highly gifted in this respect than any other -species of Actiniæ. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -Edible Crab, Shore-Crab, Spider-Crab, &c. - - -'With a smart rattle, something fell from the bed to the floor; and -disentangling itself from the death drapery, displayed a large pound -_Crab_.... Creel Katie made a dexterous snatch at a hind claw, and, -before the Crab was at all aware, deposited him in her patch-work -apron, with a "_Hech, sirs, what for are ye gaun to let gang siccan a -braw partane?_"'--T. HOOD - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 EDIBLE CRAB -2 EDIBLE CRAB, casting its shell, from Nature -3 SPIDER CRAB -4 COMMON SHORE-CRAB -5 MINUTE PORCELAIN-CRAB] - - - - -IV. - - -The foregoing motto, extracted from a humorous tale by 'dear Tom Hood,' -which appeared in one of his comic annuals,--or volumes of 'Laughter -from _year_ to _year_,' as he delighted to call them,--may not inaptly -introduce the subject of this chapter. - -The term _partane_ is generally applied in Scotland to all the true -crabs (_Brachyura_). An esteemed friend, however, informs me that in -some parts it is more particularly used to denote the Edible Crab -_(Cancer pagurus_), which is sold so extensively in the fishmongers' -shops. However that may be, there is no doubt it was a specimen of this -genus that Creel Katie so boldly captured. - -Now this crab, to my mind, is one of the most interesting objects of -the marine animal kingdom, and I would strongly advise those of my -readers who may have opportunities of being at the sea-side to procure -a few youthful specimens. Its habits, according to my experience, are -quite different from those of its relative, the Common Shore-Crab -(_Carcinus_ _mænas_), or even the Velvet Swimming-Crab (_Portunus -puber_). Unlike these, it does not show any signs of a vicious temper -upon being handled, nor does it scamper away in hot haste at the -approach of a stranger. Its nature, strange as the statement may appear -to many persons, seems timid, gentle, and fawn-like. - -On turning over a stone, you will perhaps perceive, as I have often -done, three or four specimens, and, unless previously aware of the -peculiarity of their disposition, you will be surprised to see each -little fellow immediately fall upon his back, turn up the whites of his -eyes, and bring his arms or claws together,-- - - 'As if praying dumbly, - Over his breast:' - -making just such a silent appeal for mercy as a pet spaniel does -when expecting from his master chastisement for some _faux pas_. One -of these crabs may be taken up and placed in the hand without the -slightest fear. It will not attempt to escape, but will passively -submit to be rolled about, and closely examined at pleasure. Even when -again placed in its native element, minutes will sometimes elapse -before the little creature can muster up courage to show his 'peepers,' -and gradually unroll its body and limbs from their painful contraction. - -Most writers on natural history entertain an opinion totally at -variance with my own in regard to the poor _Cancer pagurus_, of whom -we are speaking. By some he is called a fierce, cannibalistic, and -remorseless villain, totally unfit to be received into respectable -marine society. Mr. Jones relates how he put half a dozen specimens -into a vase, and on the following day found that, with the exception -of two, all had been killed and devoured by their companions; and in a -trial of strength which speedily ensued between the pair of 'demons in -crustaceous guise,' one of these was eventually immolated and devoured -by his inveterate antagonist. Sir J. Dalyell mentions several similar -instances of rapacity among these animals. Now, these anecdotes I do -not doubt, but feel inclined, from the results of my own experience, to -consider them exceptional cases. - -When studying the subject of exuviation, I was in the habit of -keeping half a dozen or more specimens of the Edible Crab together as -companions in the same vase; but except when a 'friend and brother' -slipped off his shelly coat, and thus offered a temptation too great -for crustaceous nature to withstand, I do not remember a single -instance of cannibalism. True, there certainly were occasionally -quarrelling and fighting, and serious nocturnal broils, whereby life -and limb were endangered; but then such mishaps will frequently occur, -even in the best regulated families of the higher animals, without -these being denounced as a parcel of savages. - -Compared to _Cancer pagurus_, the Shore-Crab appears in a very -unamiable light. When the two are kept in the same vase, they exhibit -a true exemplification of the wolf and the lamb. This, much to my -chagrin, was frequently made evident to me, but more particularly so -on one occasion, when I was, from certain circumstances, compelled to -place a specimen of each in unhappy companionship. Here is a brief -account of how they behaved to each other: The poor little lamb (_C. -pagurus_) was kept in a constant state of alarm by the attacks of her -fellow-prisoner (_C. mænas_) from the first moment that I dropped her -in the tank. If I gave her any food, and did not watch hard by until it -was consumed, the whole meal would to a certainty be snatched away. Not -content with his booty, the crabbie rascal of the shore would inflict a -severe chastisement upon his rival in my favour, and not unfrequently -attempt to wrench off an arm or a leg out of sheer wantonness. To -end such a deplorable state of matters, I very unceremoniously took -up wolf, and lopped off one of his large claws, and also one of his -hind legs. By this means I stopped his rapid movements to and fro, -and, moreover, deprived him somewhat of his power to grasp an object -forcibly. In spite of his mutilations, he still exhibited the same -antipathy to his companion, and, as far as possible, made her feel the -weight of his jealous ire. Retributive justice, however, was hanging -over his crustaceous head. The period arrived when nature compelled -him to change his coat. In due time the mysterious operation was -performed, and he stood forth a new creature, larger in size, handsomer -in appearance, but for a few days weak, sickly, and defenceless. His -back, legs, and every part of his body were of the consistency of -bakers' dough. The lamb well knew her power, and though much smaller in -size than her old enemy, she plucked up spirit and attacked him; nor -did she desist until she had seemingly made him cry peccavi, and run -for his life beneath the shelter of some friendly rock. Without wishing -to pun, I may truly say the little partane came off with _eclat_, -having my warmest approbation for her conduct, and a _claw_ in her arms -as token of her prowess. I knew that when wolf was himself again there -would be a scene. Reprisals, of course, would follow. Therefore, rather -than permit a continuance of such encounters, I separated the crabs, -and introduced them to companions more suited to the nature of each. - -The difference exhibited in the form and development of the tail in -the ten-footed Crustacea (_Decapoda_)--as for instance, the crab, the -lobster, and the hermit-crab--is so striking that naturalists have -very appropriately divided them into three sections, distinguished by -terms expressive of these peculiarities of structure: 1st, _Brachyura_, -or short-tailed decapods, as the Crabs; 2d, _Anomoura_, or irregular -tailed, as the Hermit-crabs; 3d, _Macroura_, or long-tailed, as -Lobster, Cray-fish, &c. - -It is to a further consideration of a few familiar examples of the -first mentioned group that I propose to devote the remainder of this -chapter. - -Few subjects of study are more difficult and obscure than such as -belong to the lower forms of the animal kingdom. However carefully -we may observe the habits of these animals, our conclusions are too -often apt to be unsound, from our proneness to judge of their actions -as we would of the actions of men. As a consequence, an animal may -be pronounced at one moment quiet and intelligent, and at another -obstinate and dull, while perhaps, if the truth were known, it deserves -neither verdict. - -For my own part, the more I contemplate the habits of many members -of the marine animal kingdom, the more am I astounded at the seeming -intelligence and purpose manifested in many of their actions. Prior, -apparently, must have been impressed with the same idea, for he says, -speaking of animals,-- - - "Vainly the philosopher avers - That reason guides our deeds, and instinct _theirs_. - How can we justly different causes frame - _When the effects entirely are the same?_ - Instinct and reason, how can we divide? - 'Tis the fool's ignorance, and the pedant's pride!" - -This train of thought has been suggested to my mind by viewing the -singular conduct of a Shore-Crab, whom I kept domesticated for many -consecutive months. Three times during his confinement he cast his -exuvium, and had become nearly double his original size. His increased -bulk made him rather unfit for my small ocean in miniature, and gave -him, as it were, a loblolliboy appearance. Besides, he was always -full of mischief, and exhibited such pawkiness, that I often wished -he were back again to his sea-side home. Whenever I dropped in a meal -for my Blennies, he would wait until I had retired, and then rush out, -disperse the fishes, and appropriate the booty to himself. If at all -possible, he would catch one of my finny pets in his arms, and speedily -devour it. Several times he succeeded in so doing; and fearing that -the whole pack would speedily disappear, unless stringent measures for -their preservation were adopted, I determined to eject the offender. -After considerable trouble, his crabship was captured, and transferred -to a capacious glass. - -The new lodging, though not so large as the one to which for so long -a time he had been accustomed, was nevertheless clean, neat, and -well-aired. At its base stood a fine piece of polished granite, to -serve as a chair of state, beneath which was spread a carpet of rich -green ulva. The water was clear as crystal; in fact, the accommodation, -as a whole, was unexceptionable. The part of host I played myself, -permitting no one to usurp my prerogative. But in spite of this, -the crab from the first was extremely dissatisfied and unhappy with -the change, and for hours together, day after day, he would make -frantic and ineffectual attempts to climb up the smooth walls of -his dwelling-place. Twice a day, for a week, I dropped in his food, -consisting of half a mussel, and left it under his very eyes; nay, I -often lifted him up and placed him upon the shell which contained his -once-loved meal; still, although the latter presented a most inviting -come-and-eat kind of appearance, not one particle would he take, but -constantly preferred to raise himself as high as possible up the sides -of the vase, until losing his balance, he as constantly toppled over -and fell upon its base. - -This behaviour not a little surprised me. Did it indicate sullenness? -or was it caused by disappointment? Was he aware that escape from -his prison without aid was impossible, and consequently exhibited -the pantomime, which I have described, to express his annoyance, and -longing for the home he had lately left? - -Thinking that perhaps there was not sufficient sea-weed in the glass, -I added a small bunch of _I. edulis_. Having thus contributed, as I -believed, to the comfort of the unhappy crab, I silently bade him -_bon soir_. On my return home, I was astonished by the servant, who -responded to my summons at the door, blurting out in a nervous manner, -'O sir! the creature's run awa!' 'The creature--what creature?' I -inquired. 'Do ye no ken, sir?--the wee crabbie in the tumler!' - -I could scarcely credit the evidence of my sight when I saw the -'tumler' minus its crustaceous occupant. The first thought that -occurred to me was as to where the crab could be found. Under chairs, -sofa, and fender, behind book-case, cabinet, and piano, in every -crevice, hole, and corner, for at least an hour did I hunt without -success. Eventually the hiding-place of the fugitive was discovered in -the following singular manner: As I sat at my desk, I was startled by -a mysterious noise which apparently proceeded from the interior of my -'Broadwood,' which, by-the-by, I verily believe knows something about -the early editions of 'The battle of Prague,' The strings of this -venerable instrument descend into ill-disguised cupboards, so that -at the lower part there are two doors, or, in scientific language, -'valves.' On opening one of these, what should I see but the poor -crab, who, at my approach, 'did' a kind of scamper polka over the -strings. This performance I took the liberty of cutting short with -all possible speed. On dragging away the performer, I found that his -appearance was by no means improved since I saw him last. Instead of -being ornamented with gracefully-bending polypes, he was coated, body -and legs, with dust and cobwebs. I determined to try the effect of a -bath, and presently had the satisfaction of seeing him regain his usual -comely appearance. The next step was to replace him in his old abode; -and having done so, I felt anxious to know how the creature had managed -to scale his prison walls. The _modus operandi_ was speedily made -apparent; yet I feel certain that, unless one had watched as I did, the -struggles of this little fellow, the determination and perseverance he -exhibited would be incredible. - -After examining his movements for an hour, I found, by dint of standing -on the points of his toes, poised on a segment of weed, that he managed -to touch the brim of the glass. Having got thus far, he next gradually -drew himself up, and sat upon the edge of the vessel. In this position -he would rest as seemingly content as a bird on a bush, or a schoolboy -on a gate. - -My curiosity satisfied, the _C. mænas_ was again placed in the vase, -and every means of escape removed. - -Here let me mention that I still had a Fiddler-Crab in my large tank, -who had formerly lived in companionship with the shore-crab above -mentioned. With 'the fiddler' I had no fault to find; he was always -modest and gentle, and gave no offence whatever to my Blennies. He -never attempted to embrace them, nor to usurp their lawful place at the -table, nor even to appropriate their meals. On the contrary, he always -crept under a stone, and closely watched the process of eating until -the coast was clear, when he would scuttle out, and feed, Lazarus-like, -upon any crumbs that might be scattered around. - -Although so modest and retiring, I soon discovered that this little -crab possessed an ambitious and roving disposition. This made him -wish to step into the world without, and proceed on a voyage of -discovery--to start, indeed, on his own account, and be independent of -my hospitality, or the dubious bounty of his finny companions. Taking -advantage on one occasion of a piece of sandstone that rested on the -side of the aquarium, he climbed up its slanting-side, from thence he -stepped on to the top of the vessel, and so dropped down outside upon -the room floor. For nearly two days I missed his familiar face, but had -no conception that he had escaped, or that he wished to escape from his -crystal abode. It was by mere accident that I discovered the fact. - -Entering my study, after a walk on a wet day, umbrella in hand, I -thoughtlessly placed this useful article against a chair. A little pool -of water immediately formed upon the carpet, which I had no sooner -noticed, than I got up to remove the _parapluie_ to its proper place in -the stand, but started back in surprise, for in the little pool stood -the fugitive fiddler moistening his branchiæ. - -Taking up the little prodigal who had left my protection so lately, -I soon deposited him in a vase of clear salt water. After a while, -thinking it might conduce to the happiness of both parties, I placed -him in companionship with his old friend, _Carcinus mænas_. This, -like many other philanthropic projects, proved a complete failure. -Both creatures, once so harmless towards each other, seemed suddenly -inspired by the demon of mischief. Combats, more or less severe, -constantly occurring, in a few days I separated them. - -The 'fiddler' I placed in the large tank, where he rested content, and -never again offered to escape--evidently the better of his experience. -Not so his old friend, who still continued obstinate and miserable as -ever. In his case I determined to see if a certain amount of sternness -would not curb his haughty spirit. For two days I offered him no -food, but punished him with repeated strokes on his back, morning and -evening. This treatment was evidently unpleasant, for he scampered -about with astonishing rapidity, and ever endeavoured to shelter -himself under the granite centre-piece. When I thought he had been -sufficiently chastised, I next endeavoured to coax him into contentment -and better conduct. My good efforts were, however, unavailing. Every -morning I placed before him a newly-opened mussel, but on no occasion -did he touch a morsel. All day he continued struggling, as heretofore, -to climb up the side of his chamber, trying by every means in his power -to escape. This untameable disposition manifested itself for about a -week, but at the end of that time, on looking into the vase, I saw -the crab seated on the top of the stone, his body resting against the -glass. I then took up a piece of meat and placed it before him. To my -surprise he did not run away as usual. Having waited for some minutes, -and looking upon his obstinacy as unpardonable, I tapped him with a -little stick--still he never moved. A sudden thought flashed across my -mind; I took him up in my hand, examined him, and quickly found that he -was stiff and dead! - - * * * * * - -There is a little crab, _Porcellana longicornis_, or Minute -Porcelain-Crab, frequently to be met with in certain localities. - -The peculiarity of this creature is the thickness and the great -disproportionate length of his arms, as compared with the size of his -pea-like body. He possesses a singular habit which I have not observed -in any other crustaceans. He does not sit under a stone, for instance, -but always lies beneath such object with his back upon the ground; -so that when a boulder is turned over, these crabs are always found -sitting upon it, whereas the shore-crabs, when the light of day is -suddenly let in upon them, scamper off with all possible speed; or if -any remain, it appears as if they had been pressed to death almost, by -the weight of the stone upon their backs. - -The colour of _P. longicornis_ is that of prepared chocolate, shaded -off to a warm red. - -Another crab, equally common with those already mentioned, is to -be met with when dredging, and in most rock-pools. At Wardie, near -Edinburgh, I have seen hundreds of all sizes hiding beneath the rocks -at low tide. Its scientific name is _Hyas araneus_, but it is better -known as one of the Spider-Crabs. It claims close relationship with -that noted crustaceous sanitory reformer, _Maia squinado_. Although -this H. araneus is a somewhat pleasant fellow when you get thoroughly -acquainted with his eccentricities, appearances are sadly against him -at starting. Speaking with due caution and in the gentlest manner -possible, consistent with truth, I must say that this crab is, without -exception, one of the dirtiest-looking animals I have ever met with in -my zoological researches. At a by no means hasty glance, he appears to -be miraculously built up of mud, hair, and grit on every part, except -his claws, which are long and sharp as those of any bird of prey. - -The first specimen I ever saw, seemed as if he had been dipped in a gum -pot, and then soused over head and ears in short-cut hair and filth. - -The second specimen, although equally grimy, had some redeeming points -in his personal appearance, for at intervals every part of his back and -claws were covered with small frondlets of ulva, dulse, _D. sanguinea_, -and other beautiful weeds, all of which were in a healthy condition. -After keeping him in a vase for a week, he managed, much against my -wish, to strip himself of the greater part of these novel excrescences. - -Instead of minute algæ, we read that these crabs are sometimes found -with oysters (_Ostrea edulis_) attached to their backs. Mr. W. Thompson -mentions two instances where this occurs, with specimens of _H. -araneus_, to be seen in Mr. Wyndman's cabinet. Speaking of these, he -adds, 'The oyster on the large crab is three inches in length, and five -or six years' old, and is covered with many large Balani. The shell, -a carapace of the crab, is but two inches and a quarter in length, -and hence it must, Atlas-like, have born a world of weight upon its -shoulders. The presence of the oyster affords interesting evidence that -the Hyas lived several years after attaining its full growth. - -For days after I had brought him home, my second specimen appeared as -if he were dead, and it was only by examining his mouth through a hand -lens that I could satisfy myself as to his being alive. When I pushed -him about with an ivory stick he never resisted, but always remained -still upon the spot where I had urged him. - -This species of _acting_ he has given up for some time, and at the -present moment I rank H. araneus among my list of marine pets, for he -does not appear any longer to pine for mud with which to decorate his -person, but is quite content to 'purge and live cleanly' all the rest -of his days. - -The ancients imagined that _Maia squinado_ possessed a great degree of -wisdom, and further believed him to be sensible to the divine charms -of music. It is very curious, as well as true, that this animal has -in a far higher degree than other crustaceans, a gravity of demeanour, -and a profound style of doing everything, that always excites our -irreverent laughter, but at the same time leaves an impression that, -if justice were done, the animal ought to hold a higher position in -the marine world than a scavenger and devourer of ocean garbage. If -_Maia_ and _C. mænas_ be both eating out of the same dish, in the shape -of an open mussel, the former seems ever inclined to admonish his -companion upon greediness and want of manners. The only seeming reason -why _M. squinado_ does not really give such advice, is because of the -impossibility of any individual speaking with his mouth full. The -knowledge, too, that if he commenced a pantomimic discourse, it would -give his young friend an opportunity of gaining too large a share of -the banquet, may, perhaps, have something to do with his preferring to -remain quiet. - -As for _Maia's_ possession of appreciative musical qualities, I can -only state that both he and his friend _Hyas_ really do convey to -the beholder an impression confirmatory of this statement. I have -frequently been amused to observe the singular phenomenon of each -animal coming to the side of the vase and rocking his body to and fro, -in apparent delight at the exercise of my vocal abilities, just as -when a pleasing melody is being played in the concert room, we bend -backwards and forwards, and beat time to the tune. These animals also -adopt the same course: it must be to unheard music (which the poets say -is sweetest), that seems ever and anon to fall on their ears, giving -them great delight. - -The movements here alluded to may be in no way influenced by music; but -such as they are, it is curious that they have not been noticed as an -apparent explanation of the origin of the ancient belief regarding the -Spider-Crabs. - - * * * * * - -A friend, on one occasion having procured for me, among other objects, -a Common Limpet, I placed this mollusc in my aquarium, and soon had -the pleasure of watching it affix its broad foot to the surface of the -glass. After a while, on the Limpet slightly raising its canopy, I was -surprised to observe a little Shore-Crab peer out from between the foot -and shell. On suddenly ejecting the intruder by means of a small brush, -he speedily hid himself from view among the surrounding pebbles. A few -hours after, on again approaching the tank to view the Patella (which -was easily identified, from the fact of an immense colony of Mussels -being settled on its back), I found to my great astonishment that the -crab had re-seated himself in his old position. I often repeated the -sweeping operation, but without success, for the little rascal had -become artful, and was not inclined to be driven forth a second time -by a _coup de main_. I touched the Limpet frequently and saw it glue -itself, as usual, to the glass; but, singular to state, the creature -always left a larger space between its foot and the circumference -of the shell on the side at which the crab was seated, than on the -opposite one, seemingly from a wish to accommodate its crustaceous -friend. This space, moreover, let me observe, was larger than was -absolutely necessary, for, as the shell was not air-tight, I was -enabled to thrust my camel-hair pencil teazingly upon the crab, and was -much amused to watch him clutch at the intruding object, and, at times, -move about with it in his grasp, thus proving that he was by no means -uncomfortably 'cabin'd, cribb'd, confin'd.' - -For a whole week the crab remained in his favorite lodgings, and only -resigned occupancy thereof when his friend gave up the shell--and died. - -There is a certain species of crab, _Pinnotheres pisum_, or common -Pea-Crab, frequently found in _Mytilus edulis_, the Oyster, and the -Common Cockle. Indeed, one gentleman states, that on his examining, on -two occasions, a large number of specimens of the _Cardium edule_, he -found that nine out of every ten cockles contained a crab. Still, in no -other instance than the one my own experience furnishes, have I ever -heard of the Shore-Crab, or, indeed, of any other crustacean, becoming -the guest of _Patella_. - -The classical reader will not fail to remember Pliny's statement -(somewhat analogous to that above narrated) of a small crab, -_Pinnotheres veterum_, which is always found to inhabit the Pinna,--a -large species of mussel. This latter animal being blind, but muscularly -strong, and its juvenile companion quick-sighted, but weak of limb, the -crab, it is said, always keeps a sharp look-out, and when any danger -approaches, he gladly creeps into the gaping shell for protection. Some -writers assert, that when the bivalve has occasion to eat, he sends -forth his faithful henchman to procure food. If any foe approaches, -_Pinnotheres_ flies for protection with his utmost speed to the anxious -bosom of his friend, who, being thus warned of danger, closes his -valves, and escapes the threatened attack. When, on the contrary, the -crab loads himself with booty, he makes a gentle noise at the opening -of the shell, which is closed during his absence, and on admission, -this curious pair fraternize, and feast on the fruits of the little -one's foray. - -For those of my readers who may prefer verse to prose, I here append a -poetical version of this fable--equally pretty, but, let me add in a -whisper, equally opposed to fact, at least in its principal details:-- - - 'In clouded depths below, the Pinna hides, - And through the silent paths obscurely glides; - A stupid wretch, and void of thoughtful care, - He forms no bait, nor lays no tempting snare; - But the dull sluggard boasts a _crab_ his friend, - Whose busy eyes the coming prey attend. - One room contains them, and the partners dwell - Beneath the convex of one sloping shell: - Deep in the watery vast the comrades rove, - And mutual interest binds their constant love; - That wiser friend the lucky juncture tells, - When in the circuit of his gaping shells - Fish wandering enters; then the bearded guide - Warns the dull mate, and pricks his tender side. - He knows the hint, nor at the treatment grieves, - But hugs the advantage, and the pain forgives: - His closing shell the Pinna sudden joins, - And 'twixt the pressing sides his prey confines. - Thus fed by mutual aid, the friendly pair - Divide their gains, and all their plunder share.' - -There is one singular feature in the Crustacea which it may prove -interesting to dwell a little upon. I allude to their power of living -apparently without food, or at least without any other sustenance -than is afforded by the animalculæ contained in the water in which -they dwell. One accurate observer states that he kept a Cray-fish for -a period of two years, during which time the only food the animal -received was a few worms,--not more than fifty altogether. This -statement I have often had ample means of verifying. Yet, on the other -hand, strange to say, the crab is always on the hunt after tit-bits; -and nothing seems to give him greater delight than a good morning meal, -in the shape of a newly opened Mussel, Cockle, and above all--a Pholas. -Let a youthful crustacean cast its shell, and rest assured, unless its -companions have had their appetites appeased, they will endeavour to -fall upon and devour the defenceless animal. This, to my chagrin and -annoyance, I have known to occur repeatedly. When nothing else can be -procured, not only the Lobster Crabs, but any Brachyurous Decapods -who may be at hand, will set to work, and industriously pick off and -eat the Acorn-Barnacles attached to any object within reach. These -facts show that the asceticism of the crab is not voluntary, and that -when opportunity occurs, he is as fond of a good dinner as are animals -possessed of a higher degree of organization. - -It will be gratifying if other observers are able to verify the -circumstance which I shall allude to hereafter, and which would seem -to show that the _exuviation_ of crustacea is expedited by affording -specimens an unlimited supply of food. - -'The organs for pursuing, seizing, tearing, and comminuting the food of -the Brachyurous Decapods,' says Professor Bell, 'are carried to a high -degree of development; ... these appendages consist of six pairs, of -which some are actual organs of mastication, as the mandibles or the -true jaws, the foot jaws or pedipalps, generally serving to keep the -food in contact with the former, whilst it is being broken up by them. - -'The buccal orifice in the Brachyura occupies the interior face of -the cephalic division of the body, and is bounded anteriorly by a -crustaceous lamina of determinate form, which has been termed the upper -lip, and posteriorly by another, termed the lower lip. The mandibles -occupy the sides of the opening. After these, and external to them, -are the first, and then the second pair of true jaws, followed by the -three pairs of pedipalps or foot jaws, the last of which, when at rest, -close the mouth, and include the whole of the preceding ones. In the -Macroura the pedipalps are very different in their forms, and have the -aspect of very simple feet. - -'The means of comminuting the food are not restricted to the -complicated machinery above referred to, for the stomach itself -contains a very remarkable apparatus, consisting of several hard -calcareous pieces, which may be termed _gastric teeth_. They are -attached to horny or calcareous levers, fixed in the parietes of -the stomach; they are moved by a complicated system of muscles, and -are admirably adapted to complete the thorough breaking-down of the -aliment, which had already been to a considerable extent affected by -the buccal appendages. These gastric teeth may be readily seen and -examined in the larger species of Decapoda, as in the large eatable -crab and the lobster; and it will be readily perceived how perfectly -the different pieces are made to act upon each other, and to grind the -food interposed between them.' - -Having been on a certain day at the sea-side collecting, I was amused -to observe the movements of two ragged little urchins, who approached -near to where I stood, bottle in hand, examining some beautiful -zoophytes by aid of a pocket lens. One of them had a short iron rod, -with which he very dexterously hooked out any unfortunate crab who -happened to have taken up its quarters in some crevice or beneath -a boulder. Having captured a specimen, it was handed over to his -companion, who quickly tied it to a string which he held in his hand. - -I had seen many a rope of onions, but this was the first time I had -seen a rope of crabs. On inquiry, I learned that the boys had taken two -dozen animals in about two hours. When any of the green-bellied crabs -happened to be poked out, they were allowed to escape back again as -quickly as they pleased. - -With poor _Cancer pagurus_ the case was different,--every specimen, as -soon as caught, being strung up, and doomed to 'death in the pot.' - -The above, I need scarcely state, is not the usual manner of fishing -for crabs, the approved plan being to take them in what are termed -crab-pots, 'a sort of wicker-trap made, by preference, of the twigs of -the golden willow (_salex vitellina_), at least in many parts of the -coast, on account, as they say, of its great durability and toughness. -These pots are formed on the principle of a common wire mousetrap, but -with the entrance at the top; they are baited with pieces of fish, -generally of some otherwise useless kind, and these are fixed into the -pots by means of a skewer. The pots are sunk by stones attached to the -bottom, and the situation where they are dropped is indicated, and the -means of raising them provided, by a long line fixed to the creel, or -pot, having a piece of cork attached to the free end of the line; these -float the line, and at the same time serve to designate the owners -of the different pots--one, perhaps, having three corks near together -towards the extremity of the line, and two distant ones--another may -have one cork fastened crosswise, another fastened together, and so -on. It is, of course, for their mutual security that the fishermen -abstain from poaching on their neighbour's property; and hence we find -that stealing from each other's pots is a crime almost wholly unknown -amongst them.' - -'The fishery for these crabs constitutes an important trade on many -parts of the coast. The numbers which are annually taken are immense; -and, as the occupation of procuring them is principally carried on -by persons who are past the more laborious and dangerous pursuits of -general fishing, it affords a means of subsistence to many a poor man -who, from age or infirmity, would be unable without it to keep himself -and his family from the workhouse.'[3] - -[3] Bell's Brit. Crus. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -Hermit-Crabs. - - - 'Finding on the shoar -Som handsome shell, whose native lord of late -Was dispossessed by the doom of Fate, -Therein he enters, and he takes possession -Of th' empty harbour, by the free concession -Of Nature's law--who goods that owner want, -Alwaies allots to the first occupant.' - - DU BARTAS. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 COMMON HERMIT-CRAB (_Pagurus bernhardus_) in shell of common Whelk -2 COMMON HERMIT-CRAB out of shell -3 SHIP BARNACLES] - - - - -V. - - -Twice in every twenty-four hours the waters of the ocean ebb and flow. -Twice only in each month, however, do the spring-tides occur. For there -are few dangers that the ardent student of nature would not encounter. -Lord Bacon tells of a certain bishop who used to bathe regularly twice -every day, and on being asked why he bathed thus often, answered, -'Because I cannot conveniently bathe _three_ times.' The zoologist, -like the 'right reverend father' alluded to, would willingly undergo -what appears to others much hardship and trouble, not only once or -twice, but even three times daily, in pursuit of his favourite studies, -did Nature but offer the kind convenience. - -On these occasions the zoologist can pursue his researches at the -shore, at a distance beyond the usual tidal line. Numerous boulders and -rock-pools, during many days covered by the sea, being then laid bare -and exposed to his eager, searching hands and eyes, he is frequently -able to discover many rare objects, or, at least, common ones -revelling in almost giant-like proportions, and wonderful profusion. - -The Soldier or Hermit-Crabs (to an account of whom we intend to devote -this chapter), offer a most remarkable proof of this. Occupying the -centre of a rocky excavation, I have repeatedly found several dozen -of these comical creatures, each inhabiting the cast-off shell of a -defunct Whelk (_Buccinum undatum_), which measured not less than five -or six inches in length. To my surprise these aldermanic crustaceans -possessed no companions of a smaller growth; while at a few yards -nearer shore, as many shells would be found congregated together as in -the more distant pool,--the largest, however, being no bigger than a -damson, while the smallest might be compared to an infantile pea, or -cherry-stone. - -I cannot explain this appearance otherwise, than by supposing that -the _Anomoura_ become prouder, or, it may be, more cunning, as they -grow older, and, having arrived at their full development, they -fit themselves with their final suit; thereafter, in a spirit of -aristocratic exclusiveness, they retire to fashionable subaqueous -residences, distant as far as possible from the homes of the -_canaille_, who inhabit the common, littoral boundaries of the shore. - -The peculiarity, to which I alluded, of the _Anomoura_ occupying -shells that have formerly belonged to other animals, is so strange -that some writers have not hesitated to express doubt upon the -subject. This denial of a fact, which can so readily be proved, is one -of the 'curiosities of literature.' Swammerdam, a Dutch naturalist -contemptuously observes, 'What an idle fable that is which is -established even among those who study shell-fishes, when they show -some kind of the crab kind in their museums, adding at the same time, -that they pass from one shell to another, devour the animals that -lived in those shells, and keep them for their own habitations. They -dignify them with the high-sounding names, and additions, as Soldiers, -Hermits, and the like; and thus, having no experience, they commit -gross errors, and deceive themselves, as well as others, with their -idle imaginations.' - -That there is nothing mythical in the matter can easily be made -apparent to any person who chooses to visit the sea-shore. At such -locality he need have no difficulty in recognising the Hermit-Crab, or -meeting with numerous specimens for examination. Supposing such a one -is at a rock-pool, and, moreover, that he knows by sight the Buckie -(periwinkle), and Common Whelk, he will probably in such case be aware -that the animals occupying these shells are snail-like in construction, -and that their locomotion is consequently slow and formal. If, -therefore, when peering into any pool he sees the Buckie, for instance, -apparently change its nature, and instead of - - 'Dragging its slow length along,' - -scamper off suddenly, or roll over and over from the top of an -eminence to the bottom, he may rest assured that the original -inhabitant has departed, and that its place is occupied by a -Lobster-Crab. - -The cause of his strange peculiarity I will briefly explain. - -In the true Lobster the tail forms a most valuable appendage. In the -tail the principal muscular power of the animal is seated; and by means -of it, too, the animal is enabled to spring to a considerable distance, -and also to swim through the water at will. This important organ is -well protected by a casing consisting of a 'series of calcareous rings, -forming a hard and insensible chain armour.' - -In the Lobster-Crab there is no such arrangement. 'The abdominal -segment of this singular animal, instead of possessing the same -crustaceous covering as the rest of his body and claws, is quite -soft, _and merely enveloped in a thin skin_. To protect this delicate -member from the attacks of his voracious companions, the poor Pagurus -is compelled to hunt about for some Univalve, such as a Whelk or -Trochus, and having found this, he drops his tail within the aperture -and hooks it firmly to the columella of the shell. Why Providence -has doomed the poor Hermits to descend to such physical hypocrisy, -and clothe themselves in the left-off garments of other animals, it -is not easy to conjecture. No doubt, besides the defence of their -otherwise unprotected bodies, he has some other object of importance -in view. Perhaps they may accelerate the decomposition of the shells -they inhabit, and cause them sooner to give way to the action of the -atmosphere; and as all exuviæ may be termed nuisances and deformities, -giving to these deserted mansions an appearance of renewed life and -locomotion, removes them in some sort from the catalogue of blemishes.' - -Professor Jones, when treating of this class of animals, forcibly -remarks that 'the wonderful adaptation of all the limbs to a residence -in such a dwelling, cannot fail to strike the most curious observer. -The _Chelæ_, or large claws, differ remarkably in size, so that when -the animal retires into its concealment, the smaller one may be -entirely withdrawn, while the larger closes and guards the orifice. The -two succeeding pairs of legs, unlike those of the Lobster, are of great -size and strength, and instead of being terminated by pincers, end in -strong-pointed levers, whereby the animal can not only crawl, but drag -after it, its heavy habitation. Behind these locomotive legs are two -feeble pairs, barely strong enough to enable the Soldier-Crab to shift -his position in the shell he has chosen; and the false feet attached -to the abdomen are even still more rudimentary in their development. -But the most singularly altered portion of the skeleton is the fin -of the tail, which here becomes transformed into a kind of holding -apparatus by which the creature retains a firm grasp of the bottom of -his residence.' - -So great is the power of the animals to retain hold of their shell, and -so intense their dislike to be forcibly ejected therefrom, that they -will often allow their bodies to be pulled asunder, and sacrifice their -life rather than submit to such indignity. This fact I have proved -on sundry occasions. But supposing a crab to have taken a fancy to a -shell, occupied by some brother Pagurus, (a circumstance of frequent -occurrence), he quickly proceeds to dislodge the latter. Curious to -state, this process never seems attended with any fatal result. - -When watching the operation, it has appeared to me as if the crab -attacked preferred to yield rather than be subjected to continuous -annoyance, and the discomfort of keeping for so long a time buried -within the inner recesses of his dwelling. - -The contrast in appearance of the Hermit-Crab when seated in his shell, -and crawling about minus such appendage, is great indeed. - -This the reader will readily perceive by examining the Illustrations on -Plate 4, which are drawn from nature, and are truthful portraitures of -this singular creature. - -I have already mentioned the extreme difficulty there is in expelling -a Lobster-Crab. This, be it understood, applies only to the animal in -good health; for no sooner does he feel sick than he instantly leaves -his shell, and crawls about in a most pitiable plight. He sometimes -becomes convalescent again by being placed solus in some fresh water, -or laid out in the air for a few moments. But he ought, on no account, -when in a sickly condition, to be allowed to hide himself beneath any -pieces of rock or shadow of the Algæ. - -If he is out of sight, be sure not to let him be out of mind; for, -should he die in the tank, and his body be allowed to remain for any -length of time, he will very soon afford you full proof that such -toleration on your part is anything but pleasant. - -Although, as already stated, this animal cannot be drawn out of his -shell except by extreme force, the object can easily be obtained by aid -of strategy. Having been for some time at a loss how to give certain -young visitors a sight of the Hermit-Crab in his defenceless state, I, -by accident, hit upon the following simple plan:-- - -With a piece of bent whalebone I lifted up a Pagurus, shell and all, -and allowed the latter to drop upon the outer row of the tentacula of -an Actinia, which quickly stuck fast to the intruding object. The crab -at first did not seem fully alive to his critical position. He popped -out of his shell and looked unsuspectingly around, until catching -sight of my face, he instantly retired from view with a casket-like -snap. In a minute he was out again, and this time prepared to change -his position. For this purpose he gave several successive pulls, but -finding all his efforts to remove his carriage unavailing, he unhooked -his tail and scrambled down among the pebbles. My purpose was thereby -gained, for the next moment he was resting in the palm of one of my -juvenile friends, who seemed quite delighted with his prize. Twice -afterwards, being in a mischievous mood, I gave the crab a fright in -the way just mentioned; but it was quite evident, that what might be -sport to me was death to him, for he was both annoyed and alarmed at -my procedure. Even when guiltless of any intention of touching the -creature, if I merely showed him the cane he immediately hobbled away -at the utmost rate of speed he could muster. On several occasions I -followed after and brought him back to the edge of the tank, although -such conduct met with his strongest disapproval, and caused him for -some time to sulk beneath an arch-way of rock work, away from the reach -of vulgar eyes. - -Upon the side and near the base of my tank a fine specimen of the -Limpet was at one time attached. From the centre of its shell a forest -of sea-grass waved gracefully, shadowing a large colony of Barnacles -thickly clustered beneath. Soon the Patella decided upon taking its -usual morning stroll in search of food, a task of little difficulty, -standing as the animal already did upon the margin of a broad meadow, -richly coated with a verdant growth, composed of the infant spores of -the Ulva. Slowly moving along, the Patella, with its riband-like band -of teeth, swept off the luscious weed in a series of graceful curves, -thus making an abundant and healthful meal. Before proceeding far, -however, he was forced to bear the weight of a Soldier-Crab, who had -most unceremoniously climbed upon his back, and taken up a position at -the base of the _latissima_ fronds. - -There seemed so much nonchalance about the Pagurus that I determined -to watch his movements, and, if possible, to see how he would manage -to descend from a position which, if the mollusc continued his mowing -operations, would soon be unenviably high. - -In about an hour the Limpet had reached the level of the water in the -aquarium, and there took up his abode for the night. Next day and the -next there was no change of situation. The crab now began evidently -to perceive the danger of the position in which he was placed, for he -constantly moved to and fro, and peered over into what must have seemed -to him an unfathomable abyss. - -While I stood, the Patella made a sudden movement of its shell--so -sudden, indeed, as to startle its companion, who quickly put out his -claws to save himself from falling. Unfortunately, in his spasmodic -gesture he allowed the tip of one of his claws to intrude under the -edge of the conical canopy, thus, in fact, pricking the fleshy 'mantle' -of the animal within, who instantly, of course, glued itself to the -glass with immoveable firmness. I suppose the same thing must have -frequently occurred without my knowledge, for after a lapse of several -days the Pagurus and his bearer were still in the same spot. I felt a -growing alarm for the continued health of the Hermit-Crab, from the -fact of its being poised so directly over the ever-expanded tentacles -of a large Anemone. To prevent any mishap, I went to lift his crabship, -with a view of transferring him to a place of safety, when, no sooner -did he perceive the advancing forceps, than he rushed into his shell -with a sudden and audible 'click,' forgetting for the moment that he -stood on such ticklish ground. The consequence was that, seeking to -avoid Scylla, he fell into Charybdis. In other words, he dropped plump -upon the well-gummed tenter-hooks of the Crassicornis, which instantly -closed and engulphed its prize. In vain did I endeavour with all speed -to pick out the devoted Pagurus. The more I tried, the more firmly did -the Actinia hold him in its convulsive grasp. - -With extremely few exceptions, the Hermit-Crabs are always found to be -a prying, prowling, curious class of animals, and are ever, like the -husband of the fair Lady Jane-- - - 'Poking their nose (?) into this thing and that.' - -They will turn over each shell and pebble that comes in their way, and -examine it with profound attention, or industriously climb up and roll -down hillocks and trees in the shape of small rocks and sea-weeds, -much to their danger. - -I once possessed a Hermit-Crab, whose voracious movements afforded -considerable amusement to myself and my friends. My Diogenes--or, -as the Cockney news-boys used to pronounce the now extinct comic -periodical, _Dodgenes_--on a certain occasion had climbed up a -segmentally cut frond of Irish Moss. On reaching the topmost point, his -weight became too great for the weed to bear; so, finding he was losing -his equilibrium, in great alarm he made a clutch at the first object -that stood near, in order to save him from falling. - -A mussel was moored hard by, to the side of the vase by means of its -silken byssus threads, and upon this friendly bivalve the Pagurus -leaped by aid of his long taper legs. Unluckily the shell of the -Mytilus was open, and the crab unwittingly thrusting his toe within the -aperture, the intruding object was of course instantly gripped by the -mollusc. This accident put him in a terrible fright. His gestures were -most excited, and no wonder. Let the reader fancy himself hanging on -to a window sill, at a height say of twenty feet from the ground, with -the sash-frame fixed on his hand, and a huge iron foot-bath, or some -such object, attached to the lower part of his body, and he will have a -tolerably correct idea of the painful position of our crustacean friend. - -After curling and uncurling his tail, and trying several times in vain -to throw his tub upon the valve of the mussel, he released hold of his -encumbrance, and allowed it to drop. Although still hanging, he had no -difficulty in rolling up his 'continuation,' and elevating his body -to the walls of his prison. Once again upon solid ground, he laboured -hard to get his leg free. But unsuccessful in his efforts, he adopted -another course, and snapped it off in a rage. - -Scarcely, however, was the act of mutilation finished, when the stupid -animal apparently seemed anxious to recover his lost toe, (which I may -mention, had in reality fallen down among the pebbles). - -After scraping, then resting, and scraping again, many successive -times, he at last succeeded in diving the points of his largest claw -into the chasm formed by the gaping mollusc. Of course, the member was -held as if by a powerful vice. Very soon his courage deserted him, and -he seemed to wait and weep despairingly for fate to release him from -the sad predicament into which he had foolishly fallen. Alas! he little -knew the singular part that fickle fortune had doomed him to play,--to -become, if I may so term it, a kind of Prometheus in the tank. - -My pack of fishes, having been on short rations for several days, had -become exceedingly ravenous, and consequently were keeping a sharp -look-out for scraps. Hence their intense delight on catching sight -of the devoted 'Dodgenes' can readily be imagined. Such a delicious -_morceau_ was perfectly irresistible:-- - - 'Mercy, mercy! - No pity, no release, no respite, oh!' - -At it they went, 'tooth and nail,' First one and then another tore away -a mouthful, until in the twinkling of an eye, almost, the martyr crab -was left forlorn and dead-- - - 'A remnant of his former self.' - -During the early portion of last year I had a Hermit-Crab inhabiting a -pretty Purpura, whose shell I wished to sketch as an illustration, it -being of peculiar form and colour. On going to the tank I discovered -that Pagurus had most apropos vacated his turbinated cot, apparently -in consequence of his feeling rather squeamish. Thinking he might -perhaps presently recover, or pick up another dwelling, I hesitated -not to abstract the shell, in order to make the required drawing. I -had not been occupied with my task for more than five minutes, when my -attention was attracted by a great excitement and clatter pervading the -tank. A hasty glance within the vessel sufficed to explain the cause of -the hubbub. - -The brief domestic drama of which I was a spectator, with its somewhat -singular denouement, I will now proceed to unfold for the reader's -entertainment. It conveys a good lesson in natural history, and also -exhibits a striking example of life beneath the waters. - -The Blennies, I may state, had become very voracious, pugnacious, and -audacious; nothing seemed safe from their attacks. I had begun to feed -them on the _Cardium edule_ and Mussel, but such diet, after a time, -only served to whet their appetite, which certainly appeared to 'grow -by what it fed on,' for they darted about through the water in all -directions, searching, as I suppose, for other dainties. These efforts -were unsuccessful, until they caught sight of the plump, undefended -portion of the body of their companion, the Hermit-Crab, who had just -left his shell, as above stated. - -The sight of such a feast must have (figuratively speaking) made their -'mouths water,' One after another these rascally fish dodged round -the crustaceous victim, and gripped, and shook his 'continuation' -with extraordinary violence. In vain did the crab try to act on the -defensive; all his efforts to retaliate were ineffectual, and in this -instance it might be truly said that 'might' overcame 'right.' He ran -to and fro in great distress, scraping the pebbles and shells about -(thus partly creating the clatter that I had heard while sketching), in -the hope that he might find an empty univalve in which to deposit his -mutilated carcase. When almost breathless and exhausted, he discovered -a worn-out Wentletrap, and strove to lift his quivering body into the -aperture, alas! without success. His strength failed him, and he fell -dead at the very threshold of his new-found home. - -While watching thus far the above transaction, the writer felt almost -inclined to waver in the faith he had long held with others, namely, -that fishes and other marine animals are insensible to pain. But -the movements of this poor Hermit-Crab were as indicative of severe -suffering as anything he ever witnessed in bird or quadruped. - -Wishing to examine the remains of the crab, I stepped aside for a few -moments to procure my forceps, but when I again reached the vase, to -my intense surprise the defunct animal was nowhere to be seen! I could -only account for so singular a circumstance by supposing some of the -larger crustaceans had taken advantage of my absence to complete the -work of destruction, and therefore took no further notice of the matter -at the time. - -I had often wished that some of my finny pets would deposit their spawn -in the tank, and felt very anxious, if such an event did take place, -that I might be near to witness it. But I was most anxious to watch the -gradual development of the ova, and, if practicable, to become the fond -owner of a host of infant 'fishlings.' - -Guess the thrill of pride, then, which ran through my veins when, on -peering into my mimic rock-pool, after a brief absence from home, I -observed the largest of my Blennies to be apparently in an 'interesting -condition.' I watched and petted her many times daily, and fed her with -every suitable dainty that could be thought of. Sometimes I took her -in the palm of my hand, and with a fine camel-hair pencil stroked her -glossy back. This operation evidently gave great delight to the little -beauty; and after a while, when my hand was laid in the water, she -gently floated off into her native element with almost swan-like grace. - -The law of nature being the same with this fish as with the -Stickleback, I knew the nest, if there was to be one at all, should -be built by the male. But as I could not detect any specimen of the -'sterner sex' among my pack, and there being no signs of preparation -for the grand event about to take place, I felt in a manner compelled -to carry out the nidifying task in my own humble way. Of course, I gave -up all idea of 'weaving' a nest with bits of weed, stones, and marine -glue; nor was such a style of structure a desideratum in the present -instance, wanting, as I did, to take notes, in Paul Pry fashion, of the -minutest particular that might occur within the building. The following -was the plan I adopted. First was procured the exquisitely formed valve -of a large _Pecten_, the interior of which was white and beautifully -irridescent. This pretty cot, I said to myself, shall serve as a -chamber for my _protégé_. The shell being deposited behind a piece of -rock, in such a position that its side rested against the surface of -the glass, I was thus enabled to watch what was going on within. Some -fronds of sea-weed were trained around so as to form a kind of drapery. -The Blenny, I am quite certain, knew perfectly well that all this care -and preparation was on her account, for nearly the whole of each day -she spent in the novel apartment extemporized for her accommodation. -After a week had elapsed, she grew uneasy and pettish, was ever -snapping at her companions, and hunting them about in all directions. -On one occasion, however, she seemed to be uneasy, now clashing round -the rock, then darting to the top of the tank, and down again upon the -pebbles. Scores of times these movements were repeated, until I felt -alarmed for her safety, and annoyed at my inability to relieve her -sufferings. But aid from me being impossible, I felt compelled, though -very unwillingly, to allow nature to take its course. - -On looking into the aquarium one morning, I observed some strange -object protruding from the fish. The little creature, too, on catching -sight of me, came to the side of the tank, near to where I stood, and -by her movements asked me, as plainly as any dumb animal could ask, to -give her my assistance. After a few minutes spent in a 'brown study', I -resolved to grant her petition, and immediately setting to work, drew -from her--what? what do you suppose, reader? In truth neither more nor -less than the body, head, and long antennæ of the 'martyr' Hermit-Crab! -whose late sudden disappearance was now fully accounted for. - -There are ten British species of Lobster-Crab, but one only, _P. -Bernardhus_, to which the reader has been introduced, is common to our -shores. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -Exuviation of Crustacea. - -(THE PHENOMENA OF CRABS, ETC., CASTING THEIR SHELLS.) - - -'As Samson at his marriage propounded a riddle to his companions -to try their wits thereon, so God offereth such enigmas in Nature, -partly that men may make use of their admiring as well as of their -understanding; partly that philosophers may be taught their distance -betwixt themselves, who are but the lovers, and God, who is the giver -of wisdom.'--INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY, page 384. - - - - -VI. - - -The Armory of the Tower of London forms, it is generally admitted, one -of the most interesting sights of the great metropolis. No one can look -without wonder upon that goodly array of knights and noble warriors, -nor help an involuntary sigh over the degeneracy of modern humanity. -Though the figures before us are technically and irreverently termed -'dummies,' the hardened shell with which their body and limbs are -cased we know has felt the throb of many a true English heart, maybe, -glistened beneath the sun at Cressy and Agincourt, or perhaps on the -bloody fields of Worcester and Marston Moor. It requires no great -power of the imagination to transport ourselves to bygone centuries, -and listen to the ring of hostile arms, the sepulchral voices of men -whose heads are inurned in casques of steel, blended with the clash of -battle-axes, the whizz of arrows, the neighing of steeds, the rattle of -musketry, and at intervals the deep booming cannon's roar. - -But, asks the gasping reader, what has this parade of mail-clad -warriors and old battle-fields to do with so prosaic a theme as the -exuviation of crabs? I must acknowledge that the question is a very -natural one, for there appears at first sight no connection between -the two subjects. The analogy will not, I believe, appear so forced -when I mention my possession of a smaller, although hardly less -singular armory, consisting of various coats of shelly mail, each of -which, at one time or other, belonged to, and was worn by a living -creature, and proved as effectual a protection in many fierce though -bloodless combats as any casque or helmet worn by knight. Unlike the -dummies of the Tower, my specimens are perfect, and give a complete -representation, more truthful than any photograph, of the defunct -originals, when armed by Nature _cap-a-pie_. - -In plain words, I own a curious collection of the cast-off shells of -various crabs, which have from time to time been under my protection. -From the fact that no museum in the kingdom contains a single _series_ -of such objects, exhibiting the various stages of growth in any -crustaceous animal, the reader will easily conceive the difficulty -there must be in procuring them, and consequently the interest that -attaches to the mysterious phenomenon of exuviation. - -Strange to say, the subject of this chapter is one of the least known -in the whole range of natural history. The facts connected with the -process are few, and far from well authenticated. This state of things -appears the more extraordinary, when we remember the great facility -with which specimens of crustacea may be found. - -For years past I have paid much attention to the elucidation of this -subject, and during that period have had to submit to numberless -mishaps and disappointments. For example, perhaps after watching a -'pet' day after day for months, anxiously expecting that exuviation -would take place, in nine cases out of ten,--ay, in ninety-nine out of -the hundred,--I would find that the process had been completed when -I was asleep, or that the animal had died suddenly. In the latter -case new specimens had to be procured, and the same watching process -repeated, in most cases with the like unhappy results. - -I will now, however, endeavour as briefly as possible to make the -reader acquainted with what has already been written upon exuviation, -as far as I have been able to learn, up to the present time, -interspersing the narrative with such notes as may seem necessary by -way of illustration, and then proceed, in the words of Shakspeare, to -lay down my own 'penny of observation.' - -The first clear and satisfactory remarks on this subject were made by -the celebrated Reaumur, who lived above a century ago: 'The unexampled -accuracy and truthfulness of this great naturalist is attested,' says -one writer, 'by the fact, that of all the observations made by himself -alone, far exceeding those of any other writer of past or present -times, and occupying in their published form numerous large quarto -volumes, scarcely one has been contravened by subsequent credible -observers, whilst they have formed the substance of half the numerous -compilations on insect life, acknowledged or otherwise, which have -appeared since his time.' - -Goldsmith, who derived his knowledge of this subject from Reamur, tells -us, in his usual free and easy style, that crustaceous animals (as -crabs and lobsters) 'regularly once a year, and about the beginning of -May, cast their old shell, and nature supplies them with a new one. -Some days before this necessary change takes place, the animal ceases -to take its usual food. It then swells itself in an unusual manner, -and by this the shell begins to divide at its junctures between the -body and the tail. After this, by the same operation, it disengages -itself of every part one after the other, _each part of the joints -bursting longitudinally_, till the animal is at perfect liberty. _This -operation, however, is so violent and painful that many die under -it_; those which survive are feeble, and their naked muscles soft to -the touch, being covered with a thin membrane; but in less than two -days this membrane hardens in a surprising manner, and a new shell as -impenetrable as the former supplies the place of that laid aside.' - -This, then, was and is to a great extent, up to the present time, the -universally adopted explanation. Goldie, of course, could not afford -time, and it may be doubted if he possessed the requisite amount of -patience, to confirm what he wrote by actual observation. Seeing that -the statement was graphic in its details, and evidently either wholly -or in part the result of personal observation, he very naturally -gave it full credence. But what shall we say of a noted writer (Sir -C. Bell)[4] who apparently half doubts the truth of exuviation, for -although he mentions the particular account which Reamur gives, yet -tells his readers that '_naturalists have not found these cast off -shells_.' After such a remark as this, we need no longer sneer at the -compilations of the author of the 'Vicar of Wakefield.' - -[4] Illustrations to Paley's Natural Theology. - -I need hardly state, that at certain seasons of the year almost every -rock-pool at the sea-shore will exhibit to the observant eye scores of -'these cast off shells' in a perfect state. The writer above quoted -also remarks, 'We presume the reason that the shells of the crustacea -are not found in our museums, is because they are not thrown off at -once, but that the portions are detached in succession.' An ill-founded -presumption this, the fact being that the inelastic integument is -invariably (in all the Decapoda at least) thrown off entire, the eyes -and long antennæ sheaths, the claws with the hair attached, even the -gastric teeth, all remain with wonderful exactness. - -To look at the rejected shell, indeed, any person not previously -acquainted with the fact would naturally suppose that he saw before him -the living animal, a close inspection being necessary to dispel the -illusion. As soon as the crab has emerged from its old covering, it -increases with such astounding rapidity, that at the end of one or two -days it can grow no larger until the next moulting time. - -In referring to my own introduction to the subject of exuviation, I may -be allowed to notice the annoyance a young aquarian experiences from -the rapidity with which the tank water is apt to become opaque. As such -a state involves considerable trouble, especially when the occupants of -the tank are the subjects of continued observation, I may mention, in -passing, that the means I adopted to correct this state of matters was -either to syringe the water frequently, or what seemed to answer still -better, to permit it to run off by a syphon into a basin on the floor. - -When the opacity of the tank is occasioned by decaying animal matter, -the only remedy is to remove the offending 'remains.' But with many of -the common inhabitants of the tank--the crustaceans, for example--great -difficulty is often experienced in ascertaining their state of health, -with a view to sanitary investigation. As these creatures, instead -of boldly exhibiting themselves during the day, generally hide under -pebbles or pieces of rock, or are buried in the sand, it is sometimes -necessary to submit the contents of the mimic rock-pool to a process -of 'putting things to rights,' as the ladies say when about doing a -kindness,--oh, horror!--to our books and papers. - -It happened on a certain occasion that my aquarium was in an -unsatisfactory condition. A nasty vapour arose from the base, and -diffused itself over nearly the entire vessel. My fishes disliking -their usual haunts, were all spread out at full length high and dry -upon a ledge of rock-work, projecting above the surface of the water. -The little Soldier-Crab had managed to drag his body and heavy tail -piece up the brae, hoping to breathe the fresh air in safety. His big -brother was not so successful, and despite his efforts speedily came to -grief. Finding he could not drag his carriage up the rock, he stepped -out of the lumbering vehicle. His appearance soon became woe-begone -in the extreme. In a few minutes he expired. The buckies, too, with -singular instinct, had collected in a row along the dry ledge of the -tank. - -Upon counting the numbers of my little colony, I found all right, -excepting _C. mænas_; him I could not discover, and I soon began to -suspect that he was defunct. No time, therefore, was to be lost, -so a diligent search for his remains was instantly commenced. -Fishes, Buckies, Hermits, &c., were speedily placed in safety in -an extemporaneous tank--nothing else than an old pie-dish. This -receptacle, when partly filled with sea-water, admirably answered the -required purpose. - -The water in the large vase was gently run off, and on approaching -the base I found, as I expected, the dismembered carcase of the -crab. One leg lay here, and another there, while the body was snugly -esconced beneath a stone, on which sat my favourite limpet with -its curiously formed shell, profusely decorated with a plume of -sea-grass and infantile _D. sanguinea_. Here, then, I thought, was -the mystery explained. It was from this spot that the noxious vapour -must have emanated. Of course, the body of the crab was removed; but -in performing this necessary act I tilted the stone, and so disturbed -the Limpet. Guess my surprise at observing the overturned shell of the -Patella to be quite empty, and its former occupant lying before me a -mass of putrefaction.[5] It now began to dawn upon me that I must have -libelled _C. mænas_. A few moments served to confirm this opinion, for -on lifting the stone, there darted out _a_--I could scarcely believe it -was _the_ crab, who instantly went through a circus-like performance -around the circumference of the vessel. - -[5] This affords an important hint to the young aquarian to watch the -Patella, and occasionally to touch its conical house, to make sure the -proprietor is alive and well. - -The reader will be prepared to learn that what I had at first observed -were portions of the exuvium, which had by some means been distributed -over the tank. - -Many months did I wait with nervous anxiety to see the exact process of -exuviation, but, except in the instances I am now about to chronicle, -my wishes were never gratified. - -I had at one time in my possession six little vases, each containing a -crab measuring about one inch across the back (_carapace_). By constant -watchfulness, morning and evening, for several months, I naturally -entertained a confident hope of being favoured with a sight of the -moulting operation in at least a single instance. But no; persevering -though my endeavours were, I was always disappointed. The exuviæ were -cast regularly enough, but the crabs so managed matters, that the -process was completed either when I was asleep, or had just gone away. -I could almost have sworn that the whole pack had entered into a league -to annoy me. - -On one occasion I sat up all night, feeling confident, from symptoms -which a certain Cancer mænas exhibited, that he was speedily about to -exuviate. Alas! I was mistaken. On my endeavouring to expedite the -event by lifting up the carapace of the crab, I received a nip on my -finger so severe, that I shall never forget it. - -But at length in the early portion of last year (1859), I, most -happily for my own peace of mind, did actually witness the entire -process of exuviation in a tolerably large specimen of the Common Shore -Crab. The animal in question, who was domiciled in a crystal vase, -or, in common language, a glass tumbler, rendered himself a favourite -from his constant habit of poking part of his head and his entire -claw (he had got but one), out of the water whenever he caught sight -of me. Who could resist such a powerful, though silent appeal to 'the -generous impulses of one's nature' as this? Certainly I could not, -and therefore, once a day at least, gave Master Cancer the half of a -newly-opened mussel, a tit-bit that was greatly relished. He would -sometimes get a grip of the valve, and allow himself and the Mytilus -to be entirely raised out of the water. Improving upon this, he would -then partly finish his meal while seated in my hand. On the morning -of the above mentioned eventful day, I gave the crab a portion of a -Pholas, but to my surprise, the heretofore high-class dainty remained -untouched. I was in ecstasies! for I felt morally certain that the -grand event, so long looked for, was soon to take place. Consequently, -I took out the crab, cleaned the windows of his dwelling in order -that I might the better see what was going on within, treated him to -some fresh water, as well as a new frond of sea-weed, and then again -introduced my pet to his old apartment. - -Before doing this I had the animal closely examined, to see if any -signs of the approaching moult could be detected, but none were -visible, except that the glassy bags, if I may so call them, which for -some weeks had been gradually thrown out from the stumps of the three -mutilated limbs, appeared finer in texture than usual. Indeed, so -transparent had they become, that I could distinctly see the contour of -the new limb about to be reproduced, folded up within each capsule. - -A few minutes after the crab had been placed in the tumbler, I gave a -peep to see how he was getting on. To my intense surprise, I observed -that his shell had just opened near the tail! My first feeling was -one of sorrow, thinking that in handling the specimen I had been too -rough, and had perhaps injured it. This apprehension was soon changed -to delight, as I became by degrees aware that exuviation had actually -commenced. - -The operation did not extend beyond five minutes (although the time -appeared much longer to me), and was carried on by gentle, and at first -almost imperceptible degrees. The shell, or carapace, was slowly raised -over the back, and gave one the idea of the rear view of a lawyer's -white wig when tilted over his brow, thus exposing the natural black -hair on the occiput below; for, as the body of the animal came forth, -it was very dark in colour, while the old case assumed a whitish hue. -I need hardly say, the leg sheaths of the crab did _not_ split open, -and yet the corresponding limbs were drawn out with the greatest ease. -Moreover, they did not appear in view one by one, but in a cluster, as -it were, and packed close to the bent body of the crab. - -During the entire process the animal appeared to use scarcely any -exertion whatever, certainly not half so much as any human being would -exhibit in throwing off the most trifling garment. In fact, the crab -seemed to swell painlessly, and gently roll or glide out in a kind -of ball. Until it had completely escaped from its old shell, I was -somewhat puzzled to guess what shape it would eventually assume. The -eyes and antennæ, so soon as they left their old sheaths, commenced, -together with the flabellæ, to work as usual, although as yet they were -still inside the exuvium. This circumstance was distinctly visible by -looking through the side of the half-cast shell. - -It was a curious and extraordinary sight to see the eyes gradually lose -their brilliancy, and exhibit the filmy, lack-lustre-like appearance of -death, while the act of exuviation was being accomplished. I may add -that the tumbler which held my little captive stood upon a table near -a large window, and that the sloughing operation was watched through a -powerful hand lens. - -On an after and well-remembered occasion, I saw a moderate-sized -Partane standing on the top of a bush of _Chondrus Crispus_ that grew -in my aquarium. The fronds were attached to a piece of sandstone, -placed uppermost upon a cluster of rock-work, situated, as before -mentioned, in the centre of the vessel, and rising slightly above the -level of the water. Thinking he was planning means of escape, I turned -away for a few moments to procure a simple instrument wherewith to -carry him to a less elevated position. On my return I saw him in the -act of backing out of his shell. It was a singular circumstance that -I should have just risen from the perusal of a talented author, who -informed me that 'the crab hitches one of its claws into some crack or -fissure, and from this point of resistance gives more power in emerging -and withdrawing itself from between the carapace and the tail.' - -Certainly no statement could more inadequately describe what I had -witnessed in both of my crabs. Not only was the whole operation -performed with perfect ease, but I am much inclined to believe with a -degree of pleasure. For a while one of my crabs stood in juxtaposition -to the shadow of its former self, and rubbed his antennæ and wee -peeping eyes as if awakening from a sleep. He had been lately, there -was no doubt, living in an oppressed state, and might probably have -surveyed things around him somewhat darkly, but now all was bright and -clear again. On turning, the first object that caught his awakened -eye was his cast-off vestment, which he seemed to scan as dubiously -as a grown man would an exhumed pair of boyish corduroys, and mutter -musingly, while stroking his chin, 'Well, come what will, it can never -be my _case_ again.' - -On taking it in my hand, the Partane felt quite soft and velvetty to -the touch, and exhibited no signs of alarm. - -Since then I have repeatedly had shells of crabs cast _in smooth glass -globes, containing nothing else but clear salt water_. This fact, in -my opinion, completely subverts the statements of certain writers, who -assert that these animals require extraneous assistance when about to -exuviate. - -Some writers have questioned the truth of the generally-received -opinion that the new parts of the crab are derived from the old: that, -for instance, a claw is regenerated within a claw, a limb within a -limb, eyes within the eyes, and that on exuviation each is withdrawn -from the pre-existing organ as from a sheath. But my operations tend -fully to confirm the popular and existing belief. - -There is yet one curious point connected with this subject which -requires explanation, as it is not generally understood. I allude to -the apparent disproportionate smallness of the 'glassy bag,' situated -at the stump, as compared with the size of the regenerated limb, which -is supposed to be folded up within the bag previous to exuviation. -On looking at the newly-formed member, we can scarcely believe it -possible that the transparent case could by any possibility have held -it. The mystery vanishes if the new limb or claw be examined; for, -although in shape it is perfect, even to the most minute particular, it -remains for a certain period comparatively useless to the animal, from -the fact of its being utterly devoid of flesh. - -The new limb, therefore, can be considered merely as an expanded case, -which, by a wonderful law of nature, becomes slowly filled up and -completed. Immediately after exuviation has taken place, and a claw is -introduced in the place of some mutilated stump, if any one will pull -off the new member, he can readily confirm the truth of what I have -stated, and, moreover, be able to test into how very small bulk the new -limb may be rolled. - -As the reader may remember, Goldsmith states that the crab casts its -shell 'regularly once a-year, at the beginning of May.' Professor -Owen fixes the date in the month of August. Professor Bell states, -that 'there is no doubt exuviation takes place _annually_ with great -regularity, until the growth is completed, which, in many species, is -not before the animal is many years old.' Another professor, treating -on the same subject, thus writes, 'We are told that all this coat -of mail is _annually_ thrown off in a single piece by the contained -animal,--the great proficient in Chinese puzzles may well be posed at -this greater puzzle.' In fact, all writers whose works I have had -opportunity of examining repeat the statement. Mr. Ball, who writes -from personal observation, apparently confirms beyond a doubt, the -annual moult of Crustacea. This gentleman, we learn, kept a Cray-fish -alive for two years in a vase, and found that _during each year its -exuvium was shed but once_. - -It may readily be believed, with such a formidable array of contrary -evidence, that I offer my own observations with modesty. But at the -same time, I feel justified in confidently stating that the moult of -the crab, (in its comparatively youthful state, at all events), takes -place not only once, but many times during each year of its existence. -My specimens may, perhaps, be considered exceptions to the general -rule, but the facts I relate cannot by any possibility admit of doubt. -The cast-off shells lie before me as I write. - -Here is a set of three belonging to the same animal, exhibiting with -marvellous exactness the gradual development of a broken claw. In the -first the member appears very diminutive, in the second it is nearly -twice its size, while in the third it has advanced to its natural form -and bulk. To my regret, I cannot state the exact period that elapsed -between each successive moult, but I am confident that the trio were -cast in the course of a very few months. - -I may here take the liberty of informing the uninitiated, that the -appearance of the above objects is extremely pleasing; for, as the -exuvium becomes dry, its colour changes to a bright scarlet, somewhat -resembling that which the crab assumes when placed for a time in -boiling water. - -The next series of specimens, five in number, possess even still -greater interest than the first examples. They were produced by a -youthful _C. mænas_, at the following consecutive intervals:-- - -The first moult took place on 11th April 1858; the second on the 22d -of May following; the third on July the 3d; the fourth on the 30th of -August; and the fifth on the 26th of September in the same year. So -that between the first and second period of exuviation there was an -interval of forty-one days, between the second and third forty-two days -elapsed, between the third and fourth fifty-eight days, but, singular -to state, between the fourth and fifth moult _only twenty-seven days -intervened_. - -My first impression was, that as the creature grew older, its shell -would be renewed less frequently, and the dates of the sloughings -seemed to support this idea--until the fourth moult. It had occurred -to me that perhaps the operation might be accelerated by the amount -of diet which the crab consumed. In order to test this, I fed the -animal carefully every day, as though he were a prize beast about to be -exhibited at some Christmas show. Nothing loath, he ate of everything -that was placed before him with a gusto that would have done credit to -an alderman. The result was, that the shell was renewed in less than -half the time that elapsed between the preceding moults. - -These interesting investigations, which had been conducted thus far so -satisfactorily, were suddenly brought to a close by the death of my -protégé. This sad event occurred unexpectedly, not from overfeeding, as -some persons may suppose, but from natural causes. - -Whether increase of food always produces a like effect to that -mentioned, is a point that I hope some of my brother naturalists will -be able to determine. That the moult was accelerated by such means -in my own specimen I have not the slightest doubt, for, on no other -grounds can I explain its unusually speedy occurrence. - -I may here assure my readers that the above dates may be confidently -relied upon as correct, and also that each exuvium was produced by the -same crab--one specimen only being in the tank during the whole period. - -Since the foregoing was written, I have again been fortunate enough to -have ocular demonstration of the phenomenon of exuviation, as occurring -in a _Cancer Pagurus_, about as large as a moderate-sized walnut. - -While watching this crab, it flashed across my mind that it would be a -happy circumstance if by any means _I could arrest the process then -going on before my eyes, while it was yet only half completed_, in -order that others might also be enabled to witness the marvellous act -of exuviation. - -But how to carry out this scheme was the rub. I knew that-- - - 'If 'twere done, then 'twere well it were done quickly.' - -One minute passed,--two minutes flew by;--the crab would speedily -complete his labours; still was I perplexed. - -To plump it into fresh water would, I knew, be fatal to the animal, -but not in such a speedy manner as was desirable. Boiling water next -suggested itself, and doubtless would have answered the purpose -effectually, had a supply been near at hand at the time, but such was -not the case. I then thought of _spirits_. Ah! capital idea.... Before -the third minute had passed, I might be seen to rush frantically to the -sideboard, pour _something_ into a glass, then dart back to the tank, -dive down my trembling hand, bring up the poor unfortunate crab, and -drop it into a fatal pool of pure "Glenlivet." - -The animal appeared to die quickly, and was next day transferred to a -vessel filled with Mythilated spirits. As it luckily turned out, the -whisky answered the intended purpose remarkably well. - -The preparation in question is, as far as I can discover, _unique_; at -least I have neither read nor heard of another such existing in any -private or public museum in the kingdom.[6] - -[6] A drawing of this crab will be found on Plate 3. - -It shows at a glance the increase that instantaneously takes place -in the size of the crab after the act of exuviation is performed, -the portion exuded being on a scale considerably larger than the old -covering, which, however, is capacious enough to hold that half of the -animal that had not effected its deliverance at the moment when the -novel arrestment was so unceremoniously served. - -The fourth and fifth pair of legs are free, while the eyes and antennæ -are also drawn out of their sheaths. (This is not very evident now, -but such is really the fact, I having distinctly seen those organs -in motion when the animal was in the living state.) The _chelæ_, or -large claws, being still undetached, serve to bind the crab to its old -integument, and thus enable the act of exuviation, or one phase of it -at least, to be distinctly apparent. - -I know of no work on Natural History that speaks of the Hermit-Crabs -(_Anomoura_) casting their shells, and on this account I have given -some attention to them. These animals being so common, I kept by me at -least a dozen specimens for the purpose of observing some of them, if -possible, in the act of exuviation. The result of my labours has not -been so satisfactory as I could wish, from my not having been able to -collect any 'sets' of exuviæ. I cannot, therefore, speak with certainty -as to the frequency of this phenomena. By this time my readers will -know that the tail of the Hermit-Crab is very tender and fleshy, being -covered merely with an extremely delicate membraneous skin, while the -carapace, claws, and antennæ of the animal are protected by a hard -crust, similar to the Lobster, Cray-fish, &c. - -From this peculiar formation of the crab, I was not at all surprised to -find, on several occasions, the upper part of its body alone cast off, -and therefore came to the very natural conclusion, that as the tail was -soft, it would grow and increase in proportion to the other parts of -the animal, without ever needing the skin to be changed. - -Each morning and evening during the time my experiments were being -conducted, I examined all the tanks attentively, to see whether an -exuvium had been cast. If visible, the object was picked out and gummed -in a box, and a date placed above it for future reference. After -having performed an operation of this kind one afternoon in October -1858, I saw a Hermit-Crab (who had cast his shell on the previous -day) hurriedly leave his testaceous dwelling, then scrape away at his -tail, and after a moment's interval, leap into his old seat again. On -inspection, I found to my surprise _that he had actually_ _slipped off -the skin of his tail_![7] much in the same fashion as we would draw off -a well-fitting glove. Here was a strange and unexpected discovery. - -[7] The fact of the exuvium of the Hermit-Crab being cast off in two -pieces, and at different periods, I have since confirmed 'many a time, -and oft.' - -On submitting the exuvium to the microscope, we find that the covering -of the false feet, and the cilia attached to the same, all remained -fixed in their natural position to the tail-piece. Although in several -cases I have had no difficulty in discovering the rejected cuticle of -the tail, at other times it has eluded my search. The cause of this -I cannot explain. It may be that the animal, adopting the habits of -the toad, swallows a portion of its exuviæ as soon as cast. On two -occasions I found the slough of the body and claws of a crab, and -waited patiently for several days, without success, expecting to get -the tail portion. Growing impatient, it occurred to me that it would be -a curious experiment to try and draw off the exuvium with my fingers. -This was easy to talk about, but difficult to perform. - -In the first place, the crab would not, if he could help it, allow -himself to be handled even in the most gentle manner. To overcome -this difficulty the shell had to be broken. This was done; but, alas! -the shock nearly killed the poor little Hermit. After some trouble, -I carefully unwound his body from the whirls of the Top Shell, and -proceeded to perform the intended operation. Reader, have you -ever seen a child take a rose-bud in his hands, and force open its -half-pouting blossom, in the belief that by so doing he was assisting -nature? If so, you must have watched the puzzled expression of the -boy's countenance when he beheld the leaves fall one by one at his -feet, and the bud itself exhibit evident signs of approaching decay. - -In just such a position did I stand with regard to the poor -Hermit-Crab, for, in spite of all my care in manipulation, the skin -of the animal was so tender and delicate that the first gentle pinch -caused a puncture which proved fatal; and as to drawing off the -covering, the thing I now believe to be impossible, even under the most -favourable circumstances. - -The upper portion of the Soldier-Crab, I may mention, is cast off in -one piece, while the animal is seated in its turbinated dwelling. The -act is performed with the most perfect ease. Unlike the _Brachyura_, -the _Anomoura_ do not exhibit signs of such rapid growth immediately -after exuviation, but increase in size very gradually indeed. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -Prawns and Shrimps. - - -'Men holden ye therefore prophanes - Ye eaten neither shrimps nor pranes,' - - - - -VII. - - -Although abundant at many parts of the Scottish coast, at Cockburnspath -(situated near the mouth of the Frith of Forth) only, has the writer -met with the very beautiful prawn, _Palæmon Squilla_. At this locality -specimens were very frequent in rock-pools situated near the shore, nor -were such difficult to capture. The small net being placed cautiously -over their head, the animals did not show signs of resistance, until -they found themselves, by a sudden jerk of the hand, drawn bodily out -of the water. Then, indeed, unless some degree of skill was used, the -captives would give a powerful spring, and escape, from the confinement -of the net, to the more congenial element from which they had been so -unceremoniously ejected. - -Prawns (_Palæmonidæ_) exuviate very frequently, in some instances as -often as once or twice a month. No sooner is one coat thrown off and -the Palæmon recovered from the weakness which the process occasions, -than it commences, at first at intervals, and then almost incessantly -day and night, preparations for a renewal of the wonderful operation. - -Every part of the body--eyes, antennæ, and especially the sub-abdominal -fins, to certain portions of which the ova are attached in groups, -and the lobes of the tail--are submitted to a severe rubbing and -brushing process. The appearance of the prawn at this period is -really most interesting, and, I may also add, amusing. Sometimes the -tail is compressed inwards, beneath the body for a few seconds, and -then suddenly elevated and forced out with donkey-like extravagance -of gesture, the animal the while standing upon its first pair of -forcep-like feet. - -At the appointed time the shell opens at the back part of the head, -and the prawn becomes gradually freed from its old covering. The -marvellous process completed, like all its crustaceous brethren, the -creature becomes to a certain extent helpless, and if such convenience -be afforded, retires for protection beneath some shell or fragment -of rock, from whence it soon re-appears, and repeats its gymnastic -exercises, which cease, however, for a few days, as soon as the new -coat is sufficiently hardened. - -The prawn is an extremely interesting occupant of an aquarium, from -the fact of its being constantly on the move, and also on account -of the pretty blue and orange markings of its many-jointed legs, -and the singular transparent appearance of its body. This latter -feature is made still more notable when the animal happens to have the -ova attached, as the latter are opaque, and of a deep brown colour -approaching to black. By the prawn the act of exuviation seems to be -considered an event of no slight importance, and, although occurring -so frequently, is fraught with danger. Specimens oftener die at the -moulting time than at any other. In fact, unless I am very much -mistaken, they are then subject to some peculiar disease, which is -apt to prove fatal. At all events, several of my little captives, -after having performed their gymnastic movements (before alluded -to) for several days, turned sickly, and died. The commencement of -their illness was always denoted by a small, white, opaque dot that -mysteriously appeared in the centre of the body. This object speedily -increased in size, until it eventually spread over the entire animal. -Then, no longer diaphanous, the flesh of the prawn seemed composed of a -solid substance not unlike lime or pounded chalk. - -The Shrimp is so common, and so well known, that a lengthened -description of it is unnecessary. I shall, therefore, merely record -an ingenious plan by which specimens of the _Crangon vulgaris_ may be -procured by visitors at the sea-side, who do not care to wade in the -water with a large net. - -It is one generally pursued by Scotch boys as a mere amusement, for -neither shrimps nor prawns are eaten to any great extent by the -inhabitants of Scotland generally. - -On arriving at a pool, a person will soon know whether shrimps are -contained therein, from the number of sand clouds that are raised by -these little crusty fellows at any intrusion upon their privacy. Many -persons employ a hand net, and pass it rapidly through the water, -thinking thereby to startle and entrap the animals in question. -Sometimes the plan succeeds, but more often it turns out a failure. - -Instead of using the net, let the young zoologist stoop down, place the -palms of his hands suddenly upon the surface of the sand, then slowly -draw them near each other, at same time cautiously close the fingers, -and he will in all probability feel the objects of his search wriggling -to escape from his unwelcome and unfriendly grasp. - -To satisfy curiosity, take one of the captured specimens and drop it in -the sand that surrounds the cavity in which your skill as a shrimper -has been exercised, and I will venture to assert that, in an instant, -the little creature will have disappeared as if by magic--such is -the wonderful rapidity with which the shrimp burrows itself. Even -when lying upon the surface a practised eye is required to detect the -presence of a shrimp, in consequence of its colour being of the exact -shade of the sand in which it hides. In clear pools its body is of -a light drab colour, which becomes changed to a dark tint when the -animal is located in a pool, the base of which is of a sombre hue. - -The prawn, or shrimp, is somewhat of a gourmand, and requires to be fed -occasionally. The most simple food to give either, when in an aquarium, -is an open mussel or cockle. A marine worm, such for instance as the -_Terrebella_, however (as on one occasion I vexatiously discovered), is -a dainty more highly prized than the flesh of a bivalve, but one which -cannot often be indulged in from its comparative rarity. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -Acorn Barnacles.--Ship Barnacles. - - -'Barnacles turn Solan Geese - In the islands of the Orcades.' - - - - -VIII. - - -If the reader has been struck at what has been said in regard to the -exuviation of crabs, &c., he will probably be more surprised when I -state that precisely the same phenomena take place in the simple _Acorn -Barnacle_, that studs in countless numbers almost every rock and shell -situated between tide marks. No one can visit the sea-shore, at certain -localities, without noticing the white spots which constitute the -shells of the cirripeds in question, although he may not be acquainted -with the marvellous beauty of the animal contained within each. - -Its loveliness, it is true, is in no wise apparent when parched and -dry; but let the welcome waves advance and playfully dash their spray -against the dwelling of the little crustacean, and quickly its valves -will open, displaying a delicate feathery plume, thrust forth and -hastily withdrawn again. - -As it is not convenient to watch the movements of this animal in a -rock-pool, let me request the reader kindly to take a peep into my -aquarium. Here is a Trochus shell, for example, inhabited, as you -perceive, by a Soldier-Crab, the surface of which is thickly covered -with shelly cones, of small dimensions. These are the Barnacles -(_Balani_). The Trochus most fortunately being near the side of the -glass, is capitally situated for our purpose. Take the hand lens, -adjust its focus, and watch carefully for the opening of the cones. -Tush! The hermit never _will_ rest contented in any position for two -consecutive minutes; but see! as he walks away the fairy hands are -being rapidly thrown out and made to sweep the water in graceful -curves, thereby suggesting some resemblance to a bevy of school -children at Christmas time, bidding _adieux_ to their friends, while -seated on the roof of an old stage coach. - -Carefully I lift the Pagurus bodily out of the tank, and transfer him -to a wine glass filled with clean water. After a few minutes have -elapsed, the hands again commence their fishing operations. Observe, -now, that these organs fan the fluid in such a manner as to catch any -animalculæ that may be near, and draw them towards the aperture caused -by the opening of the valves of the Barnacle. A close inspection will, -I am sure, prove to your satisfaction that there is also distinctly -apparent a second and smaller cluster of feathery fingers, whose duty -it is to catch the food, brought near by the larger and corresponding -organs, and finally convey it into the mouth of the little cirriped. -There may be, in the wide range of Nature's lower scale of life, -prettier sights to gladden the eye of the student than that above -described,--but if so, I must confess _my_ inability to indicate where -such are to be found. The fishing apparatus here mentioned consists of -a number of slender _cirri_, thickly coated with microscopic filaments -(cilia), and is, at certain periods, thrown off complete and entire by -the process of exuviation, just as we have seen it occur in the higher -crustacea. - -Would you, my young friend, like to procure an exuvium of the Barnacle -for examination? Yes. Then follow the directions I am now about to -give, and your wish will be speedily gratified. - -Presuming that your tank already contains a number of Barnacles -attached to various objects, and that such have been in the same vessel -for some weeks; syringe the water for a few minutes, and you will -find floating about, or rising to the surface, many specimens of the -desired object. They will, in all probability, be visible to the naked -eye. To attempt to lift one out of the water, however, by means of -your finger and thumb would be utterly useless. Such a procedure, even -were it successful, would inevitably mar the delicate beauty of this -'inessential' object, which, spirit like, casts no shadow upon weed or -water. The best plan is to insert a tube of glass into the aquarium, in -such a way that the exuvium may ascend the interior. Then place your -finger on the top, and draw the tube out of the water, and you will be -able to deposit the skin of the Barnacle upon a slip of glass by merely -lifting off your finger. The specimen can then be leisurely arranged, -and spread out by aid of a hand lens and fine pointed needles. - -Walking by the sea-shore one fine summer afternoon, I met a fisher -boy running along with some curious objects spread out in the palm of -his left hand, while in his right, suspended from finger and thumb, -appeared a still more desirable prize. - -At first glance I detected the objects to be specimens of the _Lepas -anatifera_. They had, so the boy stated in answer to my inquiries, been -plucked from the base of a ship newly arrived from a long voyage. When -I offered him sixpence for the 'lot,' the embryo plougher of the deep -looked up in my face with a singularly mistrustful expression, and -said, 'D'ye mean it, sir?' I gave speedy assurance of my sincerity, -and on receiving the purchase money, after handing over the Barnacles -to my custody, the young urchin started off as fast as his legs, -encased in huge wading boots, would allow him. His alarm was quite -unnecessary, for although in a few days after I would not have given a -penny for a thousand, I would willingly, on the above occasion, have -paid five shillings for a single specimen, rather than have missed -the opportunity of possessing such an interesting object as the Ship -Barnacle. - -On placing them in water one only of the creatures showed any signs -of life, and by next morning they made the scentral organ of my face -so highly indignant that, in order to allay its irritability, I was -obliged to remove the defunct animals to the outside of the window. -There they remained for several months, and were eventually transferred -to the privacy of a card-board box. Although twelve months have elapsed -since the last-mentioned removal took place, these creatures even now, -when the lid of the case is lifted, give out a smell, so 'antient and -fish-like,' that I believe not a few of 'the sweet perfumes of Arabia' -would be needed in order to subdue its power. - -One cluster contained thirty Lepades, and the other eighteen. The -average length of each Barnacle is about three or four inches. -One, however, measured nearly ten inches. The fleshy stalk is of a -purplish-grey colour, semi-transparent, and perfectly smooth. The -shell, which consists of five pieces, is bluish-white, while that -portion from whence the cirri protrude appears of a brilliant orange, -the cirri themselves being exquisitely tinted with violet, shaded off -to a deep purple. - -I may here mention that the above animal was by our ancestors most -unaccountably supposed to be the young of the solan goose!--a bird that -haunts in vast numbers the Bass Rock and Ailsa Craig. Indeed, a common -belief in different parts of Scotland, and over the west of England -was, that the shells grew upon certain trees, and in process of time -opened of themselves; whereupon a certain animated substance contained -within the shell dropped down, and according to the place where it fell -perished or fructified. By falling into the water it grew to be a fowl; -but by falling upon land the vital principle became extinct. The fowls -which resulted from the more fortunate contingency were called Barnacle -Geese in Scotland, and Brant, or Tree Geese in England. This delusion -appears to have arisen from the fact of Barnacles having been found in -great abundance on trunks and even branches of trees long submerged -in the sea.[8] Bishop Hall thus alludes to the popular notion in his -Satires:-- - - 'His father dead! tush, no, it was not he; - He finds records of his great pedigree; - And tells how first his famous ancestor - Did come in long since with the Conqueror. - Nor hath some bribed herald first assigned - His quartered arms, and crest of gentle kind; - _The Scottish Barnacle, if I might choose, - That of a worme, doth waxe a winged goose_.' - -[8] Vide author's 'Seaside and Aquarium.' - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -Phyllodoce Laminosa--the Laminated Nereis - - - 'His meaner works -Are yet his care, and have and interest all-- -All, in the universal Father's love.' - - --COWPER. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 COMMON BARNACLES attached to shell of Limpet -2 ANIMAL OF THE LIMPET (_P. vulgata_) as seen from below -3 THE LAMINATED NEREIS (_Phyllodoce Laminosa_)] - - - - -IX. - - -To oblige an English correspondent who requested some blocks of -stone containing Pholas perforations, the writer, in company with a -fellow-student, started betimes for the sea-shore, some four miles' -distance. We made for a certain spot, where it was expected the object -of our wishes could easily be found. Our equipment consisted merely -of a hammer, a bottle, and two chisels, enclosed in a carpet-bag, the -better to mask our mission from impertinent curiosity. - -On reaching the shore, it soon became painfully apparent that no pieces -of rock could be procured of a character at all suitable for a museum. -To make matters still more irritating, a breeze arose, and with it -came a furious shower of rain, which soon completely saturated our -light costume. At such a time it is laughable to note how faint becomes -the poetry of practical zoology--how excessively like street puddles -are the fairy-grots, as the rock-pools are called; how unsightly the -great, distorted anemones look, too, when viewed from beneath a large -boulder, where you are crouched in the fond idea that you are thus -getting shelter from the rain. - -On this occasion, my friend and I, being soaked to the skin, started -up from our unpleasant position, and boldly daring the rain to do its -worst, proceeded to hunt after any object of interest that might by -chance be lying stranded near. - -After an hour's search, two objects, among many others of more or less -interest, were captured, that fully repaid us for our uncomfortable -'ducking.' The first was an elegant Actinia (_A. Dianthus_), which -seemed to be exquisitely modelled in the finest virgin wax. The second -was a specimen of the Laminated Nereis (_Phyllodoce Laminosa_), a -wonderfully beautiful _worm_! - -Fair reader, start not nor curl that rosy lip of thine at the -expression, 'beautiful,' being applied to such an humble creature, for -indeed the title is a just and true one. - -This Annelid is generally found coiled up and attached to the under -part of stones situated near low water mark. Its general colour is -emerald green, excepting along the centre of the back, which is -iridescent, and reflects a brilliant blue, changing into purple and -other hues, only equalled in beauty by the enamelled corslet of the -brightest beetle, or the flashing tints that dance upon the plumage of -the humming-bird. - -The body of the _P. Laminosa_, like that of all other _Dorsibranchiate -Annelidans_, is divided into a consecutive series of rings. Upon either -side of each ring is situated a singular appendage, which acts as a -gill or branchial organ, by the exercise of which the blood of the -animal is effectually purified, and respiration adequately provided for. - -When the Nereis is in a state of repose, these gills are laid flat over -its back; but in a state of activity they are fully spread out, and act -as 'paddles,' by aid of which the animal is enabled to glide through -its native element with a graceful serpentine motion. - -At the base of each paddle is situated a smaller one, consisting of -a fleshy pedicle shielding a fan-like bunch of hairs, each of which -tapers to a sharp point. Combined, these hairs or spines form a -powerful defensive weapon, which can be extended or retracted at will; -and it also serves as an _oar_, or propeller. - -As a noteworthy instance of tenacity of life in the lower animals, it -may be well to mention here that I have on various occasions, by aid of -the microscope, watched for several minutes the bunch of spines, above -alluded to, thrust out and retracted in a single segment cut from the -body of the Nereis; and only as the object became devoid of moisture -did its beautiful mechanism cease to play. - -The specimen now before me is comparatively small, being only twelve -inches in length, yet its body contains nearly one thousand lateral -appendages, constituting, it must be admitted, a most extensive and -wonderful locomotive apparatus. - -This Annelid is not a suitable object for the aquarium, on account of -its frequent great length, and the consequent likelihood of its getting -entangled among stones and rock-work when in search of food. - -If the hinder parts be cut off, as has been already hinted, they will -exhibit vitality for a considerable period when placed in water, but -we are told it is the anterior (?) portion of the Phyllodoce which -alone possesses the power of regenerating lost segments; these will be -reproduced sometimes at the rate of three or four in a week. - -'These creatures,' says a learned author, 'as might be expected from -their activity and erratic habits, are carnivorous; and innocent and -beautiful as they look, they are furnished with weapons of destruction -of a unique and most curious description. The mouth of the Nereis would -seem at first to be a simple opening, quite destitute of teeth; but on -further examination, this aperture is found to lead into a capacious -bag, the walls of which are provided with sharp, horny plates, even -more terrible than those which are occasionally to be met with in -the gizzards of some of the higher animals. It is not surprising, -therefore, that by many anatomists the structure in question has been -described as a real gizzard, or by some as the stomach itself. A little -attention to the habits of the living Annelid will, however, soon -reveal the true character of the organ. No sooner does the creature -wish to seize its food than this so-called gizzard is at once turned -inside out, in which condition it protrudes from the mouth like a great -proboscis, and the teeth, which were before concealed in the interior -of the cavity, now become external, and display as formidable an -assortment of rasps, files, knives, saws, hooks, or crooked fangs, as -any one could wish to see. Let us suppose them, when in this condition, -plunged into the body of some poor helpless victim, while at the same -moment the proboscis is rapidly inverted and withdrawn; the prey thus -seized is at the same instant swallowed, and at once plunged into a -gulf where all struggles are unavailing, there to be bruised, and -crushed, and sucked at leisure.' - -There is a curious fact in connection with these Annelids which is -too interesting to be omitted here. I allude to the wonderful manner -in which their young are produced by a process that may be called -'sprouting.' - -This invariably takes place in the segment immediately preceding -the terminal one. When a new animal is about to be formed, the -reproductive segment swells, and after a certain time the infant -worm is seen growing from the tail of its parent. When sufficiently -developed, the offspring detaches itself, and starts life on its own -account. Sometimes before the elder born Annelid is fully formed, the -mysterious segment produces a second offspring, and, according to -Professor Milne Edwards, as many as six young ones may be generated in -succession from the same posterior segment, all of which will for some -time continue attached to the parent worm. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -The Fan-Amphitrite. - - - - -X. - - -At the lowest ebb of spring-tide may often be seen protruding above -the surface of the beach an object that at a little distance might be -mistaken for the twig of a tree, or a decayed and blackened reed. A -close examination discloses it to be a smooth, tough tube, apparently -composed of dark leather or old gutta-percha, affixed at its lower -extremity to some rock or other solid substance. - -The pretty Annelid occupying this dark cylinder is the Fan-Amphitrite -(_A. ventilabrum_). Unlike the Terrebella, this animal may really be -captured without much difficulty. The first time I made the experiment -it was successful. By carefully digging down with chisel, or digits, -to the base of the tube, which may be reached in the course of a -few minutes, the entire structure, with its living occupant, may be -transferred to your extemporaneous tank. - -I have an Amphitrite in my aquarium at the present time displaying its -richly-tinted tentacula to the sun, which lights them up with unusual -beauty. - -As the 'case' of this animal is flexible, and as its owner will only -thrive in an upright position, the reader will easily conceive that -to afford the Annelid suitable accommodation in the aquarium is not -a very easy task. What other naturalists do I cannot tell; but the -following is the plan I adopt for the creature's comfort and my own -gratification:-- - -Having procured a small cylinder of glass (or gutta-percha), close up -one end, and drop in the Amphitrite, taking care to first tie the lower -portion of its sheath with a piece of thread or silk. It is very pretty -to see the plume of the Annelid spreading completely over and covering -the extremity of the tube, giving the idea in the one instance that the -animal was mysteriously gifted with the power of exuding gutta-percha -instead of its usual mucus. - -The Annelid may be made to recline against the sides of the vase, or be -propped up on any chosen spot by aid of a small cairn of pebbles, and -thus form a very curious feature in the aquarium. - -To test a fact, relative to the power which the Amphitrite is said -to possess, in common with other tubiculous Annelids, of renewing -certain portions of its body after sustaining injury, I snipped off the -principal portions of its branchiæ, and found that, after the lapse of -a few months, my specimen renewed its mutilated organs. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -The Common Mussel. - - -'Travelling is not good for us; we travel so seldom. How much more -dignified leisure _hath a Mussel glued to his impassable rocky limit -two inches square_! He hears the tide roll over him, backwards and -forwards, twice a day (as the Salisbury coach goes and returns in eight -and forty hours), but knows better than to take an outside place on -the top on't. _He is the owl of the sea, Minerva's fish_, the _fish of -wisdom_.' - - C. LAMB to B. BARTON. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 COMMON MUSSEL (_Mytilus edulis_) - -a The foot -b The byssus -c c Muscles which regulate the action of the foot - -2 THE MUSSEL CLOSED - -3 THE BERÖE (_Cydippe pileus_) - -4 THE FAN AMPHITRITE (_A. ventilabrum_)] - - - - -XI. - - -In his celebrated journey to the western islands of Scotland, Dr. -Johnson tells us that when at Ulinish, hearing of a cavern by the -sea-side remarkable for powerful reverberations of sound, he determined -to pay a visit to the spot. After dinner, having procured the services -of some boatmen, the doctor, in company with Bozzy, started off on -his trip, which, on the whole, appears to have been a pleasant one. -There was, however, no _echo_ to be heard; but to make up for this -disappointment, Mr. Boswell went angling, and caught a wee 'cuddy,' -(a fish about the size of a gudgeon), while the doctor was gratified -by the sight of some sea-weed growing upon stones, and above all, at -witnessing for the first time _Mussels in their natural state_. - -The impression made by this candid acknowledgment upon our minds -is one of wonder, that a man like Johnson could have reached his -advanced years without having seen so common a sight. But it is -possible that even in our day, with its unprecedented facilities -for cheap travelling for the most inland inhabitants, there may be -many persons to whom the sight of a Mussel fixed to a boulder by its -self-constructed cable, would be as great a novelty as it was to the -eloquent author of Rasselas. - -It is, however, one of the commonest appearances which meet the eye of -those in the habit of visiting the sea-shore. At certain localities -myriads of Mussels may be noticed attached to the surface of the rocks. -So thickly are these sometimes covered over, that the blade of a knife -cannot be inserted at any part without touching one or more of the -esculent bivalves that are to form the subject of this chapter. - -The Mussel anchors itself by means of the Byssus; or, as it is commonly -termed, the 'beard.' This appendage is composed of various slender -threads which are attached to any object within reach, whether such be -the shell of a neighbouring Mussel, a small stone, or huge boulder. -The members of each colony are thereby bound together, it may be -figuratively said, by the silken cords of friendship, and mayhap of -love. The _Mytili_ evidently believe that 'there's no place like home.' -Although gifted with a power of moving about at will, they never -attempt to exercise this when living together in a family circle, -but pass through life's stages upon the spot where they were born. -Certainly, if there be such a sight as a truly happy and contented -family in the marine animal kingdom, it is to be found exemplified in -these bearded molluscs. - -As hinted, they live shoulder to shoulder, back to back, and otherwise -mutually support each other. They need not look about for a single -meal, but have merely to allow themselves to be fed by the waves, which -yield them a constant supply of fresh and wholesome food. Their sole -duty in this respect is limited to the selection of objects suitable -to their palate. Their 'at homes' being so frequent, the _Mytili_ can -boast of a large circle of acquaintances. The Periwinkle, and his -friend Silver Willie, often make a morning call, take pot luck, as it -is termed, and then politely retire. _Mr. Carcinus Mænas_ and his poor -and dirty relation, _Maia Squinado_, perchance look in of an evening. -_Solaster Papposa_, or occasionally the lanky-legged _Uraster Rubens_, -and other 'stars' of the marine world, crawl in at unseasonable hours -in their usual lazy style, and are generally rewarded by finding the -doors (valves) shut against them. This 'cut direct' does not appear to -be at all annoying; or if so, the Star-fishes are too cunning to show -it, for they quietly saunter away as if they never had the slightest -wish to put their feet within their neighbour's dwelling. - -There is a 'black sheep,' as Sir Pertinax Mac Sycophant would say, who -intrudes himself into Mussel society, and plays sad havoc among its -members. This crawling rascal is the wolf of all Musseldom flocks. -Young and old alike experience the blighting effects of his villanous -propensities. The name of this obnoxious personage is _Purpura -Lapillus_ (Common Whelk). What, the reader will ask in surprise, a -univalve prey upon a bivalve? Is that possible? It is, unfortunately, -too true. - -If we take a Mussel in our hand we shall find it perfectly impossible -to force its valves asunder, without the aid of a strong knife or other -instrument; yet the Common Whelk, fleshy and insignificant creature -though it be, will consume the animal within, and make the valves -fly open in a brief space of time, by means of its soft tongue. But -leaving such general remarks, let us suppose we are standing before a -boulder covered with these mussels. Numbers of gaping shells may be at -intervals perceived still attached to the rock, but with the interior -of each valve so empty and smooth, that we could scarce believe they -had ever embraced a living occupant. On taking up one of the valves and -closely examining it, do you observe nothing peculiar about it now? -'No.' Take up the other then, and submit it to a similar inspection. -Well, what do you see now? 'Nothing,' you still reply, 'unless it be a -peculiar little hole about the size of a pin's head, which surely is -of no importance.' That little hole was of _vital_ importance to the -poor mollusc, for through that aperture the life and substance of the -Mytilus was drawn by the voracious Purpura. - -But the poor Mussel is exposed to the attacks of other enemies--aquatic -birds, as sea-gulls and ducks, eagles, vultures. Even water-rats and -monkeys may also be included in the list. - -It is amusing to see a gull, by no means a foolish bird, standing -patiently before a Limpet, for example. The animal, unsuspicious of the -presence of an enemy, raises his canopy with the view of relaxing his -overstrained muscles, and is instantly toppled over by the intruding -beak of the bird. If unsuccessful in his first attempt, the gull is -well aware it would be useless to try a second time at that tide. - -But if a Mussel be the object of attack, it is wrenched from its seat, -raised to a certain height, and then allowed to drop upon a stone with -the view of breaking the shell. In one locality called Mussel Bay, Mr. -Barrow says he disturbed some thousands of birds, and found so many -thousands of shell-fish scattered over the surface of a heap of shells, -that, for aught he knew, would have filled as many thousand waggons. - -This habit of the feathered tribe was, by the way, well known to the -ancients, and I may be pardoned relieving my pages by a quotation on -the subject from the 'Shepherd's Calender' of Spenser, whose exquisite -descriptions of natural history are as marvellous as his allegorical -poem. The author of the 'Fairy Queen' thus humorously reads a lesson -to an ambitious man,-- - - "He is a shepherd in gree, - But hath been long ypent, - One day he sat upon a hill, - As now thou wouldst mee; - But I am taught by Algrinds ill, - To love the lowe degree. - For sitting so, with barred scalpe, - An eagle soared hye, - _That weening his white head was chalke, - A shell-fish down let flye! - She weened the shell-fish to have broke, - But therewith bruised his brayne_, - So now astoined with the stroke, - Hee lyes in lingering payne!" - -It seems remarkable that the 'illustrious French naturalist,' Reaumur, -should have been the first, if not to discover, at least to publish, -any description of the manner in which the Mussel spins its silken -cable. Yet one hour's experience in a tea-cup or tumbler will exhibit -most of the features in this interesting process. - -That Reaumur's narrative, although usually copied by most writers of -the present day, is not strictly correct, and, moreover, that the foot -of the mussel is _not_ 'useless as an instrument of progression' (as -generally asserted), may be easily proved to the satisfaction of the -student by adopting some such simple experiment as that which I am now -about to describe:-- - -Being at the sea-side on a fine summer afternoon, I procured three -specimens (I might have had as many hundreds if disposed) of the -Mytilus. On my return home I placed them in a common tumbler, and -waited patiently to see the result. My object was, if possible, to -witness the manner in which this animal grows its beard. - -In less than five minutes an industrious little fellow, whom we will -call No. 1, gently opened his shell, and immediately protruded his -fleshy foot until it reached a length of nearly two inches. So far as I -could determine, the design of the Mussel was to discover, in the first -place, what kind of a lodging he occupied; whether or not he had any -companions; and also, to know if these or any other objects could be -found worthy of his _attachment_. - -Sometimes the foot would be protruded under the shell, then in a -contrary direction. Or by an exertion of the strong muscular power -which that organ possesses, the entire shell would be lifted off the -ground and urged forward to a considerable distance. Of course he soon -come in contact with a neighbour Mussel, whom we may term No. 2, but as -the latter was not anchored by any byssus, he was speedily pushed on, -and on, until No. 3 was met, and the latter, in his turn, made to take -up a new position. - -Being tired of wandering about, No. 1 then extended his foot along the -base of the vase to a certain point, and there let it rest for a few -seconds. When again withdrawn, to my great delight, I saw the first -thread of a new byssus had been constructed. - -As my principal object was to become acquainted with the mode of -formation of the beard, I did not feel satisfied with merely watching -the movements of the animal from above. After a brief interval another -thread was spun. I bore in mind the words of Reaumur, who says, 'The -Mussel never spins more than four or five threads in the twenty-four -hours.' Aware that no time must be lost, though still afraid to disturb -the mollusc lest it might suspend its labours, I instantly detached -my specimen, and again turned its shell round so as to bring the -opening of the valves against the face of the glass. The creature did -not seem at all offended at his handiwork having been destroyed, but -still obstinately refused to let me see the working of its foot. Again -was the shell rolled over, and again did I replace it in its former -position. This time, in order to keep it from being shifted, a stone -was deposited upon the valve. Nothing daunted, the animal gradually -separated the valves of its shell, and at the same time advanced and -elevated its foot to the exact position that I had so long desired. - -The spinner, when at its full length, was pressed firmly upon the -flat surface of the glass, and there allowed to remain for a while. -Suddenly, at nearly _half an inch distance from its extreme end_ (or -point), a little mouth was seen to form, about the size of a large -pin's head, from which there issued a milk-white fluid, that gradually -hardened and became fixed to the glass. This object being light in -colour, had a pretty effect when contrasted with the rich brown tint -of the spinner. Shortly afterwards the foot rolled over and withdrew -into the shell, leaving behind it the silken thread which had just been -spun. The 'little mouth,' above described, was, if I may so term it, -the mould in which the end of the thread was cast. - -In the course of two hours a bundle of byssus threads, sixteen in -number, were produced by this industrious little labourer. - -Having thus seen that the foot is useful to the Mussel as an instrument -of progression _before_ the beard is formed, let me now endeavour -to show that it is, at times, of equal service for the same object, -_after_, and when the mollusc is anchored thereby to any particular -spot. - -When we remember that this anchorage is formed of a harp-like set of -strings, amounting to ten or even _a hundred_ in number, it does seem -an almost incredible fact that the Mytilus is enabled to change its -station, even when living in single blessedness. - -To see a Mussel 'flit,' is a sight one may often watch and wait -for without success. On the other hand, when least expected, the -self-willed mollusc may commence operations. When about to take up -a new home, the animal shaves off its beard entirely, or in more -scientific language, 'rejects its byssus' altogether. In order to -excite the locomotive instincts of my specimens, I used to cut all -the threads of their cable except one. The animal being suspended, of -course its whole weight was then thrown upon a single fibre. Such a -state of insecurity was by no means agreeable, and I generally found in -the course of a few hours that fresh threads were rapidly thrown out, -and an entirely new byssus formed; the old one, which was broken off at -the root, being left behind as useless. - -Another singular peculiarity of the Mussel which came under my -observation has not been, so far as I am aware, noticed by previous -naturalists. I allude to the power which the animal possesses of -lengthening out the root or stem of the beard, apparently to an -unlimited extent. This power appears to be seldom exercised, for -although I have had hundreds of specimens of the Mytili, in only one -instance have I witnessed the phenomenon in question. - -A large specimen of this bivalve, procured accidentally from a fishwife -in the street, was dropped into the aquarium, and placed close against -the surface of the glass. The animal seemed highly delighted with its -change of situation, for in a few moments the valves were opened, and -a long draught of water taken in to bathe its branchiæ, and furnish -a hearty meal. Having satisfied its appetite, the next process, of -course, was to find out what kind of a home he had been introduced -into. The foot, a noble specimen, was soon protruded, and one after -the other, in rapid succession, various threads were formed. By next -morning the animal, advancing by a series of easy stages, had reached -the surface of the water, which was exactly five inches deep. I knew -it would not remain long in this position, and was anxious to discover -what plan would next be adopted. Several courses were open to him. -For instance, like a marine Captain Cook, he might circumnavigate his -little _Globe_,--or he might let go his cable and drop plump to the -bottom,--or he could follow the route I had often seen taken by his -relations, viz., to journey back to the place from whence he started. -It pleased him, however, to strike out into a new path,--to devise a -method of his own. While located near the top of the tank, he threw out -exactly ninety-eight threads, not certainly for security, but merely, -it would appear, for pleasure. - -Then slowly but surely, day by day, he lengthened out the stem of his -byssus tree, until it reached the extreme length of nearly five inches. -To what further degree it would have been extended, had the mollusc not -reached the base of the tank, it is impossible to conjecture. - -No sooner did the shell touch terra firma, than the cable which had -taken so long to spin was immediately broken off. I have succeeded in -keeping the same animal by me for the last twelve months, but have seen -no attempt at a renewal of the operation, in the progress of which I -had taken so lively an interest. I may add that this Mussel taught me -another lesson; it was this: in my early studies regarding the habits -of the Mytilus, I had adopted a certain theory of the manner in which -the beard was formed; and having watched so long, and witnessed the -process so repeatedly, I thought myself justified in forming certain -conclusions. My belief was that the creature could not form more than -one thread at a time, _without withdrawing its foot into the shell_, as -I believed, in order to procure a fresh supply of material. That this -notion was erroneous, this animal proved to my entire satisfaction. Not -only may one, but two, three, four, and even six threads be attached -to any selected object, the point of the foot being passed from one -position to another, without the organ being withdrawn into the valves -until the whole of the threads are formed. How many more the Mussel is -capable of producing at one 'stretch,' I have no means of knowing, but -six is the largest number that any of my specimens in such case have -ever fabricated. - -The general idea seems to be that the Mussel works in the same manner -as the spider, who emits a drop of liquid against some foreign -substance, which, being allowed to harden somewhat, is then drawn out -as the spider recedes. This notion, I may state, is quite erroneous. -When the sucker of which we have spoken is formed, _the thread is -completed_. It is true that the foot as it retires into the shell -generally glides down the newly-constructed filament, but this is not -of necessity, nor does such circumstance invariably occur. Indeed, -while busily engaged in attaching a disc to the glass, the muscles of -the foot will contract, and thus throw open the folds of the groove, -situated in the middle of that organ; when thus exposed, the byssus -thread may be seen in the furrow, stretched like the string of a harp -or dulcimer. - -While the end of the thread is being attached to a certain spot, a -conspicuous muscular action is perceived going on in the foot, which -alternately swells and contracts, as if something were being pumped -up through the byssal channel, until it reached a certain point. -There being dilated and spread out in successive layers, it assumes a -trumpet-like disc, which is firmly fixed to the foreign object. Indeed, -I am by no means certain that the thread is not, when first produced, -exactly like a trumpet in shape. It also conveys the idea of being -blown out in a similar manner to a piece of bottle glass. After being -exposed to the air for some little time, the hollowness of the thread -is not so apparent as when it is newly fabricated. - -The mucous fluid, from which the fibres are formed, is secreted in -a gland situated at the base of the foot, whence it is apparently -expelled at the will of the animal into the furrow already referred -to, and is there spun into threads. The toughness of these filaments, -considering that each is finer than the thinnest strand of silk, is -remarkable. Their strength, however, may be easily accounted for, -when we know that each is composed in reality of innumerable delicate -threads, bound together by a subtle gelatinous fluid. This phenomenon -may be made out quite distinctly with a common hand lens, if the -following simple experiment be adopted: Make a Mussel construct its -thread in such a way that the disc of each is planted on the face of -the glass. Then place the fine point of a common needle upon the outer -edge of a chosen disc or sucker, and gently draw the former away to -a little distance, and you will find that by so doing the stretched -string becomes _peeled_. Continue this process carefully, and before -the thread gives way you will have divided it into a dozen parts at -least, all of which are visible to the naked eye, but clearer when the -hand lens is used, and still more distinctly and beautifully defined, -of course, if the microscope be brought into play. - -The foot of the Mussel appears to be firmly strapped on, as it were, -to certain transverse muscles, by a contraction of which the animal -closes its shell with surprising force. This strap, composed of a -powerful tendon which passes under the adductor muscles, is attached at -either end to the base of the foot. Thus we account for the remarkable -strength which is evidently seated in the foot, and makes it of so much -importance to the animal. At first sight nothing appears more easy -than to pluck out this organ by the roots, but an attempt will prove -the experiment to be more difficult than many persons suppose. - -The colour of the foot varies considerably in different specimens, -even of the same species. Some, for instance, are of a chestnut brown; -others of a kind of mauve or purple, covered with a peach-like bloom -during life; others, again, are of a deep-toned umber, while not a few -are pearly white, and streaked sometimes with pink like a tulip. - -The peculiarity of the Mussel to attach itself to foreign substances -has been taken advantage of for the benefit of man, and a curious -instance is exhibited at Bideford in Devonshire, at which town there is -a bridge of twenty-four arches, stretching across the Torridge river -near its junction with the Taw. 'At this bridge the tide flows so -rapidly that it cannot be kept in repair by mortar. The corporation, -therefore, keep boats in employ to bring mussels to it, and the -interstices of the bridge are filled by hand with these mussels. It is -supported from being driven away entirely by the strong threads these -mussels fix to the stonework.' - -Like most other writers who quote this strange account, I have not -had ocular proof of its accuracy.[9] That it is quite probable I can -readily believe, as a pretty experiment will partly prove it to any -spirited aquarian. Following out the above idea of the bridge at -Bideford, I managed to build an exceedingly pretty centre piece for my -tank. - -[9] Since writing the above, I have received the following interesting -epistle from Mr. Edward Capern, the celebrated 'poet and rural postman' -of Bideford, who kindly sought out the information I desired, relative -to the present state of the bridge above alluded to:-- - - Bideford, January 27, 1859. - -DEAR SIR,--I have inquired of the bridge warder, and he informs me that -the feoffees of the bridge command mussels to be brought up by the -cart-load, to protect the foundation, which is laid on _rubble_. - -I am pleased that it has been in my power to procure this information -for you--I am, dear sir, faithfully yours, - - EDWARD CAPERN. - -Having no ready means of making a rock arch, I collected such pieces -of rock, stones, &c., with weeds attached, as I thought would answer -my purpose, and then proceeded to fabricate the object of my wishes in -the following simple way: First were laid two stones parallel to each -other at three or four inches apart. Upon these I placed a large piece -of rock in a transverse direction. Between the interstices a number -of small mussels were then inserted. When fully satisfied that the -bivalves had moored themselves, I gradually piled one piece of rock -upon another until the structure reached the desired height, each piece -being bound to its neighbour by means of the byssus threads of the -Mytili. - -Before each block of stone that formed the foundations of the arch -was placed a splendid frond of Lettuce Ulva, tied by a strand of -silk to a white pebble. These verdant fronds, so smooth in texture -and so gracefully convoluted, rising up from the base of the tank -and reaching to its brim,--mingling, too, with the various tufts of -corallines and other sea-weeds that jutted from each crevice, were -very pretty to look at. When disturbed by the movements of the fishes -passing in and out, the gracefulness and beauty of the sea-weed was -doubly increased. - -In making observations upon any bivalve, such as the Mussel, it is -extremely puzzling to know what is going on _inside_ the shell. -Yet it is almost necessary to acquire this knowledge by means not -always apparent, in order to satisfy one's mind relative to certain -appearances, which we perceive going on externally. We have to form our -judgment of things we do not see from those that are apparent--at all -times a difficult task. But not often so tantalizing as in the case of -an insignificant creature like the Mussel, who lives, moves, and works -constantly before our eyes. I may add that it was not enough for me -that I saw the spinning process frequently. It all seemed tolerably -clear to my mind, but still I did not feel thoroughly satisfied. My -desire was to peep into the shell, and find out where the last spun -thread was situated; or, in other words, from what part of the trunk -the new branch sprung. On examining various specimens of the byssus, -this point was by no means apparent. Various means I adopted failed -to secure me the requisite knowledge. At length I hit upon a plan, -which, after no long time, I found opportunity to put in practice. My -largest Mussel lifted up its testaceous canopy, put aside the fringed -and fleshy veil that surrounded its edge, protruded its spinner to -make sure the ground was secure, and then withdrew it again into the -shell as usual. After the lapse of a second, the foot reappeared and -was stretched out to an unusual length. No sooner was the end of the -thread formed on the glass than immediately I firmly pressed the valves -together, and held them in this position until I had gradually worked -the Mussel up out of the vase, when I bound them close together by -means of a piece of cord. I need not describe my manoeuvres further; -suffice it to say that the thread nearest to the base of the groove -was found to be the one that was spun last. This, in my opinion, is -invariably the case. - -I may mention that the above experiment also proved to my mind that the -foot must be a most important vital organ of the Mytilus. At times, on -placing an open Mussel in my tank as food for crabs or other animals, I -have noted that if every other part were eaten, and the foot allowed to -remain attached to the muscles of the bivalve, that member would after -a lapse of several days show signs of--I do not say life--but sensation -and retractile power. - -But when the foot is cut and otherwise injured, the animal dies -quickly. In the experiment mentioned the valves were not kept closed -for more than half an hour; yet when they were opened, vitality had -evidently ceased within. This was the more singular when we remember -that the Mytili will live for many days out of the water; the shells, -of course, during the whole period being firmly closed. - -The Mussel, as already hinted, is very tenacious of life. I have kept -specimens by accident for several days in the pocket of my coat, but -found them quite well and lively when placed in sea-water. - -In general the sure sign of their not being in a healthy condition is -when the shell opens; for, while the animal retains any sense whatever, -it exercises a strict and judicious 'closeness.' - -I have found, however, on several occasions, that the shell being -contracted is not always a valid proof of its owner's convalescence, -for when placed in water the Mussel would float for several days upon -the surface like a cork, although it was near death's door. - -This phenomenon must be caused, I should suppose, by some sudden fright -compelling the mollusc to close its shell with such rapidity as to -prevent a proper supply of water being taken in. Having only air to -exist upon, the animal then lingers on until its branchiæ become dried -up, and all moisture exhausted. In this state the Mussel opens its -shell with a deep bursting sigh, and sinks to the bottom--dead. - -Being at the sea-side one fine summer day, I heard a little Scotch -girl cry out to her brother who was about to swallow entire, a fine -specimen of the _Mytilus edulis_, 'Eh, Willie dear, dinna ye eat that. -Dinna eat the _beard_ or ye'll dee!' Many years ago I remember a remark -to the same purport as the above being made by a poor child to its -playmate, in the neighbourhood of Gravesend. - -I little thought at that time that the Mussel was so interesting a -shell-fish, or that I years after should spend many an anxious hour -studying the formation and nature of its despised beard. - -I need hardly state that the idea of the beard being poisonous is a -vulgar error. In general the fish may be eaten entire with impunity. - -Cases have occurred where persons have been taken ill after eating it, -but this result has been satisfactorily explained to have been caused -by the Mussels being procured from places such as Leith Docks, where -their food consisted chiefly of unwholesome and putrescent matters. - -This mollusc is not used as food to any very great extent by the poorer -classes. It is employed very extensively, however, by the fishermen as -bait along all parts of the British coast. But in France it is much -esteemed both by rich and poor. The trade in them is successfully -cultivated, and affords a means of support to hundreds of industrious -and deserving men. - -From the learned author of the "Rambles of a Naturalist" we learn -that at the village of Esnandes, on the coast of France, the Mussel -trade, commenced about eight hundred years ago, has assumed a gigantic -extent. Both here and at the neighbouring villages of Charron, -Marsilly, Mussels are bred in an ingenious and systematic manner. At -the level of the lowest tide short piles or stakes are driven into the -mud, in a series of rows about a yard apart. This palisade is then -roughly fenced in with long branches. On this structure the Mussel -spawn is deposited, and it is found that the molluscs thus produced in -the open sea are much finer than those which are bred nearer the shore. - -These artificial Mussel beds are termed 'bouchots.' The fishermen who -engage in this branch of industry are known as 'boucholeurs.' - -'The little Mussels,' continues M. Quatrefage, 'that appear in the -spring are known as _seeds_. They are scarcely larger than lentils, -till towards the end of May, but at this time they rapidly increase, -and in July they attain the size of a haricot bean. They then take -the name of _renouvelains_, and are fit for transplanting. For this -purpose they are detached from those _bouchots_, which are situated -at the lowest tide mark, and are then introduced into the pockets or -bags made of old nets, which are placed upon the fences that are not -quite so far advanced into the sea. The young Mussels spread themselves -all round the pockets, fixing themselves by means of those filaments -which naturalists designate by the name of byssus. In proportion as -they grow and become crowded together within the pockets, they are -cleared out and distributed over other poles lying somewhat nearer -to the shore, whilst the full-grown Mussels which are fit for sale -are planted on the _bouchots_ nearest the shore. It is from this part -of the Mussel bed that the fishermen reap their harvest, and every -day enormous quantities of freshly gathered Mussels are transported -in carts or on the backs of horses to La Rochelle and other places, -from whence they are sent as far as Tours, Limoges, and Bordeaux.... -The following data, which were collected by M. D. Orbigny more than -twenty years ago, will show how important this branch of industry -must be to the district in which it is cultivated. In 1834 the three -communes of Esnandes, Charron, and Marsilly, representing a population -of 3000 souls, possessed 340 _bouchots_, the original cost of which -was valued by M. D. Orbigny at 696,660 francs; the annual expenses of -maintaining them amounted to 386,240 francs, including the interest of -the capital employed, and the cost of labour, which, however, is spared -to the proprietor who works on his own account. The nett revenue is -estimated at 364 francs for each _bouchot_, or 123,760 francs for the -three communes. Finally, the expense of the carts, horses, and boats, -employed in transporting the Mussels, then amounted annually to 510,000 -francs; but these numbers are far from representing the expenses -or profits at the present day. At the time M. D. Orbigny lived at -Esnandes, the _bouchots_ were only arranged in four rows; now however, -there are _no less than seven rows, and some of them measure more than -1000 yards from the base to the summit_. The whole of these _bouchots_, -which were at first limited to the immediate neighbourhood of the three -villages, of which I have already spoken, extend at the present day -uninterruptedly from Marsilly far beyond Charron, and _form a gigantic -stockade for two miles and a half in breadth, and six miles in length_.' - -A curious circumstance connected with the Mytilus remains to be -described. Let the reader, who may be so fortunate as to possess a -good microscope, cut away a portion of the fleshy part of the Mussel, -then place it in a watch glass, and examine it through that 'portal -to things invisible,' and, unless I am much mistaken, he will own the -sight to be supremely wonderful. Some water being deposited in the -glass the fleshy object will be seen to swim about in a most singular -and mysterious manner, while a close inspection shows every portion of -it to be in active motion. - -This motive power is caused by countless cilia, the rapid vibration of -which creates constant currents. This action preserves the health of -the poor mollusc by ærating the water which passes over his respiratory -organs. - -That some such wonderful contrivance is adopted, for conveying food -within the valves, too, is evident, when we consider that the Mussel -is always affixed to some foreign substance, that it cannot hunt after -prey, and therefore can subsist only upon whatever nutritious particles -may be contained in the element in which it lives. These consist of -minute animalculæ, principally crustacea, which are drawn within the -shell by powerful currents. - -I have often watched this phenomenon through a hand lens, and have -seen the young shrimps and skip-jacks, for instance, notwithstanding -the nimbleness of their movements, irresistibly drawn into the gulf -of destruction. Even tolerably sized specimens that were seated in -fancied security upon a valve of the Mussel, have suddenly been drawn -in, out of sight. As an instance of the power of these currents, I may -state that the water in a small aquarium is often seen to be affected -by the respiratory action of a single bivalve. The same thing has even -been apparent to the writer, while watching the movements of a colony -of Barnacles attached to a Limpet, the most distant part of the fluid -being gradually drawn near, in obedience to the beck of these delicate -and graceful little creatures. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -Terebella figulus. - -(THE POTTER.) - - -'Whether progressing on the solid surface, or moving through the -water, or tunneling the sand, advancing or retreating in its tube, -the Annelid performs muscular feats distinguished at once for their -complexity and harmony. In grace of form the little worm excels the -serpent. In regularity of march, the thousand-footed Nereid outrivals -the Centipede. The leaf-armed Phyllodoce swims with greater beauty of -mechanism than the fish; and the vulgar earthworm shames the mole in -the exactitude and skill of its subterranean operations. Why, then, -should the "humble worm" have remained so long without a historian? Is -the care, the wisdom, the love, the paternal solicitude of the Almighty -not legible in the surpassing organism, the ingenious architectures, -the individual and social habits, the adaptation of structure to the -physical conditions of existence of these "degraded beings?" Do not -their habitations display His care, their instincts His wisdom, their -_merriment_ His love, their vast specific diversities His solicitous -and inscrutable Providence.'--DR. WILLIAMS. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 THE POTTER (_Terebella figulus_) -2 _Terebella littoralis_] - - - - -XII. - - -Having visited the sea-side a few weeks since, along with some -'aquarian naturalists,' among other objects we managed to capture -a very fine _Terebella Figulus_, commonly called the 'Potter.' The -specimen measured about five inches in length, and was nearly as -thick as a common drawing pencil. I could discover no signs whatever -of any tube in the rocky basin in which the Annelid was situated, a -circumstance that struck me as being rather curious. - -On returning home, my much-valued prize was placed in a tumbler of -large dimensions, the base of which I strewed with newly-pounded shells -and gravel. By the following morning all the fine or powdered portion -of the 'Silver Willies' had been collected and used in the construction -of a tube, sufficient in length to cover half the contracted body of -the industrious little mason. After labouring for a fortnight, the tube -was gradually extended across the bottom of the vase in a cylindrical -form, but eventually it assumed a semi-circular shape, being built -upon the glass, and elevated by gentle stages up each side of the -vessel until the level of the water was reached, when all further -labours ceased for a time. - -After the lapse of a few days the building operation was resumed, -and the tube carried fully an inch further, at right angles to its -former position. The opposite end of the structure was next extended -at an angle of 45° from the base of the vase, to a height of about two -inches. Then commenced a very curious phenomenon. Some of the tentacles -were incessantly elevated and extended across the vessel, until they -touched the opposite end of the tube, with what object I could not then -conceive. The design, however, was afterwards made evident: in less -than two days the animal succeeded _in making both ends of its tube -meet together, so as to form a continuous circle_. I happened to be -watching the mason, when the last stroke of his labial trowel was given -to the building, and shall never forget the cautious way in which the -animal crept for the first time over the newly-completed portion of the -work, and the seeming delight with which it continued to glide, hour -after hour, over the entire circuit of its dwelling-place. - -Sometimes its body would be long drawn out, until the tips of the -tentacula would reach, and apparently tickle the extreme point of the -tail; then a race would commence, in character exactly resembling -that so often witnessed with the kitten, or the playful whelp, when -either of these animals foolishly imagine that the tip of their tail is -adorned with some coveted tit-bit. - -The branchial organs of my specimen were very beautiful objects, being -formed of three blood-red spiral tufts, the effect of which were -heightened by their being placed in contact with the drab, coloured -cephalic[10] tentacles, which seemed to be almost innumerable. These -latter organs, although apparently so useless when seen closed, are in -reality of the greatest importance to the _Terebella_, for they not -only act as auxiliary organs of respiration, and aid most materially -in building its dwelling-place, but also constitute the real organs of -locomotion. - -[10] Cephalic, belonging to the head. - -'They consist,' says Dr. Williams, 'of hollow flattened, tubular -filaments furnished with strong muscular parietes. The band may be -rolled longitudinally into a cylindrical form, so as to enclose a -hollow cylindrical space, if the two edges of the band meet, or a -semi-cylindrical space if they only meet imperfectly. This inimitable -mechanism enables each filament to take up and firmly grasp _at any -point of its length_ a molecule of sand, or, if placed in a linear -series, a row of molecules. But so perfect is the disposition of the -muscular fibres at the extreme free end of each filament, that it is -gifted with the twofold power of acting on the sucking and muscular -principle. - -'When the tentacle is about to seize an object, the extremity is -drawn in, in consequence of the sudden reflux of fluid in the hollow -interior. By this movement a cup-shaped cavity is formed, in which -the object is securely held by atmospheric pressure. This power is, -however, immediately aided by the contraction of the circular muscular -fibres. Such, then, are the marvellous instruments by which these -peaceful worms construct their habitation, and probably sweep their -vicinity for food.' - -The foregoing beautifully and accurately describes the tentacular -cirri. The use of these organs in the formation of the tube in which -the Annelid dwells, I will now endeavour to make clear, from close -personal observation. - -It is an extremely interesting sight to watch a Terebella extend its -tentacles in all directions in search of building materials, catching -up the surrounding molecules (sometimes visible along the whole length -of each filament), and then, by a strong muscular contraction, bringing -the collected atoms to the opening of the tube, around which, as is -generally supposed, they are then immediately attached by a secretion -which is exuded from the body of the animal. Such, however, is not the -case. - -When the filaments bring their 'subscriptions,' the material thus -gathered, instead of being used at once for building purposes, _is, -in reality, first eaten by the animal, and, after undergoing a kind -of mastication, becomes coated with a salivary secretion, and is then -ejected in mouthfuls at the extremity of the tube_, which, by such -means, becomes gradually elongated. The shell work, when deposited as -above mentioned, is held in position, and prevented from falling over -the outside of the cavity, by the filaments which are made to hang -down in a most ingenious manner; the animal, at the same time, putting -itself in motion, allows the slimy surface of its body to press and -rub against the new addition to the tube, which is thus effectually -strengthened and soldered together. - -The animal does not always wait until the opening of the tube is -reached, but gently disgorging while lying at its ease, it then pushes -forward by aid of its head and tentacles the mass of building material, -which soon becomes distributed and moulded to its proper shape. - -If your specimen should happen to build a complete tube, its mode of -working cannot be well seen; but should it economize its labours, and -run its house up in a semi-circular form against the transparent side -of the vessel, as the animal I write of did, you will be enabled to see -distinctly every movement that goes on in the interior. - -It seems somewhat singular that the Terebella should possess the power -of turning itself within its tube, so as to be able to extend its -habitation from either end at will. I have very often watched the -operation with emotions of pleasure, not unmixed with wonder. - -Wishing to test the powers and intelligence of my specimen, I -dropped within its tube, which was curved in shape lengthways, some -particles of sand, and a pebble which nearly filled up the 'bore' of -the cylinder. The great annoyance occasioned by this intrusion to -the master of the house was painfully evident. For a whole day the -Terebella endeavoured to push out the objectionable matter by means of -its head and cephalic tentacula, but without success; for although the -mass frequently neared, it never touched or toppled over the mouth of -the aperture, and consequently fell to its original position at the -bottom of the tube as soon as the animal removed the pressure. - -Apparently despairing of its efforts, though still oftener repeated, -being eventually prosperous, the poor Annelid literally 'turned tail,' -and very coolly proceeded to elongate the opposite end of its dwelling. -This operation did not last long; for in the course of a few hours, on -peering again into the vessel, I saw that the humble and insignificant -worm had mustered up courage to 'face the enemy' once more, and had, -in fact, apparently conceived a new idea, the wisdom of which was -soon made palpable; for slowly, but surely, most of the arenaceous -particles were eaten, and nothing being left but the pebble, it was -speedily and triumphantly ejected from the tube, and the sand soon -after employed for building purposes. The Terebella having completed -its laborious and well-executed task, seemed to be quite exhausted, and -lay to all appearance lifeless for the succeeding four and twenty hours. - -When walking along the sandy beach, myriads of peculiar objects may be -seen swayed to and fro by the roll of the waves. Frequently, when the -tide has receded, these tubes remain sticking out of the sand to the -height of two or three inches, each terminating in a tuft, like the end -of a piece of cord that had been teazed out. - -Within such a fragile habitation dwells the _Terebella littoralis_, -the most common species of the marine tubiculous Annelids. I have very -often tried, by aid of my fingers only, or a strong spade, to capture -one of these creatures, but have never been successful, even in a -solitary instance. Yet several authors tell their readers the task is -perfectly easy. Mr. Lewes, for instance, made me feel ashamed of my -previous manipulative efforts when I read his vivid description of a -Terebella hunt, and caused me lately to journey a distance of six miles -to try my hand again, with no better result than hitherto. - -I have lately seen a specimen of _T. littoralis_ which a friend of -mine was so fortunate as to capture. The tube of the animal, instead -of being in its usual position, was situated in a pool, and offered a -most rare prize to its discoverer, it being the only one he had ever -caught. The tube, being of great length, was cut down to about six -inches and transferred to a shallow glass tank, in which was introduced -some pounded shells. The beautiful Annelid soon made itself at home, -and commenced to repair the damage done to its habitation by collecting -these particles, by means of its tentacula, which were thrown out to an -extraordinary distance in all directions. - -The result of the animal's labours was soon apparent by a most amusing -white patch being added to each end of its dark tube. - -As soon as this operation was completed _mon ami_ carefully tore up -the patched garment, and ejected the defenceless Terebella into the -vessel, wherein was placed a piece of glass tube that measured an -inch in length. Strange to state, the animal instantly crept into -this object, and soon made itself quite at home and comfortable. When -the building materials were placed near, they were collected and -_attached to each end of the glass cylinder_ by the little architect, -who doubtless was the first of its 'family' who could boast of such a -noble mansion,--which ultimately assumed a very remarkable aspect from -the variously-coloured 'mortar' that was employed in its construction. -Above and below the transparent centre came patches of red, white, and -blue material, composed respectively of broken tile, pounded shells, -and coloured glass. Such a 'concourse of atoms' was surely never before -combined, either 'fortuitously' or otherwise, in the construction of so -common an object as the tube of an Annelid. - -The branchiæ of the above mentioned specimen presented a most exquisite -appearance, resembling the perfect skeleton of a leaf, supposing that -to be dyed a brilliant crimson colour, and made to exhibit incessant -life-like motion even in its most delicate and minute ramifications. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -Acalephæ. - -(MEDUSÆ, OR JELLY-FISH.) - - -'And now your view upon the ocean turn, - And there the splendour of the waves discern; - Cast but a stone, or strike them with an oar, - And you shall flames within the deep explore; - Or scoop the stream phosphoric as you stand, - And the cold flames shall flash along your hand, - When lost in wonder, you shall walk and gaze - On weeds that sparkle, and on waves that blaze.' - - - - -XIII. - - -There are certain narrow-minded persons who raise objections to men -of science prying into the secrets of nature, and profanely, as they -think, attempting to explain the design and purpose of the great -Creator. - -But to the intelligent and right thinking man, no employment could -be found more elevating or ennobling than this; and whether he be a -fellow-worker himself, or merely an approving observer of the labours -of others, still he feels, and conscientiously believes in the words of -Milton, that-- - - "The desire which tends to know - The works of God, thereby to glorify - The great Workmaster, leads to no excess - That merits blame, but rather merits praise - The more it seems excess." - -When such a one contemplates the atmosphere, for instance, with its -'wonderful phenomena of clouds, rain, and sunshine, that alternately -shield, moisten, and warm the face of the earth, he feels awed by the -grandeur of the exquisite system of machinery by which such beautiful -results are accomplished. To him also the sea, with its physical -geography, becomes as the main-spring of a watch; its waters, and its -currents, and its salts, and its inhabitants with their adaptations, -as balance wheels, cogs, and pinions, and jewels. Thus he perceives -that they too are according to design; that they are the expression of -one thought, a unity with harmonies, which one intelligence only could -utter.' To his eye all created things possess an interest doubly great, -not only from their marvellous structure, but from the mission they are -destined to fulfil in this lower world. - -What peculiar mission the Acalephæ (which we are now about to consider) -were destined to fulfil it has long puzzled men of science to explain. -Nor can this be wondered at, when we remember the amazing number of -these creatures, and also the extreme delicacy of their structure. -Some indeed appear almost as if they were formed by the sportive -combination of air and water, as if the sea-breeze ruffling the face of -ocean caused bubbles innumerable to arise, which becoming mysteriously -endowed with life, thenceforth existed as Medusæ. - -They have, indeed, frequently been spoken of as 'animated sea-water,' -or 'living jelly.' These expressions seem most appropriate when we -remember, that if one of these creatures be placed upon a plate of -glass, and allowed to remain exposed to the sun's rays, the only -thing that will remain to testify to the existence of this singularly -graceful object is a thin film, that a stroke of the sponge or finger -will remove in an instant. - -The most satisfactory explanation that has been offered as to the use -and purpose of the Medusæ is, that _they serve as the principal food of -whales and other Cetacea_. To these marine monsters--frequently found -from 70 to 110 feet long--we can imagine a few hundreds of jelly-fish -would be considered a small meal. The supply, however, is ever equal to -the demand, as we shall see hereafter. - -I may here be permitted to explain that, in most large fishes, the -jaws are completely filled with formidable teeth, as in the shark, -for instance. This rapacious monster--which has been aptly termed the -tiger of the sea by us, and which the French, in allusion to the deadly -character of its habits, have named Requin, or Requiem, the rest or -stillness of death--possesses a most marvellous dental apparatus. - -Its teeth are not, as might be supposed, fixed in sockets, but attached -to a cartilaginous membrane. The teeth, in fact, are placed one -behind the other in a series of rows; the first of which, composed of -triangular cutting teeth, stands erect and ready for use. But as the -membrane continues to grow and advance forward, it slowly perishes, -and the teeth drop off, their place being taken by the next row which -formerly stood second. These, in the course of time, are succeeded by -a third series, which are again followed by others. - -Now, whales possess no such weapons. Their enormous mouths are not -filled with 'tusks or grinders, but fitted instead with vast numbers of -oblique laminæ of a softer substance, usually denominated whalebone, -which is admirably adapted for the crushing and masticating of soft -bodies.' - -To give an idea of the amazing extent of the harvests of 'whale food,' -as the Medusæ are termed, that abound in various parts of the ocean, -we need only quote the evidence of various navigators on the subject. -One (Lieut. Maury), for example, states, that on the coast of Florida -he met with a shoal of these animals, that covered the sea for many -leagues, through which his vessel, bound for England, was five or six -days in passing. The most singular part of the story is that, on his -return some sixty days after, he fell in with the same shoal off the -Western Islands, and here again he was three or four days in getting -clear of them. - -The Western Islands here mentioned are, it seems, the great resort for -whales; and 'at first there is something curious to us in the idea -that the Gulf of Mexico is the harvest field, and the Gulf Stream -the gleaner which collects the fruitage planted there, and conveys -it thousands of miles off to the living whales at sea. But, perhaps, -perfectly in unison is it with the kind and providential care of that -great, good Being who feeds the young ravens when they cry, and caters -for the sparrow.' - -But Dr. Scoresby, in his work on the Arctic Regions, by aid of figures -conveys the most vivid idea of the myriads of these creatures that -float in the bosom of the ocean. This writer discovered that the -olive-green colour of the waters of the Greenland sea was caused by the -multitudes of jelly-fish contained therein. On examination he found -that 'they were about one-fourth of an inch asunder. In this proportion -a cubic inch of water must contain 64; a cubic foot, 110,592; a cubic -fathom, 23,887,872; and a cubical mile, 23,888,000,000,000,000! From -soundings made in the situation where these animals were found, it -is probable the sea is upwards of a mile in depth; but whether these -substances occupy the whole depth is uncertain. Provided, however, the -depth which they extend be but 250 fathoms, the above immense number -of one species may occur in a space of two miles square. It may give -a better conception of the amount of Medusæ in this extent, if we -calculate the length of time that would be requisite with a certain -number of persons for counting this number. Allowing that one person -could count 1,000,000 in seven days, which is barely possible, it would -have required that 80,000 persons should have started at the creation -of the world to complete the enumeration at the present time! What a -prodigious idea this fact gives of the immensity of creation, and of -the bounty of Divine Providence, in furnishing such a profusion of life -in a region so remote from the habitations of man. But if the number of -animals be so great in a space of two miles square, what must be the -amount requisite for the discolouration of the sea through an extent of -perhaps 20,000, or 30,000 square miles.' - -These creatures may be appropriately termed the glow-worms of the -ocean, for it is to them that the phosphorescence of the sea is mainly -attributable. - -Sir Walter Scott, in his poem of the 'Lord of the Isles,' thus alludes -to this phenomenon:-- - - 'Awaked before the rushing prow, - The mimic fires of ocean glow. - Those lightnings of the wave. - Wild sparkles crest the broken tides, - And, flashing round the vessel's sides, - With elfish lustre lave; - While far behind their livid light - To the dark billows of the night - A gloomy splendour gave.' - -Hugh Miller also gives a beautiful prose description of the luminosity -of our own seas, but we must resist the temptation to introduce it here. - -The appearance of the Greenland Seas is principally owing to the -presence of the minute species of Acalephæ, but there are many others -that grow to an immense size. Specimens of these may be frequently seen -cast on the sea-beach by the force of the waves. When in their native -element they form the swimmer's dread, owing to a peculiar stinging -power which they possess. - -The Medusæ have been divided into groups, and distinguished according -to their different organs of locomotion. The common idea is that all -jelly-fishes are like mushrooms or miniature umbrellas. Such, it is -true, is their general form, but others abound both in our own and -in foreign seas, that possess a totally different appearance. For -instance, some move by means of numerous cilia, or minute hairs that -are attached to various parts of their bodies. By the exercise of these -organs the creatures glide through the water, and hence they are called -_ciliograde Acalephæ_. - -One of the most remarkable examples of this class is seen in the -Girdle of Venus (_Cestum veneris_). 'This creature is a large, flat, -gelatinous riband, the margins of which are fringed with innumerable -cilia, tinted with most lively irridescent colours during the day, -and emitting in the dark a phosphorescent light of great brilliancy. -In this animal, too, which sometimes attains the length of five or -six feet, canals may be traced running beneath each of the ciliated -margins.' - -This animal, as it glides rapidly along, has the appearance of an -undulating riband of flame. Most likely it is the species to which -Coleridge alludes in the following passage:-- - - 'Beyond the shadow of the ship - I watched the water snakes - They moved in tracks of shining white, - And when they reared, the elfish light - Fell off in heavy flakes. - * * * * * - Within the shadow of the ship - I watched their rich attire-- - Blue, glossy green, and velvet black, - They curled and swam; and every track - Was a flash of golden fire.' - -Another of this class is the common Beroë (_Cydippe pileus_); its body -is melon-shaped, and covered over by rows or bands of cilia, placed -similarly to the treads on a water wheel, one above another. These are -entirely under the will of the little gelatine. It can use each or -all of them, and thus row itself along at pleasure. But perhaps the -most singular portion of this creature is what has been termed its -fishing apparatus, though by some writers it is considered merely to -be the means by which the Beroë anchors its body to any desired spot. -It consists of two exceedingly slender filaments or streamers, which -measure many times the length of the Beroë itself. Some writers, again, -fancy that these organs are used to propel the animal. This must be an -erroneous notion, for if they were cut off, the creature would still -continue to move with the same power as before. Nay more, if the little -Cydippe be cut into pieces, and the ciliated bands be attached to -each fragment, the latter will swim about with the same power as when -connected with the entire animal. - -From the filaments here described, others more slender still depend at -regular intervals, which curl up like vine tendrils upon the principal -stem. The whole can be spontaneously elongated or slowly withdrawn -within the body of the Beroë, where they lie enclosed in two sheaths -until again required for use. - -These interior 'sheaths,' which resemble in shape the drone of a -bag-pipe, are easily seen, being almost the only parts which are not -perfectly transparent. They are whitish in colour, and semiopaque. -(Plate 6 contains a sketch of the Beroë, drawn from nature.) - -I may mention that the paddles, with their comb-like array of cilia, -flap successively in regular order from the top to the bottom of each -row. This wave-like movement takes place simultaneously in all the -rows, when the animal is in full vigour. - -The organs of progression in the _Pulmonigrade_ Acalephæ, as their name -imports, bear certain resemblance to the lungs in respiration. They -move by the expansion and contraction of their umbrella-shaped bodies. -Graceful and elegant indeed are the motions of these creatures. I have -seen small specimens about the size of a sixpence, advance, in three -springs, from the bottom to the top of a large vase in which they were -confined. - -In descending they turn over and allow themselves to sink gradually as -if by their own weight. - -The third division of the Acalephæ is termed _Physograde_. The most -common member of this group is the _Physalus_, so well known to all -sailors under the name of the Portuguese Man-of-War. It is buoyed up -by air bladders--in fact, its entire body appears as one bladder, which -the animal is enabled to contract or expand at will. At first glance -the _Physalus_ appears to belong to quite a different family--suffering -under some maltreatment; for from its lower side, what seem a number of -entrails, of all shapes and sizes, hang down. When the upper surface -or crest of its swimming bladder projects above the waves, it has a -beautiful appearance, spangled with rays of purple, blue, and gold. -This formation acts as a kind of sail, by means of which the creature -is enabled to glide along with considerable speed. - -This Physalus is a somewhat mysterious being, and zoologists have not -as yet been able to determine many points connected with its structure -and development. - -The _Cirrigrade_ Acalephæ, too, are a singular family. They exhibit a -higher stage of development than those already alluded to, and possess -a kind of skeleton embedded within their gelatinous bodies. - -The _Porpita_ and _Velella_ are examples of this class, but for -detailed descriptions I must refer the reader to larger works which -treat on the subject. - -I cannot conclude this brief and imperfect sketch of the Acalephæ -without noticing their singular mode of reproduction. Nothing can -appear more marvellous than this process when first brought before -one's attention. It far excels the wildest dreams of fiction; and were -it not so well authenticated by naturalists who have devoted labour and -valuable time to gain ocular demonstration of the fact, we might well -hesitate to believe the statements laid before us in their works. - -For example, a Polype, as _Hydra Gelatinosa_ or _Hydra Tuba_(found -on buoys, oyster shells, &c., long submerged), will, it may be in a -simple aquarium, produce a number of small objects which, on being -examined through the microscope, are found to be, not young Polypes, -but Jelly-fish! In process of time, the latter, by a wondrous law of -nature, will produce in their turn, not Medusæ, but Polypes! - -'Imagine,' says Mr. Lewes, 'a lily producing a butterfly, and the -butterfly in turn producing a lily, and you would scarcely invent -a marvel greater than this production of Medusæ was to its first -discoverers. Nay, the marvel most go further still, the lily must first -produce a whole bed of lilies like its own fair self before giving -birth to the butterfly, and this butterfly must separate itself into a -crowd of butterflies, before giving birth to the lily.' - -Let me now, by entering briefly into detail, endeavour to make the -reader acquainted with the leading features of this mysterious subject, -known as 'the alternation of generations.' - -The adult Medusæ, then, gives birth to a number of oval gemmæ or buds, -appropriately so called by most writers, which appear like minute -jelly bubbles, covered with numberless vibratile cilia. These organs, -ten thousand times more delicate, we may imagine, than the eyelashes -of some infant member of fairy land, are ever in constant motion. The -currents produced thereby serve to propel the little animal to some -stray pebble or stalk of sea-weed, situated at a respectful distance -from its gelatinous relative. On some such object the young bud -attaches itself, and proceeds to vegetate. - -The body gradually lengthens, and becomes enlarged at its upper -extremity; from this portion of the animal four arms appear surrounding -a kind of mouth. The arms lengthen, and are soon joined by four others. -These organs, as also the inner surface of the lips and of the stomach, -are covered with cilia, and become highly sensitive. They are used -in the same manner as the tentacula of the Actiniæ, namely, for the -capture of food. There is this difference, be it observed, between the -two animals, that while the infant Medusæ labours incessantly to gain -its daily meals, the zoophyte remains still, and trusts to chance for -every meal that it enjoys. - -Fresh sets of arms continue to be developed successively upon the -little jelly fish, until the whole amount in number to twenty-five or -thirty. 'And the body, originally about the size of a grain of sand, -becomes a line, or the twelfth part of an inch in length.' - -Thus far there appears nothing particularly striking or improbable in -the history of the Medusæ; the next stage, however, exhibits matter for -our 'special wonder.' - -The young Acaleph now throws off its animal existence, and sinks into a -plant or compound polype. - -The lower part of the body swells, and from thence, what may be termed -a _stolen_, is thrown out. On the upper surface of the stolen one -and even two buds are often formed. 'As the bud enlarges it becomes -elongated, and bends itself downwards to reach the surface of the stone -to which the elongated extremity adheres; after this the attached end -is gradually separated from the body of the parent. When thus detached, -a small opening presents itself at its upper end, its interior -gradually becomes hollowed out, and cilia grow upon it, and tentacula -begin to sprout around the mouth, exactly in the same manner as in the -buds formed on the upper surface of the stolens.' - -Thus, from a single bud numberless other buds are formed, each being -endowed with equally prolific powers. If the parent be cut in half -transversely, the cut will close in, attach itself to some object, and -produce stolens and buds! If cut longitudinally, and the cut edges -be allowed to touch each other, they will again adhere, and exhibit -no trace of their ever having been divided. If the cut edges of each -division be not kept apart they will approximate and adhere together, -and thus two separate animals will be produced, each gifted with the -power of throwing out stolens and buds with the same prodigality as if -they had never been disunited! - -How long this budding process of necessity continues we cannot tell. It -may be only during the winter season. These creatures in their perfect -condition are generally found crowding our seas during the summer -months; most probably, therefore, as Sars and Steenstrup state, it is -at the commencement of spring that they undergo the last portion of -this 'transformation strange.' - -Still, this cannot be taken as a general rule. Dr. Reid, who for a -period of two years kept colonies of Medusæ, and assiduously watched -the various stages of their development, found that the larvæ of -one colony, which was obtained in September 1845, did not split -transversely into young Medusæ in the spring of 1846, as he expected -them to do, but continued to produce stolens and buds abundantly. - -On the other hand, the larvæ of the other colonies, which this -gentleman obtained in July, began to yield young Medusæ about the -middle of March. This process takes place in the following manner: -A 'bud' having arrived at maturity, it becomes 'cylindrical,' -considerably elongated, and much diminished in diameter, its outer -surface being marked with a series of transverse wrinkles. - -These wrinkles, or rings, which frequently amount to thirty or forty -in number, are first formed at the top, and slowly extend downwards. -Gradually as these furrows become deeper, the tentacula waste away, and -upon the margin of the upper ring eight equi-distant rays are formed. -The process continuing, in the space of a fortnight or so each groove -or ring is in like manner furnished with rays. The Medusæ now present -an appearance exactly resembling a series of cups piled up one within -the other. Strange to state, each little cup becomes eventually endowed -with life! As the uppermost segment is completely developed, it rests -upon the slender lips of the one beneath. It then glides off from its -old resting-place, and swims freely about in the water. Quickly it -aspires to the rippling surface above, and by a series of graceful -evolutions accomplishes its object. Once among the dancing waves and -exposed to the rays of a cheering sun, our little Medusa assumes its -complete form; and as a beautiful _Modecra formosa_, it may be destined -at some time or other to be the prize of an ardent zoologist, who, I -venture to assert, could not compliment it in more poetical language -than Professor Forbes has already done. This delightful author, -describing the little gem in question, says, 'It is gorgeous enough -to be the diadem of sea fairies, and sufficiently graceful to be the -night-cap of the tiniest and prettiest of mermaidens.' Or as an adult -_Cyanea capillata_, our once insignificant jelly-bag may perhaps -appear, and by an exercise of its urticating powers, send some unhappy -swimmer smarting and trembling to his home. - -While the Medusæ column proceeds to throw off from its uppermost part -living segments of itself, its lower half, or stem, continues to grow, -but does not become ringed, for as the budding process ceases, the last -formed cup rests on newly-formed tentacula! Then again stolens are -thrown out, on which young Medusæ are formed, as before described. - -Contemplating such mysteries as these, the mind becomes bewildered and -the spirits humbled. - - 'Imagination wastes its strength in vain, - And fancy tries and turns within itself, - Struck with the amazing depths of Deity.' - -The above may be deemed one of the most interesting zoological theories -that has ever been promulgated in modern times. It was founded by -Chamisso, and termed the 'alternation of generation,' but was much -improved and extended by the researches of Steenstrup. Professor Owen, -however, had previously reduced the theory to a fixed and definite -scientific form, under the title of '_Parthenogenesis_.' Another -author, not viewing the Medusæ in the various stages of development -as an aggregation of individuals, 'in the same sense that one of -the higher animals is an individual,' proposes that each Medusa be -considered as an individual, developed into so many 'zooids.' - -Into this abstract question, of course, I cannot enter. The reader who -would wish to know more of the subject than I have faintly shadowed -forth in this chapter, may consult Steenstrup's Memoir, published -by the Ray Society; Dr. Reid's admirable papers in the 'Magazine of -Natural History' 2d series; Lewes' 'Sea-Side Studies;' and the learned -works of Professor Owen. - - - - -[Illustration: MEDUSÆ IN VARIOUS STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT.] - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -Doris, Eolis, &c. - - -'The inhabitants of the watery element were made for wise men to -contemplate and fools to pass by without consideration.'--ISAAK -WALTON. - - - - -XIV. - - -One fine morning during the month of January, on peering into my -largest tank I perceived, attached to the upper portion of the marble -arch (centre piece), a peculiar object that had evidently been -deposited during the preceding night, but by whom or by what means I -knew not. It resembled a fungoid growth, or riband of flesh, plaited up -and attached at one edge to the stone. At every undulation of the water -the object moved to and fro with an extremely graceful motion. - -By careful and close examination it was seen to be covered with a film, -that gradually expanded until it burst, and thus gave means of escape -to thousands of minute white granules. On submitting these to the -microscope, a most wondrous sight met my astonished eyes. Each dot or -granule proved to be a transparent shell, resembling the periwinkle or -rather the nautilus in shape; containing an animal whose excited and -rapid movements were amusing to witness. From out the opening of the -shell appeared now and again two rings of cilia. When these organs -were about to be put into action, they reminded me of two circular -tubes of gas connected together, and each containing innumerable -perforations, which were sometimes suddenly and entirely lit up by a -torch being applied to one end. - -The _cilia_ may be distinctly seen to play at a certain point, and then -gradually extend round the circumference of the rings. When the whole -are in full action their movements are so extremely swift _as to appear -devoid of motion_, and thus bear a resemblance to rings of flame. - -The result of the movements of the cilia was always evident in -the vigorous evolutions of the little embryos, for the microscope -filaments, while in action, caused the animal to roll about in all -directions in a confined circle. When this envelope burst, the little -nautiline dashed out, and then--then it was of little use attempting to -get a view of the animal again, so rapid and violent were its movements -to and fro, never resting for one instant on any spot, and least of -all the spot wished. By the aid of blotting-paper, I sometimes reduced -the quantity of water in the watch glass; and the animal, thus being -compelled to confine its evolutions to a narrower stage, was more often -within the field of view. - -On visiting the sea-shore shortly after the discovery of the egg -cluster just described, I perceived attached to numberless stones and -large boulders thick clusters, composed of the self-same objects! -Beside them were lying confused heaps of _sea-slugs_, evidently -exhausted with their hatching exertions. Anything more repulsive to -the eye than those animal heaps exhibited it would be difficult to -conceive. Yet, at the same time, I know of no sight more pleasing than -to watch the _Doris_ in its healthy state, gliding along with outspread -plume on the under surface of the water, or up the sides of the tank, -more especially if it be observed through a powerful hand lens. - -These remarks will perhaps convey some new information to the young -naturalist, embracing as they do the leading facts connected with the -wondrous embryotic development of many marine animals. The reader will -already be prepared to learn that the vivacious little animal, moving -by aid of cilia and enclosed in a _shell_, was in reality the youthful -stage of that slow creeping gasteropod the _Doris_, which, in its -mature form, is possessed of no cilia, nor any shelly covering whatever. - -I should not have introduced this subject so familiarly did I not feel -anxious to make my readers aware how easy it is for each of them to -conduct experiments in the early stages of embryotic development, and -to gain practical evidence of the wonders which this study unfolds. - -'What,' eloquently asks Mr. Lewes, 'can be more interesting than to -watch the beginnings of life, to trace the gradual evolution of an -animal from a mass of cells, each stage in the evolution presenting -not only its own characteristics, but those marks of affinity with -other animals which make the whole world kin? To watch the formation -of the blood-vessels, to see the heart first begin its tremulous -pulsations, to note how life is from the first one incessant struggle -and progress--these keep us with fascinated pertinacity at our studies.' - -The remarkable fact above mentioned, of the young of the Nudibranchiate -Gasteropoda being furnished with a shell is exhibited not only in -Doris, but in Eolis, Tritonia, Aplysia, &c., while the embryos of the -Purpura, Nerita, Trochus, &c., are likewise in their youthful state -furnished with cilia, by the agency of which these animals swim freely -about in their native element. - -There is one exception to this, which occurs in _Chiton_, the early -stage of which has recently been shown by the observations of Mr. -Clarke and Professor Loven to be peculiar, and more resembling that -of an annelid than of a mollusc. In this case the animal can scarcely -be said to undergo a metamorphosis; for the embryo, even within the -egg, has nearly the form of the parent, and the appearance of the -shell-plates is a mere matter of development. - -I have never attempted to count the ova that were contained in any -single riband of Doris spawn, in fact I considered the task an -impossibility; but at a rough calculation, I concluded there would not -be less than a million. Dr. Darwin, however, travelling in the Falkland -Isles, met with a riband of spawn from a white Doris (the animal itself -was three and a half inches long), which measured twenty inches in -length, and half an inch in breadth! and by counting how many balls -were contained in a tenth of an inch in the row, and how many rows in -an equal length of riband, this gentleman reckoned that upon a moderate -computation there could not be less than six millions of eggs. Yet, in -spite of such amazing fecundity, this Doris was not common. 'Although,' -says Dr. Darwin, 'I was searching under the stones, I saw only seven -individuals. No fallacy is more common with naturalists, than that the -numbers of an individual species depend on its powers of propagation.' - -This apparent paradox is not difficult of explanation when we consider -the number of enemies which are always hovering near, and ready with -hungry mouths to snap up the infant embryos as soon as they begin -to show signs of vitality. The Hermit-Crabs are especially fond of -Doris spawn, so much so, indeed, that the writer could never retain -any for hatching purposes while any of the Paguri were near. Mr. -Peach says they (the young Dorides) have myriads of enemies in the -small _Infusoria_, which may be noticed, with a powerful microscope, -hovering round them, and ready to devour them the instant weakness or -injury prevents their keeping in motion the cilia, which serve both -for locomotion and defence. Let them cease to move, a regular attack -is made, and the animal is soon devoured; and it is interesting to -observe several of the scavengers sporting with the empty shell, as if -in derision of the havoc they have made. - -The same difficulty of calculation does not exist, at least to any such -extent, with the spawn of Eolis, which is laid in stringy coils. M. -Gosse mentions a specimen of _E. papillosa_ that laid nine strings of -spawn in his tank between the 20th of March and the 24th of May, all as -nearly as possible of the same length. Each string contained about a -hundred convolutions, each convolution about two hundred ova, and each -ova including, on an average, two embryos, making a total progeny of -forty thousand, produced from one parent in little more than two months. - -I may mention that on no occasion have I ever found the spawn coils of -either Doridiæ or Eolididæ in my tanks, or at the sea-shore, except -during the months of January and February or March; neither have any -of my specimens spawned more than once during an entire season. From -noticing the same group of parent slugs congregated, and remaining, -as I can affirm, for weeks near their egg clusters, evidently in a -most enfeebled condition, it has occurred to me that on the Frith of -Forth, at least, vast numbers of these animals do not long survive the -hatching season. - -Whether this be the case or not, it is a most singular fact that -in this locality, a Doris more than one or two inches in length is -scarcely ever to be met with. - -There is at present in one of my tanks a specimen of the Doris of a -pearly-white colour, a second, tinted white and pink, and two others -which are quite _black_,--all being procured from the coast near -Edinburgh. The last-mentioned animals are, I think, somewhat uncommon. -When watching one of them in motion while the sun is shining down upon -it, the hue of the creature changes from a black to a very deep purple, -owing, no doubt, to its fleshy disc being many shades lighter than its -body, which, being extended, and exhibited under a full glow of light, -becomes semi-transparent. This peculiarity is not evident, of course, -when the Doris is lying in a passive state, with all its gill-plumes -closed up. - -This sombre-coated gasteropod, although rare in some localities, is -very plentiful in foreign parts, if the following may be received as -an accurate narrative. 'On a reef of rocks near the island of Raiatea -is a huge unshapely black or brown slug, here called '_Biche_,' from -six to seven inches long, and five to six broad. Is is caught in vast -quantities, and not only regarded as a great delicacy by the natives, -but being cured, has become a valuable article of commerce in the China -market, whither it is carried from many insular coasts of the Pacific -by American ships. We have seen a number of lads fill three canoes in -two hours with these sea-snails.' - -Thus uninviting as this slimy animal seems to our English taste, there -is evidently no doubt of its being used by the Chinese as an article of -food, and according to the evidence of certain authors, is esteemed by -the 'barbarians' a high-class luxury; but then we must remember that -the inhabitants of the land of gongs and chopsticks, have always been -famed for their singular gastronomic tastes. One poet writes:-- - - 'That man had sure a palate covered o'er - With brass or steel, that, on the rocky shore, - First broke the oozy oyster's pearly coat, - And risked the living morsel down his throat.' - -But, 'Mandarins and Pigtails,' what was such _risk_, I ask, compared -to that which _he_ endured, who swallowed the first mouthful of -birds'-nest soup? or horror of horrors, the first spoonful of sea-snail -stew? Yet we are told that both the 'mucilage' and the _Bêches de Mer_ -dishes are savoury and highly grateful to the palate of an appreciating -gourmand. - -A recent author, describing a Chinese dinner from personal observation, -tells us, that when the first dish, composed of birds'-nest soup, -was over, he waited the advent of the next course with very nervous -excitement. 'It was a stew of sea-slugs. They are slippery, and very -difficult to be handled by inexperienced chopsticks; but they are most -pleasant and succulent food, not at all unlike in flavour to the green -fat of the turtle. If a man cannot eat anything of a kind whereof he -has not seen his father and grandfather eat before him, we must leave -him to his oysters, and his periwinkles, and his craw-fish, and not -expect him to swallow the much more comely sea-slug. But surely a -Briton, who has eaten himself into a poisonous plethora upon mussels, -has no right to hold up his hands and eyes at a Chinaman enjoying his -honest, well-cooked stew of _Bêches de Mer_. - -'During the discussion of this dish our Chinese master of the -ceremonies solemnly interposed. We were neglecting the rudiments of -politeness, no one had offered to intrude one of these sleek and -savoury delicacies, deeply rolled in sauce, into the mouth of his -neighbour. Efforts were made to retrieve the barbarian honour, but -with no great success, for the slugs were _evasive_, and the proffered -mouthful was not always welcome.' - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -The Crab and the Dainty Beggar. - - -'In taking a review of most, if not all the actions of the animal -world, it must be obvious that, whether we allow them reason or not, -the actions themselves comprehend those elements of reason, so to -speak, which we commonly refer to rational beings, so that if the same -actions had been done by our fellow-creatures, we should have ascribed -them without hesitation to motives and feelings worthy of a rational -nature.'--SCHLEIDER. - -'All things are bigge with jest; nothing that's plain - But may be wittie, if thou hast the vein.' - - --GEORGE HERBERT. - - - - -XV. - - -I have been observing for several days the movements of a Common -Shore-Crab, which has been almost all his life under my protection. -Although his present dimensions would render such a feat impossible, -when first I shook the little fellow off a bunch of _C. officinalis_, -he could have crawled with the greatest of ease into the mouth of a -small popgun. We all know that members of this family are bold and -daring in their attacks upon their weaker neighbours; upon each and all -they wage a constant predatory warfare. The poor Pholades, however, are -the favourite objects of their attacks. On these innocent bivalves the -Crustacea successfully prey, unless they are protected by their usual -rock-bound citadel, which, of course, they cannot always be. In order -to watch the Pholas at work, it is necessary that the siphons should be -more or less protruding from his tubular dwelling. If supported, say, -to the full depth of his valves, the animal is secure; for I notice -that neither crab nor fish can tear away the gristly ends of the -siphonal appendages when withdrawn; and when disturbed, the poor Pholas -leaves only this part in view. I have frequently seen the Fiddler-Crab -embrace a Pholas in his claws, and struggle to pull him from his seat. -On one occasion this operation was performed successfully, much to my -annoyance, as I had been at some trouble to saw the rock away in order -to watch easily every movement of the animal within. At night when I -looked into the tank my pet was safe; next morning it was wedged under -some pebbles, and the crab was feasting leisurely upon his tender flesh. - -It is most amusing to watch the Blennies, too, attack a Pholas, cast -into the tank, and to witness their mode of pecking at and shaking -their victim, and turning innumerable somersaults with it in their -mouths. The strength they exhibit in these manoeuvres is perfectly -astounding. - -About two hours after they had received one of their favourite -'muttons' to feast upon, I peeped into the aquarium, and found, as I -expected, the Blennies hard at their work of destruction. Behind them, -among some bushy tufts of _I. edulis_, the little crab, before alluded -to, was seated. In his arms he held an object unlike anything I had -seen on sea or land. It appeared like a slender stick of beautifully -iridescent opal. My amazement at this sight may readily be conceived, -for I had not the remotest idea as to how he had become possessed of -such a prize. - -Next day I placed another devoted Pholas in the tank, and after a while -looked in to see how its finny enemies were conducting themselves, -when, what should meet my eye, but the crab, sneaking off with another -opal baton in his arms! I was more puzzled than ever. It was quite -certain that the object in question had been procured from the Pholas, -yet I had not heard of, or ever seen anything like it in that animal. - -I was 'on thorns' until next day, so that I might by watching solve -the mystery. A third Pholas was flung into the den. The fishes, eager -as usual, instantly attacked and pulled the mollusc to pieces. After a -while the crab began to move about to and fro, evidently very restless, -and anxious for my departure. I did retire, but only to such distance -as would allow me a distinct view of his movements. In a few moments he -stepped out mincingly on the tips of his toes, and crossed the tank to -the spot where the poor Pholas lay, like some fine beau in Queen Anne's -reign tripping jauntily down the Mall, or across St. James' Park, to -feed the ducks in Rosamond's Pond. - -The Blennies darted off at his approach. He then seated himself before -the mangled corpse, and scraped at it vigorously, manifestly searching -for some coveted treasure. Shortly after, perceiving him clutch at -something, I quickly approached and disturbed his movements--took up -the Pholas, and to my surprise found, on drawing out an object that -protruded from the foot of the animal, that I possessed the pearly and -gelatinous cylinder, such as the crab had twice before devoured with -such evident relish.[11] - -[11] My first introduction to the Hyaline stylet as above narrated, -occurred in October 1858. - -It was plain then that the little rascal had become so dainty, that -he 'turned up his nose,' or rather his 'pair of noses,' at what is -vulgarly termed the 'first cut,' and condescended only upon the -tit-bits, for his marine banquet. So his crabship, in order to save -himself trouble, actually waited until the fishes had cut up the -Pholas to a certain point, when he would rush forward and seize on his -favourite fare. - -Some of my readers will doubtless remember the anecdote of the crossing -sweeper, whose idiosyncrasy led him to covet diurnally a mutton-chop -situated in the middle of the loin. My Lady Pepys, or Mr. Saccharine, -the great grocer, couldn't always procure the desired 'cut!' -_n'importe_ the knight of the besom met with no such disappointment. - -This individual's place of business was luckily situated opposite to a -noted butcher's shop, which circumstance easily enabled him to watch -until, from the demands of sundry customers, the perspective of the -loin, which lay temptingly upon the chopping block, had become adapted -to his point of sight. He would then step in and meekly order a simple -pound avoirdupois. With this _bonne-bouche_ carefully packed in his -pocket, he would again mount guard, and remain until night. At dusk of -evening he shut up shop,--that is, he swept the dirt over the parallel -path that he had all day kept scrupulously clean, and then marched off -to enjoy his dinner at a fashionable hour, in private. - -Are not these cases palpably alike? Passing by certain details, were -not the pawkiness and cunning of the epicurean beggar fully equalled by -our diminutive friend, _C. mænas_? - -'But,' you ask, 'what then was the opal stick?' Ay, there's the rub, -for even the greatest naturalists cannot positively agree as to the -use and purpose of this mysterious organ. Yet it is to be found (as we -have seen) in the foot of the Pholas, in the Mussel, the Cockle; and, -in fact, it occurs in almost all bivalves both great and small. It is -termed the 'hyaline cylindrical stylet,' and is very _lucidly_ and -scientifically described as 'an elastic spring to work the corneous -plate or attritor, and by the muscular action of the foot and body, to -divide and comminute the food, and especially the minute crustaceous -and testaceous alimentary matters received into the stomachial cavity. -It appears then that this appendage acts as _a gizzard_, and the -bivalve mollusca are thus supplied with a masticatory apparatus very -analogous to the gizzards of some of the gasteropoda.' - -Now, the simple fact that I have stated above, of the hyaline stylet -being found in the _foot_, and not in the stomach, at once proves -that it cannot possibly act as a _gizzard_ to the Pholas, or any other -bivalve in which it is known to exist. - -In the succeeding chapter I shall endeavour, from personal observation, -to shed a slender ray of light upon the function of the stylet. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -The Pholas, &c. - -(ROCK-BORERS.) - - -'He that of greatest works is finisher - Oft does them by the meanest minister.' - - - - -XVI. - - -At certain parts of the Scottish coast, the 'dykes,' or walls built -near the road-side, are constructed entirely of rough-hewn pieces of -hard sandstone rock, brought from the neighbouring shore. Sometimes a -dyke will extend for two or three miles, without presenting an isolated -fragment, in which the honeycomb-like perforations of certain species -of the boring Mollusca are not more or less apparent. - -A fragment of soft sandstone lies before me, measuring three and a half -inches in length, and two inches in breadth, which, small though it be, -contains no fewer than seventeen cylindrical tunnels. Each of these -exhibits so wonderful a skill in construction, that human hands could -not surpass it, though aided by 'all the means and appliances to boot,' -of mechanical agency. - -It is generally stated that the Pholas never intrudes itself into the -apartment occupied by a neighbouring 'worker.' The Pholas, however, -often intrudes on its neighbour; and such intrusion is manifested in -the small piece of stone alluded to in no less than four instances. -Here let me observe, that it is not always the larger mollusc that -bores through the smaller one; it as frequently happens that the latter -deserves the brand of wanton aggressor. Both cases are common enough, -and, indeed, must of necessity occur, wherever at any time a colony of -various sized Pholades are clustered together in a small portion of -rock. - -A fragment of rock riddled by the Pholas is a much more pleasing -sight than can be witnessed at the sea-shore in connection with that -animal under usual circumstances. For this reason: When visiting the -habitat of the boring bivalves, a host of small circular holes are -sometimes seen; at other times the surface of the same portion of the -beach appears comparatively sound, and it is only by striking a smart -blow with a hammer upon the ground, that we render scores of orifices -instantly observable in all directions, from each of which is thrown a -small jet of water. This phenomenon is caused by the Pholades in alarm -retracting their siphons, which had hitherto filled the entire extent -of the tunnels. At such a locality, if a piece of rock be excavated, -various specimens of these boring molluscs, shrunk to their smallest -possible size, will be discovered at the base of the cavities, which -are invariably of a conical form, tapered at the top, and gradually -enlarging as they descend. - -It must be evident, then, that neither the likeness of the animal, nor -the formation of its singular dwelling-place, can be seen by the casual -wanderer along the sea-shore. - -It will also be apparent to the intelligent reader, that when once the -Pholas is located in a certain spot, he becomes a tenant for life; -for never by any chance whatever, can the poor miner leave his rocky -habitation by his own unaided exertions, even were he so inclined. As -he grows older and increases in size, nature teaches the animal to -enlarge his habitation in a proportionate and suitable manner. - -During the period of the boring process, the orifice becomes clogged -above the shell with the _debris_ of the rock, and this, if allowed to -accumulate would speedily asphyxiate the animal. To get rid of such -an unpleasant obstruction, the Pholas retracts, and closes the end of -its siphons, then suddenly extends the 'double barrelled' tube to its -full length, until it reaches the entrance of the tunnel. This movement -often repeated, causes portions of the pulverized stone to be forced -outwards at each operation. - -It is interesting to watch the curious manner in which the end of the -principal siphon is alternately closed and spread out when it reaches -the water, like a man inspiring heavily after any unusual exertion; it -is then made again to descend, and renew its task, as above described. - -In extracting that portion of the _debris_ which is deposited at -the _base_ of the cavity, below the body of the industrious miner, a -different plan is adopted. Wherever a Pholas is at its labours, there -are always deposited within a circumference of several inches round the -tunnel, myriads of short thin threads, which are squirted out from the -smaller siphon. - -The nodules on examination are found to be composed of pulverized -rock, which is drawn in at the pedal opening, and ejected in the -above manner, thereby effectually clearing the lower portion of the -orifice. It was suggested to me that these threadlike objects were the -foecal matters of the Pholas, but this idea was soon dispelled by the -assistance of the microscope; and, moreover, from the fact that the -threads are never visible when the animal is in a quiescent state, but -only when it is busily engaged in its mysterious task of boring. - -I was for some time puzzled to find any aperture in connection with -the club-like foot of the Pholas (_P. crispata_), although several of -the bivalves were sacrificed to the cause of science. But what the -microscope and scalpel in this instance failed to unfold, attentive -watching of the animal in the aquarium made palpably apparent, in the -following manner. - -I had on one occasion captured about a dozen Pholades, some of which -were embedded in the solid rock, others detached. - -The first mentioned, I knew would be quite safe among the blennies -and crabs, from the untempting and unedible nature of their siphonal -tubes. Very different was the case with the defenceless, disentombed -specimens. These were intended as food for their finny companions, who -happened to be particularly fond of a change of diet. My 'pack' had -subsisted for some time on Mussels, and on such excellent food, had -become impudent, corpulent, and dainty. But overgorged epicures though -they were, I knew that although everything else failed, a 'real live' -Pholas placed before them would serve to speedily whet their appetites. - -A splendid specimen of the siphoniferous bivalve was dropped into the -tank, the base of which it had no sooner reached, than the fishes, with -eager eyes and watering mouths, came hovering like a flock of vultures -round the welcome meal thus unexpectedly placed before them. - -One rascal, who seemed to be cock of the walk, came forward and made -the first grip at the delicate fleshy foot, that in appearance was as -white as a newly fallen snowflake. The pedal organ was, of course, -instantly and forcibly withdrawn, so much so, indeed, as to be almost -hidden from view, except at its extreme base. In this position it -remained for several seconds. When the finny gourmand again boldly -advanced to take a second mouthful, to my intense surprise he was, -apparently, blown to a distance of several inches. I could scarcely -credit the evidence of my senses. Another and another of the fishes -were in their turn served in like manner as their leader. In a short -time, however, the poor mollusc failed to repulse his enemies, and -finally fell a passive victim to their gluttonous propensities. - -Now comes the important question, 'How is the boring operation -performed?' How can this simple animal, with its brittle shell, and -soft fleshy body, manage to perforate the sandstone, or other hard -substances, in which it lives? - -For hundreds of years this query has been asked, and various are the -replies which from time to time have been given. Singular to state, -although specimens of the Pholas, and its allies the Saxicavæ, are to -be procured in abundance in many parts of the kingdom, the subject is -not even yet positively settled. - -There have been many theories advanced, some the result of fancy -or guess-work; others, of practical study. All these have their -supporters, but none have, by common consent, been adopted by -physiologists as the true one. - -Having for several years made this subject a study of personal -observation, I believe I may venture to state, that I have succeeded -in casting a feeble ray of light upon it; and, although the result of -my labours may not be deemed conclusive, I may at least claim some -credit for my endeavours to clear up a most difficult, though deeply -interesting point in natural history. - -The various theories promulgated on this knotty point are generally -classed under five heads: 1st, That the animal secretes a chemical -solvent--an acid--which dissolves the substance in which it bores. -2d, That the combined action of the secreted solvent, and rasping by -the valves, effects the perforations. 3d, That the holes are made by -rasping effected by silicious particles studding the substance of -certain parts of the animal. 4th, That currents of water, set in action -by the motions of vibratile cilia, are the agents. 5th, and lastly, -That the boring mollusca perforate by means of the rotation of their -shells, which serve as augurs. - -Of all the above, the first which is quite a fancy theory, seems to -meet with greatest favour among certain naturalists. But as it is -rather puzzling to find a chemical solvent, which will act equally upon -sandstone, clay, chalk, wax, and wood, this hypothesis can only be -looked upon by practical men as ingenious, but incorrect. Even were it -proved that the animal really possessed the power of secreting an acid -sufficiently powerful, the question naturally arises, How can the shell -escape being affected in like manner with the much harder substance in -which it is situated? - -The second theory, or the combined action of rasping and the secreted -solvent, is, for obvious reasons, equally objectionable. - -The third theory, which endeavours to account for the wearing away of -the rock by means of silicious particles situated in the foot and other -parts of the animal, has been for some time proved to be erroneous, -from the fact, that the combined skill of some of our best anatomists -and microscopists has failed to discover the slightest presence of any -particles of silex in the Pholadidæ, although these are believed to -exist in other families of the boring acephala. - -The fourth theory, that of ciliary currents as an accessory agent in -boring, is worthy of greater consideration, chiefly from the evidence -we possess of the immense power which the incessant action of currents -of water possess in wearing away hard substances. - -We come now to what may be considered the most important of the -theories above enumerated, viz., the mechanical action of the valves of -the Pholas in rasping away the rock, &c. This hypothesis is one which -most naturally suggests itself to the mind of any impartial person, on -examining, for instance, the rasp-like exterior of the shell of _Pholas -crispata_.[12] But as I shall endeavour to show, although the shell -forms the principal, it does not by any means constitute the _sole_ -agent in completing the perforating process. - -[12] Specimens of this species, I may mention, have always formed the -subject of my experiments, and therefore are alone alluded to in the -following remarks. - -Mr. Clark, a clever naturalist, considers with Mr. Hancock that the -powerfully armed ventral portion of the _mantle_ of the closed boring -acephala is fully adequate to rub down their habitations, and that the -theories of mechanical boring, solvents, and ciliary currents, are -so utterly worthless and incapable of producing the effects assigned -to them, as not to be worth dwelling upon for one moment. Mr. Clark, -therefore, comes to the conclusion that 'the foot is the true and -sole terebrating agent in the Pholas.' This 'fact' he considers to -be 'incontestably proved,' for the following reason, viz., because -he had discovered specimens of this bivalve with the foot entirely -obliterated,--which phenomenon, Mr. Clark states, is caused by -the animal having arrived at its full growth, at which period the -terebrating functions cease; and as 'nature never permanently retains -what is superfluous,' the foot is supposed gradually to wither away, -and finally disappear. - -This, I suspect, is another 'fancy' theory. Although I have excavated -hundreds of Pholades, some of giant-like proportions, it has never -been my lot to witness the foot otherwise than in a healthy and fully -developed condition. - -Another writer, having no opportunity of viewing the living animal, -does not consider it difficult to imagine the Pholas 'licking a hole' -with its foot, from the fact that he (Mr. Sowerby) managed to make 'a -sensible impression' upon a piece of kitchen hearthstone. 'I had,' he -says, 'not patience to carry the experiment any further, but as far -as it went, it left no doubt on my mind that, with the foot alone, -and without any silicious particles, without a chemical solvent, and -without using the rasping power of its shell, our little animal could -easily execute his self-pronounced sentence of solitary confinement for -life.' - -Such an inconclusive statement as this would, I feel certain, never -have been penned, had its author been so fortunate as to have had -opportunity of watching a Pholas at work. - -But, as Professor Owen truly observes, 'Direct observation of the -boring bivalves in the act of perforation has been rarely enjoyed, and -the instruments have consequently been guessed at, or judged of from -the structure of the animal.' Such, evidently, is the case with Mr. -Sowerby, and several other writers who treat on this subject. - -Here we may call attention to the folly of naturalists endeavouring -to tag a pet theory upon all the boring acephala, to the exclusion of -every other. Such a system is defended upon the principle that, 'it -is much more philosophical to allow that animals, so nearly allied as -these in question, are more likely to effect a similar purpose by the -same means, than that several should be adopted. Surely this is more -consistent with the unity of the laws of nature, and that beautiful -simplicity which is everywhere prevalent in her works.' - -How much more shrewd and philosophical are the opinions of such a man -as Professor Owen, who, when speaking of the mechanical action of the -valves of _P. crispata_, says, 'To deny this use of the Pholas shell, -because the shell of some other rock-boring bivalves is smooth, is -another sign of a narrow mind.' Again, this learned author forcibly -remarks, in direct opposition to the writer previously quoted, '_The -diversity of the organization of the boring molluscs plainly speaks -against any one single and uniform, boring agent at all_!' - -The more I study this subject, the more does the truth of the -last-mentioned statement become apparent to my mind. - -An examination of engravings of the shells, or even of the Pholas -itself, when lying loose in the tank, or quietly seated in the rock, -extending and retracting its siphons, fails to give one the slightest -idea of its extraordinary appearance when enlarging its dwelling. At -such times it seems to be a totally different animal, and to have -suddenly acquired a most marvellous degree of power, energy, and -perseverance, forming a striking contrast to its usual quiet, passive -habits. - -In the first place, as I have elsewhere written, it retracts its tube -to, and even under, the level of its shell, just as a man, about to -urge onwards some heavy mass with his shoulders, would depress his -head to increase and concentrate his muscular power. Then follows an -expansion of the neck or upper part of the ventral border, from whence -the siphons protrude. This movement closes the posterior portions of -the valves below the hinge, and brings their serrated points together. -The next act on the part of the animal is to place its foot firmly -at the base of the hole; when leaning forward, it makes a sweeping -movement fully half round the cavity, pressing firmly-upon the umboes, -which nature has strengthened for the purpose by two curved teeth -fixed on the inside of the valves. At this stage it again reclines on -its breast, and tilting up the shell as much as possible, it makes -another motion round to its former position, leaning upon its back. By -these intricate movements, which the Pholas appears to accomplish by -a contraction almost painfully strong, it opens the rasping points of -the valves. These execute a very peculiar scooping movement at the base -of the cavity, and the animal having got so far, prepares itself for -further exertion by a short rest. - -The specimen whose movements I have attempted to describe, lived in -my possession for a considerable time. It bored so completely through -the piece of rock in which it was embedded, that the whole of its foot -dropped through the aperture, and remained in this position for months, -the animal, in consequence, being unable to change its position even in -the slightest degree. Each movement of this specimen, both before and -while the hole at the base of the cavity was gradually being enlarged, -was watched, and every striking and interesting feature that occurred -noted down at the moment. Various queries were put and answered, as -far as possible, by direct ocular demonstration of the labours of the -animal in the vase before me. - -I consider myself to have been singularly fortunate in being able -to view the actions of the creature from beneath, in consequence of -the hole being bored through the rock. This circumstance allowed me -distinctly to see what was going on at the base of the orifice. - -My early observations have fortunately been confirmed in other captive -Pholades, which at various periods have been domesticated in my tanks. - -I am convinced, then, that the shell forms the _principal_ agent in -boring the animal's dwelling, without either acid or flinty particles. -The late lamented Professor Forbes held that if this were the case, -the rasping points on the surface of the valves would soon be worn -down,--an appearance which, he says, is never seen. With all respect -for such an eminent name, I must state that he was in error. Not only -are the edges at certain times worn, but the rough surface is worn -nearly smooth, appearing in certain parts of a white colour, instead of -a light drab, as usual. - -But the reader may ask, if certain parts of the valves are occasionally -worn smooth, and the animal works so vigorously, how is it that they -are never rasped through? This is a very natural question, and one that -I put to myself repeatedly. - -I have made frequent and careful observations while the animal was -actually at work, in order to satisfy myself upon this point, and have -always perceived that the particles of softened rock fell from, and on -each side of, the large and well-developed _ligament_ that binds the -hinge, and extends to the lowest points of the valves. Moreover, this -leathery substance always seemed scraped on the surface. I cannot, -therefore, but believe that the ligament aids very materially in -rubbing off the rock, or at all events, in graduating the pressure of -the valves during the process, and that this curious organ, instead -of being worn away, may, like the callosity upon a workman's hand, -increase in toughness the more labour it is called upon to perform.[13] - -[13] Mr. Clark says, 'M. Deshayes, in his comment on Pholas, in the -last edition of Lanarck, mentions the hinge as scarcely existing, and -not being _a veritable ligament_.' How different from the fact; and -I will observe, that '_if there is a genus better provided than any -other of the bivalves with ligamental appendages, it is Pholas.... The -Pholas is iron-bound as to ligament_, which in it is far more powerful -in securing the valves, than is the shell of any other group of the -acephala, of similar fragility and tenuity!' - -The reason why so few specimens of the Pholades exhibit a worn shell -may be thus explained: As the animal only bores the rock in sufficient -degree to admit of its increased bulk of body, it only requires to bore -occasionally, and there may be often an interval of many months, during -which time nature may have renewed the serrated edge and rough surface -of the valves, and thus enabled the creature to renew its wondrous -operations. - -We now come to a consideration of the foot, which, as many writers -aver, forms the 'sole terebrating agent.' - -Although this sweeping statement is incorrect, I will freely admit that -the foot constitutes an agent second only in importance to the shell of -the animal. A casual examination of any Pholas perforation will show -that the foot could not have been the only instrument by which the -cavity was formed, from the peculiar rings that line the lower portion -of its interior. These rough appearances, I feel convinced, could be -formed by no other means than the rotatory motion of the shelly valves. - -The valves, however, could not rotate and press against the surface of -the rock, were it not for the aid which the foot affords to the animal, -by its being placed firmly at the base of the hole, and thus made to -act as a powerful fulcrum. - -This supposition fully accounts for the lowest extremity of the rocky -chamber being always smooth, and hollowed out into a cup-like form by -the action of the fleshy foot above alluded to. - -The foot for a long time was a complete puzzle to me: I was unable to -satisfy my mind as to how it acquired its seeming extraordinary power. -The phenomenon was fully explained when I became aware of the presence -of that mysterious organ the hyaline stylet, situated _in the centre of -the foot_. The use of this springy muscle, which is, as we have shown -in the previous chapter, by naturalists erroneously considered to be -the gizzard of the animal, is, I believe, _solely to assist the Pholas -in its boring operations_. - -Perhaps some of my readers would like to know how to procure a sight -of the stylet; if so, their wishes may be easily gratified. Take up a -disentombed Pholas in your hand, and with a sharp lancet or point of a -pen-knife, briskly cut a slit in the extreme end of the foot, and, if -the operation be done skilfully, the object of your search will spring -out of the incision to the extent, it may be, of a quarter of an inch. -If not, a very slight examination will discover the opal gelatinous -cylinder, which may be drawn out by means of a pair of forceps. - -When extracted and held between the finger and thumb by its smaller -end, the stylet will, if struck with a certain degree of force, vibrate -rapidly to and fro for some seconds, in the same manner as a piece of -steel or whalebone would be affected, under like circumstances.[14] - -[14] In the _Athenæum_ (Nos. 1632 and 1636), were kindly published two -letters from the author on the above subject, under the respective -dates January 26th, and February 28th, 1859. - -So long as a Pholas exhibits only the ends of its siphons to the eyes -of a greedy crab, it is perfectly safe from attack. It is only when -the fleshy foot is unprotected that it falls a prey to some hungry -crustacean. - -The toughness of the siphonal orifices is, I believe, a most important -point, for, as I shall endeavour to explain, the siphonal tubes -constitute important accessory excavating agents, to those already -enumerated. - -We all know that the hole which each young Pholas makes, when first -he takes possession of his rocky home, is extremely minute,--not -larger than a small pin's head; now, it stands to reason, that if the -shell was the only terebrating agent, the opening of the cavity in -question would always remain of the same size, or, perhaps, on account -of the action of the water, a slight degree larger than its original -dimensions. Such, however, is not the case. - -Here is a fragment of rock exhibiting several Pholas holes. The -aperture of one of these, which I measure, is nearly half-an-inch in -diameter, while in juxtaposition with it is situated another cavity, -measuring across the entrance less than the eighth part of an inch. -The reader will at once perceive, if the foot and shell were the sole -augurs, that as the animal descended deeper into the rock, the siphonal -tube, as it enlarged in proportion to other parts of the animal, would -have to be drawn out to an extremely fine point to fit the opening of -the tunnel. But as this is not the state of matters, the conclusion -forces itself upon us, that that portion of the orifice situated above -the shell of the animal must be enlarged by the constant extension and -retraction of the siphons, aided by currents of water acting on the -interior surface of the cavity. - -This same theory will also serve to explain how it is that all Pholades -situated at the same depth in the rock, are not all of a uniform size. -I have frequently seen a piece of rock exhibit the peculiarity of two -burrows of vastly different proportions as regards breadth, being -precisely the same depth from the surface of the stone. This appears -to me equally wonderful and puzzling at first sight, as the 'boring' -question. - -What age is attained by any species of the rock-borers before they -arrive at full growth, there are no means of knowing. This point, -like several others in the history of these animals, still remains a -mystery, nor is it likely soon to be cleared up. The largest specimen -of _P. crispata_ that I have seen is at present in my possession. Each -valve measures three and a half inches in length, by two inches in -breadth. Some foreign specimens of this species, and especially of _P. -dactylus_, are, however, frequently found of much larger dimensions. - -On no occasion have I ever examined any Pholas excavation that had lost -its conical shape, a fact that seems to prove that the successive -stages of the boring operation must have taken place solely in -consequence of the animal not having reached its adult form.[15] For -had the shell attained its full development, and its owner continued -to labour, and rasp away the rock, the sides of the cavity at its base -would necessarily present a parallel appearance--a phenomenon which is -never witnessed. - -[15] The above remark holds good, even although (_as is frequently the -case_) the animal wilfully deviates from the straight path, and bores -its tunnel in a curved form. - -From this we may conclude that the depth of the perforation, which is -seldom many inches, depends entirely upon the growth of the mollusc. - -When keeping specimens of the Pholas for observation, the usual plan is -to chip away the rock to the level of the valves, so that the whole of -the animal's siphonal tubes may be distinctly seen, however slightly -these organs may be extended. This plan, I found, did very well for a -time, but I was annoyed to witness, that in the course of a few months, -the siphons ceased to be either advanced or retracted,--they having -become, as it were, rudimentary. - -To obviate such contingency, the writer adopted the following scheme. - -To place in the tank a Pholas completely embedded in a fragment of -rock, so that nothing but the tips of its siphons, when extended to the -utmost, were visible, would not afford much pleasure to the student. I -therefore managed to saw away the rock in such a manner, as to leave a -narrow slit along the entire length of the tunnel, so as to expose the -slightest movement of the animal within. Having natural support for its -siphons, I expected that these organs would be constantly retracted and -extended; but such was not the case; at least for so long a period as I -had anticipated. - -After repeated experiments, I have now discovered that whether the -siphons be protected as above described or not, they will always be -vigorously exercised if the animal be placed in shallow water, so that -its tubes when fully extended will reach the surface of the fluid. - -The conclusion, from what has been stated, is, that the Pholas can -no longer be considered a weak and helpless animal. Possessed of a -rasp-like shell, a horny ligament, retractile tubes, a strong muscular -foot, and a powerful spring or stylet, it is not by any means difficult -to conceive that these agents when they are all brought into play, are -fully equal to the task of excavating the rocky chamber in which the -animal lives. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -The Sea-Mouse. - -(APHRODITE ACULEATA.) - - -'For seas have ... - As well as earth, vines, roses, nettles, melons, - Mushrooms, pinks, gilliflowers, and many millions - Of other plants, more rare, more strange than these, - As very fishes living in the seas.' - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 THE SEA MOUSE (_Aphrodite aculeata_) -2 THE DORIS -3 YOUNG OF THE DORIS -4 EOLIS PAPILLOSA] - - - - -XVII. - - -Beauteous stars also the sea contains, as numberless, though not so -brilliant in appearance as those which stud the firmament of heaven; -flowers, too, grow beneath the wave, and rival in loveliness the gems -which adorn our fields and hedge-rows. Nay, more, like the land, the -ocean owns its various grasses, its lemons, and cucumbers, its worms, -slugs, and shelly snails, its hedgehogs, its birds, its ducks and geese -(_anatidæ_), its dogs, its hares, and lastly its _mice_ (_aphroditæ_.) -The latter objects, despite their unprepossessing name, being in no -wise less interesting than those above mentioned. - -The _Aphrodite aculeata_ is, perhaps, one of the most gorgeous -creatures that inhabits the seas of our British coast. Its body is -covered with a coating of short brown hairs, but as these approach the -sides of the animal, they become intermixed with long dark bristles, -the whole of which are of an iridescent character. In one respect -this creature bears no resemblance to its namesake of the land, being -extremely slow and sluggish in its movements (at least according to -our experience) when kept in confinement. Some writers, however, affirm -that the Aphrodite possesses the power, although seldom exercised, of -both running and swimming through the water with considerable speed. - -In general the animal loves to tenant the slimy mud, and wherever the -writer has happened to come upon a specimen at the sea-shore, its back -has always been thickly coated with sand or dirt. The Sea-Mouse, then, -unlike the peacock, can never be deemed an emblem of haughty pride, -yet has nature in her lavish beauty endowed this humble inhabitant of -the deep with a richness of plumage, so to speak, fully equal in its -metallic brilliancy to that which decorates the tail of the strutting -bird we have mentioned. As the bristles of the Aphrodite are moved -about, tints--green, yellow, and orange, blue, purple, and scarlet--all -the hues of Iris play upon them with the changing light, and shine with -a metallic effulgence. Even if the animal, when dead, is placed in -clear water, the same varied effect is seen as often as the observer -changes his position. - -Not only are the _Setæ_ worthy of notice on account of their lustrous -beauty, but also for their shape, and the important part they play in -the economy of the animal. These lance-like spines seem to be used by -the Aphrodite as weapons of defence, like the spines of the hedgehog -or porcupine. In some species they are like harpoons, each being -supplied with a double series of strong barbs. - -The instruments can all be withdrawn into the body of the animal at -will, but we can easily conceive that such formidable weapons being -retracted into its flesh would not add to the creature's comfort--in -fact they would produce a deadly effect, were it not for the following -simple and beautiful contrivance. - -Each spine is furnished with a double sheath composed of two blades, -between which it is lodged; these sheaths closing upon the sharp points -of the spear when the latter is drawn inwards, effectually guard the -surrounding flesh from injury. - -The shape of this animal is oval, the back convex, while the under part -presents a flat and curious ribbed-like appearance. Its length varies -from three to five inches; specimens, however, are sometimes to be -procured, even on our own shores, of much larger dimensions. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -Star-fishes. - -(OPHIURIDAE AND ASTERIADAE.) - - -'As there are stars in the sky, so there are stars in the sea.'--LINK. - - - - -XVIII. - - -There are not a few persons still to be met with, who believe that -man and the lower animals appeared simultaneously upon the face of -the earth. Geology most forcibly proves the error of such an idea, -for although the fossilized remains of every other class of organized -beings have been discovered, human bones have nowhere been found. -This fact, though deeply interesting, is perhaps not more so than -many others which this wonderful science has unfolded. What can be -more startling to the student for instance, than the information that -for a long period, it may be thousands of years, no species of fish -whatever inhabited the primeval seas? True it is that certain creatures -occupied the shallows and depths of ocean, but these were of the lowest -type. The most conspicuous were the coral polypes, which even then as -now were ever industriously building up lasting monuments of their -existence, as the Trilobites, a group of Crustacea, and the Crinoids, -or Lily-stars. - -The last-mentioned group of animals were analogous to the present tribe -of Star-fishes, and are now nearly extinct. The body of the Lily-star, -which resembled some beautiful radiate flower, was affixed to a long, -slender stalk, composed of a series of solid plates superposed upon -one another, bound together by a fleshy coat, and made to undulate -to and fro in any direction at the will of the animal. The stalk -was firmly attached to some foreign substance, and consequently the -Crinoid Star-fish, unlike its modern representative, could not rove -about in search of prey, but only capture such objects as came within -reach of its widely expanded arms. 'Scarcely a dozen kinds of these -beautiful creatures,' observes Professor Forbes, 'now live in the seas -of our globe, and individuals of these kinds are comparatively rarely -to be met with; formerly they were among the most numerous of the -ocean's inhabitants,--so numerous that the remains of their skeletons -constitute great tracts of the dry land as it now appears. For miles -and miles we may walk over the stony fragments of the Crinoidae, -fragments which were once built up in animated forms, encased in -living flesh, and obeying the will of creatures among the loveliest -of the inhabitants of the ocean. Even in their present disjointed and -petrified state, they excite the admiration not only of the naturalist, -but of the common gazer; and the name of stone lily, popularly applied -to them, indicates a popular appreciation of their beauty.' Each -wheel-like joint of the fossil Encrinite being generally perforated -in the centre, facility is thus afforded for stringing a number of -these objects together like beads, and in this form the monks of old, -according to tradition, used the broken fragments of the lily-stars as -rosaries. Hence the common appellation of St Cuthbert's Beads, to which -Sir Walter Scott alludes,-- - - 'On a rock by Lindisfarn - St. Cuthbert sits, and toils to frame - The sea-born beads that bear his name.' - -One solitary species of the Crinoid Star-fishes has of late years been -found to flourish in our own seas; it is, however, affixed to a stalk -(pedunculated) only in the early periods of its existence. - -When first discovered by Mr. Thompson in its infant state, the -_Pentacrinus Europæus_ was believed to be a distinct animal. It was -taken attached to the stems of zoophytes of different orders, and -measured about three-fourths of an inch in height. In form it resembled -a minute comatula mounted on the stalk of a Pentacrinus. Subsequent -research has proved that the little stranger was merely the young state -of the feather star _Comatula rosacea_, and that although for a certain -period attached to a slender waving stem, the Pentacrinus, when arrived -at a certain stage of development, feels fully able to start life on -its own accord, and hence takes opportunity to break off its early -ties, and become a free animal, dependent upon its own exertions for -subsistence. - -It is no uncommon thing, as a late writer forcibly remarks, in the -inferior classes of the animal kingdom, to find animals permanently -attached from the period of their birth, and during all their -existence. Familiar examples of this occur in the oyster, and various -other bivalve shell-fish, as well as in numerous compound zoophytes. We -likewise meet with races which are free and locomotive in their first -stages, and afterwards become permanently fixed; but an animal growing -for a period in the similitude of a flower on a stem, and then dropping -from its pedicle, and becoming during the remainder of its life free -and peripatetic, is not only new, but without any parellel in the whole -range of the organized creation. - -The Comatula, or as it is commonly called, the Rosy Feather-star, is -allowed to be without exception the most lively of all the star-fishes. -Its movements in swimming are said to resemble exactly the alternating -strokes given by the medusa to the liquid element, and have the same -effect, causing the animal to raise itself from the bottom, and to -advance back foremost even more rapidly than the medusa. It has ten -very slender rays with numbers of long beards on the sides. The body, -which is of a deep rose colour, is small and surrounded with ten little -filiform rays. The extremities of these organs are shaped like claws, -by means of which the animal attaches itself to various kinds of -sea-weed, and other submarine objects. - -The adult Comatula generally measures about five inches across its -fully expanded rays. - -Before treating of what are termed the _true_ Star-fishes, we require -to dwell briefly upon an intermediate family named by Professor Forbes -the _Ophiuridæ_, 'from the long serpent or worm-like arms, which are -appended to their round, depressed, urchin like bodies.... They hold -the same relation to the Crinoidea that the true Star-fishes hold to -the Sea-Urchins. They are spinigrade animals, and have no true suckers -by which to walk, their progression being effected (and with great -facility) by means of five long flexible-jointed processes placed at -regular distances around their body, and furnished with spines on the -sides and membraneous tentacula. These processes are very different -from the arms of the true Star-fishes, which are lobes of the animal's -body, whereas the arms of the Ophiuridæ are super-added to the body, -and there is no excavation in them for any longation of the digestive -organs.'[16] - -[16] British Star-fishes. - -The British Ophiuridæ are now classed under two genera; of the Ophiuræ, -or Sand-stars only two species (_O. texturata_ and _O. albida_) are -found on our shores; and the Ophicomæ, or Brittle-stars, of which there -are ten. - -An extraordinary feature, characteristic of all the above-mentioned -animals, is the great tendency which they have to mutilate themselves, -and throw their limbs about in fragments on the slightest provocation. -If a specimen be handled, a certain number of fragments will assuredly -be cast off. If the rays become entangled in sea-weed, or even if the -water in which the animal resides happens to become impure, the same -disastrous result follows, until nothing but the little circular disc -remains. As a set off against this weakness, both the Ophiuræ and the -Brittle-stars possess reproductive powers of a high order. Hence it not -unfrequently happens that if each and all the rays of a specimen be -rejected, the animal will live on, and eventually, perhaps, become a -complete and perfect star-fish. - -The best means of preserving an Ophiura is to let the devoted animal -remain for a time expanded in sea-water, then with a small pair of -forceps lift it carefully up, and plump it into a bath of cold 'fresh' -water, letting it lie there for about an hour. The animal speedily -dies, as if poisoned, in the fresh liquid, in a state of rigid -expansion. Some writers recommend that, at this stage, the specimen -should be dipped for a moment into boiling water, and then dried in a -current of air; but I have never been able to detect any great benefit -arising from the adoption of the process. - -When examining any of the Brittle-stars, I have always found it an -excellent plan to raise them up by aid of the forceps applied to the -disc. By this means a specimen may be moved about without any fear -of mutilation; whereas if the fingers be used as forceps, an unhappy -result will assuredly follow. - -The _Ophiocoma rosula_, figured on Plate 9, will serve to convey to -the reader a general idea of this class of animals. Its popular title -is the Common Brittle-star, indicative of the inherent fragility of the -species, as also of their prevalent appearance at the sea-shore; but, -though so exceedingly 'common,' we must at the same time in justice -add, that the _O. rosula_ exceeds in beauty many other species which -are rare, and consequently more highly prized by the collector. - -It is very abundant on all parts of the British coast, and is often -found in clusters upon the stems of _L. digitata_, and as frequently -upon the under side of boulders. In dredging, the Brittle-star is an -unfailing prize. It is a marvellous sight when the scrapings of the -ocean bed are spread out upon the dredging-board for examination, -to see hundreds of these singularly delicate creatures twisting and -twining about in all directions,--over each other's bodies, through the -weed, sand, shells, and mud, and strewing fragments of their snake-like -arms upon every surrounding object. - -At the mere mention of 'Star-fishes,' the most uninitiated reader will -at once realize in his mind's eye a tolerably correct notion of the -form of these curious productions of the marine animal kingdom, even -although he had never seen a living or dead specimen. - -The body of the animal is divided into rays, like the pictured form of -one of the heavenly stars, and the fancied resemblance is most apparent -in the Asteridæ, or true Star-fishes, of which we are now about to -speak. - -This wonderful race of animals, for their beauty of colour, elegance -of shape, and peculiarity of structure, possess a great degree of -interest, not only to the naturalist, but also to the casual observer -by the sea-side. - -There are fourteen British species of Asteriadæ, which are arranged -under four families, namely--the Urasteriæ, the Solasteriæ, the -Gonasteriæ, and the Asteriæ. This group contains no less than eight -generic types, clearly distinguished from each other by certain -characters, 'derived from the outline of the body, the number of rows -of suckers in the avenues, and the structure and arrangement of the -spines covering the surface and bordering the avenues.' - -There are four species of Star-fishes belonging to the genus Uraster, -the most common of which is the _Uraster rubens_, or Common Cross-fish. - -No person in the habit of visiting the sea-shore can be unfamiliar with -the likeness of this creature, which is generally seen lying wedged -in some rocky crevice, or among the Fuci, there patiently waiting the -return of the tide. - -At such a time, the Devil's-hand (as the Irish people term it), does -not appear by any means attractive. If placed in water, however, its -appearance becomes wonderfully improved. - -Here is a small specimen, just brought from the sea-shore at -Cockburnspath (a most romantic and delightful locality, situated on -the coast of Berwickshire). It is neatly wrapped up in a mantle of -sea-weed. Freed of its verdant envelope, I deposit the youthful Rubens -upon his back--'willy-nilly'--in a tumbler partly filled with clear -sea-water, and then proceed to watch its movements through a magnifier. - -At a glance we perceive that each of its five rays is grooved on its -lower surface, and filled with minute perforations, through which is -gradually protruded a multitude of fleshy suckers, knobbed at the end. -It is by aid of these organs that the animal grasps its food, and -changes its position, as we shall presently see. One of the rays is now -slowly lifted up and moved about in various directions, while from its -extreme point the suckers are extended to the utmost limit. No sooner -do they touch the side of the vessel than they are firmly fixed and -contracted. A _point d'appui_ being thus gained, the animal is enabled -by degrees to draw its body round, so as to get another regiment of -suckers into play, and, by such plan of operations being repeated, -the animal is eventually enabled to 'right itself,' and crawl up the -polished surface of the glass. - -Generally, when the Star-fish is disturbed, or placed on a dry piece -of stone, the suckers are withdrawn into the body, leaving no signs -of their previous existence except a series of minute tubercles. In -fact, the Asterias, although enabled to adhere with great tenacity to -any foreign object when immersed in water, possesses but little power -to retain its hold if the fluid be removed. Hence the young zoologist, -keeping this peculiarity in mind, should not too hurriedly return a -verdict of 'Found dead,' when he meets with a helpless specimen upon -the beach, for in all likelihood, were the creature to be laid for a -few minutes in a rock-pool, it would soon exhibit signs of returning -animation. - -A simpler, though not so sure a test for ascertaining whether a -Star-fish be living or not, is to handle the specimen. If it feels soft -and flabby, it is dead; but if tolerably firm to the touch, it may be -'recalled to life,' by the means pointed out. - -It may not be out of place to chronicle here a singular circumstance -which the writer has often verified in connection with the true -Star-fishes. It is this. When any captured specimens have been placed -in confinement, no matter how large or small such might be, they never -moved through the liquid element with a tithe of the rapidity that I -well knew they were capable of. At the sea-side, I have seen a specimen -of the Cross-fish glide through the water so nimbly, yet withal so -gracefully, that I have felt inclined to rank natation among the few -other acomplishments of which the species can boast. - -The _Uraster rubens_ is also popularly known as 'Five Fingers.' For -ages past it has been subject to the bitter denunciation of fishermen -and others, for the injury which it is said to inflict upon oysters. -At one time, according to Bishop Spratt, the Admiralty Court laid -penalties upon those engaged in the oyster-fishing who did not -tread under their feet, or throw upon the shore, a fish they call a -Five-Finger, resembling a spur-rowel, because that fish gets into the -oysters when they gape, and sucks them out. Poets have also endeavoured -to perpetuate the vulgar opinion:-- - - 'The prickly Star-fish creeps with fell deceit, - To force the Oyster from his close retreat, - Whose gaping lids their widened void display; - The watchful Star thrusts in a pointed ray-- - Of all its treasures robs the rifled case, - And empty shells the sandy hillock grace.' - -Even yet the oyster fishermen at certain localities wreak all -possible vengeance upon the 'submarine Dando's,' for their supposed -gourmandizing propensities. I say _supposed_, for although so -many naturalists have studied the question, it is not, up to the -present time, satisfactorily settled. Some deny the alleged tendency -altogether, while less sceptical observers are unable to understand -the mode in which the Star-fish could injure an animal apparently so -capable of self-defence as the oyster. According to certain authors, -the Star-fish encircles the oyster with its five fingers, and by some -clever process of suction destroys the unfortunate mollusc. Others, -again, maintain that the first step of the attack is the injection -of some marine chloroform between the shells of the oyster, and that -during the insensibility that follows, the Star-fish effects an -entrance. - -As this is an interesting subject, perhaps the reader would like to -have the exact words which are used by two celebrated naturalists, one -of whom attempts to vindicate the character of the Asteridæ, the other -to blacken it. - -Sir John Dalyell--a high authority upon all matters of marine -zoology--shrewdly remarks: 'I have not heard it suggested that the -Star-fish possesses any kind of solvent compelling the bivalves -to sunder. Neither can its hostility be very deadly to the larger -univalves, from the distance to which they are enabled to retreat -within their portable dwellings. Their general habits are, to force the -shells of smaller bivalves asunder, and to devour the contents; they -likewise consume the substance of ordinary fishes entire; nevertheless, -as far as I am yet aware, their destruction of oysters is destitute of -evidence. The Star-fish sometimes shows an eversion of stomach, or of -some membrane of it. Whether this may be the means of affecting their -prey, merits investigation.' - -Professor Jones, who affirms that in the latter suggestion Sir J. -Dalyell has nearly hit upon the true solution of the problem, thus -gives what _he_ considers to be the correct mode of procedure on the -part of the Star-fish: 'Grasping its shell-clad prey between its rays, -and firmly fixing it by means of its prehensile suckers, it proceeds -deliberately to turn its stomach inside out, embracing in its ample -folds the helpless bivalve, and perhaps at the same time instilling -some torpifying fluid, for the shells of the poor victim seized soon -open, and it then becomes an easy prey.' - -Now, many fishermen with whom I have conversed hold the same opinion as -Bishop Spratt, and believe that when the oyster is gaping the Star-fish -insinuates a finger, and hastily scrapes out the delicious mouthful; -nay, further maintain that the Star-fish is far from being successful -at all times, very often, especially when there has only been one ray -inserted, the frightened oyster grasps it with all his might, and -obliges his discomfited opponent to retire minus a limb. - -If the writer might venture to suggest an opinion, he would express -his belief that the following is the correct account of the state of -matters. He believes with the fishermen that frequently the star-fish -begins his attack by inserting an arm, but he does not believe that the -oyster under such circumstances escapes with life. Let us suppose the -star-fish to have succeeded in insidiously introducing a ray within the -shell of the apathetic oyster, and that the oyster immediately resented -such intrusion by closing his shell with all the force he can exert. -The opposite argument at this stage is, that the intruder is obliged -from _pain_ to abandon his hold, and even pay for his audacity by the -forfeit of a limb. But against this we advance the notorious fact, that -the star-fish, like so many marine creatures of a similar organization, -is remarkably indifferent to pain. I therefore believe the true -explanation to be, that the oyster being unable to sustain such -continued muscular exertion for nearly so long a time as the star-fish -can tolerate the pressure upon its ray, the latter is consequently, in -the long run, successful. - -The number of rays in the several genera of the true Star-fishes is -extremely various. In the genus _Uraster_, as we have seen, five is -the predominant number. If we turn to the two species which comprise -the genus _Cribella_, we still find the quintuple arrangement adhered -to. In _Solaster endeca_, on the contrary, the rays vary from nine -to eleven, and even reach as high as twelve or fifteen in _Solaster -papposa_. - -In the genus _Palmipes_ we have the pentagonal form, it is true, but -the space between each ray is filled up, so as to resemble the webbed -foot of a bird, hence the popular title of this solitary species, -'The Bird's-foot Sea-star.' 'It is the flattest of all its class, and -when alive it is flexible like a piece of leather.' Passing by the -'Cushion-stars' (which have five _angles_--it seems a misnomer to call -them rays), which connect the true Star-fishes with the Sea-Urchins, -we come lastly to the 'Lingthorn,' _Luidia fragillisima_, with its -seven rays. This is the animal of which Professor Forbes discourses so -pleasantly about its winking derisively at his despairing endeavours -to preserve even a small portion of what at that time was his maiden -specimen. The Luidia is even more brittle--more regardless of its -wholeness, than the _Ophiuræ_, which renders the capture of a perfect -specimen a most difficult task. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -Sea-Urchins (Sea-Hedgehogs). - - -'Truly the skill of the Great Architect of Nature is not less displayed -in the construction of the Sea-Urchin than in the building up of a -world.'--P. FORBES. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 THE APLYSIA or SEA-HARE -2 PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN -3 Spine of PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN -4, 5 Suckers of PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN -6 COMMON SUN-STAR] - - - - -XIX. - - -Sea-Urchins are frequently taken in dredging. Several common species, -usually of a small size, are often found among the rocks situated -between tide marks. - -Into the aquarium no specimens larger than from one to two inches in -diameter should be introduced, and even these require to be closely -watched, for if afflicted with a fatal illness, I know of no animal -whose remains sooner taint the water. Almost before life is extinct, -the Urchin throws out a light-coloured nauseous fluid, that speedily -poisons the surrounding water, and, of course, causes the destruction -of any inhabitants of the tank who may neither have the sense nor -opportunity to inhale copious draughts of fresh air. As a rule, if the -suckers are motionless, or if on touching the animal it is found not to -be adherent to any object, transfer it at once to your 'infirmary' for -further observation. - -I have always found small specimens to be much more lively and -walkative, (if I may be allowed the expression) than their more -corpulent brethren. - -The inflexible, mail-like crust, or shell, as it is commonly called, -of the Echinus is perhaps one of the most marvellous objects on which -the eye can rest. Although at first sight it appears to be a solid -calcareous box, it is in reality composed of several hundred pentagonal -plates,[17] of various sizes, so closely dove-tailed together that -their marks of junction are scarcely perceptible. Upon a superficial -examination we are apt (most erroneously) to consider this wonderful -piece of work to be more elaborate than the wants of the animal demand. -The fact of the Lobster or Crab throwing off its entire shell at -certain seasons, to admit of the increased growth of the animal is a -truly marvellous phenomenon, still, it would more excite our wonder -were we to find that, instead of being cast away at all, the hard, -inelastic envelope which surrounds the bodies of crustaceans was made -to swell or expand proportionately with the soft parts of the animal! -Now, the mosaic-like shell of the Sea-Urchin, though built up, as -before stated, of several hundred pieces, is by a beautiful process -slowly and imperceptibly enlarged correspondingly with the growth of -the animal. - -[17] In a specimen that I examined, and then carefully took to pieces, -there were exactly 1780 plates. - -The gradual enlargement of the Echinus shell takes place in the -following manner:-- - -Over the entire surface of the globular shell, spines, and joints of -the living Urchin, there exists a delicate membrane that insinuates -itself between the pentagonal plates above mentioned, and continually -deposits around the edges a certain portion of calcareous matter -(carbonate of lime). The same process being also carried on by the -fleshy covering that surrounds the spines, &c., it must be evident that -so long as the vital power of the animal exists, each plate and spine, -still keeping to its original form, must be daily and hourly augmented -in size until the Sea-Egg has attained its full and mature dimensions. - -As to how the spines retain their relative position in each plate, as -the latter gradually becomes enlarged, I cannot positively state; but -may be permitted to mention, that, judging from carefully prepared -sections of the plates when submitted to the microscope, each spine -appeared to my eye to be by some singular process urged along in a kind -of groove to its proper place. - -The hedgehog-like spines that surround the globose body of the -Sea-Urchin are all moveable at the will of the animal,--each prickle -being connected by a ball-and-socket joint to a pearly tubercle, which -acts as the 'socket' on which the 'ball' of the spine revolves. If -the spine be removed, a comparatively smooth surface will be left, on -which are various sized tubercles systematically arranged. Situated at -regular intervals between the tubercles are ten broad bands, disposed -in pairs, and containing many hundreds of very minute perforations, or -ambulacral orifices, as they are generally termed by naturalists. - -Through these apertures issue numerous sucker-like feet, closely -resembling those of the Star-fish, but endowed with far greater powers -of contraction and extension. - -The number of suckers is very great. In an Urchin measuring exactly -three inches in diameter, by aid of a hand lens, I counted no less than -3300 pores in the ten avenues. Now, these pores are always situated in -pairs, and as each sucker occupies a pair of pores, it will give 1650 -as the total amount of suckers. - -There is no doubt that it is almost entirely by means of these curious -organs that the Sea-Urchin is enabled to move about from place to -place, although no less an authority than Professor Agassiz asserts -to the contrary. 'How, in fact,' says this author, 'could these small -tentacula, situated as they generally are in that part of the body -which is never brought into contact with the ground when the animal -moves, and overhung by calcareous solid spines--how, I ask, could -these flexible tubes be used as organs of motion? It is an undeniable -fact, and I have often observed it myself, that _it is with their -spines the Echini move themselves, seize their_ _prey, and bring it -to their mouths_ by turning the rays of their lower edge in different -directions. But the correction of an error respecting the functions -of the ambulacral tubes does not solve the problem relating to their -nature and use. This problem we are yet unable to solve, as we know -nothing more respecting them than that they are connected with the -aquiferous system.' - -Many other writers, among whom is Professor Forbes (from whose work -on Star-fishes I have transferred the foregoing extract), assert, in -opposition to the great Swiss naturalist, that the Echinidæ move by -the joint action of their suckers and spines. 'The argument,' says the -great British naturalist, 'against the suckers being organs of motion, -founded on their position above as well as below, would equally apply -to the spines, to which organs Professor Agassiz has attributed all -progressive powers in these animals.' - -The fact is now so well established, that it is scarcely necessary -for the writer to state, that from personal observation he can fully -confirm the evidence of Professor Forbes relative to the functions -of the suckers of the Sea-Urchins. But although that talented author -entertained no doubt as to the organs in question being powerful -locomotive agents, he evidently seems to have felt himself unable to -suggest any purpose they could possibly serve when situated on the back -or upper part of the animal. - -My own experience incontestibly proves that the suckers in question -are used for precisely the same purpose as those situated in any -other part of the body. I am enabled to state, from having repeatedly -witnessed the phenomenon, that _the Echinus can walk about with equal -facility while lying on its back as in its more natural position_. The -advantage of this power to the animal under certain circumstances will -be apparent upon a little reflection. - -With regard to the spines, I fancy their purpose is almost solely to -assist the Urchin to burrow in the sand, and to protect it from the -attacks of its enemies. It may be, however, that at particular times -they serve as aids to locomotion, but that their assistance can be, and -is, often dispensed with entirely by the animal, I can most positively -assert. - -My experiments were always conducted in glass vases, up the smooth, -polished sides of which my specimens frequently advanced. Upon reaching -the surface of the water, I have seen an Urchin roll completely round -and move along on its back, then after a time change its position, and -travel round the circumference of the vessel _while attached by its -side_, the body of the animal being sometimes inverted. - -At such times as these it must be quite evident that the spines would -be totally useless, and that by the suckers alone did the animal -perform its interesting movements. - -According to a certain writer, there are some foreign species of the -Echini remarkable for possessing spines, which act both as offensive -and defensive weapons. 'On one occasion' (this writer says) 'when -searching for a fish in the crevice of a coral rock, I felt a severe -pain in my hand, and upon withdrawing it, found my fingers covered -with slender spines, evidently those of the Echinus, of a grey colour, -elegantly banded with black. - -'They projected from my fingers like well-planted arrows from a target, -and their points being barbed could not be removed, but remained -for some weeks imbedded as black specks in the skin. Its concealed -situation did not permit me to examine this particular Echinus. In some -experiments I approached the spines with so much caution, that had they -been the most finely pointed needles in a fixed state no injury could -have been received from them, yet their points were always stuck into -my hand rapidly and severely.' - -In addition to those above described, the Sea-Urchin is provided with -other organs, in shape somewhat resembling minute pincers, supported on -fleshy stems, which always keep up an incessant motion when the animal -is in a healthy condition. They are scattered in great numbers over -the surface of the body, among the spines, and around the mouth of the -Urchin. - -The use of these singular objects--by naturalists termed -Pedicellariæ--is totally unknown. Some writers think they are an -integral part of the Echinus, others describe them as distinct and -parasitic animals. There is good reason to believe that the former will -eventually be proved to be the correct explanation of the matter. - -Its masticatory apparatus is not the least wonderful portion of the -Sea-Urchin. The teeth, five in number, which may frequently be seen -protruding from the mouth, are of extreme hardness, and of seemingly -disproportionate length. They are not fixed in sockets as ours are, -or they would be speedily worn away by their action on the shelled -mollusca upon which the animal feeds, but fresh substance is added -to each tooth as fast as it is worn away by use, as in the case of -many gnawing animals. 'In order to allow of such an arrangement, as -well as to provide for the movements of the teeth, jaws are provided, -which are situated in the interior of the shell, and these jaws, from -their great complexity and unique structure, form perhaps the most -admirable masticating instrument met with in the animal kingdom. The -entire apparatus removed from the shell consists of the following -parts. There are five long teeth, each of which is enclosed in a -triangular bony piece, that for the sake of brevity we will call jaws. -The five jaws are united together by various muscles, so as to form a -pentagonal pyramid, having its apex in contact with the oval orifice -of the shell, while its base is connected with several bony levers by -means of numerous muscles provided for the movements of the whole. -When the five jaws are fixed together in their natural position, they -form a five-sided conical mass, aptly enough compared by Aristotle -to a lantern, and not unfrequently described by modern writers under -the name of "the lantern of Aristotle." The whole of this complicated -machinery is suspended by muscles from a frame-work fixed in the -interior of the shell, and may often be picked up upon the beach, or -still better exposed _in situ_ in a dead Echinus, by those who would -examine closely this wonderful piece of mechanism.'[18] - -[18] The 'Aquarian Naturalist,' p. 224. - -I have made two careful drawings of the jaws and teeth of the Echinus. -No. 1 represents, as it were, the 'elevation' of the pentagonal pyramid -above described, while No. 2 constitutes the 'plan' of the same object. - -The _Echinus sphæra_, or common Egg-Urchin, may often be seen forming -a curious ornament in the drawing-rooms of the "West End," and also in -the dwellings of the poorer classes, who, according to some authors, -boil it like eggs, and so eat it. Hence its popular title. Among the -ancients the Echinidæ were accounted a favourite dish. 'They were -dressed with vinegar, honied wine or mead, parsley and mint. They were -the first dish in the famous supper of Lentulus when he was made Flamen -Martialis. By some of the concomitant dishes they seemed designed as a -whet for the second course to the holy personages, priests and vestals, -invited on the occasion.' - -The illustration on Plate 10 was drawn from a living specimen, and -gives a somewhat unusual representation of a Sea-Urchin. In general the -spines alone are shown, but I have endeavoured to give the uninitiated -reader some faint notion of the appearance which the _suckers_ present -when extended from the surface of the shell. - -The young Urchin sat very quietly while I was engaged in taking his -portrait, but continually extended crowds of his slender tubular legs -in all directions, as above indicated, much to my gratification and -apparently to his own. - -In preparing a Sea-Urchin for a chimney ornament, the most important -point is to remove the spines so as to let the tubercles remain entire. -In performing this operation some little experience is necessary. -Several times I attempted the process by aid of a pen-knife and a pair -of pliers, but not with a satisfactory result. Having mentioned my -difficulty to a friend, he laughingly asked me if I had ever heard of a -certain pilgrim who, for some peccadillo he had committed, was doomed -to perform penance by walking to Loretto's shrine with peas in his -shoes? Of course I was acquainted with the story, but could not see -what it had to do with Sea-Urchins, and told my brother naturalist so. -Still smiling, he said, 'Do you remember the relief that was said to be -afforded to the humorous rascal, both mentally and bodily, by _boiling -his peas_?' Yes. 'Well, then,' was the reply, 'do you boil your -Sea-Eggs, and you will find your troubles speedily cease.' I did as I -was directed, and found the advice of great service; for, after being -an hour or two in the 'pot,' the spines of the Urchin may be totally -rubbed off by aid of a nail brush, or some such instrument. Moreover, -the colour of the shell is improved, and the dental apparatus may be -drawn out entire, with the greatest ease. - -I may here take opportunity to mention, that the student who may think -proper to act upon the hint above given, should not boil the Urchin too -long, or the fleshy parts will become dissolved, and the entire shell -fall into a multitude of fragments. - -This unfortunate result actually happened on one occasion to a genial, -clever friend of mine, much to his chagrin and my malicious delight. - -There are several other species of Sea-Urchins whose forms are -tolerably well distinguished by their popular appellations. Thus we -have the 'Silky Spined Urchin;' the 'Green Pea-Urchin,'--the latter -is the commonest and prettiest of all its kindred, its back being -covered with a kind of powdery green, as is seen on the elytra of -many beetles; the 'Cake-Urchin,' which from its flattened form may be -regarded as a link between the Sea-Urchins and the true Star-fishes; -the 'Purple Heart-Urchin,' and the pretty 'Rosy Heart-Urchin,' -appropriately named from the brilliant crimson hue that its body -presents during life. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -Sea-Cucumbers. - -(HOLOTHURIADÆ.) - - - - -XX. - - -There is a very singular group of animals, the _Holothuriadæ_, that -claims a passing notice, from their near relation in structural -formation to the Sea-Urchins, although externally they also exhibit -a certain resemblance to the _Annelides_. They are commonly termed -Sea-Cucumbers, from the fancied likeness which they bear, both in shape -and colour, to their namesakes of the vegetable kingdom. - -A Holothuria is very unattractive in appearance when lying listless -upon the sea-beach, but if a small specimen be transferred to the -aquarium, it exhibits features of a very singular and interesting -character. When about to change its position, the head, hitherto -concealed, is protruded and expanded, until it assumes the form of a -beautiful flower. - -The animal moves principally by aid of sucker-like feet, similar in -form to those of the Asteriadæ, or Sea-Urchins. In most species, the -body is divided longitudinally into five rows of suckers. In some, -however, these organs are scattered over the entire surface, while in -the small Sea-Cucumber (_Psolus phantapus_), they are arranged in three -rows upon a soft, oblong, flat disc, situated beneath the body of the -animal, like the foot of a gasteropod mollusc. - -Of one genus--the Trepang--many species are eaten by the omnivorous -inhabitants of the Celestial Empire, by whom it is employed in the -preparation of 'nutritious soups, in common with an esculent sea-weed, -shark's fins, edible birds' nests, and other materials affording much -jelly.' The intestines, which are generally found to be filled with -coral, and solid masses of madreporic rock, are extracted, and the -animal then boiled in sea-water and dried in smoke. - -Nothing can possibly be less enticing than the black and shrivelled -carcases of these defunct gasteropods, as they are seen spread out and -exposed for sale in the China markets. There are many varieties of -Trepang, some being held in higher esteem than others,--hence the great -difference which exists in the price of the article. The lowest quality -being ten dollars, and the highest fifty dollars, per pecul of 133 lbs. - -The following are titles by which a few of the Holothuriæ are known in -China:-- - - Great Black-Stone Trepang; - Peach-blossom Trepang; - Great White-Stone Trepang; - The Bald Trepang; - The Scarlet Trepang; - Great Clear-Ball Trepang; - The Middle Ash-Bald Trepang, &c., &c. - -The illustration on Plate 11 gives a good idea of the typical form -of the Holothuriadæ. It represents a species of the genus Cucumaria, -_C. communis_, or common Sea-Cucumber. Its length is from four to -eight inches; but, like all its kindred, it possesses the power of -considerably extending or contracting its body at will. The Tentacula -are ten in number, pinnate and plumose, stalked and rather large. The -body is five-sided, with numerous suckers on the angles, but more on -the sides, which are papilose. The colour is yellow, or brownish-white, -although specimens found on the Irish coast exhibit a purplish hue. - -This, the most common species of its genus, is an inhabitant of -deep water, and is therefore most frequently taken with the dredge. -Occasionally, specimens may be found after violent storms stranded on -various parts of the shores of the United Kingdom. - -The Sea-Cucumbers possess the singular power of disembowelling -themselves upon the slightest provocation, and also of throwing off -their Tentacula entire. There is one species, indeed, that exhibits -a still more wonderful phenomenon. At certain times members of this -species will divide their body into a number of parts, each of which -will in due course become a new and completely-formed animal. After -this the reader will be prepared to learn, that to build up a new -inside, or create a new set of branchiæ, is to a Holothuria a very -trifling and insignificant task. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -The Aplysia, or Sea-Hare. - - -'The origin and the source of the smallest portion of the universe -overpowers our comprehension. How little can the acutest senses, the -profoundest judgment, the widest view, embrace! It is as nothing; it is -as less than nothing. We are capable of doing no more than surveying -the edifice and adoring the Architect.' - - SIR J. DALYELL. - - - - -XXI. - - -At several parts of the Scottish coast, and especially at North -Berwick, may be found specimens of that curious gasteropod named the -Aplysia, or Sea-Hare, the _Lepus marinus_ of the ancients. - -On visiting North Berwick during summer, I have been astonished to -discover, in almost every pool, from two to twenty of these creatures. - -At rest, the Aplysia is not by any means inviting, but when in motion, -elevating and depressing the fleshy mantle that covers over the fringed -and lobed branchiæ, its appearance is exceedingly graceful. - -Striding across a pool on the look-out for some Gobies, whose forms -darting beneath a large stone had not escaped my glance, I perceived -the water in the rocky basin gradually lose its crystal brightness, and -become changed to crimson. The Gobies were therefore allowed to rest -in peace, while I proceeded to investigate a phenomenon that, at the -moment, seemed somewhat singular. - -A kind friend and brother zoologist, who happened to be near, called -attention to the fact that the crimson stream flowed thickest near -where my foot rested. - -On closely examining the spot pointed out, and turning over some fronds -of Dulse, we came upon a small fleshy ball of a dark brown colour, -from which there still issued a fluid of vivid crimson hue. Having -placed this strange object in a bottle, I soon pronounced it to be an -Aplysia, with whose full-length portrait, as represented in books, I -had previously been made acquainted. - -The power which this animal possesses, under irritation, of spurting -out a peculiar secretion, I also remembered to have seen mentioned by -several writers on natural history. - -Although generally believed to be gentle and perfectly harmless, yet, -as Professor Forbes observes, few molluscs have had a worse character -than the Aplysiæ. From very ancient times they have been regarded with -horror and suspicion; and many writers on natural history, conversant -with them only through the silly stories of ignorant fishermen, -have combined to hold them up as objects of detestation. To touch -them, according to European prejudices, was sufficient to generate -disease in the foolhardy experimenter; while Asiatics, reversing -the consequences, maintained, perhaps with greater truth, that they -met with instantaneous death when handled by man. Physicians wrote -treatises on the effects of their poison, and discussed the remedies -best adapted to neutralize it. Conspirators brewed nauseous beverages -from their slimy bodies, and administered the potion confident of its -deadly powers. Every nation in the world on whose shores the poor -Sea-Hares crawled, accorded to them the attributes of ferocity and -malignant virulence, although there never appears to have been the -slightest foundation for a belief in their crimes. - -A specimen of the Aplysia that I had in my tank deposited a stringy -coil of spawn, which closely resembled that of the Eolis, with the -exception that the eggs, instead of being white, were of a reddish -tint. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -Serpulæ and Sabellæ. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1, 2 SEA-URCHIN'S TEETH (Two illustrations.) -3 COMMON SEA CUCUMBER -4 COMMON RAZOR-SHELL -5 COMMON SERPULÆ, attached to a piece of stone.] - - - - -XXII. - - -With the exception of the Balani (Acorn-Barnacles), perhaps the most -common objects to be met with at the sea-shore are the Serpulæ. -Scarcely a rock, or shell, or bit of old china, or piece of wood, or -rusty nail, lying near low-water mark, but is encrusted with colonies -of these animals. I have a small twig of a tree by me, so thickly -coated with Serpulæ as to obscure all signs of its ligneous character, -except at each end. A shell also exhibits the same phenomenon, and -well-nigh defies the most skilful observer to define its original form -with any degree of certainty. - -The shelly tubes of these animals are built in the form of serpents, -or twisted funnels, of a milk-white colour. Although so extremely -hard, these tubes are formed solely by an exudation from the body -of the animal--a simple marine worm. Unlike its erratic friend, the -earth-worm, the Serpula is sedentary in its habits, and at no time does -it ever leave its dwelling. - -The delicate, but brilliant feathery plume--the only portion of the -animal ever visible--constitutes the principal mechanism by means of -which the Serpula constructs its calcareous tube. - -A most wonderful instance of how mighty are the works which these -insignificant creatures form when congregated together in vast numbers, -and how useful such labours may sometimes be to mankind, is narrated by -Dr. Darwin in his 'Voyage of the Beagle.' - -Being delayed by adverse winds, this gentleman made a stay at -Pernambuco, a large city on the coast of Brazil, and the most curious -object that he saw there was the reef that formed the harbour. 'I -doubt,' to use his own words, 'whether in the whole world any other -natural structure has so artificial an appearance. It runs for a length -of several miles in an absolutely straight line, and parallel to, and -not far distant from the shore. It varies in width from thirty to -sixty yards, and its surface is level and smooth; it is composed of -obscurely stratified hard sandstone. At high water the waves break over -it; at low water its summit is left dry, and it might then be mistaken -for a breakwater erected by Cyclopean workmen. On this coast the -currents of the sea tend to throw up in front of the land long spits -and bars of loose sand, and on one of these the town of Pernambuco -stands. In former times a long spit of this nature seems to have become -consolidated by the percolation of calcareous matter, and afterwards -to have been gradually upheaved, the outer and loose parts during the -process having been worn away by the action of the sea, and the solid -nucleus left as we now see it. Although night and day the waves of -the open Atlantic, turbid with sediment, are driven against the steep -outside edges of this wall of stone, yet the oldest pilots know of no -tradition of any change in its appearance. This durability is by far -the most curious fact in its history; _it is due to a tough layer, a -few inches thick, of calcareous matter, wholly formed by the successive -growth and death of the small shells of Serpulæ, together with some -few Barnacles_, &c. These insignificant organic beings, especially -the Serpulæ, have done good service to the people of Pernambuco, for -without their protective aid the bar of sandstone would inevitably have -been long ago worn away, and without the bar there would have been no -harbour,' - -Nothing whatever appears to be known relative to the mode of -reproduction of these Annelids. I have paid much attention to the -subject, but as yet have not gained any positive information regarding -it. The only fact which I consider worthy of being chronicled is the -following: On one occasion, when quite a novice in Marine Zoology, -while observing a beautiful group of Serpulæ seated on a stone, I saw -issuing from out one of the tubes a kind of very fine dust, of a rich -crimson hue, which continued to arise for nearly an hour in spite of -repeated efforts to disperse it by aid of a camel-hair pencil. At first -I believed the 'dust' to be the 'remains' of a deceased serpula, but -afterwards found that such was not the case, the annelid being alive -and healthy. Never having seen the phenomenon since, it has been a -great source of regret to me that I did not endeavour to discover what -the dust was composed of; but have little doubt that the microscope -would have shown it to be, in reality, the ova of the Serpula. - -Another class of Annelidans, termed Sabellæ, like the Serpulæ, also -build habitations for themselves, but not of the same materials. -Instead of being white, the tubes of the first mentioned animals are -brown in colour, and composed of minute granules of sand, or small -shells, and lined internally with a gelatinous substance exuded from -the body of the worm. On the interior of the oyster and other shells, -and even in univalves occupied by the Lobster Crab, various tubes of -Sabellæ may often be seen. They are, however, generally discovered -congregated together, forming a kind of honeycomb mass in the fissures -of rocks, or against the sides of rock-pools, or on the surface of -small stones, &c. - -A mass of Sabellæ tubes forms by no means an inappropriate or -unpleasant object for the tank, as the animals are hardy, and will -live for many months if the water be kept pure. Moreover, while in -confinement, they do not live in luxurious indolence, but ever seem -to be busy in the exercise of their architectural propensities, making -alterations, repairing damages, or otherwise 'sorting' their tubiculous -habitations. - -'The tubes of the Sabellæ,' says Dr. Williams, 'are soft, flexible, -and muddy. Slimy mucus furnished by the integumentary glands of the -body is the mortar or cement, fine sand molecules are the "stones" or -solid material of the architecture. In the Sabellæ the lime of which -the tubes are built is held in solution in the mucus provided by the -cutaneous glands. It is adjusted in the fluid form, and moulded by -appropriate tools into the required shape. It then _solidifies, too, -under water_, like the "Aberthaw lime." The tube of the Sabellæ fits -closely round the body of the worm; it is slightly elastic, and the -interior is smooth.' - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -The Solen, or Razor-Fish - - - 'His mansion he extends, -So well concealed beneath the crumbling sands.' - - - - -XXIII. - - -Few people who are in the habit of visiting the sea-shore but must have -noticed the empty shells of the animal about to be described. I allude -to the Solen, or Razor-Shell, commonly so called from its resemblance -to the handle attached to a barber's scythe. - -This bivalve, improbable as the statement will appear to the -uninitiated, is one of the most efficient burrowers to be met with on -our shores. - -By means of its fleshy foot it digs a hole in the mud or sand. -Sometimes it retreats from the surface to a distance of several feet, -but generally remains sufficiently near to allow its short, fringed -siphons to project above the sand. - -In walking along the beach, left bare by the receding tide, the -pedestrian may often perceive little jets of water thrown up at his -approach. These jets proceed from the Razor-Fish in question. Although -we may be several yards from his burrow, his sense of feeling is so -acute, that the faintest vibration of the earth around causes the -creature to retire alarmed within his dwelling. - -In many places the Solen is much sought after by the poor, who esteem -it a great luxury. In foreign countries--Japan, for example--it is so -highly prized that we are told, 'by express order of the prince of that -country, it is forbid to fish them until a sufficient quantity hath -been provided for the emperor's table.' - -The Irish people, when they go out to catch the Solen siliqua, have -an appropriate song and chorus which they sing, but whether to amuse -themselves or charm the fish 'this deponent sayeth not,' for very -obvious reasons. In general, I should think the less noise the more -likelihood of success to those endeavouring to capture this animal. - -'Who has not seen the picture of the stupid-looking boy going warily -out with a box of salt, having been gravely informed by some village -wag that if he would only just drop a pinch of salt on the birds' tails -he would be sure to catch them. We are all familiar enough with this -venerable joke, but not so with its successful application in another -case. This time it is the fisherman, instead of the village boy, who -carries the box. He cautiously slips a little salt into the hole, -which irritates the ends of the siphons, and makes the _Solen_ come -quickly out to see what is the matter, and clear itself of this painful -intrusion. The fisher, on the alert, must quickly seize his prey, or -else it will dart back again into its retreat, whence no amount of -salting or coaxing will bring it out again.' - -If after reading the above quotation any person should fancy that in -his mind's eye he perceives at many sea-side places, scores of hardy, -weather-beaten fishermen walking about, each armed with nothing but a -box filled with salt, wherewith to bamboozle the Spout-Fish, he will be -most lamentably deceived. True it is, this plan is sometimes adopted by -children and amateur naturalists, but by fishermen--never. Instead of a -salt-box, these, when in search of their favourite bait, always carry -a kind of harpoon, formed of a piece of iron rod, the end of which is -sharpened to a point. - -Having witnessed the Solen throw up his jet of water, and retire -beneath the soil, the fisherman suddenly plunges his instrument into -the orifice. Should the action have been skilfully performed, the -rod will have pierced the animal between its valves, which instantly -retract upon the intruding object. To draw the fish to the surface is -then a comparatively easy task. If the first plunge of the rod be not -successful, the fisher knows full well it would be futile for him to -repeat the attempt, as the object of his attack would quickly burrow -itself down to such a depth as to render pursuit hopeless. Juveniles -at the sea-side, imitating the plan above described, become by practice -very expert in procuring specimens of the Razor-Fish by means of a -piece of wire sharpened at one end. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -A Gossip on Fishes &c., - -INCLUDING THE ROCKLING, SMOOTH BLENNY, GUNNEL-FISH, GOBY, ETC. - - - - -[Illustration: - -1 SMOOTH BLENNY -2 VIVIPAROUS BLINNY -3 SPOTTED BLENNY or Gunnel-Fish -4, 5, 6 THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH - (Three illustrations.) -7 SUCKER of THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH] - - - - -XXIV. - - -One of the best _bons mots_ that I ever remember to have read was -entitled, 'Punch's Address to the Ocean'-- - - 'With all thy faults I love thee _still_.' - -Any landsman who finds himself occupying a seat in a fishing-smack or -oyster-boat while a stiffish breeze is blowing will, I am sure, with -great mental fervour echo the above sentiment. - -For myself, I can never take even a short trip on the water without -experiencing some unpleasantness--proving to me that the sea is not 'my -element.' Still, I am one of those to whom the 'salt ocean' is endeared -by early recollections, having been, when a child, frequently among the -aged and mutilated veterans of our country who vegetate on the banks of -the 'silver Thames.' - -From the tobacco-stained mouths of some of these old blue-jackets (all -of whom, I may mention, according to their own account, had fought -'alongside of the _galyant_ Nelson'), many strange stories have been -poured into my eager and willing ears, and even now a thrill of delight -is evoked when any of these 'yarns' rise to remembrance. Still, the -truth must be told: ever since I narrowly escaped drowning by plumping -into the water backwards, from leaning against the _unsnibbed_-door of -a bathing-machine, and at another time from being in a boat that, to -my intense horror and dismay, had sprung a leak--I have enjoyed the -sea best when my feet are on dry land; in other words, I like to view -the 'world of fluid matter,' in its various phases, from a distant and -perfectly safe point of view. Nay more, I can always better appreciate -certain of its beauties (at all events during winter time) when seated -by a warm fireside. - -When lately in such a cosy position, my thoughts reverted to the -marvellous operations ever going on within the liquid walls of the -great deep. There artifices and stratagems, robbery and murder, and -cannibalism in its worst forms continually occur. On the other hand, -there may be scenes of courtship, touching instances of maternal -affection, such as, were they chronicled, would make our hearts bleed -with truest sympathy. Still, the Rob Roy maxim of - - 'They should take who have the power, - And they should keep who can,' - -seems therein to be carried out with a rigour that would do honour to -the 'bold outlaw Macgregor.' Might there is generally predominant over -right. Fishes eternally prey upon each other; and for such reason, were -it not for the wonderful fecundity of these creatures (one cod-fish, -for instance, producing several millions of ova in a single season), we -should soon have the waters depopulated of all but the monsters of the -deep. - -Now, knowing that such a state of things exists--that cannibalism is -of such frequent occurrence, and the dogs of war are there ever let -loose--the inquiry naturally presented itself: Are the inhabitants of -the ocean a happy race or not? According to many writers, the answer -must be given in the affirmative; nay, more, some authors state, and -with good show of authority, too, be it observed, that _fishes are -in reality the happiest of created things_, by reason that they have -no fear or apprehension of death, nor are they subject to pain or -disease, nor, in fact, to any of those ills that _flesh_ is heir to. -These creatures cannot, of course, live for ever; but by a merciful -dispensation of Providence, their final pang endures but for an instant. - -The celebrated St. Anthony is among the believers in the consummate -happiness of the finny tribe. There is on record a discourse said to -have been preached by him to an assembly of fish, in which they are -flattered to an amazing extent. It almost rouses one's jealous ire to -find such fulsome adulation bestowed upon the lower animals, at the -expense of all other objects in nature, not excepting _man_ himself. -There is, however, such a singular force and truthfulness in some of -the expressions and sentiments which occur in the Jesuitical discourse -alluded to (given by Addison in his 'Remarks on Italy'), that I cannot -resist the temptation of quoting a few of its most prominent passages. - -We are told that St. Anthony, feeling annoyed at certain heretics not -listening devoutly to his preaching, he determined to teach them a -lesson; and for this purpose went down to the sea-shore, and called -the fishes together in the name of God, that they might hear his holy -word. The fish soon swam towards the speaker in vast shoals, and, -having ranged themselves, according to their several species, into a -very beautiful congregation, were addressed just as if they had been -rational creatures. - -The sermon commences in the following words:-- - -'My dearly-beloved Fish,--Although the infinite power and goodness -of God discovers itself in all the works of his creation, as in the -heavens, in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars--in the lower world, -in man, and in other perfect creatures,--nevertheless, the goodness of -the divine Majesty shines out in you more eminently, and appears after -a more particular manner, than in any other created beings. - -'It is from God, my beloved fish, that you have received being, life, -motion, and sense. It is he that has given you, in compliance with your -natural inclinations, the whole world of waters for your habitation. -It is he that has furnished it with lodgings, chambers, caverns, -grottoes, _and such magnificent retirements as are not to be met with -in the seats of kings or in the palaces of princes_! - -'You have the water for your dwelling--a clear, transparent element, -brighter than crystal; you can see from its deepest bottom everything -that passes on its surface. You have the eyes of a lynx or of an Argus; -you are guided by a secret and unerring principle, delighting in -everything that may be beneficial to you, and avoiding everything that -may be hurtful; you are carried on by a hidden instinct to preserve -yourselves, and to propagate your species; you obey, in all your -actions, works, and motions, the dictates and suggestions of nature, -without the least repugnance or contradiction. - -'The cold of winter and the heat of summer are alike incapable of -molesting you. A serene or a clouded sky are indifferent to you. Let -the earth abound in fruits or be cursed with scarcity, it has no -influence on your welfare. You live secure in rains and thunders, -lightnings and earthquakes; you have no concern in the blossoms of -spring or in the glowings of summer, in the fruits of autumn or in the -frosts of winter. You are not solicitous about hours or days, months or -years, the variableness of the weather or the change of seasons.' - -The saint still further 'butters his fish' by reminding them, among -other things, that they were specially favoured by God at the time of -the universal deluge, they being the only species of creatures that -were insensible of the mischief that had laid waste the whole world! He -then begs of them, as they are not provided with words, to make some -sign of reverence; give some show of gratitude, according to the best -of their capacities; express their thanks in the most becoming manner -that they are able, and be not unmindful of all the benefits which the -divine Majesty has bestowed upon them. - -He had no sooner done speaking, but behold a miracle! The fish, as -though they had been endued with reason, bowed down their heads with -all the marks of a profound devotion, and then went joyously bobbing -around with a kind of fondness, as in approval of what had been spoken -by the blessed father, St. Anthony. - -Many of the heretics, as a matter of course, were converted at -beholding the miracle; and the polite and pious little fishes, having -received his benediction, were dismissed by the saint. - -Shakspeare authoritatively asserts that-- - - 'Travellers ne'er do lie, -Though fools at home condemn them.' - -Here I beg to differ with the sweet Bard of Avon, who, I am sure, would -have retracted his statement had he read the above fishy discourse, -and also the following among many other strange anecdotes which are -published regarding the 'denizens of the deep.' - -An Eastern traveller tells us that, 'in a certain river whose waters -flow from Mount Caucasus into the Euxine, there arrives every year a -great quantity of fish.' This information not being particularly novel -in regard to most rivers, will fail to excite surprise in the mind of -the reader. A different result, however, will follow when he hears -that, according to Abon-el-Cassim, 'The people cut off all the flesh on -one side of those inhabitants of the deep, and let them go. Well, the -year following,' as this veracious writer avers, 'the same creatures -return and offer the other side, which they had preserved untouched; it -is then discovered that new flesh has replaced the old!' - -This account reminds us of the tale of the traveller who reported that -he had seen a cabbage, under whose leaves a whole regiment of soldiers -were sheltered from a shower of rain. Another, who was no traveller -(but the wiser man), said he had passed by a place where there were -four hundred braziers making a cauldron--two hundred within, and two -hundred without beating the nails in. The traveller, asking for what -use that huge cauldron was, he told him, 'Sir, it was to boil your -cabbage!' A wittily severe, but deserved rebuke. - -There are many other statements regarding fishes which, although -curious, are, nevertheless, to a certain extent true. - -The Chinese, for instance, who breed large quantities of the well-known -gold-fish, call them, it is said, with a whistle to receive their food. -Sir Joseph Banks used to collect his fish by sounding a small gong; and -Carew, the historian of Cornwall, brought his grey Mullet together to -be fed by making a noise with two sticks. - -In spite of these accounts, there are many writers who affirm that -_fishes do not possess the sense of hearing at all_; and certainly -a belief that these creatures are gifted with such a faculty is not -necessary, in my opinion, in order to explain the above-mentioned -phenomenon. - -At the fountains, in the gardens of Versailles, the writer has seen -numbers of fishes flocking together and anxiously waiting for the -subscriptions of the visitors. Now, had a bell been rung, these -animals, doubtless, would have appeared at the edge of the fountain as -usual; but had the bell _not_ been sounded, and any human figure been -visible, they would have taken up the self-same position. - -I have, at various times, kept packs of fishes (Blennies, &c.), and -tamed them, so that each member would feed out of my hand. For some -time I used to attract them to the side of the vessel in which, they -resided by striking a wine glass with a small stick; but I also noted -that if I made myself visible, and remained silent, while handing down -a few fish mouthfuls, that the whole pack followed as readily as if I -had sounded the mimic gong. Nay, whether I offered any bribe or not, -and silently approached their crystal abode, the whole family would -immediately flock in great haste towards me. - -The tameness of these little creatures was somewhat remarkable. On -numberless occasions I have taken them up in the palm of my hand, -without the slightest opposition on their part, and then stroked and -smoothed them on the back, as I would do a bird. At such times they -made a kind of musical chirp, expressive of pleasurable emotion, and -seemed in no hurry to escape into their native element even when I laid -my hand in the water. - -Such delightful confidence was always rewarded with some dainty. - -Dr. Warwick relates an instance of instinct and intelligence in the -Pike, which is so remarkable that I am sure my readers will be pleased -to be made acquainted with it. I am the more induced to transfer it -to these pages, from the remarks with which the doctor closes his -narrative. From reasons stated above, the reader will be prepared to -learn that I do not consider the statements therein advanced--that -fishes are really sensible to sound--by any means conclusive. - -When residing at Dunham, the seat of the Earl of Stamford and -Warrington, he (Dr. Warwick), was walking one evening in the park, -and came to a pond where fish intended for the table were temporarily -kept. He took particular notice of a fine pike of about six pounds -weight, which, when it observed him, darted hastily away. In so doing -it struck its head against a tenterhook in a post (of which there were -several in the pond, placed to prevent poaching), and, as it afterwards -appeared, fractured its skull, and turned the optic nerve on one side. -The agony evinced by the animal appeared most horrible. It rushed to -the bottom, and boring its head into the mud, whirled itself round with -such velocity that it was almost lost to sight for a short interval. -It then plunged about the pond, and at length threw itself completely -out of the water on to the bank. He (the doctor) went and examined it, -and found that a very small portion of the brain was protruding from -the fracture in the skull. He then carefully replaced this, and with a -small silver toothpick raised the indented portion of the skull. The -fish remained still for a short time, and he then put it again in the -pond. It appeared at first a good deal relieved, but in a few minutes -it again darted and plunged about until it threw itself out of the -water a second time. A second time Dr. Warwick did what he could to -relieve it, and again put it in the water. It continued for several -times to throw itself out of the pond, and with the assistance of the -keeper, the doctor at length made a kind of pillow for the fish, which -was then left in the pond to its fate. Upon making his appearance at -the pond on the following morning, the pike came towards him to the -edge of the water, and actually laid its head upon his foot. The doctor -thought this most extraordinary, but he examined the fish's skull and -found it going on all right. He then walked backwards and forwards, -along the edge of the pond for some time, and the fish continued to -swim up and down, turning whenever he turned; but being blind on the -wounded side of its skull, it always appeared agitated when it had that -side toward the bank, as it could not then see its benefactor. On the -next day he took some young friends down to see the fish, which came -to him as usual, and at length he actually taught the pike to come -to him at his whistle, and feed out of his hands. With other persons -it continued as shy as fish usually are. He (Dr. Warwick) thought -this a most remarkable instance of gratitude in a fish for a benefit -received, and as it always came at his whistle, _it proved also what he -had previously, with other naturalists, disbelieved, that fishes are -sensible to sound_. (?) - -On hunting among the rock-pools by the sea-shore, several peculiar -little fishes are frequently to be found, and although some of them -cannot be considered suitable for the aquarium, still, for the reader's -information, it may be as well that I devote a brief space to a -description of the peculiarities of each. - -By far the most interesting of all the finny occupants of the -rock-pool, is, to my taste, the Smooth Blenny, or, as it is variously -termed, Shanny, or Tansy. It is also more abundant than many other -species, and may therefore be readily captured during summer. The -Blenny varies from two to five inches in length. The back is ornamented -with exquisite markings, but the most characteristic features are the -peculiar bluntness of the head, and the brilliant crimson dot both on -and immediately beneath the eyes. - -Although easily tamed, the Blenny, in his native haunts, appears to -be the most timid of animals, darting with the rapidity of lightning -to the shelter of some stone or overhanging weeds at the remotest -indication of approaching footsteps, or the faintest shadow of a human -form being cast on the water. - -When desirous to procure a specimen, it is best to choose as small a -pool as you can for your hunt. Drop in your net at one end, and as the -Shanny precipitately retreats to the other, give him chase. Having -arrived at the extremity of his domain, he will endeavour to hide among -the weeds, but if you hold your net across the pool with one hand, and -with the other lift up a stone or beat the bushes, the little fellow -will become greatly excited, and darting out, of course, unwillingly, -falls into the snare prepared for him. - -Having gained your prize, do not handle it, but placing your finger -under the net, tilt it over the mouth of the bottle, and allow the -Blenny to fall as gently as possible into the water. You need be under -no uneasiness after introducing him to the aquarium about the nature of -his diet. He is far from being epicurean in his tastes. I supply mine -according to my whim at the moment, with whatever is at hand, a bit of -fowl, roast beef, or the like. - -The only caution I adopt when giving animal food to the Blenny is to -remove all traces of fat. I mince their food into minute particles, and -having sufficiently moistened it, I place a morsel upon a hair pencil. -This attention to their comforts the Blennies soon learn to appreciate, -and will, after a while, display at meal times the sagacity of larger -animals. - -Perhaps the simplest plan to adopt is to cut open a mussel and throw -it into the tank. A considerable deal of amusement, moreover, is often -to be obtained by watching the fishes engaged at such a meal. How -they toss the valves of the Mytilus about, and snap at each other's -tails! How vexed they become if by accident the shelly dish is turned -topsy-turvy, and resists all their manoeuvres to reverse it so as -to get at the meat! The valves of a large mussel will sometimes be -literally cleaned out by some half dozen Blennies in the course of an -hour. - -I have noticed a singular fact in connection with the Blenny--namely, -_that they do not all increase in size as they grow older_. Out of five -that I kept domesticated for more than two years, one specimen remained -at the end of that period of the same size as when I first made its -acquaintance in a rock-pool by the sea-shore, while its companions had -greatly increased their proportions. But let me in justice add, that -if my little finny pet failed to increase in corpulency, it gained -largely in intelligence. Who is there that has not seen children, short -in stature, and comparatively old in years, who deserve the epithet -applied to them by the vulgar, of 'little--but _knowing_.' This remark -would apply with great truth to my 'little Dombey' fish. - -Before becoming expert in carrying out the plan (which will be fully -detailed hereafter) for clarifying the water of an aquarium which has -become opaque from superabundant vegetative growth, I had to submit to -many annoying failures. Thus it was in a certain instance. - -I had cleaned out my tank, refilled it with partially purified water, -and again inserted the various animals constituting my 'stock.' -Emboldened by the success which had attended my operations, I thought a -still further dose of diluted acid might be added, in order thoroughly -to remove the greenish hue of the water. A few minutes showed me -the folly of not letting well alone, for soon flakes of discharged -vegetation were precipitated to the base of the vessel, covering it -with a coating of fur. - -The poor Blennies speedily showed signs of distress, and changed -colour, as they generally do, upon the most trifling cause. Instead of -dark brown or black, their bodies appeared of a yellowish tint, spotted -with white. Such a change was lovely to the eye, but, alas! it was-- - - 'The loveliness in death, -Which parts not quite with parting breath.' - -The little creatures jumped and dived about in all directions, all -their motions being extremely violent. I quickly perceived the error -which had been committed, and, moreover, discovered to my chagrin that -such error could not possibly be rectified for some time, on account of -my not having by me any reserve of pure salt water. Taking several of -the fishes in my hand, I stroked their backs with a camel-hair pencil, -and was pleased to find that as their alarm subsided their natural -hue returned. My being obliged to place my pets in their unhappy and -pestilential home again was, as the reader may suppose, a source of -regret to me; but I had some hopes that they might by chance survive, -and become used to the 'vapour of their dungeon,' at all events until -such time as I could hasten to the sea-side and procure a new supply -of water. My expectations of such a result were built upon the fact, -that although four of the fishes had changed colour, the small Blenny -still retained its natural hue. How did this happen? it will be asked. -I answer, by little Dombey (doing as his brethren had always hitherto -done in similar circumstances) leaping on to a ledge of rock that -projected out of the water, and there breathing the fresh air in safety. - -On the following morning I peeped into the vessel, and saw by their -upturned gills that all my finny proteges were dead! - - 'All my pretty ones? -Did I say all?' - -All except the smallest of the pack, he was still dressed in his sombre -coat, and gracefully reclining upon the rocky couch above mentioned. - -How thankfully he received the breakfast that I temptingly offered upon -the tips of my feeding brush, and how grateful he seemed to be, when, -after the lapse of a few hours, I was enabled to let him float again in -his pure native element, a fresh supply of which had been procured with -as little delay as possible! - -The Viviparous Blenny differs from the other British Blennies 'in the -circumstance to which its name refers--that of bringing forth its young -alive, which seem perfectly able to provide for themselves from the -moment they are excluded.' - -It is a most gentle, graceful-looking fish, but as far as my experience -goes, one that is impossible to tame, or rather, I should say, -embolden. All my efforts to domesticate various specimens have proved -unavailing; and in spite of the most earnest and kindly attention, -they have generally pined away and died within a week after their -introduction to the aquarium. - -From the illustration on Plate 12 the reader will have no difficulty -in recognising the original, should he by chance meet with it hiding -among the tangle, or beneath the stones by the sea-shore. - -The spotted Blenny, Butter-Fish, or Gunnel-Fish, as it is variously -termed, is found lurking under stones in the same places as the -preceding. In the north of Scotland it is called 'cloachs,' and is used -extensively as a bait for larger fish. When disturbed, it wriggles its -body about in the muddy bottom of the rock-pool like an eel, for which, -indeed, it is occasionally mistaken. - -Its length varies from three to nine inches; the depth only half an -inch; the sides very much compressed and extremely thin. - -The dorsal fin consists of seventy-eight short spiny rays, and runs the -length of the back almost to the tail. The most conspicuous feature in -the Gunnel-Fish are the eleven round spots which occur at the top of -the back, and reach the lower half of the dorsal fin; they are black, -half encircled by white. - -The tail is rounded, and of a yellow colour. The back and sides are of -a deep olive; the belly whitish. - -In its young state I have had this fish live in my aquarium for several -months, but it never seemed to be happy or contented. - -The Five Bearded Rockling is almost as great a favourite with the -writer as the Smooth Blenny. It is a very pretty fish, and may be -easily tamed. In the course of a week I trained one to feed out of my -hand, and when I put my finger in the water the fish would rub against -it with its head, just as a favourite cat frequently does against the -leg of a person with whom it is very familiar; moreover, if I moved the -intruding digit with a circular motion through the water, the Rockling -would waltz round the tip with evident signs of pleasure. - -This fish is often found in tide-pools, and may readily be identified -by the prominent appendages attached to its head, to the presence of -which, the Rockling owes its familiar appellation. - -The Goby (_Gobius unipunctatus_), or, as it is more popularly termed, -One-Spotted Goby, is frequently found inhabiting the same pool as the -Blenny or the Rockling. The distinguishing character of this pretty -creature is the black spot which is situated between the fifth and -sixth ray of the first dorsal fin. Its length is usually about one, or -one and a half inches; specimens have, however, sometimes been found on -the shores of the Frith of Forth, that measured nearly three inches. - -The colour of the Goby is very changeable. If the animal is labouring -under excitement, its body assumes a deep brownish tint, approaching -in some instances to black; this gives place to brown, drab, and even -amber, or yellowish white. - -The Goby possesses the power of attaching its body to any object by -means of its ventral fins, which become united together in the form of -a funnel. - -Another species (_Gobius bipunctatus_), or Two-Spotted Goby, is -generally found among the _Fuci_, in rocky situations. Its name is -derived from a dark spot which is distinctly apparent on each side, -near to the origin of the pectoral fin. - -The head and upper part of the body is dark brown,--the under part of -the head and belly white or pale drab. - -Allusion has already been made to the peculiarity of the Gobies -affixing their bodies to rocks or other substances, by means of a -sucker formed by the junction of the ventral fins. The adhesive power -in question, which this class of creatures possess, is very limited -as compared with that which is exercised by the true sucker fishes, -and especially by the members of a certain species, whose bodies are -furnished with two distinct organs of adhesion. - -The extraordinary adhesive powers of the Lump-Sucker, for instance, -have been tested by several writers. One observer states, that a fish -of moderate size has been known to suspend a weight of above 20 lbs., -upon which it had accidentally fastened itself. Mr. Pennant says still -more, for he has known that, in flinging a fish of this kind just -caught into a pail of water, it fixed itself so firmly to the bottom, -that, on taking it by the tail, the pail was lifted up, though it -contained several gallons of water. - -To descend from the largest to the smallest species, we arrive at the -Montague Sucker-Fish, or, as it is sometimes called, the Diminutive -Sucker, one of the most interesting little creatures to be met with -at the sea-shore. At the coast near Edinburgh I have met with many -specimens, equally well in the spring or winter season, as during -the summer months. At such locality this species may therefore be -pronounced common; yet it is comparatively unknown to most 'collectors' -in the neighbourhood. Many, indeed, contend that my designation is -erroneous. But having taken considerable pains to satisfy my mind upon -the subject, I have no hesitation whatever in stating that the little -fish in question is identical with that of the Montague Sucker. - -Donovan, in his 'Natural History of British Fishes,'[19] was the first -to illustrate and publish an account of this _petite_ gem of ocean. -His figures are copied from drawings made by Colonel Montague, who -also furnished the description of the specimen delineated. With the -important exception of the sucker--an organ of adhesion which is very -nearly correct--the general appearance of the Diminutive Sucker-Fish -as figured, is not at all satisfactory. Perhaps this is not to be -wondered at, when we remember that the specimen from which the sketches -were taken was very small indeed. Moreover, it was diaphanous, and is -depicted as being principally transparent, spotted, and tinged with -pink. - -[19] This splendid work, which was published in five volumes, between -the years 1802-8, contains 120 exquisite illustrations, all, _with -the solitary exception, unfortunately, of the Montague Sucker-Fish_, -accurately drawn and coloured from living specimens, procured at vast -trouble by the author. - -The Diminutive Sucker, in its adult state, is said to be from two to -three inches in length; consequently Colonel Montague's first specimen -must have been an extremely young one. - -The usual colour is deep orange, varied with minute dark spots. The -under parts of the body and throat are of flesh colour; the centre of -the sucker being faintly tinged with crimson. - -I have seldom met with specimens measuring more than one, or one and a -quarter inches. It is a marked peculiarity in this Sucker-Fish, that -when adhering to any substance it has a constant habit of curving the -tail towards the head. In such position it will remain motionless for -several hours. - -There is little difficulty in capturing the Montague Sucker in its -native haunts. It does not possess the power of darting to and fro with -the speed of the Blenny, or most other fishes, but progresses through -the liquid element with a peculiar quivering motion. - -It is not a fish that can be recommended for the aquarium. A fortnight -to three weeks is the longest time that I have been able to keep a -specimen alive; indeed, until I adopted the plan of allowing each -little captive to remain quiet and undisturbed in a dark and shady -place, death ensued in the course of one or two days. - -My illustrations (Plate 12) having been carefully drawn and coloured -from a living specimen, the student will, I trust, find no difficulty -in recognising the Diminutive Sucker, should he be so fortunate as to -meet with it in a rocky pool. - -'There is also a fish called the Sticklebag, a fish without scales, but -hath his body fenced with several prickles. I know not where he dwells -in winter, nor what he is good for in summer, but only to make sport -for boys and _women anglers_.' Thus contemptuously does dear old Izaak -speak of the Sticklebag, or Stickleback, as it is now termed, one of -the most amusing and interesting members of the finny tribe. I have -frequently transferred specimens of the Stickleback from fresh water to -salt water, and found them live quite as well in the latter as in the -former. - -The contrast, however, between the appearance of the three spined -Stickleback, when first taken from the sea, and one captured in the -fresh water pond is very remarkable. The first is dressed in a gorgeous -coat of varied colours. Around the mouth and belly it is bright -crimson, on the upper part of its body various tints of green prevail; -while in the pond specimen no red colour is visible at all, but only -white blended with green. - -In addition to _Gasterosteus aculeatus_, whom we have above alluded -to, there is another species, _G. spinachia_, or Fifteen-Spined -Stickleback, which is also an inhabitant of rock-pools by the -sea-shore, but unlike the first-mentioned, is never found in fresh -water. Both species possess one peculiarity in common, a description of -which will form an appropriate conclusion to this chapter. I allude to -their nest-building habits, which has only of late years been proved to -exist, although Aristotle has recorded the same fact regarding a fish -(_Phycis_) in the Mediterranean Sea, which was known to make a nest and -deposit its spawn therein. - -The duties of mason and architect are invariably undertaken by the -male Stickleback. His materials are of course very limited, still his -labours are skilfully and even artistically performed. Having chosen a -suitable spot as a foundation for his house, he collects some delicate -sea-weeds, gravel and sand, and with these materials, aided by a -glutinous fluid which is given off from his body, the house is built. -When completed, and not before, he seeks out his mate, and invites -her to take possession of her newly formed home. If she shows any -affectation or coquetishness, he does not hesitate to nip hold of her -tail, and urge her forward by equally expressive signs. Soon, like a -dutiful little pet, she enters, and having deposited spawn, retires -again, leaving her lord and master to guard the casket and its living -treasure. This task, though extremely arduous, he adopts with pride and -gratification. - -How so small a creature can bear up so long under such a state -of apparent excitement appears marvellous. His assiduity is most -extraordinary. By night he rests beside the nest, and by day, if he can -possibly hinder it, he allows nothing to approach. When there are other -members of the Stickleback family in the aquarium, numerous combats -are sure to ensue, for as the young and transparent offspring of one -fish are deemed a great dainty by the non-parental body, the latter -invariably endeavour to satisfy their cannibal propensities at the -harrowing expense of their neighbours. - -When the spawn are hatched, fresh care devolves upon the parent, in -order to keep them within the nursery, and protect them from the greedy -mouths of the larger fish, always on the look-out for tit-bits. Should -one of the little fishlings stray beyond the prescribed bounds, the -watchful parent darts after it, and in an instant his jaws close over -the wanderer apparently for ever, but in fact only for a time, for -swimming quickly back the old fish puffs out the straggler into its -nest lively and uninjured. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -On the Formation of an Aquarium, &c. - - -'And so I end this little book, hoping, even praying that it may -encourage a few more labourers to go forth into a vineyard which those -who have toiled in it know to be full of ever fresh health, and wonder, -and simple joy, and the presence and the glory of Him whose name is -Love.'--C. KINGSLEY. - - - - -[Illustration: A SKETCH FROM NATURE - -1 Mussels attached by their byssus threads to the glass -2 Fronds of _Chondrus chrispus_ -3 Fronds of _Delesseria Sanguinea_ -4 Fronds of _Ulva latissima_] - - - - -XXV. - - -No ornament for the drawing-room or parlour can possibly be more -beautiful than a well-stocked and tastefully-arranged aquarium; nor is -there one likely to be productive of a greater amount of pleasure and -amusement. And it is instructive as well as amusing, for by means of -it the statements of writers relative to the habits of certain marine -animals may be verified by personal observation, and even difficult -problems in natural history satisfactorily solved. Aided by one of -these 'mimic oceans,' let the reader commence the practical study of -marine zoology, and I have little fear of his ever becoming tired of it. - -'Age cannot wither it, nor custom stale - Its infinite variety.' - -When pursued even in the most humble way, this recreation yields a -degree of interest greater than any other 'hobby' can produce, at least -in an equal space of time. If engaged in business during the day, the -student can always devote an hour morning or evening to the aquarium, -and when least expected, some circumstance will take place to excite -his wonder, and fill his mind with deep and devout reflection. -Moreover, the young naturalist will undoubtedly derive pleasure from -his endeavours to establish published facts relative to many of his -little prisoners; pleasure in noting down any interesting anecdote that -may occur; pleasure in knowing that his time is being profitably spent; -and above all, that he is making himself acquainted with objects framed -with marvellous skill and care by the hand of the Almighty:-- - -'Wonderful indeed are all His works, - Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all - Had in remembrance, always with delight.' - -Without further preface, I shall now proceed to offer some practical -hints relative to the establishment of a marine aquarium. And, as some -of my readers may be perfectly unacquainted with the subject, I shall -treat it in as simple a style as possible. If, however, the experienced -zoologist will kindly follow me to the end of the chapter, it may be -that he will find some hints sufficiently new and useful to repay him -for his trouble. - -First, then, in regard to the tank. This indispensable requisite may be -procured at certain shops in almost every town in the United Kingdom. -Its price varies from two or three shillings to £20. The expensive -kinds are generally oblong in form, but their construction being -somewhat intricate, they are apt to get out of order, unless made by -skilful and thoroughly competent artistes. Under certain circumstances, -there is no doubt that an oblong tank of moderate dimensions is a great -desideratum; but what I wish particularly to impress upon the mind of -the reader is, that a large tank is not at all necessary in order to -study the habits of marine animals; indeed, the more capacious the -vessel, the more difficult becomes the task of watching the secret -movements of any of its occupants. On this account it not unfrequently -happens that a common glass tumbler becomes of much greater service to -the student than the most elaborate aquarium. - -The tanks which I use are circular in form, the largest being not more -than sixteen inches in diameter, by seven inches in depth. Its cost -was four shillings. Each one rests on a base of mahogany, elevated on -turned legs to a height of nine inches. - -Some persons object to the circular tank, on the ground that its -occupants when seen from the sides appear magnified. This fact, as -I have elsewhere remarked, is rather a recommendation with me, as -it presents more distinct views of each movement in the vessel, and -whenever I wish to see the objects of their natural size, I can do so -by looking in from the top. - -On the edge of the tank are placed three chips of gutta percha in which -are inserted three steel pins with brass heads; on these there is -laid a circular piece of common glass, cut two inches larger than the -diameter of the tank. As the 'pins' are about three-quarters of an inch -above the tank, they allow a current of air to pass over the water, -and also prevent, to a certain extent, particles of dust from falling -in. On the edge of the movable lid I _paste_ some crimson lace, which -serves for ornament, and also prevents the glass from cutting the hand -of any person moving it about. Sometimes I have a circular piece, about -four inches in diameter, cut out of the centre of the glass lid, which -allows the latter to be lifted off easily. - -A glass syringe to aerate the water occasionally, a camel-hair pencil, -an ivory crotchet pin, and a pair of gutta percha forceps, complete the -whole machinery of the aquarium, the cost of which is so trifling that -the poorest person might manage to procure them. - -One great point in favour of an aquarium, and one by no means generally -understood is, that having once filled the tank with salt water, it -will last for months, and even years, if proper care be taken, without -requiring one particle of sea-water to be again added; for as the water -evaporates, the salt falls to the bottom, and the deficiency may be -supplied with _fresh_ water from the cistern or filter. In order to -ascertain when the sea-water is of the proper density, you require -to have a 'gravity bubble,' which can be had for sixpence. This may -always be kept in the tank. When 'all's well' it sinks to the bottom, -and when anything comes amiss it rises to the surface, but falls again -quickly upon the introduction of the fresh water.[20] - -[20] _Vide_ author's "Sea-side and Aquarium." - -A more simple plan is, to mark on the glass the height of the fluid -when the tank is first filled, then as the water sinks, raise it again -to its original level by means of fresh water. - -Many persons decline starting an aquarium on account of the great -difficulty of procuring a proper supply of sea-water. This objection, -of course, can be offered only by those who happen to reside inland; -but even these need not now be discouraged, for an ingenious plan has -lately been devised for sending the commodity in question through the -post! - -Mr. Bolton, chemist, Holborn Bars, London, supplies, not sea-water, but -'marine salts for the instantaneous production of sea-water,' About six -ounces is sufficient to make a gallon, by the application of _fresh_ -water. The saline material here alluded to, is not an artificial -chemical compound, but is produced by the simple process of evaporating -sea-water itself. Those individuals so fortunate as to possess a marine -villa, or any other more humble residence at or near the sea-coast, -have no occasion to resort to the scheme above-mentioned for filling -their tanks, a pure supply of sea-water being attainable with scarcely -any trouble whatever. A stone jar should be kept for this purpose only, -and care taken that the vessel is perfectly free from any smell, as -that of spirits, dirty corks, or the like, as any such impurity would -quickly spoil the water. - -It may not be uninteresting to some of my readers to know, that in -France an aquarium cannot be established with the same ease as in -England. In the former country 'the whole contents of the sea itself -is a contraband article,--that is, the contents of the salt sea of -the English Channel or the Atlantic Ocean.' One writer tells us, that -staying on the French coast, he kept sea-anemones alive in glasses, -but was frequently warned by his friends to be careful how he fetched -water from the sea, lest the custom-officers should interrupt him. 'My -bottle,' to use the writer's own words, 'being very small, they let -it pass, on the principle that the law does not care about extremest -trifles; had it been a pailful, the case would have been different. A -lady keeping a marine aquarium, explained her wants to the local head -of the customs. He came and saw it--found it beautiful, and being a -gentlemanly man, with some love for natural history, he gave a written -order for the procuring of any reasonable quantity of water from the -sea. Every time the needful element was brought from the shore, it was -accompanied by its passport, as formally as if it had been a cask of -wine, or a suspicious stranger. French salt sellers thus enjoy the -height of protection; they are protected even from their colossal -competitor, the sea!' - -I do not know a prettier sight than that exhibited by a healthy -aquarium on a fine summer's day; the effect of the sunshine upon it -being to cause innumerable bubbles of oxygen--that look like balls of -quicksilver--to form on every weed, shell, and smallest pebble. On -looking through the transparent sides of the vessel, small particles -hitherto resting on its base, may be seen slowly arising to the -surface of the water, each buoyed up by a miniature gas balloon. The -broad, ribbon like fronds of the ulva, from the self-same cause, float -upwards, and reflect a beauteous emerald hue upon all objects that lie -beneath; while the glass bulb, placed in the tank as before stated, to -denote the density of the water, at such a time belies its mission, -and covered with numerous argent globules, mounts gracefully in -companionship with the sea-weed, until shades of evening approach, when -its buoyancy gradually subsides, and once more it falls to its original -resting-place. - -Wherever the above phenomenon is apparent, rest assured that the -aquarium is in good condition. It is, in fact, to the oxygen thus given -out by the plants and infant vegetation that the animals owe their -existence. If no algæ were introduced, the water would become impure, -and unless changed often, your little colony would surely die,--at -least those of its members who were unable to rise above the fluid, and -occasionally breathe the fresh air. - -The secret herein involved, that animal and vegetable respirations -counterbalance each other, has only of late years been discovered; yet -it is apparent to any observing eye at the sea-shore; there we never -meet with a rock-pool containing living animals, that is not more or -less adorned with sea-weeds. - -The green Lettuce Ulva, so abundant in rock-pools, the sea-grass, which -covers almost every fixed object at the sea-shore, or the well-known -dulse or Chondrus Crispus, form the only sea-weeds that it is necessary -to introduce into an aquarium. In fact, one or two fronds of the Ulva -Latissima alone, will answer perfectly well to purify the water of even -a comparatively large tank. I have often been surprised to find how -small a quantity of algæ was required for the purpose mentioned. After -allowing a single frond to float for a few days in a tank, in which -some sea-water was newly deposited, I took it out, and for an entire -twelvemonth the water remained healthy and as clear as crystal. - -The arrangement of the 'stock' of an aquarium is quite a matter of -taste; perhaps no two persons adopt precisely the same plan. It may, -therefore, be advisable, as this matter is so arbitrary, for the writer -to state how his own tanks are mapped out, leaving it to his readers -to imitate the arrangements, or adopt a style of their own as they may -think proper. - -At one time I used to make a grounding of sand, but this plan is not -to be recommended, even though it be one highly approved of by several -species of crabs, &c. White pebbles do very well, but I now prefer to -cover the base of the tank with crushed shells, washed very clean. - -The following is a sketch of one of my tanks as it at present stands:-- - -In the centre of the vessel is a _semi-circular arch_, formed of pure -white Sicilian marble, which has to my eye a most pleasing appearance. -Around it, and indeed over the entire floor of the tank, are strewn -chippings of the same material as the centre piece itself.[21] From -the arch, at certain intervals, hang various sized specimens of the -_Mytilus edulis_, which have gradually advanced to their more or less -elevated positions entirely by their own unaided exertions. Near hand -a hardy _A. mesembryanthemum_ has taken up his abode, and sits with -ever expanded tentacles, motionless and happy. On either side of -the Anemone is deposited a riband of Doris spawn, that undulates to -and fro whenever by any chance the water is in the slightest degree -disturbed. Several soldier crabs, of course, act as sentinels of the -tank, and appear to be ever 'on duty,' marching about in all parts -of their subaqueous habitation; while beneath the marble fragments -repose, each with his 'weather eye' open, a small _Maia squinado_, two -long-armed crabs, and a small _Carcinus mænas_. On the sides of the -vase rest a Limpet, a Trochus, and two fine Periwinkles, with skin -of glossy blackness. The shells of either 'Buckie' is covered with -myriads of quicksilver globules, that rest on the tips of the young -and rising vegetation like dew upon the bladed grass. As I write, -upon the inner surface of the water, like a fly upon the ceiling of -a room, an Eolis and two pearly white Dorides lie idly floating in -close companionship. Beneath them, upon the verge of the aperture of a -large empty whelk shell, sits a pretty, cream-coloured Plumose Anemone -(_A. dianthus_). On two blocks of stone repose several specimens of -that mysterious animal the Pholas, who, by my unkindness, are thus -made to become members of the marine 'houseless poor.' Several young -specimens of these bivalves are seated, in a piece of rock, and daily -engaged in 'boring.' A stick of wood, formerly the slender twig of -a tree, is thickly clustered with fairy-handed acorn barnacles and -serpulæ, and being placed against the glass, the movements of these -singularly beautiful creatures can be watched with ease. Then there are -two Star-fishes, a pack of three little Blennies, and a Five-bearded -Rockling, whose singular movements I have previously alluded to. -Against the arch some fronds of ulva are anchored, while at chosen -spots specimens of delicate sea-weeds are also fixed--these rising up, -and being magnified through the sides of the vase, have a pleasing -effect, even to the eye of a child. - -[21] The arch was cut from one of the waste pieces, of which there are -always a large number, lying in a marble mason's yard, and cost but a -few pence. The 'chippings' may be had in most cases for the trouble of -carrying them away. - -It is a pretty sight to watch the fishes glide under and around the -marble arch, or throw themselves upon its highest point, there to enjoy -the fresh air, and have a pleasant 'crack' together. This expression is -literally correct, for the Blennies, when thus situated, usually make a -kind of noise not inaptly expressed by snapping the nail of the thumb -and finger together. - -The foregoing animals which constitute the entire stock of one tank, -are, I am proud to state, all in a healthy condition, and if we may -judge by appearances, all contented and happy. It will be from no fault -of mine if they do not long continue thus, and exhibit no signs of -yearning for their native haunts by the sea-shore. - -'Those gay watery grots-- - Small excavations on a rocky shore, - That seem like fairy baths or mimic wells, - Richly embossed with choicest weed and shells, - As if her trinkets nature chose to hide - Where nought invaded but the flowing tide.' - -In another tank I have introduced as a centre object a fine piece of -white coral, the higher branches of which rise above the surface of the -water. The roughness of the coral seems to be much approved of by many -of the animals, who are not slow to avail themselves of the facility -thus afforded them of climbing and otherwise exercising their peculiar -propensities. When purchasing coral, care must be taken to procure a -specimen that has not undergone any cleaning process, for although such -may be more pleasing to the eye, it is not so suitable for a 'centre -piece' as the cream-coloured, and less expensive coral. - -A third aquarium which I possess is fitted up in a somewhat novel -style, which offers, for certain purposes, some slight advantages over -others that I have seen employed. It can be adopted in almost any kind -of tank; but the one under consideration is circular in form, and is, -in fact, a bell-shaped inverted fern glass, the knob of which is sunk -into a stand of wood supported on three legs. - -The plan alluded to, which was suggested to the writer by an ingenious -friend,[22] consists of the introduction of a floating centre piece -composed of gutta percha, which serves as a resting place for various -small animals, such as Actiniæ, Mussels, Barnacles, Serpulæ, and -even Pholades and Cockles. At the base of the vessel, which is quite -uncovered, rest sundry members of the crustaceous family, whilst -fishes of various kinds swim freely about over the entire vessel free -from all annoyance. - -[22] Mr. Walter Hardie of Edinburgh, who has been my companion in many -a delightful excursion among the rock-pools of the shores of the Frith -of Forth, and to whom I feel myself greatly indebted for much valuable -information relative to the subject of marine zoology. - -The question will doubtless be asked, 'How can I procure the centre -piece here spoken of?' I answer, Make it yourself; a little skill -combined with patience and gutta percha being all that is required. The -following directions will serve to aid the young reader who may wish to -test his manipulative powers. - -Procure a thin piece of gutta percha, and lay it in hot water for a few -minutes until it is thoroughly soft and pliable. Then get a globe--an -orange will do if nothing better offers--and cover it with the above -material. Having done this, throw it into cold water, and when hard, -cut the fruit in two, so as to leave the gutta percha cast to the shape -of each half. - -Next make a circular tray about eight or nine inches in diameter, and -turn up its edge about half an inch all round. Then heat the brim of -each cup, and fasten them to the centre of the upper and under part of -the 'tray.' The structure will then float in water. This, however, is -not all that you want, as your centre piece must always be entirely -immersed. First bore a few holes in the tray, then fix a pretty shell, -with a hole in it, to the base of the lower 'cup,' and also form a loop -of gutta percha, from which to suspend, by means of a piece of silk, a -fragment of stone or marble of sufficient bulk to balance the centre -piece, and sink it an inch or two below the surface of the water. -At the centre of the upper cup fasten a small piece of gutta percha -tube, at the end of which the valve of a Pecten may be attached as an -ornament. The whole structure must be gently warmed and entirely coated -with fine sand; then tastefully decorated with shells and fronds of -green Ulva, and the crimson Delesseria Sanguinea. - -Sometimes I introduce a globe of glass as a buoy, and to its centre -attach the tray of gutta percha. - -A useful centre piece, a specimen of which I have had in use for -several months, may be formed thus. Make a tripod of gutta percha, on -the top of which attach the valve of a Pecten. From the centre of this -object fix a branch of coral by aid of gutta percha, in such a way that -it rises above the water in the tank. From under the shell pieces of -coral may be made to branch out in various directions. The stand should -be coated either with crushed shells or sand, to give it an ornamental -appearance. - -It is often a source of annoyance to find the base of the aquarium so -thickly covered with dirt, &c. To get rid of this great 'eye sore,' -without emptying and re-arranging the tank, I call in the aid of a very -simple and effective instrument. By its application all objectionable -matter may be gradually removed without in the slightest degree -disturbing the water, or materially displacing the objects situated at -the base of the vessel. - -The instrument mentioned is composed of a gutta percha globe, made in -the manner previously described, into one end of which is inserted -a tube of gutta percha or glass about four inches long, and at the -opposite end of the ball is introduced a second tube about eight inches -in length. - -To use this instrument, close the orifice of the longest tube, and -plunge it into the water over any spot where the debris is collected, -then by removing your finger from the end of the tube, _the impurity -will be instantly sucked up into the ball_. By again placing the finger -in its former position, the siphon may be lifted out of the tank, and -its contents allowed to run off into a jug or basin placed near for the -purpose. - -This operation must be repeated until the whole of the offending -particles are removed. Of course, more water will be drawn off than is -necessary, but it can easily be poured back into the tank as soon as -the sediment has been fully precipitated. - -Aquaria are generally much more difficult to keep in order in summer -than in winter, owing to the rapid and profuse growth of minute -vegetation which renders the water opaque and exceedingly unpleasant to -the eye. - -This ugly opacity I at one time attributed to decaying animal matter, -for I could scarcely believe that the mere increase of the algæ spores -could produce such a vile effect. Experience, however, has proved that -the latter was in reality the true cause. I tried often by syringing -the water, or drawing it off by means of the siphon, or stirring it -about in all manner of ways, to remove the objectionable muddiness, -but always without success. Limpets and Periwinkles seemed quite -useless. Nor did shutting out the rays of light for a few days have any -perceptible effect in subduing the growth of the algæ which collected -with wondrous rapidity, and arrayed each stone, shell, pebble, and even -the poor crabs, in a greenish garb. - -I was therefore under the necessity, on several occasions, of renewing -the water, and considering that my residence was several miles from the -sea-coast, this task was by no means a pleasant one. What made matters -still more provoking, was the fact that the rejected fluid seemed -perfectly free from all offensive smell. I now adopt the following -novel method for removing the opacity of the water, without the latter -being changed, and also for preventing the too abundant growth of the -algæ at all seasons. - -The plan in question (which requires, as already shown, to be carried -out with extreme caution by the inexperienced aquarianist) is merely to -dilute a small quantity of _alum_ in a wine-glass full of water, and -then mix it with the water contained in the aquarium. A pellet of alum -about the size of a pea is sufficient for the purpose, if the tank be -of moderate size. And if inserted on the first appearance of dimness -in the water, much future trouble will be saved. - -Supposing the water to have become opaque, proceed thus--Draw off a -portion into a large jug, and mix with it the diluted acid as before -stated, then let the jug remain undisturbed for about twelve hours. The -vegetation having been deposited in flakes at the base of the vessel, -the water should then be gently strained off through a piece of fine -muslin into a second receptacle, which, in its turn, should be allowed -to stand for some time, and the contents again strained as before. This -process it is advisable to repeat several times, until the whole of the -fluid in the tank has been thoroughly cleansed from impurity. - -Should the water be returned too early, an unpleasant fur coating will -appear over the entire base of the tank. This can be easily removed by -means of the siphon. Let one end of this instrument, when in action, -be passed gradually over the lower portion of the vase, and in the -course of a few minutes every sign of 'fur' will be obliterated with -the loss of but a small portion of water. When once the fluid has been -clarified in the manner here mentioned, there is little fear of the -young aquarianist being again troubled in like manner for many months, -the acid apparently preventing the algæ from being reproduced to any -such excess as hitherto. - - - - -GLOSSARY OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS. - - -Extracted principally from Professor Owen's learned work entitled, -"Lectures on the Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Invertebrate -Animals." - -=Ambulacra= (L. _ambulacrum_, an avenue, or place for walking). -The perforated series of plates in the shell of the Sea-star, or -Sea-urchin, through which the sucking-feet are protruded. - -=Acalepha= (Gr. _akalephe_, a nettle). The class of radiated animals -with soft skins which have the power of stinging like a nettle. -Commonly called Sea-nettles or Jelly-fish. - -=Actinæ= (Gr. _aktin_, a ray). The genus of Polypes which have many -arms radiating from around the mouth. - -=Alternate generation.= That modification of generation in which -the young do not resemble the parent, but the grandparent; so that -the successive series of individuals seem to represent two species, -alternately reproduced, in which also parthenogenesis alternates with -the ordinary engendering by impregnation. - -=Algæ= (sea-weeds). A large class of cryptogamic plants inhabiting salt -and fresh water. - -=Anomoura= (Gr. _anomos_, irregular, and _oura_, a tail). A section -of crustaceous animals distinguished like the Hermit crabs, by the -irregular form of the tails. - -=Annelid.= The Anglicised singular of _annelleta_. - -=Adductor muscles=, are those which hold together the shell of a -bivalve, such as the Oyster, Mussel, &c. - -=Animalcules.= Those extremely small animals which are invisible to the -naked eye. - -=Antenna= (from the Latin for yard-arm). Applied to the jointed feelers -or horns upon the head of insects and crustacea. - - -=Balanoids= (Gr. _balanos_, an acorn). A family of Sessile cirripeds, -the shells of which are commonly called Acorn-shells. - -=Bivalve.= When a shell consists of two parts, closing like a double -door. The mollusca so protected are commonly called bivalves, as the -Mussel. - -=Brachyura= (Gr. _brachus_, short; _oura_, tail). The tribe of -crustacea with short tails, as the Crabs. - -=Branchiæ= The gills or respiratory organs which extract the oxygen -from air contained in water, as in fishes and other aquatic animals. - -=Buccal= (L. _bucca_, mouth). Belonging to the mouth. - -=Byssus= (Gr. _byssos_, fine flax). A term applied to the silken -filaments or 'beard' of the Mussel and Pinna. - -=Carapace.= The upper shell of the Crab, &c. - -=Calcareous.= Composed more or less of lime. - -=Carnivorous= (L. _caro_, flesh; _voro_, I devour). The animals which -feed on flesh. - -=Caudal= (L. _cauda_, the tail). Belonging to the tail. - -=Cephalópoda= (Gr. _kephale_, a head; _pous_, a foot). The class of -Molluscous animals in which long prehensile processes, or feet, project -from the head, as in the Cuttle-fish. - -=Ciliogrades= (L. _cilium_, an eyelash; _gradior_, I walk). The order -of the _acalephæ_ (as the Beröe) which swims by action of cilia. - -=Cilia= (L. _cilium_, an eyelash). The microscopic hair-like bodies -which cause, by their vibratile action, currents in the contiguous -fluid, or a motion of the body to which they are attached. - -=Cirri= (L. _cirrus_, a curl). The curled filamentary appendages, as at -the feet of the Barnacles. - -=Cirripedes=, or =Cirripedia= (L. _cirrus_, a curl; _pes_, a foot). -A class of articulate animals having curled, jointed feet; sometimes -written Cirrhipedia and Cirrhopoda. - -=Conchifera= (L. _concha_, a shell; _fero_, I bear). Shell-fish; -usually restricted to those with bivalve shells. - -=Comminuted.= Broken or ground down into small pieces. - -=Conchology.= The department of science which treats of shells. - -=Convoluted= (L. _convolutus_). Rolled together. - -=Cornea= (L. _corneus_, horny). The transparent horny membrane in front -of the eye. - -=Crinoid= (Gr. _krinon_, a lily; _eidos_, a discourse). A family of -Star-fishes which bear some resemblance to the form of a lily. The -fossils called Stone-lilies, or Encrinites, are examples. - -=Crustacea= (L. _crusta_, a crust). The class of articulate animals -(which includes the Crab, Lobster, &c.) with a hard skin or crust, -which they cast periodically. - - -=Decapoda= (Gr. _deca_, ten; _pous_, a foot). The crustaceous and -molluscous animals, which have ten feet, such as the Crab, Cray-fish, -&c. - -=Digitate= (L. _digitus_, a finger). When a part supports processes -like fingers. - - -=Effete.= Barren, worn out. - -=Elytra= (Gr. _elytron_, a sheath). The sheath or wing covers of -coleopterous insects (Beetles). - -=Entomostraca= (Gr. _entoma_, insects; _ostracon_, a shell). The order -of small crustaceans, many of which are enclosed in an integument like -a bivalve shell. - -=Entomology= (Gr. _entoma_, insects; _logos_, a discourse). The branch -of science treating of insects. - -=Exuvium=, Pl. =exuviæ= (L. _exuo_, I cast off). The shell or skin of -an animal which is shed in moulting. - -=Epizoa= (Gr. _epi_, upon; _zoon_, an animal). The class of low -organized parasitic crustaceans which live upon other animals. - - -=Fissiparous= (L. _fissus_, divided; _pario_, I produce). The -multiplication of a species by the self-cleavage of the individual into -two parts. - -=Frond= (L. _frons_, a leaf). A term applied to that part of flowerless -plants resembling true leaves. - -=Fucivorous= (L. _fucus_, sea-weed; _voro_, I devour). Animals which -subsist on sea-weed. - -=Flora.= The plants which belong to a country or district. - -=Foliaceous= (L. _folium_, a leaf). Shaped or arranged like leaves. - - -=Gasteropoda= (Gr. _gaster_, stomach; _pous_, a foot). That class of -animals which (like the Snail) have the locomotive organ attached to -the under part of the body. - -=Gemmiparous= (L. _gemma_, a bud; _pario_, I produce). Propagation by -the growth of the young like a bud from the parent. - - -=Habitat.= The locality in which an animal habitually resides. - -=Hinge.= That part of a shell at which the valves cohere. - -=Hyaline= (Gr. _hualos_, crystal). The pellucid substance which -determines the spontaneous fission of cells. - -=Hydra= (Gr. _hudra_, a water serpent). The modern generic name of -certain fresh water polypes. - -=Hydrogen= (Gr. _hydor_, water; _gemmæ_, I produce). A gas forming one -of the components of water and atmospheric air. - - -=Infusoria.= The class of animalcules which abound in vegetable and -animal infusions. - - -=Lamellibranchiata= (L. _lamella_, a plate; _branchiæ_, gills). The -class of acephalous molluscs, with gills in the form of membraneous -plates, of which the oyster and mussel are familiar examples. - -=Larva= (L. _larva_, a mask). Applied to an insect in its first active -state, which is generally different from, and, as it were, masks the -ulterior form. - -=Ligament=. A membrane close by the hinge which connects the valves. - - -=Mantle.= The external soft, contractile skin of the mollusca, which -covers the viscera and a great part of the body like a cloak. - -=Macroura= (Gr. _makros_, long; _oura_, a tail). A tribe of ten-footed -crustacea (as the Lobster, Cray-fish), which have long tails. - -=Medusæ.= A genus or family of soft radiated animals or Acalephæ, so -called because their organs of motion and prehension are spread out -like the snaky hair of the fabled medusa. - -=Molecules.= Microscopic particles of matter. - -=Mollusc--Mollusca= (L. _mollis_, soft). The primary division of the -animal kingdom. It contains most shell-fish, slugs, &c. - -=Monograph= (Gr. _monos_, one; _grapho_, I write). A written -description of a single thing, or class of things. - -=Multivalve= (L. _multus_, many; _valvæ_, folding doors). Shells -composed of many pieces or valves, as the Chiton. - - -=Nudibranchiate= (L. _nudus_, naked; _branchiæ_, gills). An order of -gasteropods, in which the gills are exposed, as the Eolis, Doris, &c. - - -=Oxygen.= A gas which is one of the constituent parts of water and of -atmospheric air. It is essential to animal life. - -=Oviparous= (L. _ovum_, an egg; _pario_, I bring forth). The animals -which bring forth eggs. - -=Operculum= (from the Latin for lid). Applied to the horny or shelly -plate which closes certain univalve shells, as the Whelk, Periwinkle, -&c. - - -=Papillæ= (L. _papilla_, a nipple). Soft prominences which resemble in -form the teats of animals. - -=Palpi= (L. _palpo_, I touch). The organs of touch commonly called -'feelers,' developed from the lablum and maxillæ of insects. - -=Pectinated= (L. _pecten_, a comb). Toothed like a comb. - -=Physograde= (Gr. _physis_, air; _gradior_, I advance). The acalephes -that swim by means of air-bladders. - -=Phytophagous= (Gr. _phuton_, a plant; _phago_, I eat). Plant-eating -animals. - -=Pulmonigrade= (L. _pulmo_, a lung; _gradior_, I walk). The tribe of -Medusæ which swim by contraction of the respiratory disc. - - -=Rotifera= (L. _rota_, a wheel; _fero_, I bear). The name of a class of -infusorial animalcules, characterized by the vibratile and apparently -rotating ciliary organs upon the heads. - -=Rhodospermes.= The red-coloured sea-weeds. - - -=Serrated= (L. _serra_, a saw). Toothed like a saw. - -=Sessile.= Attached by a base. - -=Silicious= (L. _silex_, a flint). Flinty. - -=Setæ.= Bristles, or similar parts. - -=Spicula= (L. _spiculum_, a point or dart). Fine-pointed bodies, like -needles. - - -=Tuberculate.= Warty, or carved with small rounded knobs. - -=Testacea= (L. _testa_, a shell). Molluscs with a shelly covering, as -the Oyster, Whelk, &c. - - -=Univalve= (L. _unus_, one; _valvæ_, doors). A shell composed of one -calcareous piece, as the Periwinkle. - -=Umbones.= The base of a shell about the hinge. - - -=Viviparous= (L. _vivus_, alive; _pario_, I bring forth). The animals -which bring forth their young alive. See Oviparous. - - -=Whorl.= The spiral turn of a shell. - - -=Zoology= (Gr. _zoon_, animal; _logos_, a discourse). That branch of -science that treats of the habits, structure, and classification of -animals. - -=Zoologist.= One who is acquainted with the science of Zoology. - -=Zoophyte= (Gr. _zoon_, an animal; _phyton_, a plant). The lowest -primary division of the animal kingdom, which includes many animals -that are fixed to the ground and have the form of plants. - - - - -INDEX. - - - _Animalculæ_, 37. - - _Actiniæ_ (Sea anemones), 38, 47. - _mesembryanthemum_, 48, 365. - _troglodytes_, 51, 62. - _bellis_, 56. - _dianthus_, 57, 62, 154, 366. - _crassicornis_, 61, 100. - _coriacea_, 56. - _parasitica_, 66. - _explorator_, 51. - - Acorn barnacles, 145. - - Adductor muscle, 178, 182. - - Annelids, 154, 191, 315. - - _Acalephæ_, 203. - - Alternation of generations, 214. - - _Aphrodite aculeata_, 267. - - _Aplysiæ_, 54, 309, 311. - - _Aquariæ_ (on the formation of marine), 357. - - _Anomoura_ (Hermit crabs), 69, 92, 130, 133. - - _Asteriadæ_, 271. - - Algæ, 97. - - _A. ventilabrum_, 161. - - Amphitrite, 162. - - - _Buccinum undutum_, 92. - - Byssus of Mussel, 168, 170, 177, 184. - - _Beröe_, 210. - - _Bêches de mer_, 31. - - Brittle Star-fishes, 277. - - Bird's foot Sea-star, 285. - - Blenny (Smooth), 71, 104, 236, 336, 341, 365. - - Blenny (Viviparous), 346. - - Butter fish, 347. - - _Brachyura_ (crabs, &c.), 69, 133. - - Buckie, 93. - - Barnacles, 98, 146. - - Barnacle geese, 150. - - Boring Acephaia, 251. - - Bivalves, 122, 167, 282, 363. - - Bearded rockling, 346. - - - _Cilia_, 35, 147, 214. - - _Coryne_, 41. - - Crabs, 67. - - _Cancer Pagurus_ (Edible crab), 67, 69, 128. - - _Carcinus mænas_ (Common Shore crab), 67, 78, 120, 127, 167, 239. - - Common Whelk, 94. - - Common Cockle, 84, 106, 239. - - Cray fish, 128, 131. - - _Crangon vulgaris_ (Common Shrimp), 139. - - _Cestum veneris_, 209. - - _Cydippe pileus_, 210. - - _Cyanea capillata_, 218. - - _Comatula rosacea_, 275. - - Crinoid Star fishes, 275. - - Cross fish, 280. - - Cushion stars, 285. - - Cake Urchin, 300. - - _Chondrus crispus_ (Irish moss), 101, 123. - - _Cirri_, 147. - - _Cetacea_, 205. - - Chiton, 226. - - _C. offinalis_, 285. - - _Ciliograde acalephæ_, 209. - - Common Sea cucumber, 305. - - - Doris, 223, 363. - - Doris (Spawn of), 226. - - Diminutive Sucker-fish, 350. - - _Decapoda_ (ten-footed crustacea), 69, 85, 115. - - _D. sanguinea_, 78, 118, 368. - - Dorsibranchiate annelidans, 155. - - Devil's hand, 279. - - Dulse, 310. - - - Exuviation of Crabs, &c., 85, 113, 120, 132. - - Exuviation of Prawns, &c., 139. - - Exuviation of Barnacles, 147. - _Eolis_, 223. - - _Eolis_, (Spawn of) 228. - _papillosa_, 228. - - _Echinus_, 291. - _sphæra_, 297. - - Entomology, 28. - - Egg Urchin, 297. - - - _Foraminifera_, 24, 30. - - Fan-amphitrite, 161, 163. - - Fishes 329. - - Five-fingers (Star-fish), 281. - - - Gulf stream, 206. - - Girdle of Venus, 209. - - Green-pea urchin, 299. - - Gunnel-fish, 346. - - Goby (one-spotted), 309, 348. - - Goby (two-spotted), 348. - - _Gasterosteus aculeatus_, 352. - - Golden willow, 87. - - - _Hyas araneus_, 80. - - Hermit crabs, 94, 105, 108, 130. - - _Hydra tuba_, 213. - - _Hydra gelatinosa_, 213. - - Hyaline stylet, 239. - - _Holothuriadæ_, 303. - - - _Infusoria_, 33, 43, 227. - - _Iridea edulis_, 74, 236. - - Irish Moss, 101. - - - Jelly fish, 203. - - - _Kerona silurus_, 35. - - - _Lepas anatifera_ (Ship barnacle), 148, 150. - - Laminated nereis, 155. - - _Luidia fragillissima_, 285. - - _Lepus marinus_, 309. - - Lettuce Ulva, 180, 364. - - Limpet, 81, 98. - - Lobster crabs, 94. - - Lily stars, 271. - - Lobster (The), 131, 290. - - _L. digitata_ (Oar weed), 277. - - Lingthorn, 285. - - Lump sucker, 347. - - - _Maia squinado_ (Spider crab), 79, 80, 82, 167. - - Mussel (_Mytilus edulis_), 82, 122, 167, 363. - - _Medusæ_, 203, 210, 216. - - _Modera formosa_, 217. - - Montague Sucker-fish, 349. - - Marine Aquariæ, 357. - - _Macroura_ (as Lobsters), &c. - - - _Nereis_, 155, 158. - - Nudibranchiate gasteropoda, 226. - - - _Ostrea edulis_ (oyster), 81. - - _Ophiuræ_, 277. - _texturata_, 277. - _albida_, 277. - - _Ophiocoma rosula_, 279. - - - _Paramecium caudatum_, 35. - - _Portunus puber_ (Velvet crab), 68. - - _Porcellana longicornis_ (Minute Porcelain crab), 79. - - Periwinkle, 95. - - _Pagurus bernardhus_ (Hermit crab), 96, 108, 146. - - Pecten, 108, 370. - - Prawn, Common (_Palæmon squilla_), 137. - - _Phyllodoce laminosa_, 155. - - _Purpura lapillus_ (Whelk), 103, 168. - - Portuguese man-of-war, 212. - - Pholas (_crispata_), 84, 153, 236, 245, 258, 365. - - Pholas (_dactylus_), 260. - - _Pentacrinus Europæus_, 275. - - _Psolus phantapus_, 304. - - Pike-fish, 339. - - _Pinnotheres pisum_ (Common Pea-crab), 82. - - Pinna, 83. - - Partane, The (Edible crab), 65, 124. - - _Pulmonigrade acalephæ_, 21l. - - _Physograde acalephæ_, 211. - - _Parthenogenesis_, 218. - - - _Rotifera_, or Wheel-bearers, 36. - - Rosy Feather star, 276. - - Rosy Heart urchin, 300. - - Rockling (Five-bearded), 347. - - Razor-fish, 323. - - - Stickleback, 25, 108, 352. - - _Sertularia_, 41. - - Ship Barnacle, 145. - - Sea-Mouse, 267. - - Star fishes, 273. - - _Solaster papposa_, 167, 286. - _endeca_, 286. - - Sea Urchins, 289. - Silky Spined urchin, 299. - - Sea Cucumbers, 303. - - Sea Hares, 309. - - _Serpulæ_, 315. - - _Sabellæ_,315, 319. - - _Solen siliqua_, Razor-fish, 324. - - Soldier crabs, 92. - - Shrimps, 137. - - _Saxicavæ_, 248. - - Sucker fishes, 348. - - Shore crab, 65, 68, 72, 120, 235. - - Swimming crab, 66. - - Spider crab, 78. - - _Salex vitellina_ (golden willow), 87. - - Silver Willie (_T. zizziphanus_), 191. - - - _Terebella figulus_ (the potter), 191, 195. - _littoralis_, 197. - - Trepang, 304. - - Top-shell, 132. - - _Trochus_, 146. - - Tubiculous annelids, 162, 194. - - Tanks, 355. - - - _Uraster rubens_, 167, 281. - - _Ulva latissima_, 98, 180, 367, 368. - - Univalves, 94. - - Urchins (Sea), 298. - - - _Vorticellæ_, 35, 38. - - Velvet Fiddler crab, 66, 74. - - - Whelk (_Purpura lapillus_), 168. - - - _Zoothamnium spirale_, 43. - - _Zooids_, 219. - - Zoophytes, 47, 49. - - - - -NEW WORKS - -SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS, &c. - -JUST PUBLISHED, BY T. 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padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - -/* Footnotes */ - -.footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} - -.footnote {margin-left: 11%; margin-right: 11%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 82%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Glimpses of Ocean Life, by John Harper - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Glimpses of Ocean Life - Rock-Pools and the Lessons they Teach - -Author: John Harper - -Release Date: July 28, 2016 [EBook #52666] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GLIMPSES OF OCEAN LIFE *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Whitehead, K.D. Thornton and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img class="border" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" src="images/cover-image.jpg" id="coverpage" width="500" height="760" alt="Cover for Glimpses of Ocean Life" /> -<div class="transnote covernote"> -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">The cover image was rejuvenated by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - - -<p style="margin-left: 16%;">'Natural History is the appointed handmaiden of Religion, enabling us to feel and<br /> - in some humble proportion to appreciate how closely and how carefully the<br /> - well-being and happiness of all creatures has been provided for,—how admirably<br /> - they are severally adapted to their respective stations and employments, and how<br /> - wonderfully every part of their economy is made subservient to the general good.<br /> - This is the true spirit in which the aquarïst ought to work, and this is the end<br /> - and object of his science.'—<i>Rhymer Jones.</i></p> - - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 394px;"><a name="Illus1" id="Illus1"> -<img src="images/image1.jpg" width="394" height="575" alt="Pholas Shell, Pholas crispata, Common Brittle Star, Common Cross-fish" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -1 & 2 Valves of PHOLAS SHELL<br /> -3 <i>Pholas crispata</i>, with siphons extended<br /> -4 COMMON BRITTLE STAR (<i>Ophiocoma rosula</i>) From Nature, showing the progressive growth of new rays<br /> -5 COMMON CROSS-FISH (<i>Uraster rubens</i>)<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 377px;"> -<img src="images/image2.jpg" width="377" height="614" alt="Cover image for Glimpses of Ocean Life" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 4em;">TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE<br /> -LORD BROUGHAM AND VAUX,<br /> -<br /> -CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH,<br /> -ETC., ETC., ETC.,<br /> -<br /> -THIS LITTLE VOLUME<br /> -Is Inscribed,<br /> -AS A TRIFLING TOKEN OF RESPECTFUL ADMIRATION<br /> -FOR<br /> -UNIVERSALLY RECOGNISED GREATNESS.<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<table class="centered" border="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width: 65%;" summary="CONTENTS"> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapI">CHAPTER I.</a></td> <td class="page">PAGE</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">ON THE PLEASURES DERIVED FROM THE STUDY OF MARINE ZOOLOGY. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Introduction—Two classes of readers—Marine zoology as an</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> amusement—The botanist and his pleasures—Entomological</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> pursuits—Hidden marvels of nature—The little</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Stickleback—Conclusion,</td> <td class="page">17</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapII">CHAPTER II.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">A GLANCE AT THE INVISIBLE WORLD. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Microscopic studies—When to use the microscope—Modern</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> martyrs of science—Infusoria—Use of Infusoria—Distinction</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> between plants and animals—<i>Vorticella</i>—<i>Rotatoria</i>—Wheel</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> animalcules—Mooring Thread of Vorticellæ—A</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> compound species of Vorticella described—<i>Zoothamnium</i></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> <i>spirale</i> of Mr. Gosse—Nature's scavengers,</td> <td class="page">27</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapIII">CHAPTER III.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">SEA ANEMONES. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Animal-flowers—<i>A. mesembryanthemum</i>—'Granny,' Sir J. Dalyell's</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> celebrated anemone—Original anecdote—<i>A. troglodytes</i>—How</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> to capture actiniæ—A roving 'mess.'—An intelligent</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> anemone—Diet of the actiniæ—Voracity of these</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> zoophytes—Defence of certain species—Actiniæ eating</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> crabs—Their reproductive powers—Size of the 'crass.'—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Plumose anemone—Its powers of contraction,</td> <td class="page">45</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapIV">CHAPTER IV.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">EDIBLE CRAB—SHORE CRAB—SPIDER CRAB, ETC. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">The Partane—Its character defended—Crustaceous demons—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> wolf and the lamb—Interesting anecdote—Reason and</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> instinct—Anecdote of the Shore crab—'The creature's run</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> awa''—A crustaceous performer—The Fiddler crab—A little</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> prodigal—Singular conduct of the Shore crab—The minute</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Porcelain crab—<i>Maia squinado</i>—<i>Hyas araneus</i>—<i>Maia</i> and</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> <i>C. mænas</i>—Anecdote—The common Pea crab—Pinna and</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Pinnotheres—The Cray fish—Masticatory organs of</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> crabs—Fishing for crabs—Crab fishers,</td> <td class="page">63</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapV">CHAPTER V.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">HERMIT CRABS. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Enthusiastic students of nature—Aristocratic Hermit</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> crabs—Swammerdam—Hermit crab and its</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> habits—Anecdote—The Hermit in a fright—Soldier crab and</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Limpet—A crustaceous Diogenes—Prometheus in the tank—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> martyr Hermit crab—The author's pet Blenny—Anecdote,</td> <td class="page">89</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapVI">CHAPTER VI.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">EXUVIATION OF CRUSTACEA (THE PHENOMENA OF CRABS, ETC., </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">CASTING THEIR SHELLS).</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">The Tower of London—A crustaceous armory—The author's</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> experience on the subject—Reamur and Goldsmith—Rejected</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> shells of crabs—Anecdote—Hint to the young</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> aquarian—Exuviation described from personal observation</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> in several instances—Renewal of injured limbs—Frequency</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> of exuviation—Effect of diet on crustacea—Exuviation</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> arrested—Exuviation of the Hermit crab—How the process</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> is effected,</td> <td class="page">109</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapVII">CHAPTER VII.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">PRAWNS AND SHRIMPS. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Habits of the Prawn—The Common Shrimp—How to catch</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> shrimps—Conclusion,</td> <td class="page">135</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapVIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">ACORN-BARNACLES—SHIP-BARNACLES. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">The Common Barnacle described—Exuviation of the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> <i>Balani</i>—Anecdote—The Ship Barnacle—Barnacle</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Geese,</td> <td class="page">143</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapIX">CHAPTER IX.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">PHYLLODOCE LAMINOSA (THE LAMINATED NEREIS). </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">A rainy day at the sea-shore—Laminated Nereis—Its</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> tenacity of life—Its unsuitableness for the aquarium—How</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> the young annelids are produced—Evidence of a French</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> naturalist,</td> <td class="page">151</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapX">CHAPTER X.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">THE FAN-AMPHITRITE. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Its renewal of mutilated organs—How to accommodate this</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> annelid in the tank—The 'case' of the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Fan-Amphitrite,</td> <td class="page">159</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXI">CHAPTER XI.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">THE COMMON MUSSEL. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Dr. Johnson and Bozzy—Habits of the Mussel—Marine</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> 'at homes'—The Purpura and its habits—Enemies of the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Mussel—Anecdote—Construction of the beard (or</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Byssus)—Author's experience—Anecdote of the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> mussel—Muscular action of its foot—Threads of the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> beard—The bridge at Bideford—Anecdote—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Mussel tenacious of life—The beard not poisonous—M.</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Quatrefage—Mussel beds of Esnandes—Branchiæ of the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Mussel—Food of this bivalve,</td> <td class="page">163</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXII">CHAPTER XII.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">TEREBELLA FIGULAS (THE POTTER). </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Anecdote of the Potter—Its cephalic tentacula—Construction</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> of its tubular dwelling—<i>Terebella littoralis</i>—Curious</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> anecdote—Branchial organs of this annelid,</td> <td class="page">189</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">ACALEPHÆ (MEDUSÆ, OR JELLY-FISH). </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Introduction—Jelly-fish—Whales'</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> food—Lieutenant Maury—Appearance of the Greenland</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Seas—Sir Walter Scott—The girdle of Venus—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Beröe—<i>Pulmonigrade acalephæ</i>—Portuguese</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> man-of-war—<i>Hydra-tuba</i>—Alternation of</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> generations—Dr. Reid—<i>Modera-formosa</i>—<i>Cyanea</i></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> <i>capillata</i>—Conclusion,</td> <td class="page">201</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">DORIS EOLIS, ETC. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Anecdote—Young Dorides—Doris spawn—<i>Nudibranchiate</i></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> <i>gasteropoda</i>—Dr. Darwin—Mr. Gosse—A black</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Doris—<i>Bêches de mer</i>—A Chinese dinner—Bird's</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> nest soup, and Sea-slug stew,</td> <td class="page">221</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXV">CHAPTER XV.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">THE CRAB AND THE DAINTY BEGGAR. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Anecdote—The Pholas and Shore-crab—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> <i>hyaline stylet</i>—The dainty beggar—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> gizzard of the Pholas—Of what use is the stylet?</td> <td class="page">233</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">THE PHOLAS, ETC. (ROCK-BORERS). </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Pholades at home—Habits of the Pholas—<i>P.</i></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> <i>crispata</i>—The pedal organ—Finny gourmands—How is</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> the boring operation performed?—Various theories on</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> the subject—Mr Clark, Professor Owen—The Pholas at</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> work—The boring process described from personal</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> observation—Author's remarks on the subject—Pholas</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> in the tank—Conclusion,</td> <td class="page">241</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">THE SEA-MOUSE. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">The Sea-mouse—Bristles of the aphrodite—Its</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> beautiful plumage (?)—Its weapons</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> of defence—The spines described—Shape of the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> aphrodite, &c.,</td> <td class="page">263</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">STAR-FISHES, ETC. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">The Coral polypes—The Lily-stars—St. Cuthbert's</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> beads—<i>Pentacrinus europæus</i>—Rosy feather star</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> <i>Ophiuridæ</i>—Brittle-stars—<i>Ophiocomo-rosula</i>—</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> British asteridæ—<i>Uraster rubens</i>—Habits of this</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> species—Submarine Dandos—Sir John Dalyell—Professor</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Jones—Star-fish feeding on the oyster—Bird's foot</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Sea-star—<i>Luidia fragillissima</i>—Cushion-stars—</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Professor Forbes,</td> <td class="page">269</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">SEA-URCHINS. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Sea Urchins in the tank—Growth of the Echinus—Its</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> hedgehog-like spines—Suckers and pores—Ambulacral</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> tubes—Professor Agassiz—Movements of the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Echinus—<i>Pedicellariæ</i>—Masticatory</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> apparatus—Common Egg Urchin—<i>Echinus sphæra</i>—How</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> to remove the spines—'Do you boil your sea eggs?'—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Green-pea Urchin—The Silky-spined Urchin—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Rosy-heart Urchin,</td> <td class="page">287</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXX">CHAPTER XX.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">THE SEA-CUCUMBER. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Its unattractive appearance out of water—Trepang—Several</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> varieties eaten by the Chinese—Common Sea Cucumber—Habits</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> of the Holothuriæ—Their self-mutilation and renewal of</td> <td class="page">301</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> lost parts,</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">THE APLYSIA, OR SEA-HARE. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Anecdote—The Sea Hare plentiful at North Berwick—Its</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> powers of ejecting a purple fluid at certain times—Sea</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Hares abhorred by the ancients—Professor Forbes—Spawn</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> of the Aplysia,</td> <td class="page">307</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">SERPULÆ AND SABELLÆ. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Tubes of the <i>Serpulæ</i>—Dr. Darwin—The harbour</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> of Pernambuco—Its wonderful structure—Reproduction of</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> the <i>Serpulæ</i>—<i>Sabellæ</i>—Their sandy tubes, &c.,</td> <td class="page">313</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">THE SOLEN, OR RAZOR FISH. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">How it burrows in the sand—How specimens are</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> caught—<i>Cum grano salis</i>—Bamboozling the Spout</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Fish—Amateur naturalists, and fishermen at the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> sea-shore,</td> <td class="page">321</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">A GOSSIP ON FISHES—INCLUDING THE ROCKLING, SMOOTH BLENNY,</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">GUNNEL FISH, GOBY, ETC.</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Punch's address to the ocean—Old blue-jackets and the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> 'galyant' Nelson—The ocean and its inhabitants—Life</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> beneath the wave—Fishes the happiest of created things—A</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> fishy discourse by St. Antony of Padua—Traveller's ne'er</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> do lie?—The veracious Abon-el-Cassim—Do fishes possess</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> the sense of hearing—Author's experience—An intelligent</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Pike fish—Dr. Warwick—The Blenny in its native</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> haunts—A 'Little Dombey' fish—Anecdote—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Viviparous Blenny—The Gunnel fish—Five-bearded</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Rockling—Two-spotted Goby—Diminutive Sucker-fish—</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Montagu's Sucker—The Stickleback—Its nest-building</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> habits described—Conclusion,</td> <td class="page">327</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#ChapXXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">ON THE FORMATION OF MARINE AQUARIÆ, ETC. </td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title">Mimic oceans—Practical hints on marine</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> aquariæ—Various tanks described—The 'gravity</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> bubble'—Evaporated sea-water—Aquariæ in</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> France—Sea-water a contraband article across the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Channel—An aquarium on a fine summer's day—The</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> Lettuce Ulva—Author's tank—'Excavations on a</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> rocky shore'—Tank 'interiors'—Various centre</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> pieces—New siphon—Aquariæ difficult to keep in</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> hot weather—How to remove the opacity of the</td> <td class="page"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"> tank—New scheme proposed—Conclusion,</td> <td class="page">353</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">[xv]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> - - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<table class="centered" border="0" cellpadding="5" style="max-width: 65%;" summary="ILLUSTRATIONS"> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page">No.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus1"><span class="smcap">Frontispiece</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">1</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus2"><span class="smcap">Compound Vorticellæ</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">2</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus3">"<span class="smcap">Granny</span></a>," Sir John Dalyell's celebrated Anemone,</td> <td class="page">3</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus3"><span class="smcap">A. Troglodytes</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">4</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus3"><span class="smcap">A. Crassicornis</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">5</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus4"><span class="smcap">Edible Crab</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">6</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus4"><span class="smcap">Edible Crab</span></a> casting its Shell (from Nature),</td> <td class="page">7</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus4"><span class="smcap">Spider Crab</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">8</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus4"><span class="smcap">Shore Crab</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">9</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus4"><span class="smcap">Porcelain Crab</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">10</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus5"><span class="smcap">Hermit Crab</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">11</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus5"><span class="smcap">Hermit Crab</span></a> in Shell of Large Whelk,</td> <td class="page">12</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus5"><span class="smcap">Ship Barnacles</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">13</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus6"><span class="smcap">Acorn Barnacles</span></a> attached to Shell of the Limpet,</td> <td class="page">14</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus6"><span class="smcap">The Limpet</span></a>, as seen from beneath,</td> <td class="page">15</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus6"><span class="smcap">Laminated Nereis</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">16</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus7"><span class="smcap">Common Mussel</span></a>,—Shell open,</td> <td class="page">17</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus7"><span class="smcap">Common Mussel</span></a>,—Shell closed,</td> <td class="page">18</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus7"><span class="smcap">The Beröe</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">19</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus7"><span class="smcap">Fan Amphitrite</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">20</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus8"><span class="smcap">Terebella Figulus</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">21</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus8"><span class="smcap">Terebella Littoralis</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">22</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus9"><span class="smcap">The Sea-Mouse</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">23</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus9"><span class="smcap">Doris</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">24</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus9"><span class="smcap">Young of Doris</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">25</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus9"><span class="smcap">Eolis</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">26</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus1"><span class="smcap">The Pholas</span></a>, and Valves of its Shell,</td> <td class="page">27</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus1"><span class="smcap">The Brittle Star</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">28</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus1"><span class="smcap">Common Cross-fish</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">29</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus10"><span class="smcap">Common Sun-Star</span></a> (with 14 rays),</td> <td class="page">30</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus10"><span class="smcap">Purple-tipped Sea-Urchin</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">31</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus10"><span class="smcap">Purple-tipped Sea-Urchin</span></a>, Spine of,</td> <td class="page">32</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus10"><span class="smcap">Purple-tipped Sea-Urchin</span></a>, Suckers of,</td> <td class="page">33</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus10"><span class="smcap">The Aplysia</span></a>, or <span class="smcap">Sea-Hare</span>,</td> <td class="page">34</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus11"><span class="smcap">Teeth</span></a> of the <span class="smcap">Sea-Urchin</span> (two views),</td> <td class="page">35</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus11"><span class="smcap">The Sea-Cucumber</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">36</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus11"><span class="smcap">Serpulæ</span></a> attached to piece of rock,</td> <td class="page">37</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus11"><span class="smcap">The Solen</span></a>, or <span class="smcap">Razor Fish</span>,</td> <td class="page">38</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus12"><span class="smcap">The Blenny</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">39</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus12"><span class="smcap">The Viviparous Blenny</span></a>,</td> <td class="page">40</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus12"><span class="smcap">The Spotted Blenny</span></a>, or <span class="smcap">Gunnel-fish</span>,</td> <td class="page">41</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus12"><span class="smcap">The Montagu Sucker-fish</span></a> (three views),</td> <td class="page">42</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#Illus12"><span class="smcap">The Montagu Sucker-fish</span></a>, Sucker of (magnified),</td> <td class="page">43</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="ChapI" id="ChapI">CHAPTER I.</a></h2> - -<h3>INTRODUCTORY.</h3> - -<h4>On the Pleasures derived from the Study<br /> -of Marine Zoology.</h4> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i52">'Woe to the man—<br /></span> -<span class="i54">Who studies nature with a wanton eye,<br /></span> -<span class="i54">Admires the work, but slips the lesson by.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> - - - -<h2>I.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> every fresh branch of investigation in natural -history has a tendency to gather around it a rapidly -accumulating literature, some explanation may probably -be looked for from an author who offers a new -contribution to the public. And when, as in the -present instance, the writer's intentions are of an -humble kind, it is the more desirable that he should -state his views at the outset. Nor can the force of -this claim be supposed to be lessened, from the gratifying -fact, that the present writer has already received -a warm welcome from the public.</p> - -<p>But, before entering upon any personal explanations, -it may not be out of place, in an introductory -chapter such as the present, to bring under -review some of the objections which have been, and -still continue to be urged against this, in common -with other departments of study, which are attempted -to be made popular. No branch of natural history -has been subjected to more disparaging opposition, -partly, it must be owned, from the misplaced enthusiasm<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> -of over zealous students, than that of marine -zoology.</p> - -<p>There are two classes of readers, different in almost -all other respects, whose sympathies are united -in dislike of such works as this. The one, represented -by men distinguished for their powers of -original research, are apt to undervalue the labours -of such as are not, strictly speaking, scientific writers. -There is another class who, from the prejudice of -ignorance, look upon marine zoology as too trivial, -from the homeliness and minuteness of its details. -The wonders of astronomy, and the speculations -suggested by geological studies, nay, the laws of -organization as exhibited in the higher forms of -animal life, are clear enough to this class of readers; -but it is not easy to convince them that design can -be extracted from a mussel, or that a jelly-fish exhibits -a marvellous power of construction.</p> - -<p>Now, in my belief, the opposition of the better -educated of these two classes of readers is the more -dangerous, as it is unquestionably the more ungenerous. -If Professor Ansted, when treating of the -surprising neglect of geology, could thus express himself—'How -many people do we meet, otherwise -well educated, who look with indifference, or even -contempt on this branch of knowledge,'—how much -oftener may the student of the humble theme of -marine zoology bewail the systematic depreciation of -persons even laying claim to general scientific acquirements.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> -This may be illustrated by an observation, -made in a northern university, by a celebrated -professor of Greek to a no less celebrated professor -of natural history. The latter, intently pursuing his -researches into the anatomy of a Nudibranche lying -before him, was startled by the sudden entrance of -his brother professor, who contemptuously advised -him to give up skinning slugs, and take to more -manly pursuits.</p> - -<p>There is one light in which the study of marine -zoology may be regarded, without necessarily offending -the susceptibilities of the learned, or exciting -the sneers of the ignorant. The subject may be -pursued as an amusement—a pastime, if you will; -and it is in no higher character than that of a -holiday caterer, that the author asks the reader's -company to the sea-side. No lessons but the simplest -are attempted to be conveyed in this little volume, -and these in as quiet and homely a style as -possible.</p> - -<p>Even in the light of an amusement, the author -has something to say in behalf of his favourite study. -He believes it to be as interesting, and fully as -instructive as many infinitely more popular. For -example: The sportsman may love to hear the -whirr of the startled pheasant, as it springs from the -meadow, and seeks safety in an adjoining thicket. -I am as much pleased with the rustling of a simple -crab, that runs for shelter, at my approach, into a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> -rocky crevice, or beneath a boulder, shaggy with -corallines and sea-weed. He, too, while walking -down some rural lane, may love to see a blackbird -hastily woo the privacy of a hawthorn bush, or a -frightened hare limp across his path, and strive to -hide among the poppies in the corn-field; I am -equally gratified with the sight of a simple razor-fish -sinking into the sand, or with the flash of a silver-bodied -fish darting across a rock-pool.</p> - -<p>Nay, even the trembling lark that mounts upwards -as my shadow falls upon its nest among the clover, -is not a more pleasant object to my eye, than the -crustaceous hermit, who rushes within his borrowed -dwelling at the sound of footsteps. In fact, the -latter considerably more excites my kindly sympathies, -from its mysterious curse of helplessness. -It cannot run from danger, but can only hide itself -within its shelly burden, and trust to chance for -protection.</p> - -<p>Neither the botanist nor the florist do I envy. -The latter may love to gather the 'early flowrets of -the year,' or pluck an opening rose-bud, but, although -very beautiful, his treasures are ephemeral compared -with mine.</p> - -<p> -'Lilies that fester, smell far worse than weeds.'<br /> -</p> - -<p>But I can gather many simple ocean flowers, or -weeds that—</p> - -<p> -'Look like flowers beneath the flattering brine,'<br /> -</p> - -<p>whose prettily tinted fronds will 'grow, bloom, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> -luxuriate' for months upon my table. They do not -want careful planting, or close attention, or even—</p> - -<p> -'Like their earthly sisters, pine for drought,'<br /> -</p> - -<p>but are strong and hardy, like the pretty wild -flowers that adorn our fields and hedge-rows. In -the pages of an album, I can, if so disposed, feast -my eyes for years upon their graceful forms, whilst -their colours will remain as bright as when first -transplanted from their native haunts by the sea-shore.</p> - -<p>The entomologist delights to stroll in the forest -and the field, to hear the pleasant chirp of the -cricket in the bladed grass, to watch the honey -people bustling down in the blue bells, or even to -net the butterfly as it settles on the sweet pea-blossom, -while I am content to ramble along the -beach, and watch the ebb and flow of the restless sea—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'So fearful in its spleeny humours bent,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">So lovely in repose—'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>or search for nature's treasures among the weed-clad -rocks left bare by the receding tide.</p> - -<p>A disciple of the above mentioned branch of -natural history will dilate with rapture upon the -wondrous transformations which many of his favourite -insects undergo. But none that he can show surpasses -in grandeur and beauty the changes which are -witnessed in many members of the marine animal -kingdom. He points to the leaf, to the bloom upon -the peach, brings his microscope and bids me peer in,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> -and behold the mysteries of creation which his instrument -unfolds. 'Look,' he says, pointing to the -verdant leaf, 'at the myriads of beings that inhabit -this simple object. Every atom,' he exultingly exclaims, -'is a standing miracle, and adorned with -such qualities, as could not be impressed upon it by -a power less than infinite!' Agreed. But has not -the zoologist equal reason to be proud of his science -and its hidden marvels? Can he not exhibit equal -miracles of divine power?</p> - -<p>Take, as an example, one of the monsters of the -deep, the whale; and we shall find, according to -several learned writers, that this animal carries on -its back and in its tissues a mass of creatures so -minute, that their number equals that of the entire -population of the globe. A single frond of marine -algæ, in size</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'No bigger than an agate stone<br /></span> -<span class="i2">On the forefinger of an alderman,'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>may contain a combination of living zoophytic beings -so infinitely small, that in comparison the 'fairies' -midwife' and her 'team of little atomies' appear -monsters as gigantic, even as the whale or behemoth, -opposed to the gnat that flutters in the brightest -sunbeam.</p> - -<p>Again: in a simple drop of sea-water, no larger -than the head of a pin, the microscope will discover -a million of animals. Nay, more; there are some -delicate sea-shells(<i>foraminifera</i>) so minute that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> -point of a fine needle at one touch crushes hundreds -of them.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'Full nature swarms with life; one wondrous mass<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Of animals, or atoms organized,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Waiting the vital breath when Parent Heaven<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Shall bid his spirit flow.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Lastly, How fondly some writers dwell upon the -many touching instances of affection apparent in the -feathered tribe, and narrate how carefully and how -skilfully the little wren, for example, builds its nest, -and tenderly rears its young. I have often watched -the common fowl, and admired her maternal anxiety -to make her outspread wings embrace the whole of -her unfledged brood, and keep them warm. The cat, -too, exhibits this characteristic love of offspring in a -marked degree. She will run after a rude hand that -grasps one of her blind kittens, and, if possible, will -lift the little creature, and run away home with it in -her mouth. Now, whether we look at the singular -skill of the bird building its nest, the hen sitting -near and protecting its brood, or the cat grasping -her young in its jaws, and carrying them home in -safety, we shall find that all these charming traits -are wonderfully combined in one of the humblest -members of the finny tribe, viz., the common stickleback,—the -little creature that boys catch by thousands -with a worm and a pin,—that lives equally -content in the clear blue sea or the muddy fresh -water pool.</p> - -<p>The author now finds that he has been much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> -too prolix in these preliminary observations to leave -himself space for a lengthened explanation of his -reasons for again intruding upon the public. These -are neither original nor profound. But he cannot -help expressing an earnest hope that he may get -credit from old friends, and perhaps from some new, -for wishing to show that the book of nature is as -open as it is varied and inexhaustible; and that, -however jealously guarded are many of the great -secrets of organization, a knowledge of some of the -most familiar objects tends to inspire us alike with -wonder and with awe.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapII" id="ChapII">CHAPTER II.</a></h2> - -<h3>A Glance at the Invisible World.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p style="margin-left: 16.5%;">'There is a great deal of pleasure in prying into this world of wonders, which<br /> - Nature has laid out of sight, and seems industrious to conceal from us.... It<br /> - seems almost impossible to talk of things so remote from common life and the<br /> - ordinary notions which mankind receive from the blunt and gross organs of sense,<br /> - without appearing extravagant and ridiculous.'—<span class="smcap">Addison.</span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - - -<h2>II.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is hardly possible to write upon marine zoology -without either more or less alluding to those many -objects, invisible to the naked eye, which call for the -use of the microscope; and it seems equally difficult -for any one who has been accustomed to this instrument -to speak in sober terms of its wonderful revelations. -The lines of Cowper, as the youngest student -in microscopic anatomy will readily acknowledge, -present no exaggerated picture of ecstasy:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'I have seen a man, a worthy man,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">In happy mood conversing with a fly;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And as he through his glass, made by himself,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Beheld its wondrous eye and plumage fine,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">From leaping scarce he kept for perfect joy.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>It is proper, however, to notice that a serious -objection has been urged against the use of the -microscope by young persons, namely, the injurious -effects of its habitual use upon the eyesight.</p> - -<p>So far as my experience goes, I cannot deny that -this objection is well founded. Since I have begun -to use the instrument, I am obliged, if I wish to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -view distinctly any distant object, to distort my eyes -somewhat to the shape of ill-formed button-holes -puckered in the sewing. Some individuals, I am -aware, foolishly affect this appearance, from the notion -that it exhibits an outward and visible sign of their -inward profundity of character. In my own case -this result may have arisen from my having worked -principally at night or in the dusk. 'As to the -sight being injured by a continuous examination of -minute objects,' writes Mr. Clark, a most scientific -naturalist, 'I can truly say this idea is wholly without -foundation, if the pursuit is properly conducted; -and that, on the contrary, it is materially strengthened -by the use of properly adapted glasses, even of -high powers; and in proof I state, that twenty years -ago I used spectacles, but the continued and daily -examination of these minutiæ (<i>foraminifera</i>) has so -greatly increased the power of vision, that I now -read the smallest type without difficulty and without -aid. The great point to be attended to is not to use -a power that in the least exceeds the necessity; not -to continue the exercise of vision too long, and never -by artificial light; and to reserve the high powers -of certain lenses and the microscope for important -investigations of very moderate continuance. The -observant eye seizes at a glance the intelligence -required; whilst strained poring and long optical -exertions are delusive and unsatisfactory, and produce -those fanciful imaginations of objects which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> -have really no existence. The proper time for research -after microscopic objects is for <i>one</i> hour after -breakfast, when we are in the fittest state for -exertion.'</p> - -<p>Mr. Lewes, again, speaking to the same point, viz., -the eyes being injured by microscopic studies, says:—'On -evidence the most conclusive I deny the accusation. -My own eyes, unhappily made delicate by -over-study in imprudent youth, have been employed -for hours daily over the microscope without injury -or fatigue. By artificial light, indeed, I find it very -trying; but by daylight, which on all accounts is -the best light for the work, it does not produce more -fatigue than any other steadfast employment of the -eye. Compared with looking at pictures, for instance, -the fatigue is as nothing.'</p> - -<p>In spite of the foregoing assertions, I feel it my -duty to caution the student against excess of labour. -Let him ride his hobby cautiously, instead of seeking -to enrol his name among the martyrs of science, of -whom the noble Geoffry St. Hilaire, M. Sauvigny, -and M. Strauss Dürckheim, are noted modern examples. -Each member of this celebrated trio spent -the latter part of his existence in physical repose, -having become totally blind from intense study over -the microscope. But setting aside the evils of -excess, we must bear witness to the intense delight -which this pursuit affords when followed with -moderation.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"'Tis sweet to muse upon the skill displayed<br /></span> -<span class="i2">(Infinite skill!) in all that <i>He</i> has made:<br /></span> -<span class="i2">To trace in Nature's most minute design<br /></span> -<span class="i2">The signature and stamp of power divine.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Contrivance intricate, expressed with ease,<br /></span> -<span class="i2"><i>Where unassisted sight no beauty sees</i>."<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>As my aim is merely to give the reader a taste of -the subject, and whet his appetite for its more extensive -pursuit at other sources, I shall confine my remarks -to a few of those creatures which are readily -to be found in any well-stocked aquarium. The -number of animalculæ and microscopic zoospores of -plants, invisible to the naked eye, with which such a -receptacle is filled, even when the water is clear as -crystal, is truly marvellous. These animals mostly -belong to the class <i>Infusoria</i>, so called from their -being found to be invariably generated in any <i>infusion</i>, -or solution of vegetable or animal matter, which -has begun to decay. Now, the water in an aquarium -which has been kept for any length of time necessarily -becomes more or less charged with the effete -matter of its inhabitants, which, if allowed to accumulate, -would soon render the fluid poisonous to -every living thing within it. This result is happily -averted by the Infusoria, which feed upon the decaying -substances in solution, while they themselves become -in their turn the food of the larger animals. -Indeed, they constitute almost the sole nutriment of -many strong, muscular shell-fish, as pholas, mussel, -cockle, &c.; and doubtless help to maintain the life of -others, such as actiniæ, and even crabs, which, as is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> -well known, live and grow without any other apparent -means of sustenance. Thus the presence of -Infusoria in the tank may be considered a sign of its -healthy condition, although their increase to such an -extent as to give a milky appearance to the water, -is apt to endanger the well-being of the larger, -though delicate creatures. The peculiar phenomenon -alluded to arises from decaying matter, such as a dead -worm or limpet, which should be sought after and -removed with all possible speed. The whereabouts -of such objectionable remains will be generally indicated -by a dense cloud of Infusoria hovering over the -spot. The milkiness, however, although it may look -for the time unsightly, is ofttimes the saving of the -aquarium 'stock.' When these tiny but industrious -scavengers have completed their task of purification, -they will cease to multiply, and mostly disappear, -leaving the water clear as crystal. I believe it -is the absence or deficient supply of Infusoria that -sometimes so tantalizingly defeats the attempts of -many persons to establish an aquarium. Pure deep-sea -water, although never without them, often contains -but very few, hence great caution is necessary -not to overstock the tank filled with it, otherwise the -animals will die rapidly, although the water itself -appears beautifully transparent.</p> - -<p>Of Infusoria there are many species. They are -nearly all, at one stage or other of their existence, -extremely vivacious in their movements; so much so,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -indeed, that it becomes a matter of difficulty to observe -them closely. Some have the power of darting -about with astonishing velocity, others unceasingly -gyrate, or waltz around with the grace of a -Cellarius; while not a few content themselves by, -slug-like, dragging their slow length along. The -last are frequently startled from their propriety and -aplomb by the rapid evolutions of their terpshicorean -neighbours. Some, again, grasping hold of an object -by one of their long filaments, revolve rapidly round it, -whilst others spring, leap, and perform sundry feats -of acrobatism that are unmatched in dexterity by any -of the larger animals.</p> - -<p>I may here observe that the motions and general -structure of many of the microscopic forms of vegetation, -so much resemble those of some of the infusoria, -that it has long puzzled naturalists to distinguish between -them with any degree of certainty. The -chief distinction appears to lie in the nature of their -food. Those forms which are truly vegetable can -live upon purely inorganic matter, while the animals -require that which is organized. The plants also -live entirely by the absorption of fluid through the -exterior, while the animalculæ are capable of taking in -solid particles into the interior of the body. Their mode -of multiplication, and the metamorphoses they undergo, -are much alike in both classes, being, during one -stage of their existence, still and sometimes immovably -fixed to stones, sea-weed, &c., and at another<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> -freely swimming about. Notwithstanding the similarities -here stated, the appearance of certain of the -species is as various as it is curious. One of the -commonest species of the Infusoria (<i>Paramecium -caudatum</i>) is shaped somewhat like a grain of rice, -with a piece chipped out on one side, near the extremity -of its body. It swims about with its unchipped -extremity foremost, rotating as it goes. -During the milky condition of the water (before -alluded to), these creatures swarm to such a degree, -that a single drop of the fluid, when placed under -the microscope, appears filled with a dense cloud of -dancing midges. Another (<i>Kerona silurus</i>) may be -said to resemble a coffee-bean, with a host of <i>cilia</i>, -or short bristles, on the flat side. These are used -when swimming or running. But perhaps the most -singular and beautiful of all the infusorial animalcules -are the <i>Vorticellæ</i>, which resemble minute cups or -flower-bells, mounted upon slender retractile threadlike -stalks, by which they are moored to the surface -of the weeds and stones. They are called Vorticellæ -on account of the little vortices or whirlpools which -they continually create in the water, by means of a -fringe of very minute cilia placed round the brim of -their cups. These cilia are so minute as to require -a very high microscopic power to make them -visible, and even then they are not easily detected, -on account of their extremely rapid vibration, which -never relaxes while the animal is in full vigour. On<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> -the other hand, when near death, their velocity -diminishes, and ample opportunity is afforded for observing -that the movements consist of a rapid bending -inwards and outwards, over the edge of the cup. -This is best seen in a side view. The action is repeated -by each cilium in succession, with such rapidity and -regularity that, when viewed from above, the fringe -looks like the rim of a wheel in rapid revolution. -A similar appearance, produced by the same cause, -in another class of animalcula, of much more complex -structure than the Vorticellæ, has procured for -it the name of <i>Rotifera</i>, or wheel-bearers. The -result of this combined movement of the cilia is, -that a constant stream of water is drawn in towards -the centre of the cup, and thrown off over the sides, -when, having reached a short distance beyond the -edge, it circles rapidly in a small vortex, curling -downwards over the lips. These currents are rendered -evident by floating particles in the water. The -possession of these vibratile cilia is not peculiar to -this class of animals; indeed, there is good reason to -believe that there is scarcely a living creature, from -the lowest animalcule, or plant germ, up to man -himself, that is not provided with them in some part -or other. In many of these Infusoria the cilia constitute -the organs of locomotion; while in the higher -forms they serve various other purposes, but chiefly -that of directing the flow of the various internal -fluids through their proper channels. But the peculiar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -and perhaps most wonderful organ of the Vorticella, -is its stalk or mooring thread. This though -generally of such extreme tenuity as to be almost -invisible with ordinary microscopes, yet exhibits a -remarkable degree of strength and muscular activity -in its movements, which apparently are more voluntary -than those of the cilia. Its action consists of -a sudden contraction from a straight to a spiral -form with the coils closely packed together, by -which the head or bell is jerked down almost into -contact with the foot of the stalk; after a few seconds -the tension seems gradually relaxed, the coils are -slowly unwound, and the stalk straightens itself out. -This action takes place at irregular intervals, but it -is seldom that more than a minute elapses between -each contraction. It (the contraction) invariably -happens when the animal is touched or alarmed, and -is, consequently, very frequent when the water -swarms with many other swimming animalcula. -When it takes place the flower-bell generally closes -up into a little round ball, which opens out again -only when the stalk becomes fully extended. From -this we might almost infer that some animalcule, or -other morsel of food, had been seized and retained -within the cup; moreover, that the contraction of the -stalk assisted in securing or disposing of the prey. -This, however, is uncertain.</p> - -<p>The motions of the Vorticella do not seem much -affected by the stalk losing hold of its attachment;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> -but the result of such an accident taking place is -that the cilia cause the animal to swim through the -water, trailing its thread behind it, and the contraction -of the latter merely causes it to be drawn up to -the head.</p> - -<p>There are various species of Vorticellæ. That just -described is the simplest, consisting merely of a -hemispherical ciliated cup, attached to a single thread. -It is barely visible to the naked eye. But there is -a compound species which I have this year found to -be extremely abundant in my aquarium,—whose -occupants, both large and small, it excels in singularity -and beauty. In structure it is to the simple -Vorticella what a many-branched zoophyte is to -an <i>Actinia</i>. My attention was first drawn to -the presence of this creature by observing some -pebbles and fronds of green ulva thickly coated -with a fine flocculent down. On closer inspection -this growth appeared to consist of a multitude of -feathery plumes, about one-sixteenth of an inch in -height, and individually of so fine and transparent a -texture as to be scarcely discernible to the unassisted -sight. On touching one with the point of a fine -needle it would instantly shrink up into a small but -dense mass, like a ball of white cotton—scarcely so -large as a fine grain of sand. In a few seconds it -would again unfold and spread itself out to its original -size. By carefully detaching a specimen with -the point of a needle or pen-knife, and transferring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> -it, along with a drop of water upon a slip of glass, -to the stage of the microscope, a sight was presented -of great wonder and loveliness:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i30">'The more I fixed mine eye,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Mine eye the more new wonders did espye!'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Let the reader imagine a tree with slender, gracefully -curved, and tapering branches thickly studded -over with delicate flower-bells in place of leaves. -Let him suppose the bells to be shaped somewhat -between those of the fox-glove and convolvolus, and -the stem, branches, bells, and all, made of the purest -crystal. Let him further conceive every component -part of this singular structure to be tremulous -with life-like motion, and he will have as correct -an idea as words can give of the complex form of -this minute inhabitant of the deep. Moreover, while -gazing at it through the microscope, the observer is -startled by the sudden collapse of the entire structure. -The lovely tree has shrunk together into a dense ball, -in which the branching stem lies completely hidden -among the flower-bells—themselves closed up into -little spherules, so closely packed together that the -entire mass resembles a piece of herring-roe. This -contraction is so instantaneous that the mode in -which it is accomplished cannot be observed until -the tree is again extended. As the re-extension -takes place very slowly, we are enabled to observe -that each branchlet has been coiled in a spiral form, -like the thread of the simple Vorticella previously<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -described; and also that the main stem, above the -lowest branch, was coiled up in the same way, but -not so closely, and that the part below the lowest -branch had, curiously enough, remained straight. -Sometimes, in large and numerously branched specimens, -one or two of the lowest members do not -contract at the same time with the rest, but do so -immediately afterwards, as if they had been startled -by the shrinking movements of their neighbours. -Sometimes these lowest branches will contract alone, -while all the others remain fully extended,—a fact -that would almost seem to indicate that they possessed -an independent life of their own.</p> - -<p>In the accompanying engraving I have attempted -faithfully to portray one of these wonderful creatures. -Fig. 1 represents it fully extended, while Fig. 2 indicates -its collapsed form. There is another curious -circumstance which I have fortunately observed in -connection with this Vorticella, a description of which -will perhaps be interesting to the reader. I allude -to the casting off of what may be called the fruit of -the tree. When this event takes place, the buds (or -fruit) dart about with such rapidity, that it is almost -impossible to keep them in the field of view for the -briefest space of time. A represents the enchanted -fruit hanging on the tree; B shows it as it swims -about.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 454px;"><a name="Illus2" id="Illus2"> -<img style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" src="images/image3.jpg" width="454" height="488" alt="Illustration showing Fig. 1. and Fig. 2." /> -</a></div> - -<p>Although not exactly fruit, it is, no doubt, the -means by which the Vorticellæ are propagated, for it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -is known that many fixed zoophytes, and even some -plants, produce free swimming germs or spores, which -afterwards become fixed, and grow up into forms like -those which produced them. In some of the branching -zoophytes (<i>Coryne</i>, <i>Sertularia</i>, &c.), the germs are -exactly like little medusae, being small, gelatinous -cups fringed with tentacula, by means of which they -twitch themselves along with surprising agility. In -this Vorticella, however, it is more like one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> -ciliated Infusoria. The first one that I saw attached -I conceived to be a remarkably large bell, with its -mouth directed towards me, but the cilia with which -it appeared to be fringed were unusually large and -distinct. The movements of these appendages being -comparatively slow, it was most interesting to watch -them as they successively bent inwards and rose -again, like the steady swell of a tidal wave, or an -eccentric movement in some piece of machinery, -making a revolution about twice in a second, and in -the opposite direction to the hands of a clock. Suddenly -the tree contracted, when, to my surprise, I -observed the bell, which not an instant before appeared -attached, now floating freely in the water, its -ciliary movements not being in the least interrupted. -Presently, however, they became brisker, the bell -turned over on its side, and, ere the tree had again -expanded, darted out of view, not, however, before I -had remarked that it was not a bell, but a sphere -flattened on one side, and having its circular ring of -cilia on the flat side, with only a slight depression in -the middle of it. There also appeared to be a small -granular nucleus immediately above this depression, -the rest of the body being perfectly transparent. I -afterwards saw several others attached to the tree, -each seated about the centre of a branch; but none -of these were so fully developed. They were like -little transparent button mushrooms, and had all -more or less of a nucleus on the side by which they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> -were attached. On only one of these did I detect -any cilia.</p> - -<p>Mr. Gosse, in his 'Tenby,' gives a picture of an -animal exceedingly like what I have described; but -from his account of it, there seems to be some -doubt of their identity. He calls it '<i>Zoothamnium -spirale</i>,' because the insertions of the branches were -placed spirally around the main stem, like those of -a fir-tree. In my specimens the branches were set -alternately on opposite sides of the main trunk, and -the whole was curved like a drooping fern leaf or -an ostrich feather, the bells being mostly set on the -convex side.</p> - -<p>In conclusion, let me mention that it is an error -to suppose, as many persons do, that putrid water -alone contains life. Infusoria occur, as before hinted, -in the clear waters of the ocean, in the water that -we drink daily, and also in the limpid burn that -flows through our valleys, or trickles like a silver -thread down the mountain side.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i36">'Where the pool<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Stands mantled o'er with green, invisible,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Amid the floating verdure millions stray.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Each liquid too, whether it pierces, soothes,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Inflames, refreshes, or exalts the taste,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">With various forms abounds. Nor is the stream<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Of purest crystal, nor the lucid air,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Though one transparent vacancy it seems,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Void of their unseen people. These, concealed<br /></span> -<span class="i2">By the kind art of forming Heaven, escape<br /></span> -<span class="i2">The grosser eye of man.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> - -<p>Let it be remembered, too, that Infusoria, when -found in either do not themselves constitute the -impurity of fresh or salt water; they merely act as -'nature's invisible scavengers,' whose duty it is to -remove all nuisances that may spring up; and most -unceasingly do these tiny creatures labour in the performance -of their all-important mission of usefulness.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapIII" id="ChapIII">CHAPTER III.</a></h2> - -<h3>Sea Anemones.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i48">'The living flower that, rooted to the rock,<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Late from the thinner element,<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Shrunk down within its purple stem to sleep,<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Now feels the water, and again<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Awakening, blossoms out<br /></span> -<span class="i50">All its green anther-necks.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 457px;"><a name="Illus3" id="Illus3"> -<img src="images/image4.jpg" width="457" height="579" alt="ACTINIA" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">1 Sir J. G. Dalyell's celebrated ACTINIA (Drawn from Nature Jan. 1860.)<br /> -2 A. CRASSICORNIS<br /> -3 CAVE DWELLER (<i>A. troglodytes</i>)</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>III.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">No</span> marine objects have become more universally -popular of late years than Sea Anemones. Certainly -none better deserve the attention which has been, -and is daily bestowed upon them by thousands of -amateur naturalists, who cannot but be delighted -with the wondrous variety of form, and the -beauteous colouring which these zoophytes possess.</p> - -<p>A stranger could scarcely believe, on looking into -an aquarium, that the lovely object before him, seated -motionless at the base of the vessel, with tentacula -expanded in all directions, was not a simple daisy -newly plucked from the mountain side, or it may be -a blooming marigold or <i>Anemone</i> from some rich -parterre—instead of being, in reality, a living, moving, -animal-flower.</p> - -<p>One great advantage which the <i>Actiniæ</i> possess -over certain other inhabitants of the sea-shore, at -least to the eye of the naturalist, is the facility with -which specimens may be procured for observation -and study. Scarcely any rock-pool near low water<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -mark but will be found to encompass a certain number -of these curious creatures, while some rocky -excavations of moderate size will at times contain as -many as fifty. Should the tide be far advanced, -the young zoologist need not despair of success, for, -by carefully examining the under part of the -boulders totally uncovered by the sea, he will -frequently find specimens of the smooth anemone, -contracted and hanging listlessly from the surface -of the stone, like masses of green, marone, or crimson -jelly.</p> - -<p>The Actiniæ, and especially examples of the above -mentioned species, are extremely hardy and tenacious -of life, as the following interesting narrative will -prove.</p> - -<p>The late Sir John Dalyell writing in 1851, says, -'I took a specimen of <i>A. mesembryanthemum</i> (smooth -anemone) in August 1828, at North Berwick, where -the species is very abundant among the crevices of -the rocks, and in the pools remaining still replenished -after the recess of the tide. It was originally very -fine, though not of the largest size, and I computed -from comparison with those bred in my possession, -that it must have been then at least seven years old.'</p> - -<p>Through the kindness of Dr. M'Bain, R.N., the -writer has been permitted to enjoy the extreme -pleasure of inspecting the venerable zoophyte above -alluded to, which cannot now be much under thirty-eight -years of age!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the studio of the above accomplished naturalist, -'Granny' (as she has been amusingly christened) -still dwells, her wants being attended to with all -that tenderness and care which her great age -demands.</p> - -<p>Sir J. Dalyell informs us that during a period of -twenty years this creature produced no less than -344 young ones. But, strange to say, nearly -the fortieth part of this large progeny consisted of -monstrous animals, the monstrosity being rather -by redundance than defect. One, for instance, was -distinguished by two mouths of unequal dimensions -in the same disc, environed by a profusion of tentacula. -Each mouth fed independently of its fellow, -and the whole system seemed to derive benefit -from the repast of either. In three years this monster -became a fine specimen, its numerous tentacula were -disposed in four rows, whereas only three characterize -the species, and the tubercles of vivid purple, -regular and prominent, at that time amounted to -twenty-eight.</p> - -<p>From the foregoing statement we learn that this -extraordinary animal produced about 300 young -during a period of twenty years, but, 'wonder of -wonders!' I have now to publish the still more -surprising fact, that in the spring of the year -1857, after being unproductive for many years, it -unexpectedly gave birth, during a single night, to -no less than 240 living models of its illustrious self!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> - -<p>This circumstance excited the greatest surprise -and pleasure in the mind of the late Professor Fleming, -in whose possession this famous Actinia then -was.</p> - -<p>Up to this date (January 1860) there has been -no fresh instance of fertility on the part of Granny, -whose health, notwithstanding her great reproductive -labours and advanced age, appears to be all that -her warmest friends and admirers could desire. Nor -does her digestive powers exhibit any signs of weakness -or decay; on the contrary, that her appetite is -still exquisitely keen, I had ample opportunity of -judging. The half of a newly opened mussel being -laid gently upon the outer row of tentacula, these -organs were rapidly set in motion, and the devoted -mollusc engulphed in the course of a few seconds.</p> - -<p>The colour of this interesting pet is pale brown. -Its size, when fully expanded, no larger than a half-crown -piece. It is not allowed to suffer any annoyance -by being placed in companionship with the -usual occupants of an aquarium, but dwells alone in -a small tank, the water of which is changed regularly -once a week. This being the plan adopted by the -original owner of Granny, is the one still followed -by Dr. M'Bain, whose anxiety is too great to allow -him to pursue any other course, for fear of accident -thereby occurring to his protegée.</p> - -<p><a href="#Illus3">A portrait of Granny, drawn from nature</a>, will -be found on Plate 2.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>A. troglodytes</i><a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> (cave-dweller) is a very common, -but interesting object. The members of this species -are especial favourites with the writer, from their -great suitableness for the aquarium. They vary -considerably in their appearance from each other. -Some are red, violet, purple, or fawn colour; others -exhibit a mixture of these tints, while not a few are -almost entirely white. There are certain specimens -which disclose tentacula, that in colour and character -look, at a little distance, like a mass of eider-down -spread out in a circular form. A better comparison, -perhaps, presents itself in the smallest plumage of a -bird beautifully stippled, and radiating from a centre. -The centre is the mouth of the zoophyte, and is -generally a light buff or yellow colour. From each -corner, in certain specimens, there branches out a -white horn that tapers to a very delicate point, and -is oft times gracefully curled like an Ionic volute, or -rather like the tendril of a vine.</p> - -<p>In addition to the pair of horns alluded to, may -sometimes be seen a series of light-coloured rays, -occurring at regular intervals around the circumference -of the deep tinted tentacula, and thereby producing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> -to the eye of the beholder a most pleasing -effect.</p> - -<p>As a general rule, never attempt to capture an -anemone unless it be fully expanded, before commencing -operations. By this means you will be -able to form a pretty accurate estimate of its appearance -in the tanks. This condition of being seen -necessitates, of course, its being covered with water, -and, consequently, increases the difficulty of capturing -your prize, especially when the creature happens to -have taken up a position upon a combination of -stone and solid rock, or in a crevice, or in a muddy -pool, which when disturbed seems as if it would -never come clear again.</p> - -<p>It is, in consequence, advisable to search for those -situated in shallow water, the bottom of which is -covered with clean sand. When such a favourable -spot is found, take hammer and chisel and commence -operations. Several strokes may be given before any -alarm is caused to the anemone, provided it be not -actually touched. No sooner, however, does the -creature feel a palpable vibration, and suspect the -object of such disturbance, than, spurting up a stream -of water, it infolds its blossom, and shrinks to its -smallest possible compass. At same time apparently -tightens its hold of the rock, and is, indeed, often -enabled successfully to defy the utmost efforts to -dislodge it.</p> - -<p>After a little experience, the zoologist will be able<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -to guess whether he is likely to succeed in getting his -prize perfect and entire; if not, let me beg of him not -to persevere, but immediately try some other place, -and hope for better fortune.</p> - -<p>Although apparently sedentary creatures, the Actiniæ -often prove themselves to be capable of moving about -at will over any portion of their subaqueous domain. -Having selected a particular spot, they will ofttimes -remain stationary there many consecutive months. -A smooth anemone that had been domesticated for -a whole year in my aquarium thought fit to change -its station and adopt a roving life, but at last -'settled down,' much to my surprise, upon a large -mussel suspended from the surface of the glass. -Across both valves of the mytilus the 'mess.' attached -by its fleshy disc, remained seated for a considerable -length of time. It was my opinion that the mussel -would eventually be sacrificed. Such, however, was -not the case, for on the zoophyte again starting off -on a new journey, the mollusc showed no palpable -signs of having suffered from the confinement to -which it had so unceremoniously been subjected.</p> - -<p>The appearance of this anemone situated several -inches from the base of the vessel, branching out -from such an unusual resting-place, and being swayed -to and fro, as it frequently was, by the contact of a -passing fish, afforded a most pleasing sight to my -eye. Indeed, it was considered for a while one of -the 'lions' of the tank, and often became an object<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> -of admiration not only to my juvenile visitors, but -also to many 'children of larger growth.'</p> - -<p>There is a curious fact in connection with the -Actiniæ which deserves to be chronicled here. I -allude to the apparent instinct which they possess. -This power I have seen exercised at various times. -The following is a somewhat remarkable instance of -the peculiarity in question.</p> - -<p>In a small glass vase was deposited a choice <i>A. -dianthus</i>, about an inch in diameter. The water in -the vessel was at least five inches in depth. Having -several specimens of the <i>Aplysiæ</i>, I placed one in -companionship with the anemone, and was often -amused to observe the former floating head downward -upon the surface of the water. After a while -it took up a position at the base of the vase, and -remained there for nearly a week. Knowing the -natural sluggishness of the animal, its passiveness -did not cause me any anxiety. I was rather -annoyed, however, at observing that the fluid was -becoming somewhat opaque, and that the Dianthus -remained entirely closed, and intended to find out the -cause of the phenomena, but from some reason or other -failed to carry out this laudable purpose at the time. -After the lapse of a few days, on looking into the tank, -I was delighted to perceive the lace-like tentacula of -the actinia spread out on the surface of the water, -which had become more muddy-looking than before.</p> - -<p>I soon discovered that the impurity in question<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> -arose from the Aplysia (whose presence in the tank -I had forgotten) having died, and its body being -allowed to remain in the vessel in a decaying state. -The deceased animal on being removed emitted an -effluvium so intolerably bad that it seemed like the -concentrated essence of vile odours. The water, of -course, must have been of the most deadly character, -yet had this most delicate of sea-anemones existed -in it for several consecutive days.</p> - -<p>In order further to test how long my little captive -would remain alive in its uncongenial habitation, I -cruelly refused to grant any succour, but must own -to having felt extremely gratified at perceiving, in -the course of a few days, that instead of remaining -with its body elongated to such an unusual extent, -the Dianthus gradually advanced along the base, -then up the side of the vessel, and finally located -itself in a certain spot, from which it could gain easy -access to the outer atmosphere.</p> - -<p>After this second instance of intelligence (?) I -speedily transferred my pet to a more healthy -situation.</p> - -<p>Having procured a small colony of Actiniæ, you -need be under no anxiety about their diet, for they -will exist for years without any further subsistence -than is derived from the fluid in which they live. -Yet strange as the statement will appear to many -persons, the Actiniæ are generally branded with the -character of being extremely greedy and voracious.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -'Nothing,' says Professor Jones, 'can escape their -deadly touch. Every animated thing that comes in -contact with them is instantly caught, retained, and -mercilessly devoured. Neither strength nor size, nor -the resistance of the victim, can daunt the ravenous -captor. It will readily grasp an animal, which, if -endowed with similar strength, advantage, and -resolution, could certainly rend its body asunder. It -will endeavour to gorge itself with thrice the quantity -of food that its most capacious stomach is -capable of receiving. Nothing is refused, provided -it be of animal substance. All the varieties of the -smaller fishes, the fiercest of the crustacea, the most -active of the annelidans, and the soft tenants of -shells among the mollusca, all fall a prey to the -Actiniæ.'</p> - -<p>This is a sweeping statement, and, although corroborated -by Sir J. Dalyell and others, is one that -requires to be received with a certain degree of -caution. It most certainly does not apply to <i>A. -bellis</i>, <i>A. parisitica</i>, <i>A. dianthus</i>, <i>troglodytes</i>, or any -other members of this group; and to a very limited -extent only is it applicable to <i>A. coriacea</i> or <i>A. -mesembryanthemum</i>.</p> - -<p>As may readily be conceived, the writer could not -keep monster specimens, such as are often found at -the sea-shore; but surely if the statement were -correct that, <i>as a general rule</i>, the actiniæ eat living -crabs, the phenomenon would occasionally occur with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> -moderate-sized specimens, when kept in companionship -with a mixed assembly of crustaceans. Yet in -no single instance have I witnessed a small crab -sacrificed to the gluttony of a small anemone.</p> - -<p>With regard to <i>A. mesembryanthemum</i>, <i>A. bellis</i>, -and <i>A. dianthus</i>, they get so accustomed to the -presence of their crusty neighbours, as not to retract -their expanded tentacula when a hermit crab, for -instance, drags his lumbering mansion across, or a -fiddler crab steps through the delicate rays, like a -sky terrier prancing over a bed of tulips.</p> - -<p>Thus much I have felt myself called upon to say -in defence of certain species of Actiniæ; but with -regard to <i>A. crassicornis</i>, I must candidly own the -creature is greedy and voracious to an extreme -degree.</p> - -<p>Like many other writers, I have seen scores of -this species of Actiniæ that contained the remains of -crabs of large dimensions, but at one time considered -that the latter were dead specimens, which had -been drifted by the tide within reach of the Actiniæ, -and afterwards consumed. That such, indeed, was the -correct explanation in many instances I can scarcely -doubt, from the disproportionate bigness of the crabs -as compared with the anemones, but feel quite confident, -that in other instances, the crustacea were -alive when first caught by their voracious companions.</p> - -<p>To test the power of the 'crass.,' I have frequently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> -chosen a specimen well situated for observation, -and dropped a crab upon its tentacula. -Instantly the intruding animal was grasped (perhaps -merely by a claw), but in spite of its struggles to -escape, was slowly drawn into the mouth of its -captor, and eventually consumed. In one case, after -the crab had been lost to view for the space of three -minutes only, I drew it out of the Actinia, but -although not quite dead, it evidently did not seem -likely to survive for any length of time.</p> - -<p>In collecting Actiniæ great care should be taken -in detaching them from their position. If possible, -it is far the better plan not to disturb them, but to -transport them to the aquarium on the piece of rock -or other substance to which they may happen to be -affixed. This can in general be done by a smart -blow of the chisel and hammer.</p> - -<p>Should the attempt fail, an endeavour should be -made to insinuate the finger nails under the base, -and so detach each specimen uninjured. This operation -is a delicate one, requiring practice, much -patience, and no little skill. We are told by some -authors that a slight rent is of no consequence, since -the anemone is represented as having the power of -darning it up. It may be so, but for my part I am -inclined in other instances to consider the statement -more facetious than truthful. In making this -remark, I allude solely to the disc of the animal, an -injury to which I have never seen repaired. On the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> -other hand, it is well known that certain other parts -may be destroyed with impunity. If the tentacula, -for instance, be cut away, so great are the reproductive -powers of the Actiniæ, that in a comparatively -short space of time the mutilated members -will begin to bud anew.</p> - -<p>'If cut transversely through the middle, the lower -portion of the body will after a time produce more -tentacula, pretty near as they were before the operation, -while the upper portion swallows food as if -nothing had happened, permitting it indeed at first -to come out at the opposite end; just as if a man's -head being cut off would let out at the neck the bit -taken in at the mouth, but which it soon learns to -retain and digest in a proper manner.'</p> - -<p>The smooth anemone being viviparous, as already -hinted, it is no uncommon circumstance for the -naturalist to find himself unexpectedly in possession -of a large brood of infant zoophytes, which have -been ejected from the mouth of the parent.</p> - -<p>There is often an unpleasant-looking film surrounding -the body of the Actiniæ. This 'film' is -the skin of the animal, and is cast off very frequently. -It should be brushed away by aid of a -camel-hair pencil. Should any rejected food be -attached to the lips, it may be removed by the same -means. When in its native haunts this process is -performed daily and hourly by the action of the -waves. Such attention to the wants of his little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> -captives should not be grudgingly, but lovingly performed -by the student. His labour frequently meets -with ample reward, in the improved appearance -which his specimens exhibit. Instead of looking -sickly and weak, with mouth pouting, and tentacula -withdrawn, each little pet elevates its body and gracefully -spreads out its many rays, apparently for no -other purpose than to please its master's eye.</p> - -<p><i>A. mesembryanthemum</i> (in colloquial parlance -abbreviated to 'mess.'), is very common at the sea-shore. -It is easily recognised by the row of blue -torquoise-like beads, about the size of a large -pin's head, that are situated around the base of the -tentacula. This test is an unerring one, and can -easily be put in practice by the assistance of a small -piece of stick, with which to brush aside the overhanging -rays.</p> - -<p><i>A. crassicornis</i> grows to a very large size. Some -specimens would, when expanded, cover the crown of -a man's hat, while others are no larger than a -'bachelor's button.' Unless rarely marked, I do not -now introduce the 'crass.' into my tanks, from a -dislike, which I cannot conquer, to the strange peculiarity -which members of this species possess, of -turning themselves inside out, and going through a -long series of inelegant contortions. Still, to the -young zoologist, this habit will doubtless be interesting -to witness. One author has named these large -anemones 'quilled dahlias;' and the expression is so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> -felicitous, that if a stranger at the sea-side bear -it in mind, he could hardly fail to identify the 'crass.,' -were he to meet with a specimen in a rocky pool. -Not the least remarkable feature in connection with -these animal-flowers, is the extraordinary variety of -colouring which various specimens display.</p> - -<p><i>A. troglodytes</i>, is seldom found larger than a florin. -Its general size is that of a shilling. From the -description previously given, the reader will be able -to make the acquaintance of this anemone without -any trouble whatever.</p> - -<p><i>A. dianthus</i> (Plumose anemone), is one of the most -delicately beautiful of all the Actiniæ; it can, moreover, -be very readily identified in its native haunts. -Its colour is milky-white,—body, base, and tentacula, -all present the same chaste hue. Specimens, however, -are sometimes found lemon-coloured, and -occasionally of a deep orange tint. Various are the -forms which this zoophyte assumes, yet each one is -graceful and elegant.</p> - -<p>The most remarkable as well as the most common -shape, according to my experience, is that of a lady's -corset, such as may often be seen displayed in -fashionable milliners' windows. Even to the slender -waist, the interior filled with a mass of lace-work, -the rib-like streaks, and the general contour, suggestive -of the Hogarthian line of beauty, the likeness -is sustained.</p> - -<p>When entirely closed, this anemone, unlike<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -many others, is extremely flat, being scarcely more -than a quarter of an inch in thickness; indeed, so -extraordinary is the peculiarity to which I allude, -that a novice would have great difficulty in believing -that the object before him was possessed of expansive -powers at all, whereas, in point of fact, it is even -more highly gifted in this respect than any other -species of Actiniæ.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapIV" id="ChapIV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h2> - -<h3>Edible Crab, Shore-Crab, Spider-Crab, &c.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - - -<p style="margin-left: 15%;">'With a smart rattle, something fell from the bed to the floor; and disentangling<br /> - itself from the death drapery, displayed a large pound <i>Crab</i>.... Creel Katie made<br /> - a dexterous snatch at a hind claw, and, before the Crab was at all aware, deposited<br /> - him in her patch-work apron, with a "<i>Hech, sirs, what for are ye gaun to let gang</i><br /> - <i>siccan a braw partane</i>?"'—<span class="smcap">T. Hood</span></p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 429px;"><a name="Illus4" id="Illus4"> -<img src="images/image5.jpg" width="429" height="578" alt="CRABS" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">1 EDIBLE CRAB<br /> -2 EDIBLE CRAB, casting its shell, from Nature<br /> -3 SPIDER CRAB<br /> -4 COMMON SHORE-CRAB<br /> -5 MINUTE PORCELAIN-CRAB</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>IV.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> foregoing motto, extracted from a humorous tale -by 'dear Tom Hood,' which appeared in one of his -comic annuals,—or volumes of 'Laughter from <i>year</i> -to <i>year</i>,' as he delighted to call them,—may not -inaptly introduce the subject of this chapter.</p> - -<p>The term <i>partane</i> is generally applied in Scotland -to all the true crabs (<i>Brachyura</i>). An esteemed -friend, however, informs me that in some parts it is -more particularly used to denote the Edible Crab -<i>(Cancer pagurus</i>), which is sold so extensively in -the fishmongers' shops. However that may be, there -is no doubt it was a specimen of this genus that -Creel Katie so boldly captured.</p> - -<p>Now this crab, to my mind, is one of the most -interesting objects of the marine animal kingdom, -and I would strongly advise those of my readers who -may have opportunities of being at the sea-side to -procure a few youthful specimens. Its habits, according -to my experience, are quite different from -those of its relative, the Common Shore-Crab (<i>Carcinus</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> -<i>mænas</i>), or even the Velvet Swimming-Crab (<i>Portunus -puber</i>). Unlike these, it does not show any signs of a -vicious temper upon being handled, nor does it scamper -away in hot haste at the approach of a stranger. Its -nature, strange as the statement may appear to many -persons, seems timid, gentle, and fawn-like.</p> - -<p>On turning over a stone, you will perhaps perceive, -as I have often done, three or four specimens, and, -unless previously aware of the peculiarity of their -disposition, you will be surprised to see each little -fellow immediately fall upon his back, turn up the -whites of his eyes, and bring his arms or claws -together,—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'As if praying dumbly,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Over his breast:'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>making just such a silent appeal for mercy as -a pet spaniel does when expecting from his master -chastisement for some <i>faux pas</i>. One of these crabs -may be taken up and placed in the hand without -the slightest fear. It will not attempt to escape, -but will passively submit to be rolled about, and -closely examined at pleasure. Even when again -placed in its native element, minutes will sometimes -elapse before the little creature can muster up courage -to show his 'peepers,' and gradually unroll its body -and limbs from their painful contraction.</p> - -<p>Most writers on natural history entertain an opinion -totally at variance with my own in regard to -the poor <i>Cancer pagurus</i>, of whom we are speaking.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> -By some he is called a fierce, cannibalistic, and remorseless -villain, totally unfit to be received into -respectable marine society. Mr. Jones relates how -he put half a dozen specimens into a vase, and on the -following day found that, with the exception of two, -all had been killed and devoured by their companions; -and in a trial of strength which speedily ensued between -the pair of 'demons in crustaceous guise,' one -of these was eventually immolated and devoured by -his inveterate antagonist. Sir J. Dalyell mentions -several similar instances of rapacity among these animals. -Now, these anecdotes I do not doubt, but feel -inclined, from the results of my own experience, to -consider them exceptional cases.</p> - -<p>When studying the subject of exuviation, I -was in the habit of keeping half a dozen or -more specimens of the Edible Crab together as companions -in the same vase; but except when a 'friend -and brother' slipped off his shelly coat, and thus -offered a temptation too great for crustaceous nature -to withstand, I do not remember a single instance of -cannibalism. True, there certainly were occasionally -quarrelling and fighting, and serious nocturnal broils, -whereby life and limb were endangered; but then such -mishaps will frequently occur, even in the best regulated -families of the higher animals, without these -being denounced as a parcel of savages.</p> - -<p>Compared to <i>Cancer pagurus</i>, the Shore-Crab appears -in a very unamiable light. When the two are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> -kept in the same vase, they exhibit a true exemplification -of the wolf and the lamb. This, much to -my chagrin, was frequently made evident to me, -but more particularly so on one occasion, when I -was, from certain circumstances, compelled to place -a specimen of each in unhappy companionship. Here -is a brief account of how they behaved to each other: -The poor little lamb (<i>C. pagurus</i>) was kept in a -constant state of alarm by the attacks of her fellow-prisoner -(<i>C. mænas</i>) from the first moment that I -dropped her in the tank. If I gave her any food, -and did not watch hard by until it was consumed, -the whole meal would to a certainty be snatched -away. Not content with his booty, the crabbie -rascal of the shore would inflict a severe chastisement -upon his rival in my favour, and not unfrequently -attempt to wrench off an arm or a leg out -of sheer wantonness. To end such a deplorable state -of matters, I very unceremoniously took up wolf, -and lopped off one of his large claws, and also one of -his hind legs. By this means I stopped his rapid -movements to and fro, and, moreover, deprived him -somewhat of his power to grasp an object forcibly. -In spite of his mutilations, he still exhibited the -same antipathy to his companion, and, as far as possible, -made her feel the weight of his jealous ire. -Retributive justice, however, was hanging over his -crustaceous head. The period arrived when nature -compelled him to change his coat. In due time the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> -mysterious operation was performed, and he stood -forth a new creature, larger in size, handsomer in -appearance, but for a few days weak, sickly, and -defenceless. His back, legs, and every part of his -body were of the consistency of bakers' dough. The -lamb well knew her power, and though much smaller -in size than her old enemy, she plucked up spirit -and attacked him; nor did she desist until she had -seemingly made him cry peccavi, and run for his life -beneath the shelter of some friendly rock. Without -wishing to pun, I may truly say the little partane -came off with <i>eclat</i>, having my warmest approbation -for her conduct, and a <i>claw</i> in her arms as token of -her prowess. I knew that when wolf was himself -again there would be a scene. Reprisals, of course, -would follow. Therefore, rather than permit a continuance -of such encounters, I separated the crabs, -and introduced them to companions more suited to -the nature of each.</p> - -<p>The difference exhibited in the form and development -of the tail in the ten-footed Crustacea (<i>Decapoda</i>)—as -for instance, the crab, the lobster, and the -hermit-crab—is so striking that naturalists have very -appropriately divided them into three sections, distinguished -by terms expressive of these peculiarities -of structure: 1st, <i>Brachyura</i>, or short-tailed decapods, -as the Crabs; 2d, <i>Anomoura</i>, or irregular tailed, -as the Hermit-crabs; 3d, <i>Macroura</i>, or long-tailed, as -Lobster, Cray-fish, &c.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> - -<p>It is to a further consideration of a few familiar -examples of the first mentioned group that I propose -to devote the remainder of this chapter.</p> - -<p>Few subjects of study are more difficult and obscure -than such as belong to the lower forms of the -animal kingdom. However carefully we may observe -the habits of these animals, our conclusions are too -often apt to be unsound, from our proneness to judge -of their actions as we would of the actions of men. -As a consequence, an animal may be pronounced at -one moment quiet and intelligent, and at another -obstinate and dull, while perhaps, if the truth were -known, it deserves neither verdict.</p> - -<p>For my own part, the more I contemplate the -habits of many members of the marine animal kingdom, -the more am I astounded at the seeming intelligence -and purpose manifested in many of their -actions. Prior, apparently, must have been impressed -with the same idea, for he says, speaking of animals,—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i12">"Vainly the philosopher avers<br /></span> -<span class="i0">That reason guides our deeds, and instinct <i>theirs</i>.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">How can we justly different causes frame<br /></span> -<span class="i0"><i>When the effects entirely are the same?</i><br /></span> -<span class="i0">Instinct and reason, how can we divide?<br /></span> -<span class="i0">'Tis the fool's ignorance, and the pedant's pride!"<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>This train of thought has been suggested to my -mind by viewing the singular conduct of a Shore-Crab, -whom I kept domesticated for many consecutive -months. Three times during his confinement he cast<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> -his exuvium, and had become nearly double his original -size. His increased bulk made him rather unfit for my -small ocean in miniature, and gave him, as it were, a -loblolliboy appearance. Besides, he was always full of -mischief, and exhibited such pawkiness, that I often -wished he were back again to his sea-side home. -Whenever I dropped in a meal for my Blennies, he -would wait until I had retired, and then rush out, -disperse the fishes, and appropriate the booty to himself. -If at all possible, he would catch one of my -finny pets in his arms, and speedily devour it. -Several times he succeeded in so doing; and fearing -that the whole pack would speedily disappear, unless -stringent measures for their preservation were -adopted, I determined to eject the offender. After -considerable trouble, his crabship was captured, and -transferred to a capacious glass.</p> - -<p>The new lodging, though not so large as the one -to which for so long a time he had been accustomed, -was nevertheless clean, neat, and well-aired. At its -base stood a fine piece of polished granite, to serve -as a chair of state, beneath which was spread a carpet -of rich green ulva. The water was clear as crystal; -in fact, the accommodation, as a whole, was unexceptionable. -The part of host I played myself, -permitting no one to usurp my prerogative. But in -spite of this, the crab from the first was extremely -dissatisfied and unhappy with the change, and for -hours together, day after day, he would make frantic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -and ineffectual attempts to climb up the smooth -walls of his dwelling-place. Twice a day, for a -week, I dropped in his food, consisting of half a -mussel, and left it under his very eyes; nay, I often -lifted him up and placed him upon the shell which -contained his once-loved meal; still, although the -latter presented a most inviting come-and-eat kind -of appearance, not one particle would he take, but -constantly preferred to raise himself as high as possible -up the sides of the vase, until losing his balance, -he as constantly toppled over and fell upon its base.</p> - -<p>This behaviour not a little surprised me. Did it -indicate sullenness? or was it caused by disappointment? -Was he aware that escape from his prison -without aid was impossible, and consequently exhibited -the pantomime, which I have described, to express -his annoyance, and longing for the home he -had lately left?</p> - -<p>Thinking that perhaps there was not sufficient -sea-weed in the glass, I added a small bunch of <i>I. -edulis</i>. Having thus contributed, as I believed, to -the comfort of the unhappy crab, I silently bade him -<i>bon soir</i>. On my return home, I was astonished by -the servant, who responded to my summons at the -door, blurting out in a nervous manner, 'O sir! -the creature's run awa!' 'The creature—what -creature?' I inquired. 'Do ye no ken, sir?—the wee -crabbie in the tumler!'</p> - -<p>I could scarcely credit the evidence of my sight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -when I saw the 'tumler' minus its crustaceous occupant. -The first thought that occurred to me was -as to where the crab could be found. Under chairs, -sofa, and fender, behind book-case, cabinet, and -piano, in every crevice, hole, and corner, for at least -an hour did I hunt without success. Eventually -the hiding-place of the fugitive was discovered in the -following singular manner: As I sat at my desk, I -was startled by a mysterious noise which apparently -proceeded from the interior of my 'Broadwood,' -which, by-the-by, I verily believe knows something -about the early editions of 'The battle of Prague,' -The strings of this venerable instrument descend -into ill-disguised cupboards, so that at the lower -part there are two doors, or, in scientific language, -'valves.' On opening one of these, what should -I see but the poor crab, who, at my approach, -'did' a kind of scamper polka over the strings. -This performance I took the liberty of cutting short -with all possible speed. On dragging away the performer, -I found that his appearance was by no means -improved since I saw him last. Instead of being -ornamented with gracefully-bending polypes, he was -coated, body and legs, with dust and cobwebs. I -determined to try the effect of a bath, and presently -had the satisfaction of seeing him regain his usual -comely appearance. The next step was to replace -him in his old abode; and having done so, I felt -anxious to know how the creature had managed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -scale his prison walls. The <i>modus operandi</i> was -speedily made apparent; yet I feel certain that, unless -one had watched as I did, the struggles of this -little fellow, the determination and perseverance he -exhibited would be incredible.</p> - -<p>After examining his movements for an hour, I -found, by dint of standing on the points of his toes, -poised on a segment of weed, that he managed to -touch the brim of the glass. Having got thus far, -he next gradually drew himself up, and sat upon the -edge of the vessel. In this position he would rest -as seemingly content as a bird on a bush, or a schoolboy -on a gate.</p> - -<p>My curiosity satisfied, the <i>C. mænas</i> was again -placed in the vase, and every means of escape removed.</p> - -<p>Here let me mention that I still had a Fiddler-Crab -in my large tank, who had formerly lived in -companionship with the shore-crab above mentioned. -With 'the fiddler' I had no fault to find; he was -always modest and gentle, and gave no offence whatever -to my Blennies. He never attempted to embrace -them, nor to usurp their lawful place at the -table, nor even to appropriate their meals. On the -contrary, he always crept under a stone, and closely -watched the process of eating until the coast was -clear, when he would scuttle out, and feed, Lazarus-like, -upon any crumbs that might be scattered around.</p> - -<p>Although so modest and retiring, I soon discovered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> -that this little crab possessed an ambitious and roving -disposition. This made him wish to step into -the world without, and proceed on a voyage of discovery—to -start, indeed, on his own account, and be -independent of my hospitality, or the dubious bounty -of his finny companions. Taking advantage on -one occasion of a piece of sandstone that rested on -the side of the aquarium, he climbed up its slanting-side, -from thence he stepped on to the top of the -vessel, and so dropped down outside upon the room -floor. For nearly two days I missed his familiar face, -but had no conception that he had escaped, or that -he wished to escape from his crystal abode. It was -by mere accident that I discovered the fact.</p> - -<p>Entering my study, after a walk on a wet day, -umbrella in hand, I thoughtlessly placed this useful -article against a chair. A little pool of water immediately -formed upon the carpet, which I had no -sooner noticed, than I got up to remove the <i>parapluie</i> -to its proper place in the stand, but started back in -surprise, for in the little pool stood the fugitive fiddler -moistening his branchiæ.</p> - -<p>Taking up the little prodigal who had left my protection -so lately, I soon deposited him in a vase of -clear salt water. After a while, thinking it might -conduce to the happiness of both parties, I placed -him in companionship with his old friend, <i>Carcinus -mænas</i>. This, like many other philanthropic projects, -proved a complete failure. Both creatures,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> -once so harmless towards each other, seemed suddenly -inspired by the demon of mischief. Combats, more -or less severe, constantly occurring, in a few days I -separated them.</p> - -<p>The 'fiddler' I placed in the large tank, where he -rested content, and never again offered to escape—evidently -the better of his experience. Not so his -old friend, who still continued obstinate and miserable -as ever. In his case I determined to see if a -certain amount of sternness would not curb his -haughty spirit. For two days I offered him no -food, but punished him with repeated strokes on his -back, morning and evening. This treatment was -evidently unpleasant, for he scampered about with -astonishing rapidity, and ever endeavoured to shelter -himself under the granite centre-piece. When I -thought he had been sufficiently chastised, I next -endeavoured to coax him into contentment and -better conduct. My good efforts were, however, unavailing. -Every morning I placed before him a -newly-opened mussel, but on no occasion did he -touch a morsel. All day he continued struggling, -as heretofore, to climb up the side of his chamber, -trying by every means in his power to escape. -This untameable disposition manifested itself for -about a week, but at the end of that time, on looking -into the vase, I saw the crab seated on the top -of the stone, his body resting against the glass. I -then took up a piece of meat and placed it before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> -him. To my surprise he did not run away as usual. -Having waited for some minutes, and looking upon -his obstinacy as unpardonable, I tapped him with a -little stick—still he never moved. A sudden thought -flashed across my mind; I took him up in my hand, -examined him, and quickly found that he was stiff -and dead!</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>There is a little crab, <i>Porcellana longicornis</i>, or -Minute Porcelain-Crab, frequently to be met with -in certain localities.</p> - -<p>The peculiarity of this creature is the thickness -and the great disproportionate length of his arms, -as compared with the size of his pea-like body. He -possesses a singular habit which I have not observed -in any other crustaceans. He does not sit under a -stone, for instance, but always lies beneath such object -with his back upon the ground; so that when a -boulder is turned over, these crabs are always found -sitting upon it, whereas the shore-crabs, when the -light of day is suddenly let in upon them, scamper -off with all possible speed; or if any remain, it appears -as if they had been pressed to death almost, -by the weight of the stone upon their backs.</p> - -<p>The colour of <i>P. longicornis</i> is that of prepared -chocolate, shaded off to a warm red.</p> - -<p>Another crab, equally common with those already -mentioned, is to be met with when dredging, and in -most rock-pools. At Wardie, near Edinburgh, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> -have seen hundreds of all sizes hiding beneath the -rocks at low tide. Its scientific name is <i>Hyas araneus</i>, -but it is better known as one of the Spider-Crabs. -It claims close relationship with that noted crustaceous -sanitory reformer, <i>Maia squinado</i>. Although this -H. araneus is a somewhat pleasant fellow when you -get thoroughly acquainted with his eccentricities, appearances -are sadly against him at starting. Speaking -with due caution and in the gentlest manner -possible, consistent with truth, I must say that this -crab is, without exception, one of the dirtiest-looking -animals I have ever met with in my zoological -researches. At a by no means hasty glance, he appears -to be miraculously built up of mud, hair, and -grit on every part, except his claws, which are long -and sharp as those of any bird of prey.</p> - -<p>The first specimen I ever saw, seemed as if he had -been dipped in a gum pot, and then soused over -head and ears in short-cut hair and filth.</p> - -<p>The second specimen, although equally grimy, had -some redeeming points in his personal appearance, -for at intervals every part of his back and claws -were covered with small frondlets of ulva, dulse, -<i>D. sanguinea</i>, and other beautiful weeds, all of -which were in a healthy condition. After keeping -him in a vase for a week, he managed, much against -my wish, to strip himself of the greater part of these -novel excrescences.</p> - -<p>Instead of minute algæ, we read that these crabs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> -are sometimes found with oysters (<i>Ostrea edulis</i>) attached -to their backs. Mr. W. Thompson mentions -two instances where this occurs, with specimens of <i>H. -araneus</i>, to be seen in Mr. Wyndman's cabinet. -Speaking of these, he adds, 'The oyster on the large -crab is three inches in length, and five or six years' -old, and is covered with many large Balani. The -shell, a carapace of the crab, is but two inches and a -quarter in length, and hence it must, Atlas-like, have -born a world of weight upon its shoulders. The presence -of the oyster affords interesting evidence that -the Hyas lived several years after attaining its full -growth.</p> - -<p>For days after I had brought him home, my -second specimen appeared as if he were dead, and it -was only by examining his mouth through a hand -lens that I could satisfy myself as to his being -alive. When I pushed him about with an ivory -stick he never resisted, but always remained still -upon the spot where I had urged him.</p> - -<p>This species of <i>acting</i> he has given up for some -time, and at the present moment I rank H. araneus -among my list of marine pets, for he does not appear -any longer to pine for mud with which to decorate -his person, but is quite content to 'purge and live -cleanly' all the rest of his days.</p> - -<p>The ancients imagined that <i>Maia squinado</i> possessed -a great degree of wisdom, and further believed -him to be sensible to the divine charms of music.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> -It is very curious, as well as true, that this animal -has in a far higher degree than other crustaceans, a -gravity of demeanour, and a profound style of doing -everything, that always excites our irreverent laughter, -but at the same time leaves an impression that, if -justice were done, the animal ought to hold a higher -position in the marine world than a scavenger and -devourer of ocean garbage. If <i>Maia</i> and <i>C. mænas</i> -be both eating out of the same dish, in the shape of -an open mussel, the former seems ever inclined to -admonish his companion upon greediness and want -of manners. The only seeming reason why <i>M. squinado</i> -does not really give such advice, is because -of the impossibility of any individual speaking -with his mouth full. The knowledge, too, that if -he commenced a pantomimic discourse, it would give -his young friend an opportunity of gaining too large -a share of the banquet, may, perhaps, have something -to do with his preferring to remain quiet.</p> - -<p>As for <i>Maia's</i> possession of appreciative musical -qualities, I can only state that both he and his friend -<i>Hyas</i> really do convey to the beholder an impression -confirmatory of this statement. I have frequently -been amused to observe the singular phenomenon of -each animal coming to the side of the vase and rocking -his body to and fro, in apparent delight at the -exercise of my vocal abilities, just as when a pleasing -melody is being played in the concert room, we bend -backwards and forwards, and beat time to the tune.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> -These animals also adopt the same course: it must -be to unheard music (which the poets say is sweetest), -that seems ever and anon to fall on their ears, giving -them great delight.</p> - -<p>The movements here alluded to may be in no -way influenced by music; but such as they are, it -is curious that they have not been noticed as an apparent -explanation of the origin of the ancient belief -regarding the Spider-Crabs.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>A friend, on one occasion having procured for me, -among other objects, a Common Limpet, I placed -this mollusc in my aquarium, and soon had the -pleasure of watching it affix its broad foot to the -surface of the glass. After a while, on the Limpet -slightly raising its canopy, I was surprised to observe -a little Shore-Crab peer out from between the foot -and shell. On suddenly ejecting the intruder by -means of a small brush, he speedily hid himself from -view among the surrounding pebbles. A few hours -after, on again approaching the tank to view the -Patella (which was easily identified, from the fact -of an immense colony of Mussels being settled on its -back), I found to my great astonishment that the -crab had re-seated himself in his old position. I -often repeated the sweeping operation, but without -success, for the little rascal had become artful, and -was not inclined to be driven forth a second time by -a <i>coup de main</i>. I touched the Limpet frequently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> -and saw it glue itself, as usual, to the glass; but, -singular to state, the creature always left a larger space -between its foot and the circumference of the shell on -the side at which the crab was seated, than on the -opposite one, seemingly from a wish to accommodate -its crustaceous friend. This space, moreover, let me -observe, was larger than was absolutely necessary, -for, as the shell was not air-tight, I was enabled to -thrust my camel-hair pencil teazingly upon the crab, -and was much amused to watch him clutch at the -intruding object, and, at times, move about with it -in his grasp, thus proving that he was by no means -uncomfortably 'cabin'd, cribb'd, confin'd.'</p> - -<p>For a whole week the crab remained in his favorite -lodgings, and only resigned occupancy thereof -when his friend gave up the shell—and died.</p> - -<p>There is a certain species of crab, <i>Pinnotheres -pisum</i>, or common Pea-Crab, frequently found in -<i>Mytilus edulis</i>, the Oyster, and the Common Cockle. -Indeed, one gentleman states, that on his examining, -on two occasions, a large number of specimens of the -<i>Cardium edule</i>, he found that nine out of every ten -cockles contained a crab. Still, in no other instance -than the one my own experience furnishes, have I -ever heard of the Shore-Crab, or, indeed, of any other -crustacean, becoming the guest of <i>Patella</i>.</p> - -<p>The classical reader will not fail to remember -Pliny's statement (somewhat analogous to that above -narrated) of a small crab, <i>Pinnotheres veterum</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> -which is always found to inhabit the Pinna,—a large -species of mussel. This latter animal being blind, -but muscularly strong, and its juvenile companion -quick-sighted, but weak of limb, the crab, it is said, -always keeps a sharp look-out, and when any danger -approaches, he gladly creeps into the gaping shell for -protection. Some writers assert, that when the -bivalve has occasion to eat, he sends forth his faithful -henchman to procure food. If any foe approaches, -<i>Pinnotheres</i> flies for protection with his utmost speed -to the anxious bosom of his friend, who, being thus -warned of danger, closes his valves, and escapes the -threatened attack. When, on the contrary, the crab -loads himself with booty, he makes a gentle noise at -the opening of the shell, which is closed during his -absence, and on admission, this curious pair fraternize, -and feast on the fruits of the little one's foray.</p> - -<p>For those of my readers who may prefer verse to -prose, I here append a poetical version of this fable—equally -pretty, but, let me add in a whisper, equally -opposed to fact, at least in its principal details:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'In clouded depths below, the Pinna hides,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And through the silent paths obscurely glides;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">A stupid wretch, and void of thoughtful care,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">He forms no bait, nor lays no tempting snare;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">But the dull sluggard boasts a <i>crab</i> his friend,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Whose busy eyes the coming prey attend.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">One room contains them, and the partners dwell<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Beneath the convex of one sloping shell:<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Deep in the watery vast the comrades rove,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And mutual interest binds their constant love;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">That wiser friend the lucky juncture tells,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">When in the circuit of his gaping shells<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> -<span class="i2">Fish wandering enters; then the bearded guide<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Warns the dull mate, and pricks his tender side.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">He knows the hint, nor at the treatment grieves,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">But hugs the advantage, and the pain forgives:<br /></span> -<span class="i2">His closing shell the Pinna sudden joins,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And 'twixt the pressing sides his prey confines.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Thus fed by mutual aid, the friendly pair<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Divide their gains, and all their plunder share.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>There is one singular feature in the Crustacea -which it may prove interesting to dwell a little -upon. I allude to their power of living apparently -without food, or at least without any other sustenance -than is afforded by the animalculæ contained -in the water in which they dwell. One accurate -observer states that he kept a Cray-fish for a -period of two years, during which time the only -food the animal received was a few worms,—not -more than fifty altogether. This statement I have -often had ample means of verifying. Yet, on the -other hand, strange to say, the crab is always on -the hunt after tit-bits; and nothing seems to give -him greater delight than a good morning meal, in -the shape of a newly opened Mussel, Cockle, and -above all—a Pholas. Let a youthful crustacean -cast its shell, and rest assured, unless its companions -have had their appetites appeased, they will endeavour -to fall upon and devour the defenceless animal. -This, to my chagrin and annoyance, I have known -to occur repeatedly. When nothing else can be -procured, not only the Lobster Crabs, but any -Brachyurous Decapods who may be at hand, will set -to work, and industriously pick off and eat the Acorn-Barnacles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> -attached to any object within reach. -These facts show that the asceticism of the crab is -not voluntary, and that when opportunity occurs, he -is as fond of a good dinner as are animals possessed -of a higher degree of organization.</p> - -<p>It will be gratifying if other observers are able to -verify the circumstance which I shall allude to hereafter, -and which would seem to show that the -<i>exuviation</i> of crustacea is expedited by affording -specimens an unlimited supply of food.</p> - -<p>'The organs for pursuing, seizing, tearing, and -comminuting the food of the Brachyurous Decapods,' -says Professor Bell, 'are carried to a high degree of -development; ... these appendages consist of six -pairs, of which some are actual organs of mastication, -as the mandibles or the true jaws, the foot jaws or -pedipalps, generally serving to keep the food in contact -with the former, whilst it is being broken up -by them.</p> - -<p>'The buccal orifice in the Brachyura occupies the -interior face of the cephalic division of the body, and -is bounded anteriorly by a crustaceous lamina of -determinate form, which has been termed the upper -lip, and posteriorly by another, termed the lower lip. -The mandibles occupy the sides of the opening. -After these, and external to them, are the first, and -then the second pair of true jaws, followed by the -three pairs of pedipalps or foot jaws, the last of -which, when at rest, close the mouth, and include<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> -the whole of the preceding ones. In the Macroura -the pedipalps are very different in their forms, and -have the aspect of very simple feet.</p> - -<p>'The means of comminuting the food are not restricted -to the complicated machinery above referred -to, for the stomach itself contains a very remarkable -apparatus, consisting of several hard calcareous pieces, -which may be termed <i>gastric teeth</i>. They are attached -to horny or calcareous levers, fixed in the parietes of -the stomach; they are moved by a complicated -system of muscles, and are admirably adapted to -complete the thorough breaking-down of the aliment, -which had already been to a considerable extent -affected by the buccal appendages. These gastric -teeth may be readily seen and examined in the larger -species of Decapoda, as in the large eatable crab and -the lobster; and it will be readily perceived how -perfectly the different pieces are made to act upon -each other, and to grind the food interposed between -them.'</p> - -<p>Having been on a certain day at the sea-side collecting, -I was amused to observe the movements of -two ragged little urchins, who approached near to -where I stood, bottle in hand, examining some -beautiful zoophytes by aid of a pocket lens. One -of them had a short iron rod, with which he very -dexterously hooked out any unfortunate crab who -happened to have taken up its quarters in some -crevice or beneath a boulder. Having captured a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> -specimen, it was handed over to his companion, who -quickly tied it to a string which he held in his hand.</p> - -<p>I had seen many a rope of onions, but this was -the first time I had seen a rope of crabs. On inquiry, -I learned that the boys had taken two dozen -animals in about two hours. When any of the -green-bellied crabs happened to be poked out, they -were allowed to escape back again as quickly as -they pleased.</p> - -<p>With poor <i>Cancer pagurus</i> the case was different,—every -specimen, as soon as caught, being strung up, -and doomed to 'death in the pot.'</p> - -<p>The above, I need scarcely state, is not the usual -manner of fishing for crabs, the approved plan being -to take them in what are termed crab-pots, 'a sort -of wicker-trap made, by preference, of the twigs of -the golden willow (<i>salex vitellina</i>), at least in many -parts of the coast, on account, as they say, of its -great durability and toughness. These pots are -formed on the principle of a common wire mousetrap, -but with the entrance at the top; they are -baited with pieces of fish, generally of some otherwise -useless kind, and these are fixed into the pots -by means of a skewer. The pots are sunk by stones -attached to the bottom, and the situation where -they are dropped is indicated, and the means of raising -them provided, by a long line fixed to the creel, -or pot, having a piece of cork attached to the free -end of the line; these float the line, and at the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -time serve to designate the owners of the different -pots—one, perhaps, having three corks near together -towards the extremity of the line, and two distant -ones—another may have one cork fastened crosswise, -another fastened together, and so on. It is, of -course, for their mutual security that the fishermen -abstain from poaching on their neighbour's property; -and hence we find that stealing from each other's -pots is a crime almost wholly unknown amongst -them.'</p> - -<p>'The fishery for these crabs constitutes an important -trade on many parts of the coast. The -numbers which are annually taken are immense; and, -as the occupation of procuring them is principally -carried on by persons who are past the more laborious -and dangerous pursuits of general fishing, it -affords a means of subsistence to many a poor man -who, from age or infirmity, would be unable without -it to keep himself and his family from the workhouse.'<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapV" id="ChapV">CHAPTER V.</a></h2> - -<h3>Hermit-Crabs.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i85">'Finding on the shoar<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Som handsome shell, whose native lord of late<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Was dispossessed by the doom of Fate,<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Therein he enters, and he takes possession<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Of th' empty harbour, by the free concession<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Of Nature's law—who goods that owner want,<br /></span> -<span class="i50">Alwaies allots to the first occupant.'—<span class="smcap">Du Bartas.</span><br /></span> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 410px;"><a name="Illus5" id="Illus5"> -<img src="images/image6.jpg" width="410" height="574" alt="Crabs and Ship Barnacles" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -1 COMMON HERMIT-CRAB (<i>Pagurus bernhardus</i>) in shell of common Whelk<br /> -2 COMMON HERMIT-CRAB out of shell<br /> -3 SHIP BARNACLES</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>V.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Twice</span> in every twenty-four hours the waters of the -ocean ebb and flow. Twice only in each month, -however, do the spring-tides occur. For there are -few dangers that the ardent student of nature -would not encounter. Lord Bacon tells of a certain -bishop who used to bathe regularly twice every -day, and on being asked why he bathed thus often, -answered, 'Because I cannot conveniently bathe -<i>three</i> times.' The zoologist, like the 'right reverend -father' alluded to, would willingly undergo what -appears to others much hardship and trouble, not -only once or twice, but even three times daily, in -pursuit of his favourite studies, did Nature but offer -the kind convenience.</p> - -<p>On these occasions the zoologist can pursue his researches -at the shore, at a distance beyond the usual -tidal line. Numerous boulders and rock-pools, during -many days covered by the sea, being then laid bare -and exposed to his eager, searching hands and eyes, -he is frequently able to discover many rare objects, or,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> -at least, common ones revelling in almost giant-like -proportions, and wonderful profusion.</p> - -<p>The Soldier or Hermit-Crabs (to an account of -whom we intend to devote this chapter), offer a most -remarkable proof of this. Occupying the centre of a -rocky excavation, I have repeatedly found several dozen -of these comical creatures, each inhabiting the cast-off -shell of a defunct Whelk (<i>Buccinum undatum</i>), -which measured not less than five or six inches in -length. To my surprise these aldermanic crustaceans -possessed no companions of a smaller growth; while -at a few yards nearer shore, as many shells would be -found congregated together as in the more distant -pool,—the largest, however, being no bigger than a -damson, while the smallest might be compared to an -infantile pea, or cherry-stone.</p> - -<p>I cannot explain this appearance otherwise, than -by supposing that the <i>Anomoura</i> become prouder, -or, it may be, more cunning, as they grow older, and, -having arrived at their full development, they fit -themselves with their final suit; thereafter, in a -spirit of aristocratic exclusiveness, they retire to -fashionable subaqueous residences, distant as far as -possible from the homes of the <i>canaille</i>, who inhabit -the common, littoral boundaries of the shore.</p> - -<p>The peculiarity, to which I alluded, of the -<i>Anomoura</i> occupying shells that have formerly -belonged to other animals, is so strange that some -writers have not hesitated to express doubt upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -the subject. This denial of a fact, which can so -readily be proved, is one of the 'curiosities of literature.' -Swammerdam, a Dutch naturalist contemptuously -observes, 'What an idle fable that is which is -established even among those who study shell-fishes, -when they show some kind of the crab kind in their -museums, adding at the same time, that they pass -from one shell to another, devour the animals that -lived in those shells, and keep them for their own -habitations. They dignify them with the high-sounding -names, and additions, as Soldiers, Hermits, and -the like; and thus, having no experience, they commit -gross errors, and deceive themselves, as well as -others, with their idle imaginations.'</p> - -<p>That there is nothing mythical in the matter can -easily be made apparent to any person who chooses -to visit the sea-shore. At such locality he need have -no difficulty in recognising the Hermit-Crab, or -meeting with numerous specimens for examination. -Supposing such a one is at a rock-pool, and, moreover, -that he knows by sight the Buckie (periwinkle), -and Common Whelk, he will probably in such case -be aware that the animals occupying these shells are -snail-like in construction, and that their locomotion -is consequently slow and formal. If, therefore, -when peering into any pool he sees the Buckie, for -instance, apparently change its nature, and instead of</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -'Dragging its slow length along,'</p> - -<p>scamper off suddenly, or roll over and over from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -top of an eminence to the bottom, he may rest assured -that the original inhabitant has departed, and -that its place is occupied by a Lobster-Crab.</p> - -<p>The cause of his strange peculiarity I will briefly -explain.</p> - -<p>In the true Lobster the tail forms a most valuable -appendage. In the tail the principal muscular -power of the animal is seated; and by means of it, -too, the animal is enabled to spring to a considerable -distance, and also to swim through the water at -will. This important organ is well protected by a -casing consisting of a 'series of calcareous rings, -forming a hard and insensible chain armour.'</p> - -<p>In the Lobster-Crab there is no such arrangement. -'The abdominal segment of this singular -animal, instead of possessing the same crustaceous -covering as the rest of his body and claws, is quite -soft, <i>and merely enveloped in a thin skin</i>. To protect -this delicate member from the attacks of his -voracious companions, the poor Pagurus is compelled -to hunt about for some Univalve, such as a Whelk -or Trochus, and having found this, he drops his tail -within the aperture and hooks it firmly to the columella -of the shell. Why Providence has doomed the -poor Hermits to descend to such physical hypocrisy, -and clothe themselves in the left-off garments of -other animals, it is not easy to conjecture. No doubt, -besides the defence of their otherwise unprotected -bodies, he has some other object of importance in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> -view. Perhaps they may accelerate the decomposition -of the shells they inhabit, and cause them sooner -to give way to the action of the atmosphere; and as -all exuviæ may be termed nuisances and deformities, -giving to these deserted mansions an appearance -of renewed life and locomotion, removes them in -some sort from the catalogue of blemishes.'</p> - -<p>Professor Jones, when treating of this class of -animals, forcibly remarks that 'the wonderful adaptation -of all the limbs to a residence in such a dwelling, -cannot fail to strike the most curious observer. -The <i>Chelæ</i>, or large claws, differ remarkably in size, -so that when the animal retires into its concealment, -the smaller one may be entirely withdrawn, while -the larger closes and guards the orifice. The two -succeeding pairs of legs, unlike those of the Lobster, -are of great size and strength, and instead of being -terminated by pincers, end in strong-pointed levers, -whereby the animal can not only crawl, but drag after -it, its heavy habitation. Behind these locomotive -legs are two feeble pairs, barely strong enough to -enable the Soldier-Crab to shift his position in the -shell he has chosen; and the false feet attached to -the abdomen are even still more rudimentary in their -development. But the most singularly altered -portion of the skeleton is the fin of the tail, which -here becomes transformed into a kind of holding apparatus -by which the creature retains a firm grasp of -the bottom of his residence.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> - -<p>So great is the power of the animals to retain -hold of their shell, and so intense their dislike to be -forcibly ejected therefrom, that they will often allow -their bodies to be pulled asunder, and sacrifice their -life rather than submit to such indignity. This fact -I have proved on sundry occasions. But supposing -a crab to have taken a fancy to a shell, occupied by -some brother Pagurus, (a circumstance of frequent -occurrence), he quickly proceeds to dislodge the -latter. Curious to state, this process never seems -attended with any fatal result.</p> - -<p>When watching the operation, it has appeared to -me as if the crab attacked preferred to yield rather -than be subjected to continuous annoyance, and the -discomfort of keeping for so long a time buried -within the inner recesses of his dwelling.</p> - -<p>The contrast in appearance of the Hermit-Crab -when seated in his shell, and crawling about minus -such appendage, is great indeed.</p> - -<p>This the reader will readily perceive by examining -the Illustrations on <a href="#Illus5">Plate 4</a>, which are drawn from -nature, and are truthful portraitures of this singular -creature.</p> - -<p>I have already mentioned the extreme difficulty -there is in expelling a Lobster-Crab. This, be it -understood, applies only to the animal in good -health; for no sooner does he feel sick than he instantly -leaves his shell, and crawls about in a most -pitiable plight. He sometimes becomes convalescent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> -again by being placed solus in some fresh water, or -laid out in the air for a few moments. But he -ought, on no account, when in a sickly condition, -to be allowed to hide himself beneath any pieces of -rock or shadow of the Algæ.</p> - -<p>If he is out of sight, be sure not to let him -be out of mind; for, should he die in the tank, -and his body be allowed to remain for any length -of time, he will very soon afford you full proof -that such toleration on your part is anything but -pleasant.</p> - -<p>Although, as already stated, this animal cannot -be drawn out of his shell except by extreme force, -the object can easily be obtained by aid of strategy. -Having been for some time at a loss how to give -certain young visitors a sight of the Hermit-Crab -in his defenceless state, I, by accident, hit upon the -following simple plan:—</p> - -<p>With a piece of bent whalebone I lifted up a -Pagurus, shell and all, and allowed the latter to -drop upon the outer row of the tentacula of an -Actinia, which quickly stuck fast to the intruding -object. The crab at first did not seem fully alive -to his critical position. He popped out of his shell -and looked unsuspectingly around, until catching -sight of my face, he instantly retired from view -with a casket-like snap. In a minute he was out -again, and this time prepared to change his position. -For this purpose he gave several successive pulls, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> -finding all his efforts to remove his carriage unavailing, -he unhooked his tail and scrambled down among -the pebbles. My purpose was thereby gained, for -the next moment he was resting in the palm of one -of my juvenile friends, who seemed quite delighted -with his prize. Twice afterwards, being in a mischievous -mood, I gave the crab a fright in the way -just mentioned; but it was quite evident, that what -might be sport to me was death to him, for he was -both annoyed and alarmed at my procedure. Even -when guiltless of any intention of touching the -creature, if I merely showed him the cane he -immediately hobbled away at the utmost rate of -speed he could muster. On several occasions I followed -after and brought him back to the edge of the -tank, although such conduct met with his strongest -disapproval, and caused him for some time to sulk -beneath an arch-way of rock work, away from the -reach of vulgar eyes.</p> - -<p>Upon the side and near the base of my tank a fine -specimen of the Limpet was at one time attached. -From the centre of its shell a forest of sea-grass -waved gracefully, shadowing a large colony of Barnacles -thickly clustered beneath. Soon the Patella -decided upon taking its usual morning stroll in -search of food, a task of little difficulty, standing as -the animal already did upon the margin of a broad -meadow, richly coated with a verdant growth, composed -of the infant spores of the Ulva. Slowly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> -moving along, the Patella, with its riband-like band -of teeth, swept off the luscious weed in a series of -graceful curves, thus making an abundant and -healthful meal. Before proceeding far, however, he -was forced to bear the weight of a Soldier-Crab, who -had most unceremoniously climbed upon his back, -and taken up a position at the base of the <i>latissima</i> -fronds.</p> - -<p>There seemed so much nonchalance about the -Pagurus that I determined to watch his movements, -and, if possible, to see how he would manage to -descend from a position which, if the mollusc continued -his mowing operations, would soon be unenviably -high.</p> - -<p>In about an hour the Limpet had reached the -level of the water in the aquarium, and there took -up his abode for the night. Next day and the next -there was no change of situation. The crab now -began evidently to perceive the danger of the position -in which he was placed, for he constantly moved -to and fro, and peered over into what must have -seemed to him an unfathomable abyss.</p> - -<p>While I stood, the Patella made a sudden movement -of its shell—so sudden, indeed, as to startle -its companion, who quickly put out his claws to save -himself from falling. Unfortunately, in his spasmodic -gesture he allowed the tip of one of his claws -to intrude under the edge of the conical canopy, thus, -in fact, pricking the fleshy 'mantle' of the animal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -within, who instantly, of course, glued itself to the -glass with immoveable firmness. I suppose the -same thing must have frequently occurred without -my knowledge, for after a lapse of several days the -Pagurus and his bearer were still in the same spot. I -felt a growing alarm for the continued health of the -Hermit-Crab, from the fact of its being poised so -directly over the ever-expanded tentacles of a large -Anemone. To prevent any mishap, I went to lift -his crabship, with a view of transferring him to a -place of safety, when, no sooner did he perceive the -advancing forceps, than he rushed into his shell with -a sudden and audible 'click,' forgetting for the moment -that he stood on such ticklish ground. The consequence -was that, seeking to avoid Scylla, he fell into -Charybdis. In other words, he dropped plump upon -the well-gummed tenter-hooks of the Crassicornis, -which instantly closed and engulphed its prize. In -vain did I endeavour with all speed to pick out the -devoted Pagurus. The more I tried, the more firmly -did the Actinia hold him in its convulsive grasp.</p> - -<p>With extremely few exceptions, the Hermit-Crabs -are always found to be a prying, prowling, curious -class of animals, and are ever, like the husband of the -fair Lady Jane—</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -'Poking their nose (?) into this thing and that.'</p> - -<p>They will turn over each shell and pebble that comes -in their way, and examine it with profound attention, -or industriously climb up and roll down hillocks<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> -and trees in the shape of small rocks and sea-weeds, -much to their danger.</p> - -<p>I once possessed a Hermit-Crab, whose voracious -movements afforded considerable amusement to myself -and my friends. My Diogenes—or, as the -Cockney news-boys used to pronounce the now -extinct comic periodical, <i>Dodgenes</i>—on a certain occasion -had climbed up a segmentally cut frond of -Irish Moss. On reaching the topmost point, his -weight became too great for the weed to bear; so, -finding he was losing his equilibrium, in great -alarm he made a clutch at the first object that stood -near, in order to save him from falling.</p> - -<p>A mussel was moored hard by, to the side of the -vase by means of its silken byssus threads, and upon -this friendly bivalve the Pagurus leaped by aid of his -long taper legs. Unluckily the shell of the Mytilus -was open, and the crab unwittingly thrusting his toe -within the aperture, the intruding object was of -course instantly gripped by the mollusc. This accident -put him in a terrible fright. His gestures -were most excited, and no wonder. Let the reader -fancy himself hanging on to a window sill, at a height -say of twenty feet from the ground, with the sash-frame -fixed on his hand, and a huge iron foot-bath, -or some such object, attached to the lower part of -his body, and he will have a tolerably correct idea of -the painful position of our crustacean friend.</p> - -<p>After curling and uncurling his tail, and trying<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> -several times in vain to throw his tub upon the valve -of the mussel, he released hold of his encumbrance, -and allowed it to drop. Although still hanging, he -had no difficulty in rolling up his 'continuation,' and -elevating his body to the walls of his prison. Once -again upon solid ground, he laboured hard to get his -leg free. But unsuccessful in his efforts, he adopted -another course, and snapped it off in a rage.</p> - -<p>Scarcely, however, was the act of mutilation -finished, when the stupid animal apparently seemed -anxious to recover his lost toe, (which I may -mention, had in reality fallen down among the -pebbles).</p> - -<p>After scraping, then resting, and scraping again, -many successive times, he at last succeeded in diving -the points of his largest claw into the chasm formed -by the gaping mollusc. Of course, the member was -held as if by a powerful vice. Very soon his courage -deserted him, and he seemed to wait and weep -despairingly for fate to release him from the sad -predicament into which he had foolishly fallen. Alas! -he little knew the singular part that fickle fortune -had doomed him to play,—to become, if I may so -term it, a kind of Prometheus in the tank.</p> - -<p>My pack of fishes, having been on short rations -for several days, had become exceedingly ravenous, -and consequently were keeping a sharp look-out -for scraps. Hence their intense delight on catching -sight of the devoted 'Dodgenes' can readily<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> -be imagined. Such a delicious <i>morceau</i> was perfectly -irresistible:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i14">'Mercy, mercy!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">No pity, no release, no respite, oh!'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>At it they went, 'tooth and nail,' First one and -then another tore away a mouthful, until in the -twinkling of an eye, almost, the martyr crab was left -forlorn and dead—</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -'A remnant of his former self.'</p> - -<p>During the early portion of last year I had a Hermit-Crab -inhabiting a pretty Purpura, whose shell I -wished to sketch as an illustration, it being of -peculiar form and colour. On going to the tank I -discovered that Pagurus had most apropos vacated -his turbinated cot, apparently in consequence of his -feeling rather squeamish. Thinking he might perhaps -presently recover, or pick up another dwelling, -I hesitated not to abstract the shell, in order to -make the required drawing. I had not been occupied -with my task for more than five minutes, when -my attention was attracted by a great excitement -and clatter pervading the tank. A hasty glance -within the vessel sufficed to explain the cause of the -hubbub.</p> - -<p>The brief domestic drama of which I was a -spectator, with its somewhat singular denouement, -I will now proceed to unfold for the reader's entertainment. -It conveys a good lesson in natural<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> -history, and also exhibits a striking example of life -beneath the waters.</p> - -<p>The Blennies, I may state, had become very voracious, -pugnacious, and audacious; nothing seemed -safe from their attacks. I had begun to feed them -on the <i>Cardium edule</i> and Mussel, but such diet, -after a time, only served to whet their appetite, -which certainly appeared to 'grow by what it fed -on,' for they darted about through the water in -all directions, searching, as I suppose, for other -dainties. These efforts were unsuccessful, until -they caught sight of the plump, undefended -portion of the body of their companion, the -Hermit-Crab, who had just left his shell, as above -stated.</p> - -<p>The sight of such a feast must have (figuratively -speaking) made their 'mouths water,' One after -another these rascally fish dodged round the crustaceous -victim, and gripped, and shook his 'continuation' -with extraordinary violence. In vain did the -crab try to act on the defensive; all his efforts to -retaliate were ineffectual, and in this instance it -might be truly said that 'might' overcame 'right.' -He ran to and fro in great distress, scraping the -pebbles and shells about (thus partly creating the -clatter that I had heard while sketching), in the -hope that he might find an empty univalve in -which to deposit his mutilated carcase. When -almost breathless and exhausted, he discovered a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> -worn-out Wentletrap, and strove to lift his quivering -body into the aperture, alas! without success. His -strength failed him, and he fell dead at the very -threshold of his new-found home.</p> - -<p>While watching thus far the above transaction, -the writer felt almost inclined to waver in the faith -he had long held with others, namely, that fishes and -other marine animals are insensible to pain. But the -movements of this poor Hermit-Crab were as indicative -of severe suffering as anything he ever witnessed -in bird or quadruped.</p> - -<p>Wishing to examine the remains of the crab, I -stepped aside for a few moments to procure my -forceps, but when I again reached the vase, to my -intense surprise the defunct animal was nowhere to -be seen! I could only account for so singular a -circumstance by supposing some of the larger crustaceans -had taken advantage of my absence to complete -the work of destruction, and therefore took no -further notice of the matter at the time.</p> - -<p>I had often wished that some of my finny pets -would deposit their spawn in the tank, and felt very -anxious, if such an event did take place, that I might -be near to witness it. But I was most anxious to -watch the gradual development of the ova, and, if -practicable, to become the fond owner of a host of -infant 'fishlings.'</p> - -<p>Guess the thrill of pride, then, which ran through -my veins when, on peering into my mimic rock-pool,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> -after a brief absence from home, I observed the -largest of my Blennies to be apparently in an 'interesting -condition.' I watched and petted her many -times daily, and fed her with every suitable dainty -that could be thought of. Sometimes I took her -in the palm of my hand, and with a fine camel-hair -pencil stroked her glossy back. This operation -evidently gave great delight to the little beauty; and -after a while, when my hand was laid in the water, -she gently floated off into her native element with -almost swan-like grace.</p> - -<p>The law of nature being the same with this fish -as with the Stickleback, I knew the nest, if there -was to be one at all, should be built by the male. -But as I could not detect any specimen of the -'sterner sex' among my pack, and there being -no signs of preparation for the grand event about to -take place, I felt in a manner compelled to carry -out the nidifying task in my own humble way. Of -course, I gave up all idea of 'weaving' a nest with -bits of weed, stones, and marine glue; nor was such -a style of structure a desideratum in the present -instance, wanting, as I did, to take notes, in Paul -Pry fashion, of the minutest particular that might -occur within the building. The following was the -plan I adopted. First was procured the exquisitely -formed valve of a large <i>Pecten</i>, the interior of -which was white and beautifully irridescent. This -pretty cot, I said to myself, shall serve as a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> -chamber for my <i>protégé</i>. The shell being deposited -behind a piece of rock, in such a position that its -side rested against the surface of the glass, I was -thus enabled to watch what was going on within. -Some fronds of sea-weed were trained around so as -to form a kind of drapery. The Blenny, I am quite -certain, knew perfectly well that all this care and -preparation was on her account, for nearly the whole -of each day she spent in the novel apartment extemporized -for her accommodation. After a week had -elapsed, she grew uneasy and pettish, was ever -snapping at her companions, and hunting them -about in all directions. On one occasion, however, -she seemed to be uneasy, now clashing round the -rock, then darting to the top of the tank, and down -again upon the pebbles. Scores of times these -movements were repeated, until I felt alarmed for -her safety, and annoyed at my inability to relieve -her sufferings. But aid from me being impossible, -I felt compelled, though very unwillingly, to allow -nature to take its course.</p> - -<p>On looking into the aquarium one morning, I -observed some strange object protruding from the -fish. The little creature, too, on catching sight of -me, came to the side of the tank, near to where I -stood, and by her movements asked me, as plainly -as any dumb animal could ask, to give her my -assistance. After a few minutes spent in a 'brown -study', I resolved to grant her petition, and immediately<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> -setting to work, drew from her—what? -what do you suppose, reader? In truth neither -more nor less than the body, head, and long antennæ -of the 'martyr' Hermit-Crab! whose late sudden -disappearance was now fully accounted for.</p> - -<p>There are ten British species of Lobster-Crab, but -one only, <i>P. Bernardhus</i>, to which the reader has -been introduced, is common to our shores.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapVI" id="ChapVI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h2> - -<h3>Exuviation of Crustacea.</h3> - -<h4>(THE PHENOMENA OF CRABS, ETC., CASTING THEIR SHELLS.)</h4> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p style="margin-left: 16%;">'As Samson at his marriage propounded a riddle to his companions to try their<br /> - wits thereon, so God offereth such enigmas in Nature, partly that men may make<br /> - use of their admiring as well as of their understanding; partly that philosophers<br /> - may be taught their distance betwixt themselves, who are but the lovers, and God,<br /> - who is the giver of wisdom.'—<span class="smcap">Introduction to Conchology</span>, page 384.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>VI.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Armory of the Tower of London forms, it is -generally admitted, one of the most interesting sights -of the great metropolis. No one can look without -wonder upon that goodly array of knights and noble -warriors, nor help an involuntary sigh over the degeneracy -of modern humanity. Though the figures -before us are technically and irreverently termed -'dummies,' the hardened shell with which their body -and limbs are cased we know has felt the throb of -many a true English heart, maybe, glistened beneath -the sun at Cressy and Agincourt, or perhaps on -the bloody fields of Worcester and Marston Moor. -It requires no great power of the imagination to -transport ourselves to bygone centuries, and listen -to the ring of hostile arms, the sepulchral voices of -men whose heads are inurned in casques of steel, -blended with the clash of battle-axes, the whizz of -arrows, the neighing of steeds, the rattle of -musketry, and at intervals the deep booming -cannon's roar.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> - -<p>But, asks the gasping reader, what has this parade -of mail-clad warriors and old battle-fields to do with -so prosaic a theme as the exuviation of crabs? I -must acknowledge that the question is a very natural -one, for there appears at first sight no connection -between the two subjects. The analogy will -not, I believe, appear so forced when I mention my -possession of a smaller, although hardly less singular -armory, consisting of various coats of shelly mail, -each of which, at one time or other, belonged to, -and was worn by a living creature, and proved as -effectual a protection in many fierce though bloodless -combats as any casque or helmet worn by knight. -Unlike the dummies of the Tower, my specimens are -perfect, and give a complete representation, more -truthful than any photograph, of the defunct originals, -when armed by Nature <i>cap-a-pie</i>.</p> - -<p>In plain words, I own a curious collection of the -cast-off shells of various crabs, which have from time -to time been under my protection. From the fact -that no museum in the kingdom contains a single -<i>series</i> of such objects, exhibiting the various stages -of growth in any crustaceous animal, the reader will -easily conceive the difficulty there must be in procuring -them, and consequently the interest that -attaches to the mysterious phenomenon of exuviation.</p> - -<p>Strange to say, the subject of this chapter is one -of the least known in the whole range of natural<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> -history. The facts connected with the process are -few, and far from well authenticated. This state -of things appears the more extraordinary, when we -remember the great facility with which specimens of -crustacea may be found.</p> - -<p>For years past I have paid much attention to -the elucidation of this subject, and during that period -have had to submit to numberless mishaps and -disappointments. For example, perhaps after watching -a 'pet' day after day for months, anxiously -expecting that exuviation would take place, in nine -cases out of ten,—ay, in ninety-nine out of the -hundred,—I would find that the process had been -completed when I was asleep, or that the animal -had died suddenly. In the latter case new specimens -had to be procured, and the same watching process -repeated, in most cases with the like unhappy results.</p> - -<p>I will now, however, endeavour as briefly as possible -to make the reader acquainted with what has -already been written upon exuviation, as far as I -have been able to learn, up to the present time, -interspersing the narrative with such notes as may -seem necessary by way of illustration, and then proceed, -in the words of Shakspeare, to lay down my -own 'penny of observation.'</p> - -<p>The first clear and satisfactory remarks on this -subject were made by the celebrated Reaumur, who -lived above a century ago: 'The unexampled accuracy -and truthfulness of this great naturalist is attested,'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> -says one writer, 'by the fact, that of all the observations -made by himself alone, far exceeding those of -any other writer of past or present times, and occupying -in their published form numerous large quarto -volumes, scarcely one has been contravened by subsequent -credible observers, whilst they have formed -the substance of half the numerous compilations on -insect life, acknowledged or otherwise, which have -appeared since his time.'</p> - -<p>Goldsmith, who derived his knowledge of this subject -from Reamur, tells us, in his usual free and easy -style, that crustaceous animals (as crabs and lobsters) -'regularly once a year, and about the beginning of -May, cast their old shell, and nature supplies them with -a new one. Some days before this necessary change -takes place, the animal ceases to take its usual food. -It then swells itself in an unusual manner, and by this -the shell begins to divide at its junctures between the -body and the tail. After this, by the same operation, -it disengages itself of every part one after the -other, <i>each part of the joints bursting longitudinally</i>, -till the animal is at perfect liberty. <i>This operation, -however, is so violent and painful that many die -under it</i>; those which survive are feeble, and their -naked muscles soft to the touch, being covered with -a thin membrane; but in less than two days this -membrane hardens in a surprising manner, and a -new shell as impenetrable as the former supplies the -place of that laid aside.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> - -<p>This, then, was and is to a great extent, up to the -present time, the universally adopted explanation. -Goldie, of course, could not afford time, and it may -be doubted if he possessed the requisite amount of -patience, to confirm what he wrote by actual observation. -Seeing that the statement was graphic in its -details, and evidently either wholly or in part the -result of personal observation, he very naturally gave -it full credence. But what shall we say of a noted -writer (Sir C. Bell)<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> who apparently half doubts the -truth of exuviation, for although he mentions the particular -account which Reamur gives, yet tells his -readers that '<i>naturalists have not found these cast -off shells</i>.' After such a remark as this, we need -no longer sneer at the compilations of the author of -the 'Vicar of Wakefield.'</p> - -<p>I need hardly state, that at certain seasons of the -year almost every rock-pool at the sea-shore will -exhibit to the observant eye scores of 'these cast off -shells' in a perfect state. The writer above quoted -also remarks, 'We presume the reason that the shells -of the crustacea are not found in our museums, is -because they are not thrown off at once, but that the -portions are detached in succession.' An ill-founded -presumption this, the fact being that the inelastic -integument is invariably (in all the Decapoda at -least) thrown off entire, the eyes and long antennæ<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> -sheaths, the claws with the hair attached, even the -gastric teeth, all remain with wonderful exactness.</p> - -<p>To look at the rejected shell, indeed, any person -not previously acquainted with the fact would -naturally suppose that he saw before him the living -animal, a close inspection being necessary to dispel -the illusion. As soon as the crab has emerged from -its old covering, it increases with such astounding -rapidity, that at the end of one or two days it can -grow no larger until the next moulting time.</p> - -<p>In referring to my own introduction to the subject -of exuviation, I may be allowed to notice the annoyance -a young aquarian experiences from the -rapidity with which the tank water is apt to become -opaque. As such a state involves considerable -trouble, especially when the occupants of the tank -are the subjects of continued observation, I may -mention, in passing, that the means I adopted to -correct this state of matters was either to syringe -the water frequently, or what seemed to answer still -better, to permit it to run off by a syphon into a -basin on the floor.</p> - -<p>When the opacity of the tank is occasioned by -decaying animal matter, the only remedy is to remove -the offending 'remains.' But with many of -the common inhabitants of the tank—the crustaceans, -for example—great difficulty is often experienced -in ascertaining their state of health, with a -view to sanitary investigation. As these creatures,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> -instead of boldly exhibiting themselves during the -day, generally hide under pebbles or pieces of rock, -or are buried in the sand, it is sometimes necessary -to submit the contents of the mimic rock-pool to a -process of 'putting things to rights,' as the ladies -say when about doing a kindness,—oh, horror!—to -our books and papers.</p> - -<p>It happened on a certain occasion that my -aquarium was in an unsatisfactory condition. A -nasty vapour arose from the base, and diffused itself -over nearly the entire vessel. My fishes disliking -their usual haunts, were all spread out at full length -high and dry upon a ledge of rock-work, projecting -above the surface of the water. The little -Soldier-Crab had managed to drag his body and -heavy tail piece up the brae, hoping to breathe the -fresh air in safety. His big brother was not so successful, -and despite his efforts speedily came to grief. -Finding he could not drag his carriage up the rock, he -stepped out of the lumbering vehicle. His appearance -soon became woe-begone in the extreme. In a few -minutes he expired. The buckies, too, with singular -instinct, had collected in a row along the dry ledge -of the tank.</p> - -<p>Upon counting the numbers of my little colony, I -found all right, excepting <i>C. mænas</i>; him I could not -discover, and I soon began to suspect that he was -defunct. No time, therefore, was to be lost, so a diligent -search for his remains was instantly commenced.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> -Fishes, Buckies, Hermits, &c., were speedily placed in -safety in an extemporaneous tank—nothing else -than an old pie-dish. This receptacle, when partly -filled with sea-water, admirably answered the required -purpose.</p> - -<p>The water in the large vase was gently run off, -and on approaching the base I found, as I expected, -the dismembered carcase of the crab. One leg lay -here, and another there, while the body was snugly -esconced beneath a stone, on which sat my favourite -limpet with its curiously formed shell, profusely -decorated with a plume of sea-grass and infantile <i>D. -sanguinea</i>. Here, then, I thought, was the mystery -explained. It was from this spot that the noxious -vapour must have emanated. Of course, the body of -the crab was removed; but in performing this necessary -act I tilted the stone, and so disturbed the -Limpet. Guess my surprise at observing the overturned -shell of the Patella to be quite empty, and its -former occupant lying before me a mass of putrefaction.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> -It now began to dawn upon me that I must -have libelled <i>C. mænas</i>. A few moments served to -confirm this opinion, for on lifting the stone, there -darted out <i>a</i>—I could scarcely believe it was <i>the</i> -crab, who instantly went through a circus-like performance -around the circumference of the vessel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p> - -<p>The reader will be prepared to learn that what I -had at first observed were portions of the exuvium, -which had by some means been distributed over the -tank.</p> - -<p>Many months did I wait with nervous anxiety to -see the exact process of exuviation, but, except in -the instances I am now about to chronicle, my -wishes were never gratified.</p> - -<p>I had at one time in my possession six little vases, -each containing a crab measuring about one inch -across the back (<i>carapace</i>). By constant watchfulness, -morning and evening, for several months, I -naturally entertained a confident hope of being -favoured with a sight of the moulting operation in -at least a single instance. But no; persevering -though my endeavours were, I was always disappointed. -The exuviæ were cast regularly enough, but -the crabs so managed matters, that the process was -completed either when I was asleep, or had just gone -away. I could almost have sworn that the whole -pack had entered into a league to annoy me.</p> - -<p>On one occasion I sat up all night, feeling confident, -from symptoms which a certain Cancer mænas -exhibited, that he was speedily about to exuviate. -Alas! I was mistaken. On my endeavouring to expedite -the event by lifting up the carapace of the -crab, I received a nip on my finger so severe, that I -shall never forget it.</p> - -<p>But at length in the early portion of last year<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> -(1859), I, most happily for my own peace of mind, -did actually witness the entire process of exuviation -in a tolerably large specimen of the Common Shore -Crab. The animal in question, who was domiciled -in a crystal vase, or, in common language, a glass -tumbler, rendered himself a favourite from his constant -habit of poking part of his head and his entire -claw (he had got but one), out of the water whenever -he caught sight of me. Who could resist such a -powerful, though silent appeal to 'the generous impulses -of one's nature' as this? Certainly I could -not, and therefore, once a day at least, gave Master -Cancer the half of a newly-opened mussel, a tit-bit -that was greatly relished. He would sometimes get -a grip of the valve, and allow himself and the Mytilus -to be entirely raised out of the water. Improving -upon this, he would then partly finish his meal -while seated in my hand. On the morning of the -above mentioned eventful day, I gave the crab a -portion of a Pholas, but to my surprise, the heretofore -high-class dainty remained untouched. I was in -ecstasies! for I felt morally certain that the grand -event, so long looked for, was soon to take place. -Consequently, I took out the crab, cleaned the -windows of his dwelling in order that I might the -better see what was going on within, treated him to -some fresh water, as well as a new frond of sea-weed, -and then again introduced my pet to his old apartment.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> - -<p>Before doing this I had the animal closely examined, -to see if any signs of the approaching moult -could be detected, but none were visible, except that -the glassy bags, if I may so call them, which for some -weeks had been gradually thrown out from the -stumps of the three mutilated limbs, appeared finer -in texture than usual. Indeed, so transparent had -they become, that I could distinctly see the contour -of the new limb about to be reproduced, folded up -within each capsule.</p> - -<p>A few minutes after the crab had been placed in -the tumbler, I gave a peep to see how he was getting -on. To my intense surprise, I observed that his shell -had just opened near the tail! My first feeling was -one of sorrow, thinking that in handling the specimen -I had been too rough, and had perhaps injured -it. This apprehension was soon changed to delight, -as I became by degrees aware that exuviation had -actually commenced.</p> - -<p>The operation did not extend beyond five minutes -(although the time appeared much longer to me), and -was carried on by gentle, and at first almost imperceptible -degrees. The shell, or carapace, was slowly -raised over the back, and gave one the idea of the -rear view of a lawyer's white wig when tilted over -his brow, thus exposing the natural black hair -on the occiput below; for, as the body of the animal -came forth, it was very dark in colour, while the old -case assumed a whitish hue. I need hardly say, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> -leg sheaths of the crab did <i>not</i> split open, and yet -the corresponding limbs were drawn out with the -greatest ease. Moreover, they did not appear in -view one by one, but in a cluster, as it were, and -packed close to the bent body of the crab.</p> - -<p>During the entire process the animal appeared to -use scarcely any exertion whatever, certainly not -half so much as any human being would exhibit in -throwing off the most trifling garment. In fact, the -crab seemed to swell painlessly, and gently roll or -glide out in a kind of ball. Until it had completely -escaped from its old shell, I was somewhat puzzled -to guess what shape it would eventually assume. -The eyes and antennæ, so soon as they left their old -sheaths, commenced, together with the flabellæ, to -work as usual, although as yet they were still inside -the exuvium. This circumstance was distinctly -visible by looking through the side of the half-cast -shell.</p> - -<p>It was a curious and extraordinary sight to see -the eyes gradually lose their brilliancy, and exhibit -the filmy, lack-lustre-like appearance of death, while -the act of exuviation was being accomplished. I -may add that the tumbler which held my little captive -stood upon a table near a large window, and -that the sloughing operation was watched through a -powerful hand lens.</p> - -<p>On an after and well-remembered occasion, I saw -a moderate-sized Partane standing on the top of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> -bush of <i>Chondrus Crispus</i> that grew in my aquarium. -The fronds were attached to a piece of sandstone, -placed uppermost upon a cluster of rock-work, -situated, as before mentioned, in the centre of the -vessel, and rising slightly above the level of the -water. Thinking he was planning means of escape, -I turned away for a few moments to procure a simple -instrument wherewith to carry him to a less elevated -position. On my return I saw him in the act of -backing out of his shell. It was a singular circumstance -that I should have just risen from the perusal -of a talented author, who informed me that 'the crab -hitches one of its claws into some crack or fissure, -and from this point of resistance gives more power -in emerging and withdrawing itself from between the -carapace and the tail.'</p> - -<p>Certainly no statement could more inadequately -describe what I had witnessed in both of my crabs. -Not only was the whole operation performed with -perfect ease, but I am much inclined to believe with -a degree of pleasure. For a while one of my crabs -stood in juxtaposition to the shadow of its former -self, and rubbed his antennæ and wee peeping eyes -as if awakening from a sleep. He had been lately, -there was no doubt, living in an oppressed state, and -might probably have surveyed things around him -somewhat darkly, but now all was bright and clear -again. On turning, the first object that caught his -awakened eye was his cast-off vestment, which he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> -seemed to scan as dubiously as a grown man would -an exhumed pair of boyish corduroys, and mutter -musingly, while stroking his chin, 'Well, come what -will, it can never be my <i>case</i> again.'</p> - -<p>On taking it in my hand, the Partane felt quite -soft and velvetty to the touch, and exhibited no signs -of alarm.</p> - -<p>Since then I have repeatedly had shells of crabs -cast <i>in smooth glass globes, containing nothing else -but clear salt water</i>. This fact, in my opinion, completely -subverts the statements of certain writers, -who assert that these animals require extraneous -assistance when about to exuviate.</p> - -<p>Some writers have questioned the truth of the -generally-received opinion that the new parts of -the crab are derived from the old: that, for instance, -a claw is regenerated within a claw, a limb within a -limb, eyes within the eyes, and that on exuviation -each is withdrawn from the pre-existing organ as -from a sheath. But my operations tend fully to -confirm the popular and existing belief.</p> - -<p>There is yet one curious point connected with this -subject which requires explanation, as it is not generally -understood. I allude to the apparent disproportionate -smallness of the 'glassy bag,' situated at -the stump, as compared with the size of the regenerated -limb, which is supposed to be folded up within -the bag previous to exuviation. On looking at the -newly-formed member, we can scarcely believe it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> -possible that the transparent case could by any possibility -have held it. The mystery vanishes if the -new limb or claw be examined; for, although in -shape it is perfect, even to the most minute particular, -it remains for a certain period comparatively -useless to the animal, from the fact of its being -utterly devoid of flesh.</p> - -<p>The new limb, therefore, can be considered merely -as an expanded case, which, by a wonderful law of -nature, becomes slowly filled up and completed. -Immediately after exuviation has taken place, and a -claw is introduced in the place of some mutilated -stump, if any one will pull off the new member, he -can readily confirm the truth of what I have stated, -and, moreover, be able to test into how very small -bulk the new limb may be rolled.</p> - -<p>As the reader may remember, Goldsmith states -that the crab casts its shell 'regularly once a-year, -at the beginning of May.' Professor Owen fixes the -date in the month of August. Professor Bell states, -that 'there is no doubt exuviation takes place -<i>annually</i> with great regularity, until the growth is -completed, which, in many species, is not before the -animal is many years old.' Another professor, treating -on the same subject, thus writes, 'We are told -that all this coat of mail is <i>annually</i> thrown off in -a single piece by the contained animal,—the great -proficient in Chinese puzzles may well be posed at -this greater puzzle.' In fact, all writers whose works<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> -I have had opportunity of examining repeat the -statement. Mr. Ball, who writes from personal -observation, apparently confirms beyond a doubt, -the annual moult of Crustacea. This gentleman, -we learn, kept a Cray-fish alive for two years in a -vase, and found that <i>during each year its exuvium -was shed but once</i>.</p> - -<p>It may readily be believed, with such a formidable -array of contrary evidence, that I offer my own -observations with modesty. But at the same time, I -feel justified in confidently stating that the moult of -the crab, (in its comparatively youthful state, at all -events), takes place not only once, but many times -during each year of its existence. My specimens -may, perhaps, be considered exceptions to the general -rule, but the facts I relate cannot by any possibility -admit of doubt. The cast-off shells lie before me as -I write.</p> - -<p>Here is a set of three belonging to the same -animal, exhibiting with marvellous exactness the -gradual development of a broken claw. In the -first the member appears very diminutive, in the -second it is nearly twice its size, while in the third -it has advanced to its natural form and bulk. To -my regret, I cannot state the exact period that -elapsed between each successive moult, but I am -confident that the trio were cast in the course of a -very few months.</p> - -<p>I may here take the liberty of informing the uninitiated,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> -that the appearance of the above objects is -extremely pleasing; for, as the exuvium becomes -dry, its colour changes to a bright scarlet, somewhat -resembling that which the crab assumes when placed -for a time in boiling water.</p> - -<p>The next series of specimens, five in number, -possess even still greater interest than the first examples. -They were produced by a youthful <i>C. -mænas</i>, at the following consecutive intervals:—</p> - -<p>The first moult took place on 11th April 1858; -the second on the 22d of May following; the third -on July the 3d; the fourth on the 30th of August; -and the fifth on the 26th of September in the same -year. So that between the first and second period -of exuviation there was an interval of forty-one days, -between the second and third forty-two days elapsed, -between the third and fourth fifty-eight days, but, -singular to state, between the fourth and fifth moult -<i>only twenty-seven days intervened</i>.</p> - -<p>My first impression was, that as the creature grew -older, its shell would be renewed less frequently, and -the dates of the sloughings seemed to support this -idea—until the fourth moult. It had occurred to -me that perhaps the operation might be accelerated -by the amount of diet which the crab consumed. -In order to test this, I fed the animal carefully every -day, as though he were a prize beast about to be -exhibited at some Christmas show. Nothing loath, -he ate of everything that was placed before him with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> -a gusto that would have done credit to an alderman. -The result was, that the shell was renewed -in less than half the time that elapsed between the -preceding moults.</p> - -<p>These interesting investigations, which had been -conducted thus far so satisfactorily, were suddenly -brought to a close by the death of my protégé. -This sad event occurred unexpectedly, not from overfeeding, -as some persons may suppose, but from -natural causes.</p> - -<p>Whether increase of food always produces a like -effect to that mentioned, is a point that I hope some -of my brother naturalists will be able to determine. -That the moult was accelerated by such means in -my own specimen I have not the slightest doubt, -for, on no other grounds can I explain its unusually -speedy occurrence.</p> - -<p>I may here assure my readers that the above dates -may be confidently relied upon as correct, and also -that each exuvium was produced by the same crab—one -specimen only being in the tank during the -whole period.</p> - -<p>Since the foregoing was written, I have again -been fortunate enough to have ocular demonstration -of the phenomenon of exuviation, as occurring in a -<i>Cancer Pagurus</i>, about as large as a moderate-sized -walnut.</p> - -<p>While watching this crab, it flashed across my -mind that it would be a happy circumstance if by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -any means <i>I could arrest the process then going on -before my eyes, while it was yet only half completed</i>, -in order that others might also be enabled to witness -the marvellous act of exuviation.</p> - -<p>But how to carry out this scheme was the rub. -I knew that—</p> - -<p>'If 'twere done, then 'twere well it were done quickly.'</p> - -<p>One minute passed,—two minutes flew by;—the -crab would speedily complete his labours; still was -I perplexed.</p> - -<p>To plump it into fresh water would, I knew, be -fatal to the animal, but not in such a speedy manner -as was desirable. Boiling water next suggested -itself, and doubtless would have answered the purpose -effectually, had a supply been near at hand at -the time, but such was not the case. I then thought -of <i>spirits</i>. Ah! capital idea.... Before the -third minute had passed, I might be seen to -rush frantically to the sideboard, pour <i>something</i> -into a glass, then dart back to the tank, dive -down my trembling hand, bring up the poor unfortunate -crab, and drop it into a fatal pool of -pure "Glenlivet."</p> - -<p>The animal appeared to die quickly, and was -next day transferred to a vessel filled with Mythilated -spirits. As it luckily turned out, the -whisky answered the intended purpose remarkably -well.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p> - -<p>The preparation in question is, as far as I can -discover, <i>unique</i>; at least I have neither read nor -heard of another such existing in any private or -public museum in the kingdom.<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p> - -<p>It shows at a glance the increase that instantaneously -takes place in the size of the crab -after the act of exuviation is performed, the portion -exuded being on a scale considerably larger than the -old covering, which, however, is capacious enough -to hold that half of the animal that had not effected -its deliverance at the moment when the novel arrestment -was so unceremoniously served.</p> - -<p>The fourth and fifth pair of legs are free, while -the eyes and antennæ are also drawn out of their -sheaths. (This is not very evident now, but such is -really the fact, I having distinctly seen those organs -in motion when the animal was in the living state.) -The <i>chelæ</i>, or large claws, being still undetached, -serve to bind the crab to its old integument, and -thus enable the act of exuviation, or one phase of it -at least, to be distinctly apparent.</p> - -<p>I know of no work on Natural History that speaks -of the Hermit-Crabs (<i>Anomoura</i>) casting their shells, -and on this account I have given some attention to -them. These animals being so common, I kept by -me at least a dozen specimens for the purpose of -observing some of them, if possible, in the act of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> -exuviation. The result of my labours has not been -so satisfactory as I could wish, from my not having -been able to collect any 'sets' of exuviæ. I cannot, -therefore, speak with certainty as to the frequency of -this phenomena. By this time my readers will know -that the tail of the Hermit-Crab is very tender and -fleshy, being covered merely with an extremely delicate -membraneous skin, while the carapace, claws, -and antennæ of the animal are protected by a hard -crust, similar to the Lobster, Cray-fish, &c.</p> - -<p>From this peculiar formation of the crab, I was -not at all surprised to find, on several occasions, the -upper part of its body alone cast off, and therefore -came to the very natural conclusion, that as the tail -was soft, it would grow and increase in proportion to -the other parts of the animal, without ever needing -the skin to be changed.</p> - -<p>Each morning and evening during the time my -experiments were being conducted, I examined all the -tanks attentively, to see whether an exuvium had -been cast. If visible, the object was picked out and -gummed in a box, and a date placed above it for -future reference. After having performed an operation -of this kind one afternoon in October 1858, I -saw a Hermit-Crab (who had cast his shell on the -previous day) hurriedly leave his testaceous dwelling, -then scrape away at his tail, and after a moment's -interval, leap into his old seat again. On inspection, -I found to my surprise <i>that he had actually</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> -<i>slipped off the skin of his tail</i>!<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> much in the same -fashion as we would draw off a well-fitting glove. -Here was a strange and unexpected discovery.</p> - -<p>On submitting the exuvium to the microscope, we -find that the covering of the false feet, and the cilia -attached to the same, all remained fixed in their -natural position to the tail-piece. Although in -several cases I have had no difficulty in discovering -the rejected cuticle of the tail, at other times it has -eluded my search. The cause of this I cannot explain. -It may be that the animal, adopting the habits -of the toad, swallows a portion of its exuviæ as soon -as cast. On two occasions I found the slough of the -body and claws of a crab, and waited patiently for -several days, without success, expecting to get the -tail portion. Growing impatient, it occurred to me -that it would be a curious experiment to try and -draw off the exuvium with my fingers. This was -easy to talk about, but difficult to perform.</p> - -<p>In the first place, the crab would not, if he could -help it, allow himself to be handled even in the most -gentle manner. To overcome this difficulty the -shell had to be broken. This was done; but, alas! -the shock nearly killed the poor little Hermit. After -some trouble, I carefully unwound his body from -the whirls of the Top Shell, and proceeded to perform -the intended operation. Reader, have you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> -ever seen a child take a rose-bud in his hands, and -force open its half-pouting blossom, in the belief -that by so doing he was assisting nature? If so, -you must have watched the puzzled expression of -the boy's countenance when he beheld the leaves -fall one by one at his feet, and the bud itself exhibit -evident signs of approaching decay.</p> - -<p>In just such a position did I stand with regard -to the poor Hermit-Crab, for, in spite of all my -care in manipulation, the skin of the animal was so -tender and delicate that the first gentle pinch caused -a puncture which proved fatal; and as to drawing -off the covering, the thing I now believe to be -impossible, even under the most favourable circumstances.</p> - -<p>The upper portion of the Soldier-Crab, I may -mention, is cast off in one piece, while the animal is -seated in its turbinated dwelling. The act is performed -with the most perfect ease. Unlike the -<i>Brachyura</i>, the <i>Anomoura</i> do not exhibit signs of -such rapid growth immediately after exuviation, but -increase in size very gradually indeed.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapVII" id="ChapVII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h2> - -<h3>Prawns and Shrimps.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i62">'Men holden ye therefore prophanes<br /></span> -<span class="i64">Ye eaten neither shrimps nor pranes,'<br /></span> -</div></div> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p> - - - -<h2>VII.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Although</span> abundant at many parts of the Scottish -coast, at Cockburnspath (situated near the mouth of -the Frith of Forth) only, has the writer met with the -very beautiful prawn, <i>Palæmon Squilla</i>. At this -locality specimens were very frequent in rock-pools -situated near the shore, nor were such difficult to -capture. The small net being placed cautiously over -their head, the animals did not show signs of resistance, -until they found themselves, by a sudden jerk -of the hand, drawn bodily out of the water. Then, -indeed, unless some degree of skill was used, the -captives would give a powerful spring, and escape, -from the confinement of the net, to the more congenial -element from which they had been so unceremoniously -ejected.</p> - -<p>Prawns (<i>Palæmonidæ</i>) exuviate very frequently, -in some instances as often as once or twice a month. -No sooner is one coat thrown off and the Palæmon -recovered from the weakness which the process -occasions, than it commences, at first at intervals, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> -then almost incessantly day and night, preparations -for a renewal of the wonderful operation.</p> - -<p>Every part of the body—eyes, antennæ, and -especially the sub-abdominal fins, to certain portions -of which the ova are attached in groups, and the -lobes of the tail—are submitted to a severe rubbing -and brushing process. The appearance of the prawn -at this period is really most interesting, and, I may -also add, amusing. Sometimes the tail is compressed -inwards, beneath the body for a few seconds, and -then suddenly elevated and forced out with donkey-like -extravagance of gesture, the animal the while -standing upon its first pair of forcep-like feet.</p> - -<p>At the appointed time the shell opens at the -back part of the head, and the prawn becomes -gradually freed from its old covering. The marvellous -process completed, like all its crustaceous -brethren, the creature becomes to a certain extent -helpless, and if such convenience be afforded, retires -for protection beneath some shell or fragment of rock, -from whence it soon re-appears, and repeats its -gymnastic exercises, which cease, however, for a few -days, as soon as the new coat is sufficiently -hardened.</p> - -<p>The prawn is an extremely interesting occupant -of an aquarium, from the fact of its being constantly -on the move, and also on account of the pretty blue -and orange markings of its many-jointed legs, and -the singular transparent appearance of its body.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> -This latter feature is made still more notable when -the animal happens to have the ova attached, as the -latter are opaque, and of a deep brown colour -approaching to black. By the prawn the act -of exuviation seems to be considered an event of -no slight importance, and, although occurring so -frequently, is fraught with danger. Specimens -oftener die at the moulting time than at any other. -In fact, unless I am very much mistaken, they are -then subject to some peculiar disease, which is apt -to prove fatal. At all events, several of my little -captives, after having performed their gymnastic -movements (before alluded to) for several days, -turned sickly, and died. The commencement of -their illness was always denoted by a small, white, -opaque dot that mysteriously appeared in the centre -of the body. This object speedily increased in size, -until it eventually spread over the entire animal. -Then, no longer diaphanous, the flesh of the prawn -seemed composed of a solid substance not unlike -lime or pounded chalk.</p> - -<p>The Shrimp is so common, and so well known, that -a lengthened description of it is unnecessary. I shall, -therefore, merely record an ingenious plan by which -specimens of the <i>Crangon vulgaris</i> may be procured -by visitors at the sea-side, who do not care to wade -in the water with a large net.</p> - -<p>It is one generally pursued by Scotch boys as -a mere amusement, for neither shrimps nor prawns<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> -are eaten to any great extent by the inhabitants of -Scotland generally.</p> - -<p>On arriving at a pool, a person will soon know -whether shrimps are contained therein, from the -number of sand clouds that are raised by these little -crusty fellows at any intrusion upon their privacy. -Many persons employ a hand net, and pass it rapidly -through the water, thinking thereby to startle and -entrap the animals in question. Sometimes the plan -succeeds, but more often it turns out a failure.</p> - -<p>Instead of using the net, let the young zoologist -stoop down, place the palms of his hands suddenly -upon the surface of the sand, then slowly draw them -near each other, at same time cautiously close the -fingers, and he will in all probability feel the objects -of his search wriggling to escape from his unwelcome -and unfriendly grasp.</p> - -<p>To satisfy curiosity, take one of the captured -specimens and drop it in the sand that surrounds the -cavity in which your skill as a shrimper has been -exercised, and I will venture to assert that, in an -instant, the little creature will have disappeared -as if by magic—such is the wonderful rapidity -with which the shrimp burrows itself. Even when -lying upon the surface a practised eye is required -to detect the presence of a shrimp, in consequence -of its colour being of the exact shade of the sand -in which it hides. In clear pools its body is of a -light drab colour, which becomes changed to a dark<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> -tint when the animal is located in a pool, the base of -which is of a sombre hue.</p> - -<p>The prawn, or shrimp, is somewhat of a gourmand, -and requires to be fed occasionally. The most simple -food to give either, when in an aquarium, is an open -mussel or cockle. A marine worm, such for instance -as the <i>Terrebella</i>, however (as on one occasion I -vexatiously discovered), is a dainty more highly -prized than the flesh of a bivalve, but one which -cannot often be indulged in from its comparative -rarity.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p> - - -<h2><a name="ChapVIII" id="ChapVIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h2> - -<h3>Acorn Barnacles.—Ship Barnacles.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i66">'Barnacles turn Solan Geese<br /></span> -<span class="i68">In the islands of the Orcades.'<br /></span> -</div></div> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> - - -<h2><a name="VIII" id="VIII">VIII.</a></h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">If</span> the reader has been struck at what has been said -in regard to the exuviation of crabs, &c., he will probably -be more surprised when I state that precisely -the same phenomena take place in the simple <i>Acorn -Barnacle</i>, that studs in countless numbers almost -every rock and shell situated between tide marks. -No one can visit the sea-shore, at certain localities, -without noticing the white spots which constitute -the shells of the cirripeds in question, although he -may not be acquainted with the marvellous beauty -of the animal contained within each.</p> - -<p>Its loveliness, it is true, is in no wise apparent -when parched and dry; but let the welcome waves -advance and playfully dash their spray against the -dwelling of the little crustacean, and quickly its -valves will open, displaying a delicate feathery -plume, thrust forth and hastily withdrawn again.</p> - -<p>As it is not convenient to watch the movements -of this animal in a rock-pool, let me request the -reader kindly to take a peep into my aquarium.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> -Here is a Trochus shell, for example, inhabited, as -you perceive, by a Soldier-Crab, the surface of -which is thickly covered with shelly cones, of small -dimensions. These are the Barnacles (<i>Balani</i>). The -Trochus most fortunately being near the side of the -glass, is capitally situated for our purpose. Take the -hand lens, adjust its focus, and watch carefully for -the opening of the cones. Tush! The hermit never -<i>will</i> rest contented in any position for two consecutive -minutes; but see! as he walks away the fairy -hands are being rapidly thrown out and made to -sweep the water in graceful curves, thereby suggesting -some resemblance to a bevy of school children -at Christmas time, bidding <i>adieux</i> to their friends, -while seated on the roof of an old stage coach.</p> - -<p>Carefully I lift the Pagurus bodily out of the -tank, and transfer him to a wine glass filled with -clean water. After a few minutes have elapsed, -the hands again commence their fishing operations. -Observe, now, that these organs fan the fluid in -such a manner as to catch any animalculæ that -may be near, and draw them towards the aperture -caused by the opening of the valves of the Barnacle. -A close inspection will, I am sure, prove to -your satisfaction that there is also distinctly apparent -a second and smaller cluster of feathery fingers, whose -duty it is to catch the food, brought near by the -larger and corresponding organs, and finally convey -it into the mouth of the little cirriped. There may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> -be, in the wide range of Nature's lower scale of life, -prettier sights to gladden the eye of the student than -that above described,—but if so, I must confess <i>my</i> -inability to indicate where such are to be found. -The fishing apparatus here mentioned consists of a -number of slender <i>cirri</i>, thickly coated with microscopic -filaments (cilia), and is, at certain periods, -thrown off complete and entire by the process of -exuviation, just as we have seen it occur in the -higher crustacea.</p> - -<p>Would you, my young friend, like to procure an -exuvium of the Barnacle for examination? Yes. -Then follow the directions I am now about to give, -and your wish will be speedily gratified.</p> - -<p>Presuming that your tank already contains a -number of Barnacles attached to various objects, and -that such have been in the same vessel for some -weeks; syringe the water for a few minutes, and you -will find floating about, or rising to the surface, many -specimens of the desired object. They will, in all -probability, be visible to the naked eye. To attempt -to lift one out of the water, however, by means of -your finger and thumb would be utterly useless. -Such a procedure, even were it successful, would -inevitably mar the delicate beauty of this 'inessential' -object, which, spirit like, casts no shadow upon -weed or water. The best plan is to insert a tube of -glass into the aquarium, in such a way that the -exuvium may ascend the interior. Then place<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> -your finger on the top, and draw the tube out of -the water, and you will be able to deposit the skin -of the Barnacle upon a slip of glass by merely lifting -off your finger. The specimen can then be leisurely -arranged, and spread out by aid of a hand lens and -fine pointed needles.</p> - -<p>Walking by the sea-shore one fine summer afternoon, -I met a fisher boy running along with some -curious objects spread out in the palm of his left -hand, while in his right, suspended from finger and -thumb, appeared a still more desirable prize.</p> - -<p>At first glance I detected the objects to be specimens -of the <i>Lepas anatifera</i>. They had, so the -boy stated in answer to my inquiries, been plucked -from the base of a ship newly arrived from a long -voyage. When I offered him sixpence for the 'lot,' -the embryo plougher of the deep looked up in my -face with a singularly mistrustful expression, and said, -'D'ye mean it, sir?' I gave speedy assurance of my -sincerity, and on receiving the purchase money, after -handing over the Barnacles to my custody, the young -urchin started off as fast as his legs, encased in huge -wading boots, would allow him. His alarm was -quite unnecessary, for although in a few days after -I would not have given a penny for a thousand, I -would willingly, on the above occasion, have paid -five shillings for a single specimen, rather than have -missed the opportunity of possessing such an interesting -object as the Ship Barnacle.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p> - -<p>On placing them in water one only of the creatures -showed any signs of life, and by next morning they -made the scentral organ of my face so highly indignant -that, in order to allay its irritability, I was -obliged to remove the defunct animals to the outside -of the window. There they remained for several -months, and were eventually transferred to the -privacy of a card-board box. Although twelve -months have elapsed since the last-mentioned removal -took place, these creatures even now, when -the lid of the case is lifted, give out a smell, so -'antient and fish-like,' that I believe not a few of -'the sweet perfumes of Arabia' would be needed in -order to subdue its power.</p> - -<p>One cluster contained thirty Lepades, and the -other eighteen. The average length of each Barnacle -is about three or four inches. One, however, measured -nearly ten inches. The fleshy stalk is of a -purplish-grey colour, semi-transparent, and perfectly -smooth. The shell, which consists of five pieces, is -bluish-white, while that portion from whence the -cirri protrude appears of a brilliant orange, the cirri -themselves being exquisitely tinted with violet, -shaded off to a deep purple.</p> - -<p>I may here mention that the above animal was by -our ancestors most unaccountably supposed to be the -young of the solan goose!—a bird that haunts in -vast numbers the Bass Rock and Ailsa Craig. -Indeed, a common belief in different parts of Scotland,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> -and over the west of England was, that the -shells grew upon certain trees, and in process of time -opened of themselves; whereupon a certain animated -substance contained within the shell dropped -down, and according to the place where it fell -perished or fructified. By falling into the water it -grew to be a fowl; but by falling upon land the vital -principle became extinct. The fowls which resulted -from the more fortunate contingency were called -Barnacle Geese in Scotland, and Brant, or Tree Geese -in England. This delusion appears to have arisen -from the fact of Barnacles having been found in -great abundance on trunks and even branches of -trees long submerged in the sea.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> Bishop Hall thus -alludes to the popular notion in his Satires:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'His father dead! tush, no, it was not he;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">He finds records of his great pedigree;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And tells how first his famous ancestor<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Did come in long since with the Conqueror.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Nor hath some bribed herald first assigned<br /></span> -<span class="i2">His quartered arms, and crest of gentle kind;<br /></span> -<span class="i2"><i>The Scottish Barnacle, if I might choose</i>,<br /></span> -<span class="i2"><i>That of a worme, doth waxe a winged goose</i>.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapIX" id="ChapIX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h2> - -<h3>Phyllodoce Laminosa—the Laminated Nereis</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i85">'His meaner works<br /></span> -<span class="i54">Are yet his care, and have and interest all—<br /></span> -<span class="i54">All, in the universal Father's love.'—<span class="smcap">Cowper.</span><br /></span> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 444px;"><a name="Illus6" id="Illus6"> -<img src="images/image7.jpg" width="444" height="579" alt="Barnacles attached to shell of Limpet, Animal of the Limpet, The Laminated Nereis" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -1 COMMON BARNACLES attached to shell of Limpet<br /> -2 ANIMAL OF THE LIMPET (<i>P. vulgata</i>) as seen from below<br /> -3 THE LAMINATED NEREIS (<i>Phyllodoce Laminosa</i>)</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>IX.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">To</span> oblige an English correspondent who requested -some blocks of stone containing Pholas perforations, -the writer, in company with a fellow-student, started -betimes for the sea-shore, some four miles' distance. -We made for a certain spot, where it was expected -the object of our wishes could easily be found. Our -equipment consisted merely of a hammer, a bottle, -and two chisels, enclosed in a carpet-bag, the better -to mask our mission from impertinent curiosity.</p> - -<p>On reaching the shore, it soon became painfully -apparent that no pieces of rock could be procured -of a character at all suitable for a museum. To make -matters still more irritating, a breeze arose, and with -it came a furious shower of rain, which soon completely -saturated our light costume. At such a time -it is laughable to note how faint becomes the poetry -of practical zoology—how excessively like street -puddles are the fairy-grots, as the rock-pools are -called; how unsightly the great, distorted anemones -look, too, when viewed from beneath a large boulder,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> -where you are crouched in the fond idea that you are -thus getting shelter from the rain.</p> - -<p>On this occasion, my friend and I, being soaked to -the skin, started up from our unpleasant position, and -boldly daring the rain to do its worst, proceeded to -hunt after any object of interest that might by chance -be lying stranded near.</p> - -<p>After an hour's search, two objects, among many -others of more or less interest, were captured, that -fully repaid us for our uncomfortable 'ducking.' -The first was an elegant Actinia (<i>A. Dianthus</i>), -which seemed to be exquisitely modelled in the -finest virgin wax. The second was a specimen of -the Laminated Nereis (<i>Phyllodoce Laminosa</i>), a -wonderfully beautiful <i>worm</i>!</p> - -<p>Fair reader, start not nor curl that rosy lip of -thine at the expression, 'beautiful,' being applied to -such an humble creature, for indeed the title is a just -and true one.</p> - -<p>This Annelid is generally found coiled up and -attached to the under part of stones situated near low -water mark. Its general colour is emerald green, -excepting along the centre of the back, which is -iridescent, and reflects a brilliant blue, changing into -purple and other hues, only equalled in beauty by -the enamelled corslet of the brightest beetle, or the -flashing tints that dance upon the plumage of the -humming-bird.</p> - -<p>The body of the <i>P. Laminosa</i>, like that of all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> -other <i>Dorsibranchiate Annelidans</i>, is divided into a -consecutive series of rings. Upon either side of each -ring is situated a singular appendage, which acts as -a gill or branchial organ, by the exercise of which the -blood of the animal is effectually purified, and respiration -adequately provided for.</p> - -<p>When the Nereis is in a state of repose, these gills -are laid flat over its back; but in a state of activity -they are fully spread out, and act as 'paddles,' by -aid of which the animal is enabled to glide through -its native element with a graceful serpentine motion.</p> - -<p>At the base of each paddle is situated a smaller -one, consisting of a fleshy pedicle shielding a fan-like -bunch of hairs, each of which tapers to a sharp point. -Combined, these hairs or spines form a powerful -defensive weapon, which can be extended or retracted -at will; and it also serves as an <i>oar</i>, or -propeller.</p> - -<p>As a noteworthy instance of tenacity of life in the -lower animals, it may be well to mention here that I -have on various occasions, by aid of the microscope, -watched for several minutes the bunch of spines, -above alluded to, thrust out and retracted in a single -segment cut from the body of the Nereis; and only -as the object became devoid of moisture did its beautiful -mechanism cease to play.</p> - -<p>The specimen now before me is comparatively -small, being only twelve inches in length, yet its body -contains nearly one thousand lateral appendages, constituting,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> -it must be admitted, a most extensive and -wonderful locomotive apparatus.</p> - -<p>This Annelid is not a suitable object for the -aquarium, on account of its frequent great length, and -the consequent likelihood of its getting entangled -among stones and rock-work when in search of food.</p> - -<p>If the hinder parts be cut off, as has been already -hinted, they will exhibit vitality for a considerable -period when placed in water, but we are told it is the -anterior (?) portion of the Phyllodoce which alone -possesses the power of regenerating lost segments; -these will be reproduced sometimes at the rate of three -or four in a week.</p> - -<p>'These creatures,' says a learned author, 'as -might be expected from their activity and erratic -habits, are carnivorous; and innocent and beautiful -as they look, they are furnished with weapons of destruction -of a unique and most curious description. -The mouth of the Nereis would seem at first to be a -simple opening, quite destitute of teeth; but on -further examination, this aperture is found to lead into -a capacious bag, the walls of which are provided with -sharp, horny plates, even more terrible than those -which are occasionally to be met with in the gizzards -of some of the higher animals. It is not surprising, -therefore, that by many anatomists the structure in -question has been described as a real gizzard, or by -some as the stomach itself. A little attention to the -habits of the living Annelid will, however, soon reveal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> -the true character of the organ. No sooner -does the creature wish to seize its food than this so-called -gizzard is at once turned inside out, in which -condition it protrudes from the mouth like a great -proboscis, and the teeth, which were before concealed -in the interior of the cavity, now become external, -and display as formidable an assortment of rasps, -files, knives, saws, hooks, or crooked fangs, as any one -could wish to see. Let us suppose them, when in -this condition, plunged into the body of some poor -helpless victim, while at the same moment the proboscis -is rapidly inverted and withdrawn; the prey -thus seized is at the same instant swallowed, and at -once plunged into a gulf where all struggles are unavailing, -there to be bruised, and crushed, and sucked -at leisure.'</p> - -<p>There is a curious fact in connection with these -Annelids which is too interesting to be omitted here. -I allude to the wonderful manner in which their -young are produced by a process that may be called -'sprouting.'</p> - -<p>This invariably takes place in the segment immediately -preceding the terminal one. When a new -animal is about to be formed, the reproductive segment -swells, and after a certain time the infant worm -is seen growing from the tail of its parent. When -sufficiently developed, the offspring detaches itself, -and starts life on its own account. Sometimes -before the elder born Annelid is fully formed, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> -mysterious segment produces a second offspring, and, -according to Professor Milne Edwards, as many as six -young ones may be generated in succession from the -same posterior segment, all of which will for some -time continue attached to the parent worm.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapX" id="ChapX">CHAPTER X.</a></h2> - -<h3>The Fan-Amphitrite.</h3> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>X.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> the lowest ebb of spring-tide may often be seen -protruding above the surface of the beach an object -that at a little distance might be mistaken for the -twig of a tree, or a decayed and blackened reed. -A close examination discloses it to be a smooth, -tough tube, apparently composed of dark leather or -old gutta-percha, affixed at its lower extremity to -some rock or other solid substance.</p> - -<p>The pretty Annelid occupying this dark cylinder -is the Fan-Amphitrite (<i>A. ventilabrum</i>). Unlike -the Terrebella, this animal may really be captured -without much difficulty. The first time I made the -experiment it was successful. By carefully digging -down with chisel, or digits, to the base of the tube, -which may be reached in the course of a few minutes, -the entire structure, with its living occupant, may be -transferred to your extemporaneous tank.</p> - -<p>I have an Amphitrite in my aquarium at the present -time displaying its richly-tinted tentacula to -the sun, which lights them up with unusual beauty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p> - -<p>As the 'case' of this animal is flexible, and as its -owner will only thrive in an upright position, the -reader will easily conceive that to afford the Annelid -suitable accommodation in the aquarium is not a very -easy task. What other naturalists do I cannot tell; -but the following is the plan I adopt for the creature's -comfort and my own gratification:—</p> - -<p>Having procured a small cylinder of glass (or -gutta-percha), close up one end, and drop in the -Amphitrite, taking care to first tie the lower portion -of its sheath with a piece of thread or silk. It is -very pretty to see the plume of the Annelid spreading -completely over and covering the extremity of the -tube, giving the idea in the one instance that the -animal was mysteriously gifted with the power of -exuding gutta-percha instead of its usual mucus.</p> - -<p>The Annelid may be made to recline against the -sides of the vase, or be propped up on any chosen -spot by aid of a small cairn of pebbles, and thus form -a very curious feature in the aquarium.</p> - -<p>To test a fact, relative to the power which the -Amphitrite is said to possess, in common with other -tubiculous Annelids, of renewing certain portions of -its body after sustaining injury, I snipped off the -principal portions of its branchiæ, and found that, -after the lapse of a few months, my specimen renewed -its mutilated organs.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXI" id="ChapXI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h2> - -<h3>The Common Mussel.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p style="margin-left: 18%;">'Travelling is not good for us; we travel so seldom. How much more dignified<br /> - leisure <i>hath a Mussel glued to his impassable rocky limit two inches</i><br /> - <i>square</i>! He hears the tide roll over him, backwards and forwards,<br /> - twice a day (as the Salisbury coach goes and returns in eight and forty<br /> - hours), but knows better than to take an outside place on the top on't.<br /> - <i>He is the owl of the sea, Minerva's fish</i>, the <i>fish of wisdom</i>.'<br /> - <span class="smcap">C. Lamb</span> to <span class="smcap">B. Barton</span>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 410px;"><a name="Illus7" id="Illus7"> -<img src="images/image8.jpg" width="410" height="576" alt="Mussels" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -1 COMMON MUSSEL (<i>Mytilus edulis</i>)<br /> -<br /> -a The foot<br /> -b The byssus<br /> -c c Muscles which regulate the action of the foot<br /> -<br /> -2 THE MUSSEL CLOSED<br /> -3 THE BERÖE (<i>Cydippe pileus</i>)<br /> -4 THE FAN AMPHITRITE (<i>A. ventilabrum</i>)</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XI.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> his celebrated journey to the western islands of -Scotland, Dr. Johnson tells us that when at Ulinish, -hearing of a cavern by the sea-side remarkable for -powerful reverberations of sound, he determined to -pay a visit to the spot. After dinner, having procured -the services of some boatmen, the doctor, in -company with Bozzy, started off on his trip, which, -on the whole, appears to have been a pleasant one. -There was, however, no <i>echo</i> to be heard; but to -make up for this disappointment, Mr. Boswell went -angling, and caught a wee 'cuddy,' (a fish about the -size of a gudgeon), while the doctor was gratified by -the sight of some sea-weed growing upon stones, and -above all, at witnessing for the first time <i>Mussels -in their natural state</i>.</p> - -<p>The impression made by this candid acknowledgment -upon our minds is one of wonder, that a man -like Johnson could have reached his advanced -years without having seen so common a sight. But -it is possible that even in our day, with its unprecedented<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> -facilities for cheap travelling for the -most inland inhabitants, there may be many persons -to whom the sight of a Mussel fixed to a -boulder by its self-constructed cable, would be as -great a novelty as it was to the eloquent author of -Rasselas.</p> - -<p>It is, however, one of the commonest appearances -which meet the eye of those in the habit of visiting -the sea-shore. At certain localities myriads of Mussels -may be noticed attached to the surface of the -rocks. So thickly are these sometimes covered over, -that the blade of a knife cannot be inserted at any -part without touching one or more of the esculent -bivalves that are to form the subject of this -chapter.</p> - -<p>The Mussel anchors itself by means of the -Byssus; or, as it is commonly termed, the 'beard.' -This appendage is composed of various slender -threads which are attached to any object within -reach, whether such be the shell of a neighbouring -Mussel, a small stone, or huge boulder. The members -of each colony are thereby bound together, it -may be figuratively said, by the silken cords of -friendship, and mayhap of love. The <i>Mytili</i> evidently -believe that 'there's no place like home.' Although -gifted with a power of moving about at will, -they never attempt to exercise this when living together -in a family circle, but pass through life's -stages upon the spot where they were born. Certainly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> -if there be such a sight as a truly happy and -contented family in the marine animal kingdom, -it is to be found exemplified in these bearded -molluscs.</p> - -<p>As hinted, they live shoulder to shoulder, back to -back, and otherwise mutually support each other. -They need not look about for a single meal, but -have merely to allow themselves to be fed by the -waves, which yield them a constant supply of fresh -and wholesome food. Their sole duty in this respect -is limited to the selection of objects suitable to their -palate. Their 'at homes' being so frequent, the -<i>Mytili</i> can boast of a large circle of acquaintances. -The Periwinkle, and his friend Silver Willie, often -make a morning call, take pot luck, as it is termed, -and then politely retire. <i>Mr. Carcinus Mænas</i> and -his poor and dirty relation, <i>Maia Squinado</i>, perchance -look in of an evening. <i>Solaster Papposa</i>, or -occasionally the lanky-legged <i>Uraster Rubens</i>, and -other 'stars' of the marine world, crawl in at unseasonable -hours in their usual lazy style, and are generally -rewarded by finding the doors (valves) shut -against them. This 'cut direct' does not appear to -be at all annoying; or if so, the Star-fishes are too -cunning to show it, for they quietly saunter away as -if they never had the slightest wish to put their feet -within their neighbour's dwelling.</p> - -<p>There is a 'black sheep,' as Sir Pertinax Mac -Sycophant would say, who intrudes himself into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> -Mussel society, and plays sad havoc among its members. -This crawling rascal is the wolf of all Musseldom -flocks. Young and old alike experience the -blighting effects of his villanous propensities. The -name of this obnoxious personage is <i>Purpura Lapillus</i> -(Common Whelk). What, the reader will ask in -surprise, a univalve prey upon a bivalve? Is that -possible? It is, unfortunately, too true.</p> - -<p>If we take a Mussel in our hand we shall find it -perfectly impossible to force its valves asunder, without -the aid of a strong knife or other instrument; -yet the Common Whelk, fleshy and insignificant creature -though it be, will consume the animal within, -and make the valves fly open in a brief space of -time, by means of its soft tongue. But leaving -such general remarks, let us suppose we are standing -before a boulder covered with these mussels. Numbers -of gaping shells may be at intervals perceived -still attached to the rock, but with the interior of -each valve so empty and smooth, that we could -scarce believe they had ever embraced a living occupant. -On taking up one of the valves and closely -examining it, do you observe nothing peculiar about -it now? 'No.' Take up the other then, and submit -it to a similar inspection. Well, what do you see -now? 'Nothing,' you still reply, 'unless it be a -peculiar little hole about the size of a pin's head, -which surely is of no importance.' That little hole -was of <i>vital</i> importance to the poor mollusc, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> -through that aperture the life and substance of the -Mytilus was drawn by the voracious Purpura.</p> - -<p>But the poor Mussel is exposed to the attacks of -other enemies—aquatic birds, as sea-gulls and -ducks, eagles, vultures. Even water-rats and monkeys -may also be included in the list.</p> - -<p>It is amusing to see a gull, by no means a foolish -bird, standing patiently before a Limpet, for example. -The animal, unsuspicious of the presence of an enemy, -raises his canopy with the view of relaxing his overstrained -muscles, and is instantly toppled over by -the intruding beak of the bird. If unsuccessful in -his first attempt, the gull is well aware it would -be useless to try a second time at that tide.</p> - -<p>But if a Mussel be the object of attack, it is -wrenched from its seat, raised to a certain height, -and then allowed to drop upon a stone with the -view of breaking the shell. In one locality called -Mussel Bay, Mr. Barrow says he disturbed some -thousands of birds, and found so many thousands of -shell-fish scattered over the surface of a heap of -shells, that, for aught he knew, would have filled as -many thousand waggons.</p> - -<p>This habit of the feathered tribe was, by the way, -well known to the ancients, and I may be pardoned -relieving my pages by a quotation on the subject -from the 'Shepherd's Calender' of Spenser, whose -exquisite descriptions of natural history are as marvellous -as his allegorical poem. The author of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> -'Fairy Queen' thus humorously reads a lesson to -an ambitious man,—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"He is a shepherd in gree,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">But hath been long ypent,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">One day he sat upon a hill,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">As now thou wouldst mee;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">But I am taught by Algrinds ill,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">To love the lowe degree.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">For sitting so, with barred scalpe,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">An eagle soared hye,<br /></span> -<span class="i2"><i>That weening his white head was chalke</i>,<br /></span> -<span class="i2"><i>A shell-fish down let flye!</i><br /></span> -<span class="i2"><i>She weened the shell-fish to have broke</i>,<br /></span> -<span class="i2"><i>But therewith bruised his brayne</i>,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">So now astoined with the stroke,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Hee lyes in lingering payne!"<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>It seems remarkable that the 'illustrious French -naturalist,' Reaumur, should have been the first, if not -to discover, at least to publish, any description of the -manner in which the Mussel spins its silken cable. -Yet one hour's experience in a tea-cup or tumbler -will exhibit most of the features in this interesting -process.</p> - -<p>That Reaumur's narrative, although usually copied -by most writers of the present day, is not strictly -correct, and, moreover, that the foot of the mussel is -<i>not</i> 'useless as an instrument of progression' (as -generally asserted), may be easily proved to the -satisfaction of the student by adopting some such -simple experiment as that which I am now about to -describe:—</p> - -<p>Being at the sea-side on a fine summer afternoon, -I procured three specimens (I might have had as -many hundreds if disposed) of the Mytilus. On my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> -return home I placed them in a common tumbler, -and waited patiently to see the result. My object -was, if possible, to witness the manner in which this -animal grows its beard.</p> - -<p>In less than five minutes an industrious little -fellow, whom we will call No. 1, gently opened his -shell, and immediately protruded his fleshy foot until -it reached a length of nearly two inches. So far as -I could determine, the design of the Mussel was to -discover, in the first place, what kind of a lodging he -occupied; whether or not he had any companions; -and also, to know if these or any other objects could -be found worthy of his <i>attachment</i>.</p> - -<p>Sometimes the foot would be protruded under the -shell, then in a contrary direction. Or by an -exertion of the strong muscular power which that -organ possesses, the entire shell would be lifted off -the ground and urged forward to a considerable distance. -Of course he soon come in contact with a -neighbour Mussel, whom we may term No. 2, but as -the latter was not anchored by any byssus, he was -speedily pushed on, and on, until No. 3 was met, -and the latter, in his turn, made to take up a new -position.</p> - -<p>Being tired of wandering about, No. 1 then extended -his foot along the base of the vase to a -certain point, and there let it rest for a few seconds. -When again withdrawn, to my great delight, I saw -the first thread of a new byssus had been constructed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> - -<p>As my principal object was to become acquainted -with the mode of formation of the beard, I did -not feel satisfied with merely watching the movements -of the animal from above. After a brief -interval another thread was spun. I bore in mind -the words of Reaumur, who says, 'The Mussel never -spins more than four or five threads in the twenty-four -hours.' Aware that no time must be lost, -though still afraid to disturb the mollusc lest it -might suspend its labours, I instantly detached my -specimen, and again turned its shell round so as to -bring the opening of the valves against the face of -the glass. The creature did not seem at all offended -at his handiwork having been destroyed, but still -obstinately refused to let me see the working of its -foot. Again was the shell rolled over, and again did -I replace it in its former position. This time, in -order to keep it from being shifted, a stone was deposited -upon the valve. Nothing daunted, the -animal gradually separated the valves of its shell, -and at the same time advanced and elevated its foot -to the exact position that I had so long desired.</p> - -<p>The spinner, when at its full length, was pressed -firmly upon the flat surface of the glass, and there -allowed to remain for a while. Suddenly, at nearly -<i>half an inch distance from its extreme end</i> (or -point), a little mouth was seen to form, about the -size of a large pin's head, from which there issued a -milk-white fluid, that gradually hardened and became<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> -fixed to the glass. This object being light in -colour, had a pretty effect when contrasted with the -rich brown tint of the spinner. Shortly afterwards -the foot rolled over and withdrew into the shell, -leaving behind it the silken thread which had just -been spun. The 'little mouth,' above described, was, -if I may so term it, the mould in which the end of -the thread was cast.</p> - -<p>In the course of two hours a bundle of byssus -threads, sixteen in number, were produced by this -industrious little labourer.</p> - -<p>Having thus seen that the foot is useful to the -Mussel as an instrument of progression <i>before</i> the -beard is formed, let me now endeavour to show that -it is, at times, of equal service for the same object, -<i>after</i>, and when the mollusc is anchored thereby to -any particular spot.</p> - -<p>When we remember that this anchorage is formed -of a harp-like set of strings, amounting to ten or -even <i>a hundred</i> in number, it does seem an almost -incredible fact that the Mytilus is enabled to change -its station, even when living in single blessedness.</p> - -<p>To see a Mussel 'flit,' is a sight one may often -watch and wait for without success. On the other -hand, when least expected, the self-willed mollusc -may commence operations. When about to take up -a new home, the animal shaves off its beard entirely, -or in more scientific language, 'rejects its byssus' -altogether. In order to excite the locomotive instincts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> -of my specimens, I used to cut all the threads -of their cable except one. The animal being suspended, -of course its whole weight was then thrown -upon a single fibre. Such a state of insecurity was -by no means agreeable, and I generally found in the -course of a few hours that fresh threads were rapidly -thrown out, and an entirely new byssus formed; the -old one, which was broken off at the root, being left -behind as useless.</p> - -<p>Another singular peculiarity of the Mussel which -came under my observation has not been, so far as I -am aware, noticed by previous naturalists. I allude -to the power which the animal possesses of lengthening -out the root or stem of the beard, apparently to -an unlimited extent. This power appears to be -seldom exercised, for although I have had hundreds -of specimens of the Mytili, in only one instance have -I witnessed the phenomenon in question.</p> - -<p>A large specimen of this bivalve, procured accidentally -from a fishwife in the street, was dropped -into the aquarium, and placed close against the surface -of the glass. The animal seemed highly delighted -with its change of situation, for in a few -moments the valves were opened, and a long draught -of water taken in to bathe its branchiæ, and furnish -a hearty meal. Having satisfied its appetite, the -next process, of course, was to find out what kind of -a home he had been introduced into. The foot, a -noble specimen, was soon protruded, and one after the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> -other, in rapid succession, various threads were formed. -By next morning the animal, advancing by a series -of easy stages, had reached the surface of the water, -which was exactly five inches deep. I knew it -would not remain long in this position, and was -anxious to discover what plan would next be adopted. -Several courses were open to him. For instance, -like a marine Captain Cook, he might circumnavigate -his little <i>Globe</i>,—or he might let go his cable and -drop plump to the bottom,—or he could follow the -route I had often seen taken by his relations, viz., -to journey back to the place from whence he started. -It pleased him, however, to strike out into a new -path,—to devise a method of his own. While located -near the top of the tank, he threw out exactly ninety-eight -threads, not certainly for security, but merely, -it would appear, for pleasure.</p> - -<p>Then slowly but surely, day by day, he lengthened -out the stem of his byssus tree, until it reached the -extreme length of nearly five inches. To what -further degree it would have been extended, had the -mollusc not reached the base of the tank, it is impossible -to conjecture.</p> - -<p>No sooner did the shell touch terra firma, than the -cable which had taken so long to spin was immediately -broken off. I have succeeded in keeping the -same animal by me for the last twelve months, but -have seen no attempt at a renewal of the operation, -in the progress of which I had taken so lively an interest.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> -I may add that this Mussel taught me -another lesson; it was this: in my early studies -regarding the habits of the Mytilus, I had adopted a -certain theory of the manner in which the beard was -formed; and having watched so long, and witnessed -the process so repeatedly, I thought myself justified -in forming certain conclusions. My belief was that -the creature could not form more than one thread at -a time, <i>without withdrawing its foot into the shell</i>, -as I believed, in order to procure a fresh supply of -material. That this notion was erroneous, this animal -proved to my entire satisfaction. Not only may one, -but two, three, four, and even six threads be attached -to any selected object, the point of the foot being -passed from one position to another, without the -organ being withdrawn into the valves until the -whole of the threads are formed. How many more -the Mussel is capable of producing at one 'stretch,' I -have no means of knowing, but six is the largest -number that any of my specimens in such case have -ever fabricated.</p> - -<p>The general idea seems to be that the Mussel -works in the same manner as the spider, who emits -a drop of liquid against some foreign substance, -which, being allowed to harden somewhat, is then -drawn out as the spider recedes. This notion, I -may state, is quite erroneous. When the sucker of -which we have spoken is formed, <i>the thread is completed</i>. -It is true that the foot as it retires into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> -shell generally glides down the newly-constructed -filament, but this is not of necessity, nor does such -circumstance invariably occur. Indeed, while busily -engaged in attaching a disc to the glass, the muscles -of the foot will contract, and thus throw open the -folds of the groove, situated in the middle of that -organ; when thus exposed, the byssus thread may be -seen in the furrow, stretched like the string of a harp -or dulcimer.</p> - -<p>While the end of the thread is being attached to -a certain spot, a conspicuous muscular action is perceived -going on in the foot, which alternately swells -and contracts, as if something were being pumped up -through the byssal channel, until it reached a certain -point. There being dilated and spread out in successive -layers, it assumes a trumpet-like disc, which is -firmly fixed to the foreign object. Indeed, I am by -no means certain that the thread is not, when first -produced, exactly like a trumpet in shape. It also -conveys the idea of being blown out in a similar -manner to a piece of bottle glass. After being exposed -to the air for some little time, the hollowness -of the thread is not so apparent as when it is newly -fabricated.</p> - -<p>The mucous fluid, from which the fibres are -formed, is secreted in a gland situated at the base of -the foot, whence it is apparently expelled at the will -of the animal into the furrow already referred to, and -is there spun into threads. The toughness of these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> -filaments, considering that each is finer than the -thinnest strand of silk, is remarkable. Their strength, -however, may be easily accounted for, when we know -that each is composed in reality of innumerable delicate -threads, bound together by a subtle gelatinous -fluid. This phenomenon may be made out quite distinctly -with a common hand lens, if the following -simple experiment be adopted: Make a Mussel construct -its thread in such a way that the disc of each -is planted on the face of the glass. Then place the -fine point of a common needle upon the outer edge -of a chosen disc or sucker, and gently draw the -former away to a little distance, and you will find -that by so doing the stretched string becomes <i>peeled</i>. -Continue this process carefully, and before the thread -gives way you will have divided it into a dozen -parts at least, all of which are visible to the naked -eye, but clearer when the hand lens is used, and still -more distinctly and beautifully defined, of course, if -the microscope be brought into play.</p> - -<p>The foot of the Mussel appears to be firmly -strapped on, as it were, to certain transverse muscles, -by a contraction of which the animal closes its shell -with surprising force. This strap, composed of a -powerful tendon which passes under the adductor -muscles, is attached at either end to the base of the -foot. Thus we account for the remarkable strength -which is evidently seated in the foot, and makes -it of so much importance to the animal. At first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -sight nothing appears more easy than to pluck out -this organ by the roots, but an attempt will prove -the experiment to be more difficult than many persons -suppose.</p> - -<p>The colour of the foot varies considerably in different -specimens, even of the same species. Some, for -instance, are of a chestnut brown; others of a kind -of mauve or purple, covered with a peach-like bloom -during life; others, again, are of a deep-toned umber, -while not a few are pearly white, and streaked sometimes -with pink like a tulip.</p> - -<p>The peculiarity of the Mussel to attach itself to -foreign substances has been taken advantage of for -the benefit of man, and a curious instance is exhibited -at Bideford in Devonshire, at which town there is a -bridge of twenty-four arches, stretching across the -Torridge river near its junction with the Taw. 'At -this bridge the tide flows so rapidly that it cannot be -kept in repair by mortar. The corporation, therefore, -keep boats in employ to bring mussels to it, and the -interstices of the bridge are filled by hand with these -mussels. It is supported from being driven away -entirely by the strong threads these mussels fix to -the stonework.'</p> - -<p>Like most other writers who quote this strange -account, I have not had ocular proof of its accuracy.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> -That it is quite probable I can readily believe, as a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> -pretty experiment will partly prove it to any spirited -aquarian. Following out the above idea of the -bridge at Bideford, I managed to build an exceedingly -pretty centre piece for my tank.</p> - -<p>Having no ready means of making a rock arch, I -collected such pieces of rock, stones, &c., with weeds -attached, as I thought would answer my purpose, -and then proceeded to fabricate the object of my -wishes in the following simple way: First were -laid two stones parallel to each other at three or -four inches apart. Upon these I placed a large piece -of rock in a transverse direction. Between the interstices -a number of small mussels were then inserted. -When fully satisfied that the bivalves had -moored themselves, I gradually piled one piece of -rock upon another until the structure reached the -desired height, each piece being bound to its neighbour -by means of the byssus threads of the Mytili.</p> - -<p>Before each block of stone that formed the foundations -of the arch was placed a splendid frond of -Lettuce Ulva, tied by a strand of silk to a white -pebble. These verdant fronds, so smooth in texture -and so gracefully convoluted, rising up from the base<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> -of the tank and reaching to its brim,—mingling, too, -with the various tufts of corallines and other sea-weeds -that jutted from each crevice, were very pretty -to look at. When disturbed by the movements of -the fishes passing in and out, the gracefulness and -beauty of the sea-weed was doubly increased.</p> - -<p>In making observations upon any bivalve, such as -the Mussel, it is extremely puzzling to know what is -going on <i>inside</i> the shell. Yet it is almost necessary -to acquire this knowledge by means not always apparent, -in order to satisfy one's mind relative to -certain appearances, which we perceive going on -externally. We have to form our judgment of things -we do not see from those that are apparent—at all -times a difficult task. But not often so tantalizing -as in the case of an insignificant creature like the -Mussel, who lives, moves, and works constantly -before our eyes. I may add that it was not enough -for me that I saw the spinning process frequently. -It all seemed tolerably clear to my mind, but still I did -not feel thoroughly satisfied. My desire was to peep -into the shell, and find out where the last spun thread -was situated; or, in other words, from what part of -the trunk the new branch sprung. On examining -various specimens of the byssus, this point was by -no means apparent. Various means I adopted -failed to secure me the requisite knowledge. At -length I hit upon a plan, which, after no long time, -I found opportunity to put in practice. My largest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> -Mussel lifted up its testaceous canopy, put aside the -fringed and fleshy veil that surrounded its edge, -protruded its spinner to make sure the ground was -secure, and then withdrew it again into the shell as -usual. After the lapse of a second, the foot reappeared -and was stretched out to an unusual length. -No sooner was the end of the thread formed on the -glass than immediately I firmly pressed the valves -together, and held them in this position until I had -gradually worked the Mussel up out of the vase, -when I bound them close together by means of a -piece of cord. I need not describe my manœuvres -further; suffice it to say that the thread nearest to -the base of the groove was found to be the one that -was spun last. This, in my opinion, is invariably -the case.</p> - -<p>I may mention that the above experiment also -proved to my mind that the foot must be a most -important vital organ of the Mytilus. At times, on -placing an open Mussel in my tank as food for crabs -or other animals, I have noted that if every other -part were eaten, and the foot allowed to remain -attached to the muscles of the bivalve, that member -would after a lapse of several days show signs of—I -do not say life—but sensation and retractile power.</p> - -<p>But when the foot is cut and otherwise injured, -the animal dies quickly. In the experiment mentioned -the valves were not kept closed for more than -half an hour; yet when they were opened, vitality<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> -had evidently ceased within. This was the more -singular when we remember that the Mytili will live -for many days out of the water; the shells, of course, -during the whole period being firmly closed.</p> - -<p>The Mussel, as already hinted, is very tenacious of -life. I have kept specimens by accident for several -days in the pocket of my coat, but found them quite -well and lively when placed in sea-water.</p> - -<p>In general the sure sign of their not being in a -healthy condition is when the shell opens; for, while -the animal retains any sense whatever, it exercises a -strict and judicious 'closeness.'</p> - -<p>I have found, however, on several occasions, that -the shell being contracted is not always a valid proof -of its owner's convalescence, for when placed in water -the Mussel would float for several days upon the -surface like a cork, although it was near death's door.</p> - -<p>This phenomenon must be caused, I should -suppose, by some sudden fright compelling the -mollusc to close its shell with such rapidity as to -prevent a proper supply of water being taken in. -Having only air to exist upon, the animal then -lingers on until its branchiæ become dried up, and -all moisture exhausted. In this state the Mussel -opens its shell with a deep bursting sigh, and sinks to -the bottom—dead.</p> - -<p>Being at the sea-side one fine summer day, I -heard a little Scotch girl cry out to her brother who -was about to swallow entire, a fine specimen of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> -<i>Mytilus edulis</i>, 'Eh, Willie dear, dinna ye eat that. -Dinna eat the <i>beard</i> or ye'll dee!' Many years ago -I remember a remark to the same purport as the -above being made by a poor child to its playmate, -in the neighbourhood of Gravesend.</p> - -<p>I little thought at that time that the Mussel -was so interesting a shell-fish, or that I years after -should spend many an anxious hour studying the -formation and nature of its despised beard.</p> - -<p>I need hardly state that the idea of the beard -being poisonous is a vulgar error. In general the -fish may be eaten entire with impunity.</p> - -<p>Cases have occurred where persons have been taken -ill after eating it, but this result has been satisfactorily -explained to have been caused by the Mussels -being procured from places such as Leith Docks, -where their food consisted chiefly of unwholesome -and putrescent matters.</p> - -<p>This mollusc is not used as food to any very great -extent by the poorer classes. It is employed very -extensively, however, by the fishermen as bait along -all parts of the British coast. But in France it is -much esteemed both by rich and poor. The trade in -them is successfully cultivated, and affords a means -of support to hundreds of industrious and deserving -men.</p> - -<p>From the learned author of the "Rambles of a -Naturalist" we learn that at the village of Esnandes, -on the coast of France, the Mussel trade, commenced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> -about eight hundred years ago, has assumed a gigantic -extent. Both here and at the neighbouring villages -of Charron, Marsilly, Mussels are bred in an ingenious -and systematic manner. At the level of the -lowest tide short piles or stakes are driven into the -mud, in a series of rows about a yard apart. This -palisade is then roughly fenced in with long branches. -On this structure the Mussel spawn is deposited, and -it is found that the molluscs thus produced in the -open sea are much finer than those which are bred -nearer the shore.</p> - -<p>These artificial Mussel beds are termed 'bouchots.' -The fishermen who engage in this branch of industry -are known as 'boucholeurs.'</p> - -<p>'The little Mussels,' continues M. Quatrefage, 'that -appear in the spring are known as <i>seeds</i>. They are -scarcely larger than lentils, till towards the end of -May, but at this time they rapidly increase, and in -July they attain the size of a haricot bean. They -then take the name of <i>renouvelains</i>, and are fit for -transplanting. For this purpose they are detached -from those <i>bouchots</i>, which are situated at the lowest -tide mark, and are then introduced into the pockets -or bags made of old nets, which are placed upon the -fences that are not quite so far advanced into the sea. -The young Mussels spread themselves all round the -pockets, fixing themselves by means of those filaments -which naturalists designate by the name of byssus. -In proportion as they grow and become crowded together<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> -within the pockets, they are cleared out and -distributed over other poles lying somewhat nearer -to the shore, whilst the full-grown Mussels which are -fit for sale are planted on the <i>bouchots</i> nearest the -shore. It is from this part of the Mussel bed that -the fishermen reap their harvest, and every day enormous -quantities of freshly gathered Mussels are transported -in carts or on the backs of horses to La -Rochelle and other places, from whence they are sent -as far as Tours, Limoges, and Bordeaux.... The -following data, which were collected by M. D. Orbigny -more than twenty years ago, will show how important -this branch of industry must be to the district in -which it is cultivated. In 1834 the three communes -of Esnandes, Charron, and Marsilly, representing a -population of 3000 souls, possessed 340 <i>bouchots</i>, -the original cost of which was valued by M. D. -Orbigny at 696,660 francs; the annual expenses of -maintaining them amounted to 386,240 francs, -including the interest of the capital employed, and -the cost of labour, which, however, is spared to the -proprietor who works on his own account. The nett -revenue is estimated at 364 francs for each <i>bouchot</i>, -or 123,760 francs for the three communes. Finally, -the expense of the carts, horses, and boats, employed -in transporting the Mussels, then amounted annually -to 510,000 francs; but these numbers are far from -representing the expenses or profits at the present -day. At the time M. D. Orbigny lived at Esnandes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> -the <i>bouchots</i> were only arranged in four rows; now -however, there are <i>no less than seven rows, and some -of them measure more than 1000 yards from the -base to the summit</i>. The whole of these <i>bouchots</i>, -which were at first limited to the immediate neighbourhood -of the three villages, of which I have already -spoken, extend at the present day uninterruptedly -from Marsilly far beyond Charron, and <i>form a gigantic -stockade for two miles and a half in breadth, and -six miles in length</i>.'</p> - -<p>A curious circumstance connected with the Mytilus -remains to be described. Let the reader, who may -be so fortunate as to possess a good microscope, cut -away a portion of the fleshy part of the Mussel, then -place it in a watch glass, and examine it through -that 'portal to things invisible,' and, unless I am -much mistaken, he will own the sight to be supremely -wonderful. Some water being deposited in the glass -the fleshy object will be seen to swim about in a -most singular and mysterious manner, while a close -inspection shows every portion of it to be in active -motion.</p> - -<p>This motive power is caused by countless cilia, -the rapid vibration of which creates constant currents. -This action preserves the health of the poor mollusc -by ærating the water which passes over his respiratory -organs.</p> - -<p>That some such wonderful contrivance is adopted, -for conveying food within the valves, too, is evident,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> -when we consider that the Mussel is always affixed -to some foreign substance, that it cannot hunt after -prey, and therefore can subsist only upon whatever -nutritious particles may be contained in the element -in which it lives. These consist of minute animalculæ, -principally crustacea, which are drawn within -the shell by powerful currents.</p> - -<p>I have often watched this phenomenon through a -hand lens, and have seen the young shrimps and -skip-jacks, for instance, notwithstanding the nimbleness -of their movements, irresistibly drawn into the -gulf of destruction. Even tolerably sized specimens -that were seated in fancied security upon a valve of -the Mussel, have suddenly been drawn in, out of -sight. As an instance of the power of these currents, -I may state that the water in a small aquarium -is often seen to be affected by the respiratory action -of a single bivalve. The same thing has even been -apparent to the writer, while watching the movements -of a colony of Barnacles attached to a Limpet, -the most distant part of the fluid being gradually -drawn near, in obedience to the beck of these delicate -and graceful little creatures.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXII" id="ChapXII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h2> - -<h3>Terebella figulus.</h3> - -<h4>(THE POTTER.)</h4> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p style="margin-left: 16%;">'Whether progressing on the solid surface, or moving through the water, or<br /> - tunneling the sand, advancing or retreating in its tube, the Annelid performs<br /> - muscular feats distinguished at once for their complexity and harmony. In<br /> - grace of form the little worm excels the serpent. In regularity of march, the<br /> - thousand-footed Nereid outrivals the Centipede. The leaf-armed Phyllodoce swims<br /> - with greater beauty of mechanism than the fish; and the vulgar earthworm shames<br /> - the mole in the exactitude and skill of its subterranean operations. Why, then,<br /> - should the "humble worm" have remained so long without a historian? Is the<br /> - care, the wisdom, the love, the paternal solicitude of the Almighty not legible<br /> - in the surpassing organism, the ingenious architectures, the individual and<br /> - social habits, the adaptation of structure to the physical conditions of<br /> - existence of these "degraded beings?" Do not their habitations display His<br /> - care, their instincts His wisdom, their <i>merriment</i> His love, their vast<br /> - specific diversities His solicitous and inscrutable Providence.'—<span class="smcap">Dr. Williams</span>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 430px;"><a name="Illus8" id="Illus8"> -<img src="images/image9.jpg" width="430" height="575" alt="The Potter" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> -1 THE POTTER (<i>Terebella figulus</i>)<br /> -2 <i>Terebella littoralis</i><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XII.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Having</span> visited the sea-side a few weeks since, along -with some 'aquarian naturalists,' among other objects -we managed to capture a very fine <i>Terebella -Figulus</i>, commonly called the 'Potter.' The specimen -measured about five inches in length, and was -nearly as thick as a common drawing pencil. I -could discover no signs whatever of any tube in the -rocky basin in which the Annelid was situated, a -circumstance that struck me as being rather curious.</p> - -<p>On returning home, my much-valued prize was -placed in a tumbler of large dimensions, the base of -which I strewed with newly-pounded shells and -gravel. By the following morning all the fine or -powdered portion of the 'Silver Willies' had been collected -and used in the construction of a tube, sufficient -in length to cover half the contracted body of the -industrious little mason. After labouring for a fortnight, -the tube was gradually extended across the -bottom of the vase in a cylindrical form, but eventually -it assumed a semi-circular shape, being built<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> -upon the glass, and elevated by gentle stages up -each side of the vessel until the level of the water -was reached, when all further labours ceased for a -time.</p> - -<p>After the lapse of a few days the building operation -was resumed, and the tube carried fully an inch -further, at right angles to its former position. The -opposite end of the structure was next extended at -an angle of 45° from the base of the vase, to a height -of about two inches. Then commenced a very curious -phenomenon. Some of the tentacles were incessantly -elevated and extended across the vessel, -until they touched the opposite end of the tube, with -what object I could not then conceive. The design, -however, was afterwards made evident: in less -than two days the animal succeeded <i>in making -both ends of its tube meet together, so as to form a -continuous circle</i>. I happened to be watching the -mason, when the last stroke of his labial trowel was -given to the building, and shall never forget the -cautious way in which the animal crept for the first -time over the newly-completed portion of the work, -and the seeming delight with which it continued to -glide, hour after hour, over the entire circuit of its -dwelling-place.</p> - -<p>Sometimes its body would be long drawn out, -until the tips of the tentacula would reach, and apparently -tickle the extreme point of the tail; then -a race would commence, in character exactly resembling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> -that so often witnessed with the kitten, or -the playful whelp, when either of these animals -foolishly imagine that the tip of their tail is adorned -with some coveted tit-bit.</p> - -<p>The branchial organs of my specimen were very -beautiful objects, being formed of three blood-red -spiral tufts, the effect of which were heightened by -their being placed in contact with the drab, coloured -cephalic<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> tentacles, which seemed to be almost innumerable. -These latter organs, although apparently -so useless when seen closed, are in reality of the -greatest importance to the <i>Terebella</i>, for they not -only act as auxiliary organs of respiration, and aid -most materially in building its dwelling-place, but -also constitute the real organs of locomotion.</p> - -<p>'They consist,' says Dr. Williams, 'of hollow -flattened, tubular filaments furnished with strong -muscular parietes. The band may be rolled longitudinally -into a cylindrical form, so as to enclose a -hollow cylindrical space, if the two edges of the band -meet, or a semi-cylindrical space if they only meet -imperfectly. This inimitable mechanism enables -each filament to take up and firmly grasp <i>at any -point of its length</i> a molecule of sand, or, if placed -in a linear series, a row of molecules. But so perfect -is the disposition of the muscular fibres at the -extreme free end of each filament, that it is gifted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> -with the twofold power of acting on the sucking -and muscular principle.</p> - -<p>'When the tentacle is about to seize an object, the -extremity is drawn in, in consequence of the sudden -reflux of fluid in the hollow interior. By this movement -a cup-shaped cavity is formed, in which the object -is securely held by atmospheric pressure. This -power is, however, immediately aided by the contraction -of the circular muscular fibres. Such, then, -are the marvellous instruments by which these peaceful -worms construct their habitation, and probably -sweep their vicinity for food.'</p> - -<p>The foregoing beautifully and accurately describes -the tentacular cirri. The use of these organs in the -formation of the tube in which the Annelid dwells, -I will now endeavour to make clear, from close -personal observation.</p> - -<p>It is an extremely interesting sight to watch a -Terebella extend its tentacles in all directions in -search of building materials, catching up the surrounding -molecules (sometimes visible along the -whole length of each filament), and then, by a strong -muscular contraction, bringing the collected atoms -to the opening of the tube, around which, as is generally -supposed, they are then immediately attached -by a secretion which is exuded from the body of the -animal. Such, however, is not the case.</p> - -<p>When the filaments bring their 'subscriptions,' the -material thus gathered, instead of being used at once<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> -for building purposes, <i>is, in reality, first eaten by the -animal, and, after undergoing a kind of mastication, -becomes coated with a salivary secretion, and -is then ejected in mouthfuls at the extremity of the -tube</i>, which, by such means, becomes gradually elongated. -The shell work, when deposited as above -mentioned, is held in position, and prevented from -falling over the outside of the cavity, by the filaments -which are made to hang down in a most ingenious -manner; the animal, at the same time, putting -itself in motion, allows the slimy surface of its body -to press and rub against the new addition to the tube, -which is thus effectually strengthened and soldered -together.</p> - -<p>The animal does not always wait until the opening -of the tube is reached, but gently disgorging -while lying at its ease, it then pushes forward by aid -of its head and tentacles the mass of building material, -which soon becomes distributed and moulded -to its proper shape.</p> - -<p>If your specimen should happen to build a complete -tube, its mode of working cannot be well seen; -but should it economize its labours, and run its house -up in a semi-circular form against the transparent -side of the vessel, as the animal I write of did, you -will be enabled to see distinctly every movement -that goes on in the interior.</p> - -<p>It seems somewhat singular that the Terebella -should possess the power of turning itself within its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> -tube, so as to be able to extend its habitation from -either end at will. I have very often watched the -operation with emotions of pleasure, not unmixed -with wonder.</p> - -<p>Wishing to test the powers and intelligence of my -specimen, I dropped within its tube, which was -curved in shape lengthways, some particles of sand, -and a pebble which nearly filled up the 'bore' of -the cylinder. The great annoyance occasioned by -this intrusion to the master of the house was painfully -evident. For a whole day the Terebella endeavoured -to push out the objectionable matter by -means of its head and cephalic tentacula, but without -success; for although the mass frequently neared, -it never touched or toppled over the mouth of the -aperture, and consequently fell to its original position -at the bottom of the tube as soon as the animal removed -the pressure.</p> - -<p>Apparently despairing of its efforts, though still -oftener repeated, being eventually prosperous, the -poor Annelid literally 'turned tail,' and very coolly -proceeded to elongate the opposite end of its dwelling. -This operation did not last long; for in the -course of a few hours, on peering again into the -vessel, I saw that the humble and insignificant worm -had mustered up courage to 'face the enemy' once -more, and had, in fact, apparently conceived a new -idea, the wisdom of which was soon made palpable; -for slowly, but surely, most of the arenaceous particles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> -were eaten, and nothing being left but the pebble, it -was speedily and triumphantly ejected from the tube, -and the sand soon after employed for building purposes. -The Terebella having completed its laborious -and well-executed task, seemed to be quite exhausted, -and lay to all appearance lifeless for the succeeding -four and twenty hours.</p> - -<p>When walking along the sandy beach, myriads of -peculiar objects may be seen swayed to and fro by -the roll of the waves. Frequently, when the tide -has receded, these tubes remain sticking out of the -sand to the height of two or three inches, each terminating -in a tuft, like the end of a piece of cord -that had been teazed out.</p> - -<p>Within such a fragile habitation dwells the <i>Terebella -littoralis</i>, the most common species of the -marine tubiculous Annelids. I have very often -tried, by aid of my fingers only, or a strong spade, to -capture one of these creatures, but have never been -successful, even in a solitary instance. Yet several -authors tell their readers the task is perfectly easy. -Mr. Lewes, for instance, made me feel ashamed of -my previous manipulative efforts when I read his vivid -description of a Terebella hunt, and caused me lately -to journey a distance of six miles to try my hand -again, with no better result than hitherto.</p> - -<p>I have lately seen a specimen of <i>T. littoralis</i> -which a friend of mine was so fortunate as to capture. -The tube of the animal, instead of being in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> -its usual position, was situated in a pool, and offered -a most rare prize to its discoverer, it being the only -one he had ever caught. The tube, being of great -length, was cut down to about six inches and transferred -to a shallow glass tank, in which was introduced -some pounded shells. The beautiful Annelid -soon made itself at home, and commenced to repair -the damage done to its habitation by collecting these -particles, by means of its tentacula, which were -thrown out to an extraordinary distance in all directions.</p> - -<p>The result of the animal's labours was soon apparent -by a most amusing white patch being added -to each end of its dark tube.</p> - -<p>As soon as this operation was completed <i>mon -ami</i> carefully tore up the patched garment, and -ejected the defenceless Terebella into the vessel, -wherein was placed a piece of glass tube that -measured an inch in length. Strange to state, -the animal instantly crept into this object, and soon -made itself quite at home and comfortable. When -the building materials were placed near, they were -collected and <i>attached to each end of the glass -cylinder</i> by the little architect, who doubtless -was the first of its 'family' who could boast of -such a noble mansion,—which ultimately assumed a -very remarkable aspect from the variously-coloured -'mortar' that was employed in its construction. -Above and below the transparent centre came patches<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> -of red, white, and blue material, composed respectively -of broken tile, pounded shells, and coloured -glass. Such a 'concourse of atoms' was surely -never before combined, either 'fortuitously' or otherwise, -in the construction of so common an object as -the tube of an Annelid.</p> - -<p>The branchiæ of the above mentioned specimen -presented a most exquisite appearance, resembling -the perfect skeleton of a leaf, supposing that to be -dyed a brilliant crimson colour, and made to exhibit -incessant life-like motion even in its most delicate -and minute ramifications.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXIII" id="ChapXIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h2> - -<h3>Acalephæ.</h3> - -<h4>(MEDUSÆ, OR JELLY-FISH.)</h4> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i50">'And now your view upon the ocean turn,<br /></span> -<span class="i52">And there the splendour of the waves discern;<br /></span> -<span class="i52">Cast but a stone, or strike them with an oar,<br /></span> -<span class="i52">And you shall flames within the deep explore;<br /></span> -<span class="i52">Or scoop the stream phosphoric as you stand,<br /></span> -<span class="i52">And the cold flames shall flash along your hand,<br /></span> -<span class="i52">When lost in wonder, you shall walk and gaze<br /></span> -<span class="i52">On weeds that sparkle, and on waves that blaze.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XIII.</h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> are certain narrow-minded persons who raise -objections to men of science prying into the secrets -of nature, and profanely, as they think, attempting -to explain the design and purpose of the great -Creator.</p> - -<p>But to the intelligent and right thinking man, no -employment could be found more elevating or ennobling -than this; and whether he be a fellow-worker -himself, or merely an approving observer of -the labours of others, still he feels, and conscientiously -believes in the words of Milton, that—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i12">"The desire which tends to know<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The works of God, thereby to glorify<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The great Workmaster, leads to no excess<br /></span> -<span class="i0">That merits blame, but rather merits praise<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The more it seems excess."<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>When such a one contemplates the atmosphere, for -instance, with its 'wonderful phenomena of clouds, -rain, and sunshine, that alternately shield, moisten, -and warm the face of the earth, he feels awed by -the grandeur of the exquisite system of machinery<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> -by which such beautiful results are accomplished. -To him also the sea, with its physical geography, -becomes as the main-spring of a watch; its waters, -and its currents, and its salts, and its inhabitants -with their adaptations, as balance wheels, cogs, -and pinions, and jewels. Thus he perceives that -they too are according to design; that they are -the expression of one thought, a unity with harmonies, -which one intelligence only could utter.' To -his eye all created things possess an interest doubly -great, not only from their marvellous structure, but -from the mission they are destined to fulfil in this -lower world.</p> - -<p>What peculiar mission the Acalephæ (which we -are now about to consider) were destined to fulfil it -has long puzzled men of science to explain. Nor can -this be wondered at, when we remember the amazing -number of these creatures, and also the extreme delicacy -of their structure. Some indeed appear almost -as if they were formed by the sportive combination -of air and water, as if the sea-breeze ruffling the face -of ocean caused bubbles innumerable to arise, which -becoming mysteriously endowed with life, thenceforth -existed as Medusæ.</p> - -<p>They have, indeed, frequently been spoken of as -'animated sea-water,' or 'living jelly.' These expressions -seem most appropriate when we remember, -that if one of these creatures be placed upon a plate -of glass, and allowed to remain exposed to the sun's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> -rays, the only thing that will remain to testify to the -existence of this singularly graceful object is a thin -film, that a stroke of the sponge or finger will remove -in an instant.</p> - -<p>The most satisfactory explanation that has been -offered as to the use and purpose of the Medusæ is, -that <i>they serve as the principal food of whales and -other Cetacea</i>. To these marine monsters—frequently -found from 70 to 110 feet long—we can imagine a -few hundreds of jelly-fish would be considered a small -meal. The supply, however, is ever equal to the -demand, as we shall see hereafter.</p> - -<p>I may here be permitted to explain that, in most -large fishes, the jaws are completely filled with formidable -teeth, as in the shark, for instance. This -rapacious monster—which has been aptly termed the -tiger of the sea by us, and which the French, in allusion -to the deadly character of its habits, have named -Requin, or Requiem, the rest or stillness of death—possesses -a most marvellous dental apparatus.</p> - -<p>Its teeth are not, as might be supposed, fixed in -sockets, but attached to a cartilaginous membrane. -The teeth, in fact, are placed one behind the other -in a series of rows; the first of which, composed -of triangular cutting teeth, stands erect and ready -for use. But as the membrane continues to grow -and advance forward, it slowly perishes, and the teeth -drop off, their place being taken by the next row -which formerly stood second. These, in the course<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> -of time, are succeeded by a third series, which are -again followed by others.</p> - -<p>Now, whales possess no such weapons. Their -enormous mouths are not filled with 'tusks or -grinders, but fitted instead with vast numbers of -oblique laminæ of a softer substance, usually denominated -whalebone, which is admirably adapted for -the crushing and masticating of soft bodies.'</p> - -<p>To give an idea of the amazing extent of the -harvests of 'whale food,' as the Medusæ are termed, -that abound in various parts of the ocean, we need only -quote the evidence of various navigators on the subject. -One (Lieut. Maury), for example, states, that -on the coast of Florida he met with a shoal of these -animals, that covered the sea for many leagues, -through which his vessel, bound for England, was -five or six days in passing. The most singular part -of the story is that, on his return some sixty days -after, he fell in with the same shoal off the Western -Islands, and here again he was three or four days -in getting clear of them.</p> - -<p>The Western Islands here mentioned are, it seems, -the great resort for whales; and 'at first there is -something curious to us in the idea that the Gulf of -Mexico is the harvest field, and the Gulf Stream the -gleaner which collects the fruitage planted there, and -conveys it thousands of miles off to the living whales -at sea. But, perhaps, perfectly in unison is it with -the kind and providential care of that great, good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> -Being who feeds the young ravens when they cry, -and caters for the sparrow.'</p> - -<p>But Dr. Scoresby, in his work on the Arctic Regions, -by aid of figures conveys the most vivid idea of the -myriads of these creatures that float in the bosom of -the ocean. This writer discovered that the olive-green -colour of the waters of the Greenland sea was -caused by the multitudes of jelly-fish contained -therein. On examination he found that 'they were -about one-fourth of an inch asunder. In this proportion -a cubic inch of water must contain 64; a -cubic foot, 110,592; a cubic fathom, 23,887,872; -and a cubical mile, 23,888,000,000,000,000! From -soundings made in the situation where these animals -were found, it is probable the sea is upwards of a -mile in depth; but whether these substances occupy -the whole depth is uncertain. Provided, however, -the depth which they extend be but 250 fathoms, -the above immense number of one species may occur -in a space of two miles square. It may give a better -conception of the amount of Medusæ in this extent, -if we calculate the length of time that would be -requisite with a certain number of persons for counting -this number. Allowing that one person could -count 1,000,000 in seven days, which is barely -possible, it would have required that 80,000 persons -should have started at the creation of the world to -complete the enumeration at the present time! -What a prodigious idea this fact gives of the immensity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> -of creation, and of the bounty of Divine -Providence, in furnishing such a profusion of life in -a region so remote from the habitations of man. -But if the number of animals be so great in a space of -two miles square, what must be the amount requisite -for the discolouration of the sea through an extent -of perhaps 20,000, or 30,000 square miles.'</p> - -<p>These creatures may be appropriately termed the -glow-worms of the ocean, for it is to them that the -phosphorescence of the sea is mainly attributable.</p> - -<p>Sir Walter Scott, in his poem of the 'Lord of the -Isles,' thus alludes to this phenomenon:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'Awaked before the rushing prow,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">The mimic fires of ocean glow.<br /></span> -<span class="i8">Those lightnings of the wave.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Wild sparkles crest the broken tides,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And, flashing round the vessel's sides,<br /></span> -<span class="i8">With elfish lustre lave;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">While far behind their livid light<br /></span> -<span class="i2">To the dark billows of the night<br /></span> -<span class="i8">A gloomy splendour gave.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Hugh Miller also gives a beautiful prose description -of the luminosity of our own seas, but we must -resist the temptation to introduce it here.</p> - -<p>The appearance of the Greenland Seas is principally -owing to the presence of the minute species -of Acalephæ, but there are many others that grow -to an immense size. Specimens of these may be -frequently seen cast on the sea-beach by the force -of the waves. When in their native element they -form the swimmer's dread, owing to a peculiar stinging -power which they possess.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p> - -<p>The Medusæ have been divided into groups, and -distinguished according to their different organs of -locomotion. The common idea is that all jelly-fishes -are like mushrooms or miniature umbrellas. Such, -it is true, is their general form, but others abound -both in our own and in foreign seas, that possess a -totally different appearance. For instance, some -move by means of numerous cilia, or minute hairs -that are attached to various parts of their bodies. -By the exercise of these organs the creatures glide -through the water, and hence they are called <i>ciliograde -Acalephæ</i>.</p> - -<p>One of the most remarkable examples of this class -is seen in the Girdle of Venus (<i>Cestum veneris</i>). -'This creature is a large, flat, gelatinous riband, the -margins of which are fringed with innumerable cilia, -tinted with most lively irridescent colours during the -day, and emitting in the dark a phosphorescent light -of great brilliancy. In this animal, too, which sometimes -attains the length of five or six feet, canals may -be traced running beneath each of the ciliated margins.'</p> - -<p>This animal, as it glides rapidly along, has the -appearance of an undulating riband of flame. Most -likely it is the species to which Coleridge alludes in -the following passage:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'Beyond the shadow of the ship<br /></span> -<span class="i2">I watched the water snakes<br /></span> -<span class="i2">They moved in tracks of shining white,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And when they reared, the elfish light<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Fell off in heavy flakes.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">* * * *<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> -<span class="i2">Within the shadow of the ship<br /></span> -<span class="i2">I watched their rich attire—<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Blue, glossy green, and velvet black,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">They curled and swam; and every track<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Was a flash of golden fire.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Another of this class is the common Beroë -(<i>Cydippe pileus</i>); its body is melon-shaped, and -covered over by rows or bands of cilia, placed -similarly to the treads on a water wheel, one above -another. These are entirely under the will of the -little gelatine. It can use each or all of them, and -thus row itself along at pleasure. But perhaps the -most singular portion of this creature is what has -been termed its fishing apparatus, though by some -writers it is considered merely to be the means by -which the Beroë anchors its body to any desired -spot. It consists of two exceedingly slender filaments -or streamers, which measure many times the -length of the Beroë itself. Some writers, again, -fancy that these organs are used to propel the -animal. This must be an erroneous notion, for if -they were cut off, the creature would still continue -to move with the same power as before. Nay more, -if the little Cydippe be cut into pieces, and the ciliated -bands be attached to each fragment, the latter will -swim about with the same power as when connected -with the entire animal.</p> - -<p>From the filaments here described, others more -slender still depend at regular intervals, which curl -up like vine tendrils upon the principal stem. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> -whole can be spontaneously elongated or slowly -withdrawn within the body of the Beroë, where -they lie enclosed in two sheaths until again required -for use.</p> - -<p>These interior 'sheaths,' which resemble in shape -the drone of a bag-pipe, are easily seen, being almost -the only parts which are not perfectly transparent. -They are whitish in colour, and semiopaque. -(<a href="#Illus7">Plate 6 contains a sketch of the Beroë</a>, -drawn from nature.)</p> - -<p>I may mention that the paddles, with their comb-like -array of cilia, flap successively in regular order -from the top to the bottom of each row. This -wave-like movement takes place simultaneously in all -the rows, when the animal is in full vigour.</p> - -<p>The organs of progression in the <i>Pulmonigrade</i> -Acalephæ, as their name imports, bear certain resemblance -to the lungs in respiration. They move -by the expansion and contraction of their umbrella-shaped -bodies. Graceful and elegant indeed are the -motions of these creatures. I have seen small specimens -about the size of a sixpence, advance, in three -springs, from the bottom to the top of a large vase in -which they were confined.</p> - -<p>In descending they turn over and allow themselves -to sink gradually as if by their own weight.</p> - -<p>The third division of the Acalephæ is termed -<i>Physograde</i>. The most common member of this -group is the <i>Physalus</i>, so well known to all sailors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> -under the name of the Portuguese Man-of-War. It -is buoyed up by air bladders—in fact, its entire -body appears as one bladder, which the animal is -enabled to contract or expand at will. At first -glance the <i>Physalus</i> appears to belong to quite a -different family—suffering under some maltreatment; -for from its lower side, what seem a number of -entrails, of all shapes and sizes, hang down. When -the upper surface or crest of its swimming bladder -projects above the waves, it has a beautiful appearance, -spangled with rays of purple, blue, and gold. -This formation acts as a kind of sail, by means of -which the creature is enabled to glide along with -considerable speed.</p> - -<p>This Physalus is a somewhat mysterious being, -and zoologists have not as yet been able to determine -many points connected with its structure and development.</p> - -<p>The <i>Cirrigrade</i> Acalephæ, too, are a singular -family. They exhibit a higher stage of development -than those already alluded to, and possess a kind of -skeleton embedded within their gelatinous bodies.</p> - -<p>The <i>Porpita</i> and <i>Velella</i> are examples of this -class, but for detailed descriptions I must refer the -reader to larger works which treat on the subject.</p> - -<p>I cannot conclude this brief and imperfect sketch -of the Acalephæ without noticing their singular mode -of reproduction. Nothing can appear more marvellous -than this process when first brought before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> -one's attention. It far excels the wildest dreams of -fiction; and were it not so well authenticated by -naturalists who have devoted labour and valuable time -to gain ocular demonstration of the fact, we might -well hesitate to believe the statements laid before us -in their works.</p> - -<p>For example, a Polype, as <i>Hydra Gelatinosa</i> or -<i>Hydra Tuba</i>(found on buoys, oyster shells, &c., long -submerged), will, it may be in a simple aquarium, -produce a number of small objects which, on being -examined through the microscope, are found to be, -not young Polypes, but Jelly-fish! In process -of time, the latter, by a wondrous law of nature, -will produce in their turn, not Medusæ, but -Polypes!</p> - -<p>'Imagine,' says Mr. Lewes, 'a lily producing a -butterfly, and the butterfly in turn producing a lily, -and you would scarcely invent a marvel greater than -this production of Medusæ was to its first discoverers. -Nay, the marvel most go further still, the lily must -first produce a whole bed of lilies like its own fair -self before giving birth to the butterfly, and this -butterfly must separate itself into a crowd of butterflies, -before giving birth to the lily.'</p> - -<p>Let me now, by entering briefly into detail, -endeavour to make the reader acquainted with the -leading features of this mysterious subject, known as -'the alternation of generations.'</p> - -<p>The adult Medusæ, then, gives birth to a number<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> -of oval gemmæ or buds, appropriately so called by -most writers, which appear like minute jelly bubbles, -covered with numberless vibratile cilia. These -organs, ten thousand times more delicate, we may -imagine, than the eyelashes of some infant member of -fairy land, are ever in constant motion. The currents -produced thereby serve to propel the little -animal to some stray pebble or stalk of sea-weed, -situated at a respectful distance from its gelatinous -relative. On some such object the young bud -attaches itself, and proceeds to vegetate.</p> - -<p>The body gradually lengthens, and becomes enlarged -at its upper extremity; from this portion of the -animal four arms appear surrounding a kind of -mouth. The arms lengthen, and are soon joined by -four others. These organs, as also the inner surface -of the lips and of the stomach, are covered with cilia, -and become highly sensitive. They are used in the -same manner as the tentacula of the Actiniæ, namely, -for the capture of food. There is this difference, be -it observed, between the two animals, that while the -infant Medusæ labours incessantly to gain its daily -meals, the zoophyte remains still, and trusts to chance -for every meal that it enjoys.</p> - -<p>Fresh sets of arms continue to be developed successively -upon the little jelly fish, until the whole -amount in number to twenty-five or thirty. 'And the -body, originally about the size of a grain of sand, becomes -a line, or the twelfth part of an inch in length.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p> - -<p>Thus far there appears nothing particularly striking -or improbable in the history of the Medusæ; the -next stage, however, exhibits matter for our 'special -wonder.'</p> - -<p>The young Acaleph now throws off its animal -existence, and sinks into a plant or compound polype.</p> - -<p>The lower part of the body swells, and from -thence, what may be termed a <i>stolen</i>, is thrown out. -On the upper surface of the stolen one and even two -buds are often formed. 'As the bud enlarges it becomes -elongated, and bends itself downwards to reach -the surface of the stone to which the elongated extremity -adheres; after this the attached end is -gradually separated from the body of the parent. -When thus detached, a small opening presents itself -at its upper end, its interior gradually becomes -hollowed out, and cilia grow upon it, and tentacula -begin to sprout around the mouth, exactly in the -same manner as in the buds formed on the upper -surface of the stolens.'</p> - -<p>Thus, from a single bud numberless other buds -are formed, each being endowed with equally prolific -powers. If the parent be cut in half transversely, -the cut will close in, attach itself to some object, and -produce stolens and buds! If cut longitudinally, and -the cut edges be allowed to touch each other, they -will again adhere, and exhibit no trace of their ever -having been divided. If the cut edges of each -division be not kept apart they will approximate and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> -adhere together, and thus two separate animals will -be produced, each gifted with the power of throwing -out stolens and buds with the same prodigality as if -they had never been disunited!</p> - -<p>How long this budding process of necessity continues -we cannot tell. It may be only during the -winter season. These creatures in their perfect condition -are generally found crowding our seas during -the summer months; most probably, therefore, as -Sars and Steenstrup state, it is at the commencement -of spring that they undergo the last portion of this -'transformation strange.'</p> - -<p>Still, this cannot be taken as a general rule. Dr. -Reid, who for a period of two years kept colonies of -Medusæ, and assiduously watched the various stages -of their development, found that the larvæ of one -colony, which was obtained in September 1845, did -not split transversely into young Medusæ in the -spring of 1846, as he expected them to do, but continued -to produce stolens and buds abundantly.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, the larvæ of the other colonies, -which this gentleman obtained in July, began to -yield young Medusæ about the middle of March. -This process takes place in the following manner: -A 'bud' having arrived at maturity, it becomes -'cylindrical,' considerably elongated, and much diminished -in diameter, its outer surface being marked -with a series of transverse wrinkles.</p> - -<p>These wrinkles, or rings, which frequently amount<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> -to thirty or forty in number, are first formed at the -top, and slowly extend downwards. Gradually as -these furrows become deeper, the tentacula waste -away, and upon the margin of the upper ring eight -equi-distant rays are formed. The process continuing, -in the space of a fortnight or so each groove or -ring is in like manner furnished with rays. The -Medusæ now present an appearance exactly resembling -a series of cups piled up one within the other. -Strange to state, each little cup becomes eventually -endowed with life! As the uppermost segment is -completely developed, it rests upon the slender lips -of the one beneath. It then glides off from its old -resting-place, and swims freely about in the water. -Quickly it aspires to the rippling surface above, and -by a series of graceful evolutions accomplishes its -object. Once among the dancing waves and exposed -to the rays of a cheering sun, our little Medusa -assumes its complete form; and as a beautiful <i>Modecra -formosa</i>, it may be destined at some time or other -to be the prize of an ardent zoologist, who, I -venture to assert, could not compliment it in more -poetical language than Professor Forbes has already -done. This delightful author, describing the little -gem in question, says, 'It is gorgeous enough to be -the diadem of sea fairies, and sufficiently graceful to -be the night-cap of the tiniest and prettiest of mermaidens.' -Or as an adult <i>Cyanea capillata</i>, our -once insignificant jelly-bag may perhaps appear, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> -by an exercise of its urticating powers, send some -unhappy swimmer smarting and trembling to his -home.</p> - -<p>While the Medusæ column proceeds to throw off -from its uppermost part living segments of itself, -its lower half, or stem, continues to grow, but does -not become ringed, for as the budding process ceases, -the last formed cup rests on newly-formed tentacula! -Then again stolens are thrown out, on which young -Medusæ are formed, as before described.</p> - -<p>Contemplating such mysteries as these, the mind -becomes bewildered and the spirits humbled.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'Imagination wastes its strength in vain,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And fancy tries and turns within itself,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Struck with the amazing depths of Deity.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>The above may be deemed one of the most interesting -zoological theories that has ever been promulgated -in modern times. It was founded by Chamisso, -and termed the 'alternation of generation,' but was -much improved and extended by the researches of -Steenstrup. Professor Owen, however, had previously -reduced the theory to a fixed and definite -scientific form, under the title of '<i>Parthenogenesis</i>.' -Another author, not viewing the Medusæ in the -various stages of development as an aggregation of -individuals, 'in the same sense that one of the higher -animals is an individual,' proposes that each Medusa -be considered as an individual, developed into so -many 'zooids.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p> - -<p>Into this abstract question, of course, I cannot -enter. The reader who would wish to know more of -the subject than I have faintly shadowed forth in this -chapter, may consult Steenstrup's Memoir, published -by the Ray Society; Dr. Reid's admirable papers in -the 'Magazine of Natural History' 2d series; Lewes' -'Sea-Side Studies;' and the learned works of Professor -Owen.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 454px;"> -<img style="margin-top: 1em;" src="images/image10.jpg" width="454" height="226" alt="MEDUSÆ IN VARIOUS STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT." /> -</div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">MEDUSÆ IN VARIOUS STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXIV" id="ChapXIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h2> - -<h3>Doris, Eolis, &c.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p style="margin-left: 18%;">'The inhabitants of the watery element were made for wise men to contemplate<br /> - and fools to pass by without consideration.'—<span class="smcap">Isaak Walton</span>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XIV.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">One</span> fine morning during the month of January, on -peering into my largest tank I perceived, attached to -the upper portion of the marble arch (centre piece), -a peculiar object that had evidently been deposited -during the preceding night, but by whom or by what -means I knew not. It resembled a fungoid growth, -or riband of flesh, plaited up and attached at one -edge to the stone. At every undulation of the water -the object moved to and fro with an extremely -graceful motion.</p> - -<p>By careful and close examination it was seen to -be covered with a film, that gradually expanded -until it burst, and thus gave means of escape to -thousands of minute white granules. On submitting -these to the microscope, a most wondrous sight met -my astonished eyes. Each dot or granule proved to -be a transparent shell, resembling the periwinkle or -rather the nautilus in shape; containing an animal -whose excited and rapid movements were amusing to -witness. From out the opening of the shell appeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> -now and again two rings of cilia. When these -organs were about to be put into action, they reminded -me of two circular tubes of gas connected -together, and each containing innumerable perforations, -which were sometimes suddenly and entirely -lit up by a torch being applied to one end.</p> - -<p>The <i>cilia</i> may be distinctly seen to play at a certain -point, and then gradually extend round the circumference -of the rings. When the whole are in -full action their movements are so extremely swift -<i>as to appear devoid of motion</i>, and thus bear a resemblance -to rings of flame.</p> - -<p>The result of the movements of the cilia was always -evident in the vigorous evolutions of the little embryos, -for the microscope filaments, while in action, -caused the animal to roll about in all directions in a -confined circle. When this envelope burst, the little -nautiline dashed out, and then—then it was of little -use attempting to get a view of the animal again, so -rapid and violent were its movements to and fro, -never resting for one instant on any spot, and least -of all the spot wished. By the aid of blotting-paper, -I sometimes reduced the quantity of water in -the watch glass; and the animal, thus being compelled -to confine its evolutions to a narrower stage, was more -often within the field of view.</p> - -<p>On visiting the sea-shore shortly after the discovery -of the egg cluster just described, I perceived -attached to numberless stones and large boulders<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> -thick clusters, composed of the self-same objects! -Beside them were lying confused heaps of <i>sea-slugs</i>, -evidently exhausted with their hatching exertions. -Anything more repulsive to the eye than those -animal heaps exhibited it would be difficult to conceive. -Yet, at the same time, I know of no sight -more pleasing than to watch the <i>Doris</i> in its healthy -state, gliding along with outspread plume on the -under surface of the water, or up the sides of the -tank, more especially if it be observed through a -powerful hand lens.</p> - -<p>These remarks will perhaps convey some new information -to the young naturalist, embracing as they -do the leading facts connected with the wondrous -embryotic development of many marine animals. -The reader will already be prepared to learn that the -vivacious little animal, moving by aid of cilia and -enclosed in a <i>shell</i>, was in reality the youthful stage -of that slow creeping gasteropod the <i>Doris</i>, which, in -its mature form, is possessed of no cilia, nor any -shelly covering whatever.</p> - -<p>I should not have introduced this subject so -familiarly did I not feel anxious to make my readers -aware how easy it is for each of them to conduct -experiments in the early stages of embryotic development, -and to gain practical evidence of the wonders -which this study unfolds.</p> - -<p>'What,' eloquently asks Mr. Lewes, 'can be more -interesting than to watch the beginnings of life, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> -trace the gradual evolution of an animal from a mass -of cells, each stage in the evolution presenting not -only its own characteristics, but those marks of -affinity with other animals which make the whole -world kin? To watch the formation of the blood-vessels, -to see the heart first begin its tremulous -pulsations, to note how life is from the first one -incessant struggle and progress—these keep us with -fascinated pertinacity at our studies.'</p> - -<p>The remarkable fact above mentioned, of the -young of the Nudibranchiate Gasteropoda being -furnished with a shell is exhibited not only in -Doris, but in Eolis, Tritonia, Aplysia, &c., while the -embryos of the Purpura, Nerita, Trochus, &c., are -likewise in their youthful state furnished with cilia, -by the agency of which these animals swim freely -about in their native element.</p> - -<p>There is one exception to this, which occurs in -<i>Chiton</i>, the early stage of which has recently been -shown by the observations of Mr. Clarke and Professor -Loven to be peculiar, and more resembling -that of an annelid than of a mollusc. In this case -the animal can scarcely be said to undergo a metamorphosis; -for the embryo, even within the egg, -has nearly the form of the parent, and the appearance -of the shell-plates is a mere matter of development.</p> - -<p>I have never attempted to count the ova that -were contained in any single riband of Doris spawn,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> -in fact I considered the task an impossibility; but -at a rough calculation, I concluded there would not -be less than a million. Dr. Darwin, however, -travelling in the Falkland Isles, met with a riband -of spawn from a white Doris (the animal itself was -three and a half inches long), which measured twenty -inches in length, and half an inch in breadth! and -by counting how many balls were contained in a -tenth of an inch in the row, and how many rows in -an equal length of riband, this gentleman reckoned -that upon a moderate computation there could not -be less than six millions of eggs. Yet, in spite of -such amazing fecundity, this Doris was not common. -'Although,' says Dr. Darwin, 'I was searching under -the stones, I saw only seven individuals. No fallacy -is more common with naturalists, than that the -numbers of an individual species depend on its -powers of propagation.'</p> - -<p>This apparent paradox is not difficult of explanation -when we consider the number of enemies which -are always hovering near, and ready with hungry -mouths to snap up the infant embryos as soon as -they begin to show signs of vitality. The Hermit-Crabs -are especially fond of Doris spawn, so much -so, indeed, that the writer could never retain any -for hatching purposes while any of the Paguri were -near. Mr. Peach says they (the young Dorides) -have myriads of enemies in the small <i>Infusoria</i>, -which may be noticed, with a powerful microscope,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> -hovering round them, and ready to devour them the -instant weakness or injury prevents their keeping in -motion the cilia, which serve both for locomotion -and defence. Let them cease to move, a regular -attack is made, and the animal is soon devoured; -and it is interesting to observe several of the scavengers -sporting with the empty shell, as if in derision -of the havoc they have made.</p> - -<p>The same difficulty of calculation does not exist, -at least to any such extent, with the spawn of Eolis, -which is laid in stringy coils. M. Gosse mentions -a specimen of <i>E. papillosa</i> that laid nine strings of -spawn in his tank between the 20th of March and -the 24th of May, all as nearly as possible of the -same length. Each string contained about a hundred -convolutions, each convolution about two hundred -ova, and each ova including, on an average, two -embryos, making a total progeny of forty thousand, -produced from one parent in little more than two -months.</p> - -<p>I may mention that on no occasion have I ever -found the spawn coils of either Doridiæ or Eolididæ -in my tanks, or at the sea-shore, except during the -months of January and February or March; neither -have any of my specimens spawned more than once -during an entire season. From noticing the same -group of parent slugs congregated, and remaining, as -I can affirm, for weeks near their egg clusters, evidently -in a most enfeebled condition, it has occurred<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> -to me that on the Frith of Forth, at least, vast -numbers of these animals do not long survive the -hatching season.</p> - -<p>Whether this be the case or not, it is a most -singular fact that in this locality, a Doris more than -one or two inches in length is scarcely ever to be -met with.</p> - -<p>There is at present in one of my tanks a specimen -of the Doris of a pearly-white colour, a second, tinted -white and pink, and two others which are quite -<i>black</i>,—all being procured from the coast near Edinburgh. -The last-mentioned animals are, I think, -somewhat uncommon. When watching one of them -in motion while the sun is shining down upon it, -the hue of the creature changes from a black to a -very deep purple, owing, no doubt, to its fleshy disc -being many shades lighter than its body, which, -being extended, and exhibited under a full glow of -light, becomes semi-transparent. This peculiarity is -not evident, of course, when the Doris is lying in a -passive state, with all its gill-plumes closed up.</p> - -<p>This sombre-coated gasteropod, although rare in -some localities, is very plentiful in foreign parts, if -the following may be received as an accurate narrative. -'On a reef of rocks near the island of Raiatea -is a huge unshapely black or brown slug, here called -'<i>Biche</i>,' from six to seven inches long, and five to -six broad. Is is caught in vast quantities, and not -only regarded as a great delicacy by the natives,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> -but being cured, has become a valuable article of -commerce in the China market, whither it is carried -from many insular coasts of the Pacific by American -ships. We have seen a number of lads fill three -canoes in two hours with these sea-snails.'</p> - -<p>Thus uninviting as this slimy animal seems to -our English taste, there is evidently no doubt of its -being used by the Chinese as an article of food, and -according to the evidence of certain authors, is -esteemed by the 'barbarians' a high-class luxury; -but then we must remember that the inhabitants of -the land of gongs and chopsticks, have always been -famed for their singular gastronomic tastes. One -poet writes:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'That man had sure a palate covered o'er<br /></span> -<span class="i2">With brass or steel, that, on the rocky shore,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">First broke the oozy oyster's pearly coat,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And risked the living morsel down his throat.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>But, 'Mandarins and Pigtails,' what was such <i>risk</i>, -I ask, compared to that which <i>he</i> endured, who -swallowed the first mouthful of birds'-nest soup? or -horror of horrors, the first spoonful of sea-snail stew? -Yet we are told that both the 'mucilage' and the -<i>Bêches de Mer</i> dishes are savoury and highly grateful -to the palate of an appreciating gourmand.</p> - -<p>A recent author, describing a Chinese dinner from -personal observation, tells us, that when the first -dish, composed of birds'-nest soup, was over, he -waited the advent of the next course with very -nervous excitement. 'It was a stew of sea-slugs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> -They are slippery, and very difficult to be handled -by inexperienced chopsticks; but they are most -pleasant and succulent food, not at all unlike in -flavour to the green fat of the turtle. If a man cannot -eat anything of a kind whereof he has not seen -his father and grandfather eat before him, we must -leave him to his oysters, and his periwinkles, and -his craw-fish, and not expect him to swallow the -much more comely sea-slug. But surely a Briton, -who has eaten himself into a poisonous plethora -upon mussels, has no right to hold up his hands and -eyes at a Chinaman enjoying his honest, well-cooked -stew of <i>Bêches de Mer</i>.</p> - -<p>'During the discussion of this dish our Chinese -master of the ceremonies solemnly interposed. We -were neglecting the rudiments of politeness, no one -had offered to intrude one of these sleek and savoury -delicacies, deeply rolled in sauce, into the mouth of -his neighbour. Efforts were made to retrieve the -barbarian honour, but with no great success, for the -slugs were <i>evasive</i>, and the proffered mouthful was -not always welcome.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXV" id="ChapXV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h2> - -<h3>The Crab and the Dainty Beggar.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p style="margin-left: 17%;">'In taking a review of most, if not all the actions of the animal world,<br /> - it must be obvious that, whether we allow them reason or not, the actions<br /> - themselves comprehend those elements of reason, so to speak, which we <br /> - commonly refer to rational beings, so that if the same actions had been<br /> - done by our fellow-creatures, we should have ascribed them without<br /> - hesitation to motives and feelings worthy of a rational nature.'—<span class="smcap">Schleider</span>.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i38">'All things are bigge with jest; nothing that's plain<br /></span> -<span class="i40">But may be wittie, if thou hast the vein.'—<span class="smcap">George Herbert</span>.<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p> - - - -<h2>XV.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">I have</span> been observing for several days the movements -of a Common Shore-Crab, which has been -almost all his life under my protection. Although -his present dimensions would render such a feat impossible, -when first I shook the little fellow off a -bunch of <i>C. officinalis</i>, he could have crawled with -the greatest of ease into the mouth of a small popgun. -We all know that members of this family are -bold and daring in their attacks upon their weaker -neighbours; upon each and all they wage a constant -predatory warfare. The poor Pholades, however, are -the favourite objects of their attacks. On these -innocent bivalves the Crustacea successfully prey, -unless they are protected by their usual rock-bound -citadel, which, of course, they cannot always be. In -order to watch the Pholas at work, it is necessary that -the siphons should be more or less protruding from his -tubular dwelling. If supported, say, to the full depth -of his valves, the animal is secure; for I notice that -neither crab nor fish can tear away the gristly ends of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> -the siphonal appendages when withdrawn; and when -disturbed, the poor Pholas leaves only this part in -view. I have frequently seen the Fiddler-Crab -embrace a Pholas in his claws, and struggle to pull -him from his seat. On one occasion this operation was -performed successfully, much to my annoyance, as I -had been at some trouble to saw the rock away in -order to watch easily every movement of the animal -within. At night when I looked into the tank my -pet was safe; next morning it was wedged under -some pebbles, and the crab was feasting leisurely -upon his tender flesh.</p> - -<p>It is most amusing to watch the Blennies, too, -attack a Pholas, cast into the tank, and to witness -their mode of pecking at and shaking their victim, -and turning innumerable somersaults with it in their -mouths. The strength they exhibit in these manœuvres -is perfectly astounding.</p> - -<p>About two hours after they had received one -of their favourite 'muttons' to feast upon, I peeped -into the aquarium, and found, as I expected, the -Blennies hard at their work of destruction. Behind -them, among some bushy tufts of <i>I. edulis</i>, the little -crab, before alluded to, was seated. In his arms he -held an object unlike anything I had seen on sea or -land. It appeared like a slender stick of beautifully -iridescent opal. My amazement at this sight may -readily be conceived, for I had not the remotest idea -as to how he had become possessed of such a prize.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span></p> - -<p>Next day I placed another devoted Pholas in the -tank, and after a while looked in to see how its -finny enemies were conducting themselves, when, -what should meet my eye, but the crab, sneaking off -with another opal baton in his arms! I was more -puzzled than ever. It was quite certain that the -object in question had been procured from the Pholas, -yet I had not heard of, or ever seen anything like it -in that animal.</p> - -<p>I was 'on thorns' until next day, so that I -might by watching solve the mystery. A third -Pholas was flung into the den. The fishes, eager as -usual, instantly attacked and pulled the mollusc to -pieces. After a while the crab began to move about -to and fro, evidently very restless, and anxious for -my departure. I did retire, but only to such distance -as would allow me a distinct view of his movements. -In a few moments he stepped out mincingly -on the tips of his toes, and crossed the tank to the -spot where the poor Pholas lay, like some fine beau -in Queen Anne's reign tripping jauntily down the -Mall, or across St. James' Park, to feed the ducks in -Rosamond's Pond.</p> - -<p>The Blennies darted off at his approach. He -then seated himself before the mangled corpse, and -scraped at it vigorously, manifestly searching for -some coveted treasure. Shortly after, perceiving -him clutch at something, I quickly approached and -disturbed his movements—took up the Pholas, and to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> -my surprise found, on drawing out an object that -protruded from the foot of the animal, that I possessed -the pearly and gelatinous cylinder, such as the crab -had twice before devoured with such evident relish.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p> - -<p>It was plain then that the little rascal had become -so dainty, that he 'turned up his nose,' or rather his -'pair of noses,' at what is vulgarly termed the 'first -cut,' and condescended only upon the tit-bits, for his -marine banquet. So his crabship, in order to save -himself trouble, actually waited until the fishes had -cut up the Pholas to a certain point, when he would -rush forward and seize on his favourite fare.</p> - -<p>Some of my readers will doubtless remember the -anecdote of the crossing sweeper, whose idiosyncrasy -led him to covet diurnally a mutton-chop situated -in the middle of the loin. My Lady Pepys, or Mr. -Saccharine, the great grocer, couldn't always procure -the desired 'cut!' <i>n'importe</i> the knight of the besom -met with no such disappointment.</p> - -<p>This individual's place of business was luckily situated -opposite to a noted butcher's shop, which -circumstance easily enabled him to watch until, from -the demands of sundry customers, the perspective of -the loin, which lay temptingly upon the chopping -block, had become adapted to his point of sight. -He would then step in and meekly order a simple -pound avoirdupois. With this <i>bonne-bouche</i> carefully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> -packed in his pocket, he would again mount -guard, and remain until night. At dusk of evening -he shut up shop,—that is, he swept the dirt over -the parallel path that he had all day kept scrupulously -clean, and then marched off to enjoy his dinner -at a fashionable hour, in private.</p> - -<p>Are not these cases palpably alike? Passing by -certain details, were not the pawkiness and cunning -of the epicurean beggar fully equalled by our diminutive -friend, <i>C. mænas</i>?</p> - -<p>'But,' you ask, 'what then was the opal stick?' -Ay, there's the rub, for even the greatest naturalists -cannot positively agree as to the use and purpose of -this mysterious organ. Yet it is to be found (as we -have seen) in the foot of the Pholas, in the Mussel, -the Cockle; and, in fact, it occurs in almost all bivalves -both great and small. It is termed the 'hyaline cylindrical -stylet,' and is very <i>lucidly</i> and scientifically -described as 'an elastic spring to work the corneous -plate or attritor, and by the muscular action of the foot -and body, to divide and comminute the food, and especially -the minute crustaceous and testaceous alimentary -matters received into the stomachial cavity. -It appears then that this appendage acts as <i>a gizzard</i>, -and the bivalve mollusca are thus supplied with a -masticatory apparatus very analogous to the gizzards -of some of the gasteropoda.'</p> - -<p>Now, the simple fact that I have stated above, -of the hyaline stylet being found in the <i>foot</i>, and not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> -in the stomach, at once proves that it cannot possibly -act as a <i>gizzard</i> to the Pholas, or any other bivalve -in which it is known to exist.</p> - -<p>In the succeeding chapter I shall endeavour, from -personal observation, to shed a slender ray of light -upon the function of the stylet.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXVI" id="ChapXVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h2> - -<h3>The Pholas, &c.</h3> - -<h4>(ROCK-BORERS.)</h4> - -<hr class="r5" /> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">'He that of greatest works is finisher<br /> -Oft does them by the meanest minister.'</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span></p> - - - -<h2>XVI.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> certain parts of the Scottish coast, the 'dykes,' -or walls built near the road-side, are constructed -entirely of rough-hewn pieces of hard sandstone rock, -brought from the neighbouring shore. Sometimes a -dyke will extend for two or three miles, without -presenting an isolated fragment, in which the honeycomb-like -perforations of certain species of the boring -Mollusca are not more or less apparent.</p> - -<p>A fragment of soft sandstone lies before me, measuring -three and a half inches in length, and two inches in -breadth, which, small though it be, contains no fewer -than seventeen cylindrical tunnels. Each of these -exhibits so wonderful a skill in construction, that -human hands could not surpass it, though aided by -'all the means and appliances to boot,' of mechanical -agency.</p> - -<p>It is generally stated that the Pholas never intrudes -itself into the apartment occupied by a neighbouring -'worker.' The Pholas, however, often intrudes -on its neighbour; and such intrusion is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> -manifested in the small piece of stone alluded to in -no less than four instances. Here let me observe, -that it is not always the larger mollusc that bores -through the smaller one; it as frequently happens -that the latter deserves the brand of wanton aggressor. -Both cases are common enough, and, indeed, must of -necessity occur, wherever at any time a colony of -various sized Pholades are clustered together in a -small portion of rock.</p> - -<p>A fragment of rock riddled by the Pholas is a -much more pleasing sight than can be witnessed at -the sea-shore in connection with that animal under -usual circumstances. For this reason: When visiting -the habitat of the boring bivalves, a host of small -circular holes are sometimes seen; at other times the -surface of the same portion of the beach appears -comparatively sound, and it is only by striking a -smart blow with a hammer upon the ground, that -we render scores of orifices instantly observable in -all directions, from each of which is thrown a small -jet of water. This phenomenon is caused by the -Pholades in alarm retracting their siphons, which had -hitherto filled the entire extent of the tunnels. At -such a locality, if a piece of rock be excavated, various -specimens of these boring molluscs, shrunk to their -smallest possible size, will be discovered at the base -of the cavities, which are invariably of a conical -form, tapered at the top, and gradually enlarging as -they descend.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p> - -<p>It must be evident, then, that neither the likeness -of the animal, nor the formation of its singular -dwelling-place, can be seen by the casual wanderer -along the sea-shore.</p> - -<p>It will also be apparent to the intelligent reader, -that when once the Pholas is located in a certain -spot, he becomes a tenant for life; for never by any -chance whatever, can the poor miner leave his rocky -habitation by his own unaided exertions, even were -he so inclined. As he grows older and increases in -size, nature teaches the animal to enlarge his habitation -in a proportionate and suitable manner.</p> - -<p>During the period of the boring process, the orifice -becomes clogged above the shell with the <i>debris</i> -of the rock, and this, if allowed to accumulate would -speedily asphyxiate the animal. To get rid of such -an unpleasant obstruction, the Pholas retracts, and -closes the end of its siphons, then suddenly extends -the 'double barrelled' tube to its full length, until it -reaches the entrance of the tunnel. This movement -often repeated, causes portions of the pulverized stone -to be forced outwards at each operation.</p> - -<p>It is interesting to watch the curious manner in -which the end of the principal siphon is alternately -closed and spread out when it reaches the water, -like a man inspiring heavily after any unusual exertion; -it is then made again to descend, and renew -its task, as above described.</p> - -<p>In extracting that portion of the <i>debris</i> which is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> -deposited at the <i>base</i> of the cavity, below the body -of the industrious miner, a different plan is adopted. -Wherever a Pholas is at its labours, there are always -deposited within a circumference of several inches -round the tunnel, myriads of short thin threads, -which are squirted out from the smaller siphon.</p> - -<p>The nodules on examination are found to be composed -of pulverized rock, which is drawn in at the -pedal opening, and ejected in the above manner, -thereby effectually clearing the lower portion of the -orifice. It was suggested to me that these threadlike -objects were the fœcal matters of the Pholas, -but this idea was soon dispelled by the assistance of -the microscope; and, moreover, from the fact that -the threads are never visible when the animal is in a -quiescent state, but only when it is busily engaged -in its mysterious task of boring.</p> - -<p>I was for some time puzzled to find any aperture -in connection with the club-like foot of the Pholas -(<i>P. crispata</i>), although several of the bivalves were -sacrificed to the cause of science. But what the -microscope and scalpel in this instance failed to unfold, -attentive watching of the animal in the aquarium -made palpably apparent, in the following manner.</p> - -<p>I had on one occasion captured about a dozen -Pholades, some of which were embedded in the solid -rock, others detached.</p> - -<p>The first mentioned, I knew would be quite safe -among the blennies and crabs, from the untempting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> -and unedible nature of their siphonal tubes. Very -different was the case with the defenceless, disentombed -specimens. These were intended as food for -their finny companions, who happened to be particularly -fond of a change of diet. My 'pack' had -subsisted for some time on Mussels, and on such -excellent food, had become impudent, corpulent, and -dainty. But overgorged epicures though they were, -I knew that although everything else failed, a 'real -live' Pholas placed before them would serve to -speedily whet their appetites.</p> - -<p>A splendid specimen of the siphoniferous bivalve -was dropped into the tank, the base of which it had -no sooner reached, than the fishes, with eager eyes -and watering mouths, came hovering like a flock of -vultures round the welcome meal thus unexpectedly -placed before them.</p> - -<p>One rascal, who seemed to be cock of the walk, -came forward and made the first grip at the delicate -fleshy foot, that in appearance was as white as a -newly fallen snowflake. The pedal organ was, of -course, instantly and forcibly withdrawn, so much so, -indeed, as to be almost hidden from view, except at -its extreme base. In this position it remained for -several seconds. When the finny gourmand again -boldly advanced to take a second mouthful, to my -intense surprise he was, apparently, blown to a distance -of several inches. I could scarcely credit the -evidence of my senses. Another and another of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> -fishes were in their turn served in like manner as -their leader. In a short time, however, the poor -mollusc failed to repulse his enemies, and finally fell -a passive victim to their gluttonous propensities.</p> - -<p>Now comes the important question, 'How is the -boring operation performed?' How can this simple -animal, with its brittle shell, and soft fleshy body, -manage to perforate the sandstone, or other hard -substances, in which it lives?</p> - -<p>For hundreds of years this query has been asked, -and various are the replies which from time to time -have been given. Singular to state, although specimens -of the Pholas, and its allies the Saxicavæ, are -to be procured in abundance in many parts of the -kingdom, the subject is not even yet positively -settled.</p> - -<p>There have been many theories advanced, some the -result of fancy or guess-work; others, of practical -study. All these have their supporters, but none have, -by common consent, been adopted by physiologists -as the true one.</p> - -<p>Having for several years made this subject a -study of personal observation, I believe I may venture -to state, that I have succeeded in casting a -feeble ray of light upon it; and, although the result -of my labours may not be deemed conclusive, I may -at least claim some credit for my endeavours to clear -up a most difficult, though deeply interesting point -in natural history.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span></p> - -<p>The various theories promulgated on this knotty -point are generally classed under five heads: 1st, -That the animal secretes a chemical solvent—an acid—which -dissolves the substance in which it bores. -2d, That the combined action of the secreted solvent, -and rasping by the valves, effects the perforations. -3d, That the holes are made by rasping -effected by silicious particles studding the -substance of certain parts of the animal. 4th, -That currents of water, set in action by the -motions of vibratile cilia, are the agents. 5th, and -lastly, That the boring mollusca perforate by means -of the rotation of their shells, which serve as -augurs.</p> - -<p>Of all the above, the first which is quite a fancy -theory, seems to meet with greatest favour among -certain naturalists. But as it is rather puzzling to -find a chemical solvent, which will act equally upon -sandstone, clay, chalk, wax, and wood, this hypothesis -can only be looked upon by practical men as ingenious, -but incorrect. Even were it proved that -the animal really possessed the power of secreting -an acid sufficiently powerful, the question naturally -arises, How can the shell escape being affected in -like manner with the much harder substance in -which it is situated?</p> - -<p>The second theory, or the combined action of rasping -and the secreted solvent, is, for obvious reasons, -equally objectionable.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span></p> - -<p>The third theory, which endeavours to account for -the wearing away of the rock by means of silicious -particles situated in the foot and other parts of the -animal, has been for some time proved to be erroneous, -from the fact, that the combined skill of some -of our best anatomists and microscopists has -failed to discover the slightest presence of any -particles of silex in the Pholadidæ, although these -are believed to exist in other families of the boring -acephala.</p> - -<p>The fourth theory, that of ciliary currents as an -accessory agent in boring, is worthy of greater consideration, -chiefly from the evidence we possess of -the immense power which the incessant action of -currents of water possess in wearing away hard substances.</p> - -<p>We come now to what may be considered the -most important of the theories above enumerated, -viz., the mechanical action of the valves of the Pholas -in rasping away the rock, &c. This hypothesis is -one which most naturally suggests itself to the mind -of any impartial person, on examining, for instance, -the rasp-like exterior of the shell of <i>Pholas crispata</i>.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> -But as I shall endeavour to show, although the shell -forms the principal, it does not by any means constitute -the <i>sole</i> agent in completing the perforating -process.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span></p> - -<p>Mr. Clark, a clever naturalist, considers with Mr. -Hancock that the powerfully armed ventral portion -of the <i>mantle</i> of the closed boring acephala is fully -adequate to rub down their habitations, and that the -theories of mechanical boring, solvents, and ciliary -currents, are so utterly worthless and incapable of -producing the effects assigned to them, as not to be -worth dwelling upon for one moment. Mr. Clark, -therefore, comes to the conclusion that 'the foot is -the true and sole terebrating agent in the Pholas.' -This 'fact' he considers to be 'incontestably proved,' -for the following reason, viz., because he had discovered -specimens of this bivalve with the foot entirely -obliterated,—which phenomenon, Mr. Clark -states, is caused by the animal having arrived at its -full growth, at which period the terebrating functions -cease; and as 'nature never permanently retains -what is superfluous,' the foot is supposed gradually -to wither away, and finally disappear.</p> - -<p>This, I suspect, is another 'fancy' theory. Although -I have excavated hundreds of Pholades, some -of giant-like proportions, it has never been my lot to -witness the foot otherwise than in a healthy and fully -developed condition.</p> - -<p>Another writer, having no opportunity of viewing -the living animal, does not consider it difficult to -imagine the Pholas 'licking a hole' with its foot, -from the fact that he (Mr. Sowerby) managed to -make 'a sensible impression' upon a piece of kitchen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> -hearthstone. 'I had,' he says, 'not patience to carry -the experiment any further, but as far as it went, it -left no doubt on my mind that, with the foot alone, -and without any silicious particles, without a chemical -solvent, and without using the rasping power of its -shell, our little animal could easily execute his self-pronounced -sentence of solitary confinement for life.'</p> - -<p>Such an inconclusive statement as this would, I -feel certain, never have been penned, had its author -been so fortunate as to have had opportunity of -watching a Pholas at work.</p> - -<p>But, as Professor Owen truly observes, 'Direct observation -of the boring bivalves in the act of perforation -has been rarely enjoyed, and the instruments -have consequently been guessed at, or judged of from -the structure of the animal.' Such, evidently, is the -case with Mr. Sowerby, and several other writers who -treat on this subject.</p> - -<p>Here we may call attention to the folly of naturalists -endeavouring to tag a pet theory upon all the -boring acephala, to the exclusion of every other. -Such a system is defended upon the principle that, -'it is much more philosophical to allow that animals, -so nearly allied as these in question, are more likely -to effect a similar purpose by the same means, than -that several should be adopted. Surely this is more -consistent with the unity of the laws of nature, and -that beautiful simplicity which is everywhere prevalent -in her works.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span></p> - -<p>How much more shrewd and philosophical are the -opinions of such a man as Professor Owen, who, -when speaking of the mechanical action of the valves -of <i>P. crispata</i>, says, 'To deny this use of the Pholas -shell, because the shell of some other rock-boring -bivalves is smooth, is another sign of a narrow mind.' -Again, this learned author forcibly remarks, in direct -opposition to the writer previously quoted, '<i>The -diversity of the organization of the boring molluscs -plainly speaks against any one single and uniform, -boring agent at all</i>!'</p> - -<p>The more I study this subject, the more does the -truth of the last-mentioned statement become apparent -to my mind.</p> - -<p>An examination of engravings of the shells, or -even of the Pholas itself, when lying loose in the -tank, or quietly seated in the rock, extending and -retracting its siphons, fails to give one the slightest -idea of its extraordinary appearance when enlarging -its dwelling. At such times it seems to be a totally -different animal, and to have suddenly acquired a -most marvellous degree of power, energy, and perseverance, -forming a striking contrast to its usual -quiet, passive habits.</p> - -<p>In the first place, as I have elsewhere written, it -retracts its tube to, and even under, the level of its -shell, just as a man, about to urge onwards some -heavy mass with his shoulders, would depress his -head to increase and concentrate his muscular power.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> -Then follows an expansion of the neck or upper part -of the ventral border, from whence the siphons protrude. -This movement closes the posterior portions -of the valves below the hinge, and brings their -serrated points together. The next act on the part -of the animal is to place its foot firmly at the base -of the hole; when leaning forward, it makes a -sweeping movement fully half round the cavity, -pressing firmly-upon the umboes, which nature has -strengthened for the purpose by two curved teeth -fixed on the inside of the valves. At this stage it -again reclines on its breast, and tilting up the shell -as much as possible, it makes another motion round -to its former position, leaning upon its back. By -these intricate movements, which the Pholas appears -to accomplish by a contraction almost painfully -strong, it opens the rasping points of the valves. -These execute a very peculiar scooping movement at -the base of the cavity, and the animal having got so -far, prepares itself for further exertion by a short -rest.</p> - -<p>The specimen whose movements I have attempted -to describe, lived in my possession for a considerable -time. It bored so completely through the piece of -rock in which it was embedded, that the whole of -its foot dropped through the aperture, and remained -in this position for months, the animal, in consequence, -being unable to change its position even in -the slightest degree. Each movement of this specimen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> -both before and while the hole at the base of -the cavity was gradually being enlarged, was -watched, and every striking and interesting feature -that occurred noted down at the moment. Various -queries were put and answered, as far as possible, by -direct ocular demonstration of the labours of the -animal in the vase before me.</p> - -<p>I consider myself to have been singularly fortunate -in being able to view the actions of the creature from -beneath, in consequence of the hole being bored through -the rock. This circumstance allowed me distinctly to -see what was going on at the base of the orifice.</p> - -<p>My early observations have fortunately been confirmed -in other captive Pholades, which at various -periods have been domesticated in my tanks.</p> - -<p>I am convinced, then, that the shell forms the -<i>principal</i> agent in boring the animal's dwelling, -without either acid or flinty particles. The late -lamented Professor Forbes held that if this were the -case, the rasping points on the surface of the valves -would soon be worn down,—an appearance which, -he says, is never seen. With all respect for such -an eminent name, I must state that he was in error. -Not only are the edges at certain times worn, but -the rough surface is worn nearly smooth, appearing -in certain parts of a white colour, instead of a light -drab, as usual.</p> - -<p>But the reader may ask, if certain parts of the -valves are occasionally worn smooth, and the animal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> -works so vigorously, how is it that they are never -rasped through? This is a very natural question, -and one that I put to myself repeatedly.</p> - -<p>I have made frequent and careful observations -while the animal was actually at work, in order to -satisfy myself upon this point, and have always -perceived that the particles of softened rock fell from, -and on each side of, the large and well-developed -<i>ligament</i> that binds the hinge, and extends to the -lowest points of the valves. Moreover, this leathery -substance always seemed scraped on the surface. I -cannot, therefore, but believe that the ligament aids -very materially in rubbing off the rock, or at all -events, in graduating the pressure of the valves -during the process, and that this curious organ, -instead of being worn away, may, like the callosity -upon a workman's hand, increase in toughness the -more labour it is called upon to perform.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p> - -<p>The reason why so few specimens of the Pholades -exhibit a worn shell may be thus explained: As the -animal only bores the rock in sufficient degree to -admit of its increased bulk of body, it only requires -to bore occasionally, and there may be often an interval -of many months, during which time nature<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> -may have renewed the serrated edge and rough surface -of the valves, and thus enabled the creature to -renew its wondrous operations.</p> - -<p>We now come to a consideration of the foot, -which, as many writers aver, forms the 'sole terebrating -agent.'</p> - -<p>Although this sweeping statement is incorrect, I -will freely admit that the foot constitutes an agent -second only in importance to the shell of the animal. -A casual examination of any Pholas perforation will -show that the foot could not have been the only -instrument by which the cavity was formed, from -the peculiar rings that line the lower portion of its -interior. These rough appearances, I feel convinced, -could be formed by no other means than the -rotatory motion of the shelly valves.</p> - -<p>The valves, however, could not rotate and press -against the surface of the rock, were it not for the -aid which the foot affords to the animal, by its being -placed firmly at the base of the hole, and thus made -to act as a powerful fulcrum.</p> - -<p>This supposition fully accounts for the lowest -extremity of the rocky chamber being always -smooth, and hollowed out into a cup-like form by -the action of the fleshy foot above alluded to.</p> - -<p>The foot for a long time was a complete puzzle -to me: I was unable to satisfy my mind as to -how it acquired its seeming extraordinary power. -The phenomenon was fully explained when I became<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> -aware of the presence of that mysterious organ the -hyaline stylet, situated <i>in the centre of the foot</i>. -The use of this springy muscle, which is, as we have -shown in the previous chapter, by naturalists erroneously -considered to be the gizzard of the animal, is, -I believe, <i>solely to assist the Pholas in its boring -operations</i>.</p> - -<p>Perhaps some of my readers would like to know -how to procure a sight of the stylet; if so, their -wishes may be easily gratified. Take up a disentombed -Pholas in your hand, and with a sharp lancet -or point of a pen-knife, briskly cut a slit in the -extreme end of the foot, and, if the operation be -done skilfully, the object of your search will spring -out of the incision to the extent, it may be, of a -quarter of an inch. If not, a very slight examination -will discover the opal gelatinous cylinder, -which may be drawn out by means of a pair of -forceps.</p> - -<p>When extracted and held between the finger and -thumb by its smaller end, the stylet will, if struck -with a certain degree of force, vibrate rapidly to and -fro for some seconds, in the same manner as a piece -of steel or whalebone would be affected, under like -circumstances.<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p> - -<p>So long as a Pholas exhibits only the ends of its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> -siphons to the eyes of a greedy crab, it is perfectly -safe from attack. It is only when the fleshy foot -is unprotected that it falls a prey to some hungry -crustacean.</p> - -<p>The toughness of the siphonal orifices is, I believe, -a most important point, for, as I shall endeavour to -explain, the siphonal tubes constitute important -accessory excavating agents, to those already enumerated.</p> - -<p>We all know that the hole which each young -Pholas makes, when first he takes possession of his -rocky home, is extremely minute,—not larger than -a small pin's head; now, it stands to reason, that if -the shell was the only terebrating agent, the opening -of the cavity in question would always remain -of the same size, or, perhaps, on account of the -action of the water, a slight degree larger than its -original dimensions. Such, however, is not the -case.</p> - -<p>Here is a fragment of rock exhibiting several -Pholas holes. The aperture of one of these, which I -measure, is nearly half-an-inch in diameter, while in -juxtaposition with it is situated another cavity, -measuring across the entrance less than the eighth -part of an inch. The reader will at once perceive, -if the foot and shell were the sole augurs, that as -the animal descended deeper into the rock, the -siphonal tube, as it enlarged in proportion to other -parts of the animal, would have to be drawn out to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> -an extremely fine point to fit the opening of the -tunnel. But as this is not the state of matters, the -conclusion forces itself upon us, that that portion of -the orifice situated above the shell of the animal -must be enlarged by the constant extension and retraction -of the siphons, aided by currents of water -acting on the interior surface of the cavity.</p> - -<p>This same theory will also serve to explain how -it is that all Pholades situated at the same depth in -the rock, are not all of a uniform size. I have frequently -seen a piece of rock exhibit the peculiarity -of two burrows of vastly different proportions as -regards breadth, being precisely the same depth from -the surface of the stone. This appears to me -equally wonderful and puzzling at first sight, as the -'boring' question.</p> - -<p>What age is attained by any species of the rock-borers -before they arrive at full growth, there are -no means of knowing. This point, like several -others in the history of these animals, still remains a -mystery, nor is it likely soon to be cleared up. The -largest specimen of <i>P. crispata</i> that I have seen is -at present in my possession. Each valve measures -three and a half inches in length, by two inches in -breadth. Some foreign specimens of this species, -and especially of <i>P. dactylus</i>, are, however, frequently -found of much larger dimensions.</p> - -<p>On no occasion have I ever examined any Pholas -excavation that had lost its conical shape, a fact that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> -seems to prove that the successive stages of the boring -operation must have taken place solely in consequence -of the animal not having reached its adult form.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> -For had the shell attained its full development, and -its owner continued to labour, and rasp away the -rock, the sides of the cavity at its base would necessarily -present a parallel appearance—a phenomenon -which is never witnessed.</p> - -<p>From this we may conclude that the depth of the -perforation, which is seldom many inches, depends -entirely upon the growth of the mollusc.</p> - -<p>When keeping specimens of the Pholas for observation, -the usual plan is to chip away the rock to -the level of the valves, so that the whole of the -animal's siphonal tubes may be distinctly seen, however -slightly these organs may be extended. This -plan, I found, did very well for a time, but I was -annoyed to witness, that in the course of a few months, -the siphons ceased to be either advanced or retracted,—they -having become, as it were, rudimentary.</p> - -<p>To obviate such contingency, the writer adopted -the following scheme.</p> - -<p>To place in the tank a Pholas completely embedded -in a fragment of rock, so that nothing but the tips -of its siphons, when extended to the utmost, were -visible, would not afford much pleasure to the student.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span> -I therefore managed to saw away the rock -in such a manner, as to leave a narrow slit along -the entire length of the tunnel, so as to expose the -slightest movement of the animal within. Having -natural support for its siphons, I expected that these -organs would be constantly retracted and extended; -but such was not the case; at least for so long a -period as I had anticipated.</p> - -<p>After repeated experiments, I have now discovered -that whether the siphons be protected as above -described or not, they will always be vigorously -exercised if the animal be placed in shallow water, -so that its tubes when fully extended will reach the -surface of the fluid.</p> - -<p>The conclusion, from what has been stated, is, that -the Pholas can no longer be considered a weak and -helpless animal. Possessed of a rasp-like shell, a -horny ligament, retractile tubes, a strong muscular -foot, and a powerful spring or stylet, it is not by -any means difficult to conceive that these agents -when they are all brought into play, are fully equal -to the task of excavating the rocky chamber in -which the animal lives.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXVII" id="ChapXVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h2> - -<h3>The Sea-Mouse.</h3> - -<h4>(APHRODITE ACULEATA.)</h4> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i46">'For seas have ...<br /></span> -<span class="i48">As well as earth, vines, roses, nettles, melons,<br /></span> -<span class="i48">Mushrooms, pinks, gilliflowers, and many millions<br /></span> -<span class="i48">Of other plants, more rare, more strange than these,<br /></span> -<span class="i48">As very fishes living in the seas.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"><a name="Illus9" id="Illus9"> -<img src="images/image11.jpg" width="440" height="578" alt="The Sea-Mouse" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -1 THE SEA MOUSE (<i>Aphrodite aculeata</i>)<br /> -2 THE DORIS<br /> -3 YOUNG OF THE DORIS<br /> -4 EOLIS PAPILLOSA</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XVII.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Beauteous</span> stars also the sea contains, as numberless, -though not so brilliant in appearance as those -which stud the firmament of heaven; flowers, too, -grow beneath the wave, and rival in loveliness the -gems which adorn our fields and hedge-rows. Nay, -more, like the land, the ocean owns its various -grasses, its lemons, and cucumbers, its worms, slugs, -and shelly snails, its hedgehogs, its birds, its ducks -and geese (<i>anatidæ</i>), its dogs, its hares, and lastly its -<i>mice</i> (<i>aphroditæ</i>.) The latter objects, despite their -unprepossessing name, being in no wise less interesting -than those above mentioned.</p> - -<p>The <i>Aphrodite aculeata</i> is, perhaps, one of the -most gorgeous creatures that inhabits the seas of our -British coast. Its body is covered with a coating of -short brown hairs, but as these approach the sides of -the animal, they become intermixed with long dark -bristles, the whole of which are of an iridescent -character. In one respect this creature bears no resemblance -to its namesake of the land, being extremely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> -slow and sluggish in its movements (at least according -to our experience) when kept in confinement. -Some writers, however, affirm that the Aphrodite -possesses the power, although seldom exercised, of -both running and swimming through the water with -considerable speed.</p> - -<p>In general the animal loves to tenant the slimy -mud, and wherever the writer has happened to come -upon a specimen at the sea-shore, its back has -always been thickly coated with sand or dirt. The -Sea-Mouse, then, unlike the peacock, can never be -deemed an emblem of haughty pride, yet has nature -in her lavish beauty endowed this humble inhabitant -of the deep with a richness of plumage, so to speak, -fully equal in its metallic brilliancy to that which -decorates the tail of the strutting bird we have -mentioned. As the bristles of the Aphrodite are -moved about, tints—green, yellow, and orange, blue, -purple, and scarlet—all the hues of Iris play upon -them with the changing light, and shine with a -metallic effulgence. Even if the animal, when -dead, is placed in clear water, the same varied -effect is seen as often as the observer changes his -position.</p> - -<p>Not only are the <i>Setæ</i> worthy of notice on account -of their lustrous beauty, but also for their shape, -and the important part they play in the economy of -the animal. These lance-like spines seem to be used -by the Aphrodite as weapons of defence, like the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> -spines of the hedgehog or porcupine. In some -species they are like harpoons, each being supplied -with a double series of strong barbs.</p> - -<p>The instruments can all be withdrawn into the -body of the animal at will, but we can easily conceive -that such formidable weapons being retracted into -its flesh would not add to the creature's comfort—in -fact they would produce a deadly effect, were it -not for the following simple and beautiful contrivance.</p> - -<p>Each spine is furnished with a double sheath -composed of two blades, between which it is lodged; -these sheaths closing upon the sharp points of the -spear when the latter is drawn inwards, effectually -guard the surrounding flesh from injury.</p> - -<p>The shape of this animal is oval, the back convex, -while the under part presents a flat and curious -ribbed-like appearance. Its length varies from -three to five inches; specimens, however, are sometimes -to be procured, even on our own shores, of -much larger dimensions.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXVIII" id="ChapXVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h2> - -<h3>Star-fishes.</h3> - -<h4>(OPHIURIDAE AND ASTERIADAE.)</h4> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">'As there are stars in the sky, so there are stars in the sea.'—<span class="smcap">Link</span>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span></p> - - - -<h2>XVIII.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> are not a few persons still to be met with, who -believe that man and the lower animals appeared -simultaneously upon the face of the earth. Geology -most forcibly proves the error of such an idea, for -although the fossilized remains of every other class -of organized beings have been discovered, human -bones have nowhere been found. This fact, though -deeply interesting, is perhaps not more so than many -others which this wonderful science has unfolded. -What can be more startling to the student for -instance, than the information that for a long period, -it may be thousands of years, no species of fish -whatever inhabited the primeval seas? True it is -that certain creatures occupied the shallows and -depths of ocean, but these were of the lowest type. -The most conspicuous were the coral polypes, which -even then as now were ever industriously building -up lasting monuments of their existence, as the -Trilobites, a group of Crustacea, and the Crinoids, -or Lily-stars.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p> - -<p>The last-mentioned group of animals were analogous -to the present tribe of Star-fishes, and are now -nearly extinct. The body of the Lily-star, which -resembled some beautiful radiate flower, was affixed -to a long, slender stalk, composed of a series of -solid plates superposed upon one another, bound -together by a fleshy coat, and made to undulate to -and fro in any direction at the will of the animal. -The stalk was firmly attached to some foreign substance, -and consequently the Crinoid Star-fish, unlike -its modern representative, could not rove about in -search of prey, but only capture such objects as came -within reach of its widely expanded arms. 'Scarcely -a dozen kinds of these beautiful creatures,' observes -Professor Forbes, 'now live in the seas of our globe, -and individuals of these kinds are comparatively -rarely to be met with; formerly they were among -the most numerous of the ocean's inhabitants,—so -numerous that the remains of their skeletons constitute -great tracts of the dry land as it now appears. -For miles and miles we may walk over the stony -fragments of the Crinoidae, fragments which were -once built up in animated forms, encased in living -flesh, and obeying the will of creatures among the -loveliest of the inhabitants of the ocean. Even in -their present disjointed and petrified state, they -excite the admiration not only of the naturalist, but -of the common gazer; and the name of stone lily, -popularly applied to them, indicates a popular<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> -appreciation of their beauty.' Each wheel-like joint -of the fossil Encrinite being generally perforated in -the centre, facility is thus afforded for stringing a -number of these objects together like beads, and in -this form the monks of old, according to tradition, -used the broken fragments of the lily-stars as rosaries. -Hence the common appellation of St Cuthbert's -Beads, to which Sir Walter Scott alludes,—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i22">'On a rock by Lindisfarn<br /></span> -<span class="i0">St. Cuthbert sits, and toils to frame<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The sea-born beads that bear his name.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>One solitary species of the Crinoid Star-fishes has of -late years been found to flourish in our own seas; it -is, however, affixed to a stalk (pedunculated) only in -the early periods of its existence.</p> - -<p>When first discovered by Mr. Thompson in its -infant state, the <i>Pentacrinus Europæus</i> was believed -to be a distinct animal. It was taken attached to -the stems of zoophytes of different orders, and -measured about three-fourths of an inch in height. -In form it resembled a minute comatula mounted on -the stalk of a Pentacrinus. Subsequent research has -proved that the little stranger was merely the young -state of the feather star <i>Comatula rosacea</i>, and that -although for a certain period attached to a slender -waving stem, the Pentacrinus, when arrived at a -certain stage of development, feels fully able to -start life on its own accord, and hence takes opportunity -to break off its early ties, and become a free<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> -animal, dependent upon its own exertions for subsistence.</p> - -<p>It is no uncommon thing, as a late writer forcibly -remarks, in the inferior classes of the animal kingdom, -to find animals permanently attached from the -period of their birth, and during all their existence. -Familiar examples of this occur in the oyster, and -various other bivalve shell-fish, as well as in numerous -compound zoophytes. We likewise meet with races -which are free and locomotive in their first stages, -and afterwards become permanently fixed; but an -animal growing for a period in the similitude of a -flower on a stem, and then dropping from its pedicle, -and becoming during the remainder of its life free -and peripatetic, is not only new, but without any -parellel in the whole range of the organized creation.</p> - -<p>The Comatula, or as it is commonly called, the -Rosy Feather-star, is allowed to be without exception -the most lively of all the star-fishes. Its movements -in swimming are said to resemble exactly the alternating -strokes given by the medusa to the liquid -element, and have the same effect, causing the animal -to raise itself from the bottom, and to advance back -foremost even more rapidly than the medusa. It -has ten very slender rays with numbers of long -beards on the sides. The body, which is of a deep -rose colour, is small and surrounded with ten little -filiform rays. The extremities of these organs are -shaped like claws, by means of which the animal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> -attaches itself to various kinds of sea-weed, and other -submarine objects.</p> - -<p>The adult Comatula generally measures about five -inches across its fully expanded rays.</p> - -<p>Before treating of what are termed the <i>true</i> Star-fishes, -we require to dwell briefly upon an intermediate -family named by Professor Forbes the -<i>Ophiuridæ</i>, 'from the long serpent or worm-like -arms, which are appended to their round, depressed, -urchin like bodies.... They hold the same relation -to the Crinoidea that the true Star-fishes hold to -the Sea-Urchins. They are spinigrade animals, and -have no true suckers by which to walk, their progression -being effected (and with great facility) by -means of five long flexible-jointed processes placed -at regular distances around their body, and furnished -with spines on the sides and membraneous tentacula. -These processes are very different from the arms of -the true Star-fishes, which are lobes of the animal's -body, whereas the arms of the Ophiuridæ are super-added -to the body, and there is no excavation in -them for any longation of the digestive organs.'<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p> - -<p>The British Ophiuridæ are now classed under two -genera; of the Ophiuræ, or Sand-stars only two -species (<i>O. texturata</i> and <i>O. albida</i>) are found on -our shores; and the Ophicomæ, or Brittle-stars, of -which there are ten.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span></p> - -<p>An extraordinary feature, characteristic of all the -above-mentioned animals, is the great tendency which -they have to mutilate themselves, and throw their -limbs about in fragments on the slightest provocation. -If a specimen be handled, a certain number of fragments -will assuredly be cast off. If the rays become -entangled in sea-weed, or even if the water in which -the animal resides happens to become impure, the -same disastrous result follows, until nothing but the -little circular disc remains. As a set off against -this weakness, both the Ophiuræ and the Brittle-stars -possess reproductive powers of a high order. -Hence it not unfrequently happens that if each and -all the rays of a specimen be rejected, the animal -will live on, and eventually, perhaps, become a complete -and perfect star-fish.</p> - -<p>The best means of preserving an Ophiura is to let -the devoted animal remain for a time expanded in -sea-water, then with a small pair of forceps lift it -carefully up, and plump it into a bath of cold 'fresh' -water, letting it lie there for about an hour. The -animal speedily dies, as if poisoned, in the fresh -liquid, in a state of rigid expansion. Some writers -recommend that, at this stage, the specimen should -be dipped for a moment into boiling water, and then -dried in a current of air; but I have never been -able to detect any great benefit arising from the -adoption of the process.</p> - -<p>When examining any of the Brittle-stars, I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> -always found it an excellent plan to raise them up -by aid of the forceps applied to the disc. By this -means a specimen may be moved about without any -fear of mutilation; whereas if the fingers be used as -forceps, an unhappy result will assuredly follow.</p> - -<p>The <a href="#Illus1"><i>Ophiocoma rosula</i></a>, figured on Plate 9, will -serve to convey to the reader a general idea of this -class of animals. Its popular title is the Common -Brittle-star, indicative of the inherent fragility of the -species, as also of their prevalent appearance at the -sea-shore; but, though so exceedingly 'common,' -we must at the same time in justice add, that the <i>O. -rosula</i> exceeds in beauty many other species which -are rare, and consequently more highly prized by -the collector.</p> - -<p>It is very abundant on all parts of the British -coast, and is often found in clusters upon the stems -of <i>L. digitata</i>, and as frequently upon the under -side of boulders. In dredging, the Brittle-star is -an unfailing prize. It is a marvellous sight when -the scrapings of the ocean bed are spread out upon -the dredging-board for examination, to see hundreds -of these singularly delicate creatures twisting and -twining about in all directions,—over each other's -bodies, through the weed, sand, shells, and mud, and -strewing fragments of their snake-like arms upon -every surrounding object.</p> - -<p>At the mere mention of 'Star-fishes,' the most -uninitiated reader will at once realize in his mind's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span> -eye a tolerably correct notion of the form of these -curious productions of the marine animal kingdom, -even although he had never seen a living or dead -specimen.</p> - -<p>The body of the animal is divided into rays, like -the pictured form of one of the heavenly stars, and -the fancied resemblance is most apparent in the -Asteridæ, or true Star-fishes, of which we are now -about to speak.</p> - -<p>This wonderful race of animals, for their beauty -of colour, elegance of shape, and peculiarity of structure, -possess a great degree of interest, not only to -the naturalist, but also to the casual observer by the -sea-side.</p> - -<p>There are fourteen British species of Asteriadæ, -which are arranged under four families, namely—the -Urasteriæ, the Solasteriæ, the Gonasteriæ, and -the Asteriæ. This group contains no less than eight -generic types, clearly distinguished from each other -by certain characters, 'derived from the outline of -the body, the number of rows of suckers in the -avenues, and the structure and arrangement of the -spines covering the surface and bordering the -avenues.'</p> - -<p>There are four species of Star-fishes belonging to -the genus Uraster, the most common of which is the -<i>Uraster rubens</i>, or Common Cross-fish.</p> - -<p>No person in the habit of visiting the sea-shore -can be unfamiliar with the likeness of this creature,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> -which is generally seen lying wedged in some rocky -crevice, or among the Fuci, there patiently waiting -the return of the tide.</p> - -<p>At such a time, the Devil's-hand (as the Irish -people term it), does not appear by any means -attractive. If placed in water, however, its appearance -becomes wonderfully improved.</p> - -<p>Here is a small specimen, just brought from the -sea-shore at Cockburnspath (a most romantic and -delightful locality, situated on the coast of Berwickshire). -It is neatly wrapped up in a mantle of sea-weed. -Freed of its verdant envelope, I deposit the -youthful Rubens upon his back—'willy-nilly'—in -a tumbler partly filled with clear sea-water, and -then proceed to watch its movements through a -magnifier.</p> - -<p>At a glance we perceive that each of its five rays -is grooved on its lower surface, and filled with -minute perforations, through which is gradually protruded -a multitude of fleshy suckers, knobbed at -the end. It is by aid of these organs that the -animal grasps its food, and changes its position, as -we shall presently see. One of the rays is now -slowly lifted up and moved about in various directions, -while from its extreme point the suckers are -extended to the utmost limit. No sooner do they -touch the side of the vessel than they are firmly -fixed and contracted. A <i>point d'appui</i> being thus -gained, the animal is enabled by degrees to draw its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span> -body round, so as to get another regiment of suckers -into play, and, by such plan of operations being -repeated, the animal is eventually enabled to 'right -itself,' and crawl up the polished surface of the glass.</p> - -<p>Generally, when the Star-fish is disturbed, or -placed on a dry piece of stone, the suckers are withdrawn -into the body, leaving no signs of their previous -existence except a series of minute tubercles. -In fact, the Asterias, although enabled to adhere -with great tenacity to any foreign object when immersed -in water, possesses but little power to retain -its hold if the fluid be removed. Hence the young -zoologist, keeping this peculiarity in mind, should -not too hurriedly return a verdict of 'Found dead,' -when he meets with a helpless specimen upon the -beach, for in all likelihood, were the creature to be -laid for a few minutes in a rock-pool, it would soon -exhibit signs of returning animation.</p> - -<p>A simpler, though not so sure a test for ascertaining -whether a Star-fish be living or not, is to handle the -specimen. If it feels soft and flabby, it is dead; but -if tolerably firm to the touch, it may be 'recalled to -life,' by the means pointed out.</p> - -<p>It may not be out of place to chronicle here a -singular circumstance which the writer has often -verified in connection with the true Star-fishes. It -is this. When any captured specimens have been -placed in confinement, no matter how large or small -such might be, they never moved through the liquid<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> -element with a tithe of the rapidity that I well knew -they were capable of. At the sea-side, I have seen -a specimen of the Cross-fish glide through the water -so nimbly, yet withal so gracefully, that I have felt -inclined to rank natation among the few other acomplishments -of which the species can boast.</p> - -<p>The <i>Uraster rubens</i> is also popularly known as -'Five Fingers.' For ages past it has been subject -to the bitter denunciation of fishermen and others, -for the injury which it is said to inflict upon -oysters. At one time, according to Bishop Spratt, -the Admiralty Court laid penalties upon those engaged -in the oyster-fishing who did not tread under -their feet, or throw upon the shore, a fish they call a -Five-Finger, resembling a spur-rowel, because that -fish gets into the oysters when they gape, and sucks -them out. Poets have also endeavoured to perpetuate -the vulgar opinion:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'The prickly Star-fish creeps with fell deceit,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">To force the Oyster from his close retreat,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Whose gaping lids their widened void display;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">The watchful Star thrusts in a pointed ray—<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Of all its treasures robs the rifled case,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And empty shells the sandy hillock grace.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Even yet the oyster fishermen at certain localities -wreak all possible vengeance upon the 'submarine -Dando's,' for their supposed gourmandizing propensities. -I say <i>supposed</i>, for although so many -naturalists have studied the question, it is not, up -to the present time, satisfactorily settled. Some -deny the alleged tendency altogether, while less<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> -sceptical observers are unable to understand the -mode in which the Star-fish could injure an animal -apparently so capable of self-defence as the oyster. -According to certain authors, the Star-fish encircles -the oyster with its five fingers, and by some clever -process of suction destroys the unfortunate mollusc. -Others, again, maintain that the first step of the -attack is the injection of some marine chloroform -between the shells of the oyster, and that during the -insensibility that follows, the Star-fish effects an -entrance.</p> - -<p>As this is an interesting subject, perhaps the -reader would like to have the exact words which -are used by two celebrated naturalists, one of whom -attempts to vindicate the character of the Asteridæ, -the other to blacken it.</p> - -<p>Sir John Dalyell—a high authority upon all -matters of marine zoology—shrewdly remarks: 'I -have not heard it suggested that the Star-fish possesses -any kind of solvent compelling the bivalves -to sunder. Neither can its hostility be very deadly -to the larger univalves, from the distance to which -they are enabled to retreat within their portable -dwellings. Their general habits are, to force the -shells of smaller bivalves asunder, and to devour the -contents; they likewise consume the substance of -ordinary fishes entire; nevertheless, as far as I am -yet aware, their destruction of oysters is destitute of -evidence. The Star-fish sometimes shows an eversion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> -of stomach, or of some membrane of it. Whether -this may be the means of affecting their prey, merits -investigation.'</p> - -<p>Professor Jones, who affirms that in the latter -suggestion Sir J. Dalyell has nearly hit upon the -true solution of the problem, thus gives what <i>he</i> considers -to be the correct mode of procedure on the -part of the Star-fish: 'Grasping its shell-clad prey -between its rays, and firmly fixing it by means of its -prehensile suckers, it proceeds deliberately to turn its -stomach inside out, embracing in its ample folds the -helpless bivalve, and perhaps at the same time instilling -some torpifying fluid, for the shells of the poor -victim seized soon open, and it then becomes an easy -prey.'</p> - -<p>Now, many fishermen with whom I have conversed -hold the same opinion as Bishop Spratt, and -believe that when the oyster is gaping the Star-fish -insinuates a finger, and hastily scrapes out the delicious -mouthful; nay, further maintain that the -Star-fish is far from being successful at all times, -very often, especially when there has only been one -ray inserted, the frightened oyster grasps it with all -his might, and obliges his discomfited opponent to -retire minus a limb.</p> - -<p>If the writer might venture to suggest an opinion, -he would express his belief that the following is the -correct account of the state of matters. He believes -with the fishermen that frequently the star-fish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> -begins his attack by inserting an arm, but he does -not believe that the oyster under such circumstances -escapes with life. Let us suppose the star-fish to -have succeeded in insidiously introducing a ray -within the shell of the apathetic oyster, and that the -oyster immediately resented such intrusion by closing -his shell with all the force he can exert. The opposite -argument at this stage is, that the intruder is -obliged from <i>pain</i> to abandon his hold, and even pay -for his audacity by the forfeit of a limb. But -against this we advance the notorious fact, that the -star-fish, like so many marine creatures of a similar -organization, is remarkably indifferent to pain. I -therefore believe the true explanation to be, that the -oyster being unable to sustain such continued muscular -exertion for nearly so long a time as the star-fish -can tolerate the pressure upon its ray, the latter -is consequently, in the long run, successful.</p> - -<p>The number of rays in the several genera of the -true Star-fishes is extremely various. In the genus -<i>Uraster</i>, as we have seen, five is the predominant -number. If we turn to the two species which comprise -the genus <i>Cribella</i>, we still find the quintuple -arrangement adhered to. In <i>Solaster endeca</i>, on the -contrary, the rays vary from nine to eleven, and -even reach as high as twelve or fifteen in <i>Solaster -papposa</i>.</p> - -<p>In the genus <i>Palmipes</i> we have the pentagonal -form, it is true, but the space between each ray is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> -filled up, so as to resemble the webbed foot of a -bird, hence the popular title of this solitary species, -'The Bird's-foot Sea-star.' 'It is the flattest of all -its class, and when alive it is flexible like a piece of -leather.' Passing by the 'Cushion-stars' (which -have five <i>angles</i>—it seems a misnomer to call them -rays), which connect the true Star-fishes with the -Sea-Urchins, we come lastly to the 'Lingthorn,' -<i>Luidia fragillisima</i>, with its seven rays. This is -the animal of which Professor Forbes discourses so -pleasantly about its winking derisively at his despairing -endeavours to preserve even a small portion of -what at that time was his maiden specimen. The -Luidia is even more brittle—more regardless of its -wholeness, than the <i>Ophiuræ</i>, which renders the -capture of a perfect specimen a most difficult task.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXIX" id="ChapXIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h2> - -<h3>Sea-Urchins (Sea-Hedgehogs).</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">'Truly the skill of the Great Architect of Nature is not less displayed in the<br /> - construction of the Sea-Urchin than in the building up of a world.'—<span class="smcap">P. Forbes.</span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 405px;"><a name="Illus10" id="Illus10"> -<img src="images/image12.jpg" width="405" height="577" alt="Sea-Urchins" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -1 THE APLYSIA or SEA-HARE<br /> -2 PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN<br /> -3 Spine of PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN<br /> -4, 5 Suckers of PURPLE-TIPPED SEA-URCHIN<br /> -6 COMMON SUN-STAR</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XIX.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Sea-Urchins</span> are frequently taken in dredging. -Several common species, usually of a small size, are -often found among the rocks situated between tide -marks.</p> - -<p>Into the aquarium no specimens larger than from -one to two inches in diameter should be introduced, -and even these require to be closely watched, for if -afflicted with a fatal illness, I know of no animal -whose remains sooner taint the water. Almost before -life is extinct, the Urchin throws out a light-coloured -nauseous fluid, that speedily poisons the surrounding -water, and, of course, causes the destruction -of any inhabitants of the tank who may neither -have the sense nor opportunity to inhale copious -draughts of fresh air. As a rule, if the suckers are -motionless, or if on touching the animal it is -found not to be adherent to any object, transfer it -at once to your 'infirmary' for further observation.</p> - -<p>I have always found small specimens to be much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span> -more lively and walkative, (if I may be allowed the -expression) than their more corpulent brethren.</p> - -<p>The inflexible, mail-like crust, or shell, as it is -commonly called, of the Echinus is perhaps one of -the most marvellous objects on which the eye can -rest. Although at first sight it appears to be a solid -calcareous box, it is in reality composed of several -hundred pentagonal plates,<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> of various sizes, so closely -dove-tailed together that their marks of junction are -scarcely perceptible. Upon a superficial examination -we are apt (most erroneously) to consider this -wonderful piece of work to be more elaborate than -the wants of the animal demand. The fact of the -Lobster or Crab throwing off its entire shell at certain -seasons, to admit of the increased growth of the animal -is a truly marvellous phenomenon, still, it would more -excite our wonder were we to find that, instead of -being cast away at all, the hard, inelastic envelope -which surrounds the bodies of crustaceans was made -to swell or expand proportionately with the soft -parts of the animal! Now, the mosaic-like shell of -the Sea-Urchin, though built up, as before stated, of -several hundred pieces, is by a beautiful process -slowly and imperceptibly enlarged correspondingly -with the growth of the animal.</p> - -<p>The gradual enlargement of the Echinus shell takes -place in the following manner:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span></p> - -<p>Over the entire surface of the globular shell, -spines, and joints of the living Urchin, there exists a -delicate membrane that insinuates itself between -the pentagonal plates above mentioned, and continually -deposits around the edges a certain portion -of calcareous matter (carbonate of lime). The same -process being also carried on by the fleshy covering -that surrounds the spines, &c., it must be evident -that so long as the vital power of the animal exists, -each plate and spine, still keeping to its original -form, must be daily and hourly augmented in size -until the Sea-Egg has attained its full and mature -dimensions.</p> - -<p>As to how the spines retain their relative position -in each plate, as the latter gradually becomes -enlarged, I cannot positively state; but may be -permitted to mention, that, judging from carefully -prepared sections of the plates when submitted to the -microscope, each spine appeared to my eye to be by -some singular process urged along in a kind of groove -to its proper place.</p> - -<p>The hedgehog-like spines that surround the -globose body of the Sea-Urchin are all moveable -at the will of the animal,—each prickle being connected -by a ball-and-socket joint to a pearly tubercle, -which acts as the 'socket' on which the 'ball' of -the spine revolves. If the spine be removed, a -comparatively smooth surface will be left, on which -are various sized tubercles systematically arranged.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> -Situated at regular intervals between the tubercles -are ten broad bands, disposed in pairs, and containing -many hundreds of very minute perforations, or -ambulacral orifices, as they are generally termed by -naturalists.</p> - -<p>Through these apertures issue numerous sucker-like -feet, closely resembling those of the Star-fish, -but endowed with far greater powers of contraction -and extension.</p> - -<p>The number of suckers is very great. In an -Urchin measuring exactly three inches in diameter, -by aid of a hand lens, I counted no less than 3300 -pores in the ten avenues. Now, these pores are -always situated in pairs, and as each sucker occupies -a pair of pores, it will give 1650 as the total amount -of suckers.</p> - -<p>There is no doubt that it is almost entirely by -means of these curious organs that the Sea-Urchin -is enabled to move about from place to place, although -no less an authority than Professor Agassiz -asserts to the contrary. 'How, in fact,' says this -author, 'could these small tentacula, situated as they -generally are in that part of the body which is never -brought into contact with the ground when the -animal moves, and overhung by calcareous solid -spines—how, I ask, could these flexible tubes be -used as organs of motion? It is an undeniable fact, -and I have often observed it myself, that <i>it is with -their spines the Echini move themselves, seize their</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> -<i>prey, and bring it to their mouths</i> by turning the -rays of their lower edge in different directions. But -the correction of an error respecting the functions of -the ambulacral tubes does not solve the problem relating -to their nature and use. This problem we are -yet unable to solve, as we know nothing more respecting -them than that they are connected with the -aquiferous system.'</p> - -<p>Many other writers, among whom is Professor -Forbes (from whose work on Star-fishes I have -transferred the foregoing extract), assert, in opposition -to the great Swiss naturalist, that the Echinidæ move -by the joint action of their suckers and spines. 'The -argument,' says the great British naturalist, 'against -the suckers being organs of motion, founded on their -position above as well as below, would equally apply -to the spines, to which organs Professor Agassiz -has attributed all progressive powers in these -animals.'</p> - -<p>The fact is now so well established, that it is -scarcely necessary for the writer to state, that from -personal observation he can fully confirm the evidence -of Professor Forbes relative to the functions of the -suckers of the Sea-Urchins. But although that -talented author entertained no doubt as to the organs -in question being powerful locomotive agents, he -evidently seems to have felt himself unable to suggest -any purpose they could possibly serve when -situated on the back or upper part of the animal.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span></p> - -<p>My own experience incontestibly proves that the -suckers in question are used for precisely the same -purpose as those situated in any other part of the -body. I am enabled to state, from having repeatedly -witnessed the phenomenon, that <i>the Echinus can -walk about with equal facility while lying on its -back as in its more natural position</i>. The advantage -of this power to the animal under certain circumstances -will be apparent upon a little reflection.</p> - -<p>With regard to the spines, I fancy their purpose -is almost solely to assist the Urchin to burrow in the -sand, and to protect it from the attacks of its enemies. -It may be, however, that at particular times they -serve as aids to locomotion, but that their assistance -can be, and is, often dispensed with entirely by the -animal, I can most positively assert.</p> - -<p>My experiments were always conducted in glass -vases, up the smooth, polished sides of which my -specimens frequently advanced. Upon reaching the -surface of the water, I have seen an Urchin roll -completely round and move along on its back, then -after a time change its position, and travel round -the circumference of the vessel <i>while attached by its -side</i>, the body of the animal being sometimes inverted.</p> - -<p>At such times as these it must be quite evident -that the spines would be totally useless, and that by -the suckers alone did the animal perform its interesting -movements.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span></p> - -<p>According to a certain writer, there are some -foreign species of the Echini remarkable for possessing -spines, which act both as offensive and defensive -weapons. 'On one occasion' (this writer says) 'when -searching for a fish in the crevice of a coral rock, I -felt a severe pain in my hand, and upon withdrawing -it, found my fingers covered with slender spines, -evidently those of the Echinus, of a grey colour, -elegantly banded with black.</p> - -<p>'They projected from my fingers like well-planted -arrows from a target, and their points being barbed -could not be removed, but remained for some weeks -imbedded as black specks in the skin. Its concealed -situation did not permit me to examine this particular -Echinus. In some experiments I approached the -spines with so much caution, that had they been the -most finely pointed needles in a fixed state no injury -could have been received from them, yet their points -were always stuck into my hand rapidly and -severely.'</p> - -<p>In addition to those above described, the Sea-Urchin -is provided with other organs, in shape somewhat -resembling minute pincers, supported on fleshy -stems, which always keep up an incessant motion -when the animal is in a healthy condition. They are -scattered in great numbers over the surface of the -body, among the spines, and around the mouth of -the Urchin.</p> - -<p>The use of these singular objects—by naturalists<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> -termed Pedicellariæ—is totally unknown. Some -writers think they are an integral part of the Echinus, -others describe them as distinct and parasitic animals. -There is good reason to believe that the former will -eventually be proved to be the correct explanation -of the matter.</p> - -<p>Its masticatory apparatus is not the least wonderful -portion of the Sea-Urchin. The teeth, five in -number, which may frequently be seen protruding -from the mouth, are of extreme hardness, and of -seemingly disproportionate length. They are not -fixed in sockets as ours are, or they would be speedily -worn away by their action on the shelled mollusca -upon which the animal feeds, but fresh substance -is added to each tooth as fast as it is worn away -by use, as in the case of many gnawing animals. -'In order to allow of such an arrangement, as well -as to provide for the movements of the teeth, -jaws are provided, which are situated in the interior -of the shell, and these jaws, from their great -complexity and unique structure, form perhaps the -most admirable masticating instrument met with in -the animal kingdom. The entire apparatus removed -from the shell consists of the following parts. There -are five long teeth, each of which is enclosed in a -triangular bony piece, that for the sake of brevity -we will call jaws. The five jaws are united together -by various muscles, so as to form a pentagonal -pyramid, having its apex in contact with the oval<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span> -orifice of the shell, while its base is connected with -several bony levers by means of numerous muscles -provided for the movements of the whole. When -the five jaws are fixed together in their natural position, -they form a five-sided conical mass, aptly -enough compared by Aristotle to a lantern, and not -unfrequently described by modern writers under the -name of "the lantern of Aristotle." The whole of -this complicated machinery is suspended by muscles -from a frame-work fixed in the interior of the shell, -and may often be picked up upon the beach, or -still better exposed <i>in situ</i> in a dead Echinus, by -those who would examine closely this wonderful -piece of mechanism.'<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></p> - -<p>I have made two careful drawings of the jaws -and teeth of the Echinus. No. 1 represents, as it -were, the 'elevation' of the pentagonal pyramid -above described, while No. 2 constitutes the 'plan' -of the same object.</p> - -<p>The <i>Echinus sphæra</i>, or common Egg-Urchin, -may often be seen forming a curious ornament -in the drawing-rooms of the "West End," and -also in the dwellings of the poorer classes, who, -according to some authors, boil it like eggs, and -so eat it. Hence its popular title. Among the -ancients the Echinidæ were accounted a favourite -dish. 'They were dressed with vinegar, honied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span> -wine or mead, parsley and mint. They were the first -dish in the famous supper of Lentulus when he was -made Flamen Martialis. By some of the concomitant -dishes they seemed designed as a whet for the second -course to the holy personages, priests and vestals, -invited on the occasion.'</p> - -<p><a href="#Illus10">The illustration on Plate 10</a> was drawn from a -living specimen, and gives a somewhat unusual representation -of a Sea-Urchin. In general the spines -alone are shown, but I have endeavoured to give the -uninitiated reader some faint notion of the appearance -which the <i>suckers</i> present when extended from the -surface of the shell.</p> - -<p>The young Urchin sat very quietly while I was -engaged in taking his portrait, but continually extended -crowds of his slender tubular legs in all -directions, as above indicated, much to my gratification -and apparently to his own.</p> - -<p>In preparing a Sea-Urchin for a chimney ornament, -the most important point is to remove the spines so -as to let the tubercles remain entire. In performing -this operation some little experience is necessary. -Several times I attempted the process by aid of a -pen-knife and a pair of pliers, but not with a satisfactory -result. Having mentioned my difficulty to -a friend, he laughingly asked me if I had ever heard -of a certain pilgrim who, for some peccadillo he had -committed, was doomed to perform penance by -walking to Loretto's shrine with peas in his shoes?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span> -Of course I was acquainted with the story, but could -not see what it had to do with Sea-Urchins, and -told my brother naturalist so. Still smiling, he said, -'Do you remember the relief that was said to be -afforded to the humorous rascal, both mentally -and bodily, by <i>boiling his peas</i>?' Yes. 'Well, -then,' was the reply, 'do you boil your Sea-Eggs, -and you will find your troubles speedily cease.' I -did as I was directed, and found the advice of great -service; for, after being an hour or two in the 'pot,' -the spines of the Urchin may be totally rubbed off -by aid of a nail brush, or some such instrument. -Moreover, the colour of the shell is improved, and the -dental apparatus may be drawn out entire, with the -greatest ease.</p> - -<p>I may here take opportunity to mention, that the -student who may think proper to act upon the hint -above given, should not boil the Urchin too long, or -the fleshy parts will become dissolved, and the entire -shell fall into a multitude of fragments.</p> - -<p>This unfortunate result actually happened on one -occasion to a genial, clever friend of mine, much to -his chagrin and my malicious delight.</p> - -<p>There are several other species of Sea-Urchins -whose forms are tolerably well distinguished by their -popular appellations. Thus we have the 'Silky -Spined Urchin;' the 'Green Pea-Urchin,'—the latter -is the commonest and prettiest of all its kindred, its -back being covered with a kind of powdery green, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> -is seen on the elytra of many beetles; the 'Cake-Urchin,' -which from its flattened form may be regarded -as a link between the Sea-Urchins and the true -Star-fishes; the 'Purple Heart-Urchin,' and the -pretty 'Rosy Heart-Urchin,' appropriately named -from the brilliant crimson hue that its body presents -during life.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXX" id="ChapXX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h2> - -<h3>Sea-Cucumbers.</h3> - -<h4>(HOLOTHURIADÆ.)</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XX.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> is a very singular group of animals, the -<i>Holothuriadæ</i>, that claims a passing notice, from -their near relation in structural formation to the -Sea-Urchins, although externally they also exhibit -a certain resemblance to the <i>Annelides</i>. They are -commonly termed Sea-Cucumbers, from the fancied -likeness which they bear, both in shape and colour, -to their namesakes of the vegetable kingdom.</p> - -<p>A Holothuria is very unattractive in appearance -when lying listless upon the sea-beach, but if a small -specimen be transferred to the aquarium, it exhibits -features of a very singular and interesting character. -When about to change its position, the head, hitherto -concealed, is protruded and expanded, until it assumes -the form of a beautiful flower.</p> - -<p>The animal moves principally by aid of sucker-like -feet, similar in form to those of the Asteriadæ, -or Sea-Urchins. In most species, the body is divided -longitudinally into five rows of suckers. In some, -however, these organs are scattered over the entire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span> -surface, while in the small Sea-Cucumber (<i>Psolus -phantapus</i>), they are arranged in three rows -upon a soft, oblong, flat disc, situated beneath the -body of the animal, like the foot of a gasteropod -mollusc.</p> - -<p>Of one genus—the Trepang—many species are -eaten by the omnivorous inhabitants of the Celestial -Empire, by whom it is employed in the preparation -of 'nutritious soups, in common with an esculent -sea-weed, shark's fins, edible birds' nests, and other -materials affording much jelly.' The intestines, -which are generally found to be filled with coral, -and solid masses of madreporic rock, are extracted, -and the animal then boiled in sea-water and dried -in smoke.</p> - -<p>Nothing can possibly be less enticing than the -black and shrivelled carcases of these defunct gasteropods, -as they are seen spread out and exposed -for sale in the China markets. There are many -varieties of Trepang, some being held in higher -esteem than others,—hence the great difference -which exists in the price of the article. The lowest -quality being ten dollars, and the highest fifty dollars, -per pecul of 133 lbs.</p> - -<p>The following are titles by which a few of the -Holothuriæ are known in China:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i20">Great Black-Stone Trepang;<br /></span> -<span class="i20">Peach-blossom Trepang;<br /></span> -<span class="i20">Great White-Stone Trepang;<br /></span> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span></p> -<span class="i20">The Bald Trepang;<br /></span> -<span class="i20">The Scarlet Trepang;<br /></span> -<span class="i20">Great Clear-Ball Trepang;<br /></span> -<span class="i20">The Middle Ash-Bald Trepang, &c., &c.<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p><a href="#Illus11">The illustration on Plate 11</a> gives a good idea of -the typical form of the Holothuriadæ. It represents -a species of the genus Cucumaria, <i>C. communis</i>, -or common Sea-Cucumber. Its length is -from four to eight inches; but, like all its kindred, -it possesses the power of considerably extending or -contracting its body at will. The Tentacula are ten -in number, pinnate and plumose, stalked and rather -large. The body is five-sided, with numerous suckers -on the angles, but more on the sides, which are -papilose. The colour is yellow, or brownish-white, -although specimens found on the Irish coast exhibit -a purplish hue.</p> - -<p>This, the most common species of its genus, is an -inhabitant of deep water, and is therefore most frequently -taken with the dredge. Occasionally, specimens -may be found after violent storms stranded on -various parts of the shores of the United Kingdom.</p> - -<p>The Sea-Cucumbers possess the singular power of -disembowelling themselves upon the slightest provocation, -and also of throwing off their Tentacula -entire. There is one species, indeed, that exhibits a -still more wonderful phenomenon. At certain times -members of this species will divide their body into -a number of parts, each of which will in due course<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span> -become a new and completely-formed animal. After -this the reader will be prepared to learn, that to build -up a new inside, or create a new set of branchiæ, is -to a Holothuria a very trifling and insignificant -task.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXXI" id="ChapXXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h2> - -<h3>The Aplysia, or Sea-Hare.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p style="margin-left: 16.5%;">'The origin and the source of the smallest portion of the universe overpowers<br /> - our comprehension. How little can the acutest senses, the profoundest judgment,<br /> - the widest view, embrace! It is as nothing; it is as less than nothing. We are<br /> - capable of doing no more than surveying the edifice and adoring the Architect.'<br /> - <span class="smcap">Sir J. Dalyell.</span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XXI.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> several parts of the Scottish coast, and especially -at North Berwick, may be found specimens of that -curious gasteropod named the Aplysia, or Sea-Hare, -the <i>Lepus marinus</i> of the ancients.</p> - -<p>On visiting North Berwick during summer, I have -been astonished to discover, in almost every pool, -from two to twenty of these creatures.</p> - -<p>At rest, the Aplysia is not by any means inviting, -but when in motion, elevating and depressing the -fleshy mantle that covers over the fringed and lobed -branchiæ, its appearance is exceedingly graceful.</p> - -<p>Striding across a pool on the look-out for some -Gobies, whose forms darting beneath a large stone -had not escaped my glance, I perceived the water in -the rocky basin gradually lose its crystal brightness, -and become changed to crimson. The Gobies were -therefore allowed to rest in peace, while I proceeded -to investigate a phenomenon that, at the moment, -seemed somewhat singular.</p> - -<p>A kind friend and brother zoologist, who happened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span> -to be near, called attention to the fact that the -crimson stream flowed thickest near where my foot -rested.</p> - -<p>On closely examining the spot pointed out, and -turning over some fronds of Dulse, we came upon a -small fleshy ball of a dark brown colour, from which -there still issued a fluid of vivid crimson hue. -Having placed this strange object in a bottle, I soon -pronounced it to be an Aplysia, with whose full-length -portrait, as represented in books, I had previously -been made acquainted.</p> - -<p>The power which this animal possesses, under irritation, -of spurting out a peculiar secretion, I also remembered -to have seen mentioned by several writers -on natural history.</p> - -<p>Although generally believed to be gentle and perfectly -harmless, yet, as Professor Forbes observes, -few molluscs have had a worse character than the -Aplysiæ. From very ancient times they have been -regarded with horror and suspicion; and many -writers on natural history, conversant with them -only through the silly stories of ignorant fishermen, -have combined to hold them up as objects of detestation. -To touch them, according to European prejudices, -was sufficient to generate disease in the foolhardy -experimenter; while Asiatics, reversing the -consequences, maintained, perhaps with greater truth, -that they met with instantaneous death when -handled by man. Physicians wrote treatises on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span> -effects of their poison, and discussed the remedies -best adapted to neutralize it. Conspirators brewed -nauseous beverages from their slimy bodies, and -administered the potion confident of its deadly -powers. Every nation in the world on whose shores -the poor Sea-Hares crawled, accorded to them the -attributes of ferocity and malignant virulence, although -there never appears to have been the slightest -foundation for a belief in their crimes.</p> - -<p>A specimen of the Aplysia that I had in my tank -deposited a stringy coil of spawn, which closely resembled -that of the Eolis, with the exception that -the eggs, instead of being white, were of a reddish -tint.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXXII" id="ChapXXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h2> - -<h3>Serpulæ and Sabellæ.</h3> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 418px;"><a name="Illus11" id="Illus11"> -<img src="images/image13.jpg" width="418" height="578" alt="Serpulæ and Sabellæ" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -1, 2 SEA-URCHIN'S TEETH (Two illustrations.)<br /> -3 COMMON SEA CUCUMBER<br /> -4 COMMON RAZOR-SHELL<br /> -5 COMMON SERPULÆ, attached to a piece of stone.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XXII.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">With</span> the exception of the Balani (Acorn-Barnacles), -perhaps the most common objects to be met with at -the sea-shore are the Serpulæ. Scarcely a rock, or -shell, or bit of old china, or piece of wood, or rusty -nail, lying near low-water mark, but is encrusted -with colonies of these animals. I have a small twig -of a tree by me, so thickly coated with Serpulæ as -to obscure all signs of its ligneous character, except -at each end. A shell also exhibits the same phenomenon, -and well-nigh defies the most skilful observer -to define its original form with any degree of certainty.</p> - -<p>The shelly tubes of these animals are built in the -form of serpents, or twisted funnels, of a milk-white -colour. Although so extremely hard, these tubes -are formed solely by an exudation from the body of -the animal—a simple marine worm. Unlike its -erratic friend, the earth-worm, the Serpula is sedentary -in its habits, and at no time does it ever leave -its dwelling.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span></p> - -<p>The delicate, but brilliant feathery plume—the -only portion of the animal ever visible—constitutes -the principal mechanism by means of which the Serpula -constructs its calcareous tube.</p> - -<p>A most wonderful instance of how mighty are the -works which these insignificant creatures form when -congregated together in vast numbers, and how -useful such labours may sometimes be to mankind, -is narrated by Dr. Darwin in his 'Voyage of the -Beagle.'</p> - -<p>Being delayed by adverse winds, this gentleman -made a stay at Pernambuco, a large city on the coast -of Brazil, and the most curious object that he saw -there was the reef that formed the harbour. 'I -doubt,' to use his own words, 'whether in the whole -world any other natural structure has so artificial an -appearance. It runs for a length of several miles -in an absolutely straight line, and parallel to, and -not far distant from the shore. It varies in width -from thirty to sixty yards, and its surface is level and -smooth; it is composed of obscurely stratified hard -sandstone. At high water the waves break over it; -at low water its summit is left dry, and it might -then be mistaken for a breakwater erected by Cyclopean -workmen. On this coast the currents of the -sea tend to throw up in front of the land long spits -and bars of loose sand, and on one of these the town -of Pernambuco stands. In former times a long spit -of this nature seems to have become consolidated by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span> -the percolation of calcareous matter, and afterwards -to have been gradually upheaved, the outer and loose -parts during the process having been worn away by -the action of the sea, and the solid nucleus left as we -now see it. Although night and day the waves of -the open Atlantic, turbid with sediment, are driven -against the steep outside edges of this wall of stone, -yet the oldest pilots know of no tradition of any -change in its appearance. This durability is by far the -most curious fact in its history; <i>it is due to a tough -layer, a few inches thick, of calcareous matter, wholly -formed by the successive growth and death of the -small shells of Serpulæ, together with some few Barnacles</i>, -&c. These insignificant organic beings, especially -the Serpulæ, have done good service to the -people of Pernambuco, for without their protective -aid the bar of sandstone would inevitably have been -long ago worn away, and without the bar there would -have been no harbour,'</p> - -<p>Nothing whatever appears to be known relative to -the mode of reproduction of these Annelids. I have -paid much attention to the subject, but as yet have -not gained any positive information regarding it. -The only fact which I consider worthy of being -chronicled is the following: On one occasion, when -quite a novice in Marine Zoology, while observing a -beautiful group of Serpulæ seated on a stone, I saw -issuing from out one of the tubes a kind of very fine -dust, of a rich crimson hue, which continued to arise<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span> -for nearly an hour in spite of repeated efforts to disperse -it by aid of a camel-hair pencil. At first I -believed the 'dust' to be the 'remains' of a deceased -serpula, but afterwards found that such was not the -case, the annelid being alive and healthy. Never -having seen the phenomenon since, it has been a -great source of regret to me that I did not endeavour -to discover what the dust was composed of; but -have little doubt that the microscope would have -shown it to be, in reality, the ova of the Serpula.</p> - -<p>Another class of Annelidans, termed Sabellæ, like -the Serpulæ, also build habitations for themselves, -but not of the same materials. Instead of being -white, the tubes of the first mentioned animals are -brown in colour, and composed of minute granules of -sand, or small shells, and lined internally with a -gelatinous substance exuded from the body of the -worm. On the interior of the oyster and other -shells, and even in univalves occupied by the Lobster -Crab, various tubes of Sabellæ may often be seen. -They are, however, generally discovered congregated -together, forming a kind of honeycomb mass in the -fissures of rocks, or against the sides of rock-pools, or -on the surface of small stones, &c.</p> - -<p>A mass of Sabellæ tubes forms by no means an -inappropriate or unpleasant object for the tank, as -the animals are hardy, and will live for many months -if the water be kept pure. Moreover, while in confinement, -they do not live in luxurious indolence, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span> -ever seem to be busy in the exercise of their architectural -propensities, making alterations, repairing -damages, or otherwise 'sorting' their tubiculous -habitations.</p> - -<p>'The tubes of the Sabellæ,' says Dr. Williams, -'are soft, flexible, and muddy. Slimy mucus furnished -by the integumentary glands of the body is -the mortar or cement, fine sand molecules are the -"stones" or solid material of the architecture. In the -Sabellæ the lime of which the tubes are built is held -in solution in the mucus provided by the cutaneous -glands. It is adjusted in the fluid form, and -moulded by appropriate tools into the required shape. -It then <i>solidifies, too, under water</i>, like the "Aberthaw -lime." The tube of the Sabellæ fits closely -round the body of the worm; it is slightly elastic, -and the interior is smooth.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXXIII" id="ChapXXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h2> - -<h3>The Solen, or Razor-Fish</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">'His mansion he extends,<br /> -So well concealed beneath the crumbling sands.'</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span></p> - - - -<h2>XXIII.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Few</span> people who are in the habit of visiting the sea-shore -but must have noticed the empty shells of -the animal about to be described. I allude to the -Solen, or Razor-Shell, commonly so called from its -resemblance to the handle attached to a barber's -scythe.</p> - -<p>This bivalve, improbable as the statement will -appear to the uninitiated, is one of the most efficient -burrowers to be met with on our shores.</p> - -<p>By means of its fleshy foot it digs a hole in -the mud or sand. Sometimes it retreats from -the surface to a distance of several feet, but -generally remains sufficiently near to allow its -short, fringed siphons to project above the -sand.</p> - -<p>In walking along the beach, left bare by the receding -tide, the pedestrian may often perceive little -jets of water thrown up at his approach. These jets -proceed from the Razor-Fish in question. Although -we may be several yards from his burrow, his sense<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span> -of feeling is so acute, that the faintest vibration of -the earth around causes the creature to retire alarmed -within his dwelling.</p> - -<p>In many places the Solen is much sought after by -the poor, who esteem it a great luxury. In foreign -countries—Japan, for example—it is so highly -prized that we are told, 'by express order of the -prince of that country, it is forbid to fish them until -a sufficient quantity hath been provided for the -emperor's table.'</p> - -<p>The Irish people, when they go out to catch the -Solen siliqua, have an appropriate song and chorus -which they sing, but whether to amuse themselves or -charm the fish 'this deponent sayeth not,' for very -obvious reasons. In general, I should think the less -noise the more likelihood of success to those endeavouring -to capture this animal.</p> - -<p>'Who has not seen the picture of the stupid-looking -boy going warily out with a box of salt, having -been gravely informed by some village wag that if -he would only just drop a pinch of salt on the birds' -tails he would be sure to catch them. We are all -familiar enough with this venerable joke, but not so -with its successful application in another case. This -time it is the fisherman, instead of the village boy, -who carries the box. He cautiously slips a little salt -into the hole, which irritates the ends of the siphons, -and makes the <i>Solen</i> come quickly out to see what -is the matter, and clear itself of this painful intrusion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span> -The fisher, on the alert, must quickly seize his -prey, or else it will dart back again into its retreat, -whence no amount of salting or coaxing will bring it -out again.'</p> - -<p>If after reading the above quotation any person -should fancy that in his mind's eye he perceives at -many sea-side places, scores of hardy, weather-beaten -fishermen walking about, each armed with nothing -but a box filled with salt, wherewith to bamboozle -the Spout-Fish, he will be most lamentably deceived. -True it is, this plan is sometimes adopted by children -and amateur naturalists, but by fishermen—never. -Instead of a salt-box, these, when in search -of their favourite bait, always carry a kind of harpoon, -formed of a piece of iron rod, the end of which -is sharpened to a point.</p> - -<p>Having witnessed the Solen throw up his jet of -water, and retire beneath the soil, the fisherman -suddenly plunges his instrument into the orifice. -Should the action have been skilfully performed, the -rod will have pierced the animal between its valves, -which instantly retract upon the intruding object. -To draw the fish to the surface is then a comparatively -easy task. If the first plunge of the rod be not -successful, the fisher knows full well it would -be futile for him to repeat the attempt, as the -object of his attack would quickly burrow itself -down to such a depth as to render pursuit hopeless.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span> -Juveniles at the sea-side, imitating the plan above -described, become by practice very expert in procuring -specimens of the Razor-Fish by means of a piece -of wire sharpened at one end.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXXIV" id="ChapXXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h2> - -<h3>A Gossip on Fishes &c.,</h3> - -<h4>INCLUDING THE ROCKLING, SMOOTH BLENNY, GUNNEL-FISH,<br /> -GOBY, ETC.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"><a name="Illus12" id="Illus12"> -<img src="images/image14.jpg" width="440" height="579" alt="Fishes" /> -</a></div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -1 SMOOTH BLENNY<br /> -2 VIVIPAROUS BLINNY<br /> -3 SPOTTED BLENNY or Gunnel-Fish<br /> -4, 5, 6 THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">(Three illustrations.)</span><br /> -7 SUCKER of THE MONTAGU SUCKER-FISH</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">One</span> of the best <i>bons mots</i> that I ever remember to -have read was entitled, 'Punch's Address to the -Ocean'—</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -'With all thy faults I love thee <i>still</i>.'</p> - -<p>Any landsman who finds himself occupying a seat in -a fishing-smack or oyster-boat while a stiffish breeze -is blowing will, I am sure, with great mental fervour -echo the above sentiment.</p> - -<p>For myself, I can never take even a short trip -on the water without experiencing some unpleasantness—proving -to me that the sea is not 'my element.' -Still, I am one of those to whom the 'salt -ocean' is endeared by early recollections, having -been, when a child, frequently among the aged and -mutilated veterans of our country who vegetate on -the banks of the 'silver Thames.'</p> - -<p>From the tobacco-stained mouths of some of these -old blue-jackets (all of whom, I may mention, according -to their own account, had fought 'alongside of -the <i>galyant</i> Nelson'), many strange stories have been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span> -poured into my eager and willing ears, and even -now a thrill of delight is evoked when any of these -'yarns' rise to remembrance. Still, the truth must -be told: ever since I narrowly escaped drowning -by plumping into the water backwards, from leaning -against the <i>unsnibbed</i>-door of a bathing-machine, -and at another time from being in a boat that, to -my intense horror and dismay, had sprung a leak—I -have enjoyed the sea best when my feet are on dry -land; in other words, I like to view the 'world of -fluid matter,' in its various phases, from a distant -and perfectly safe point of view. Nay more, I can -always better appreciate certain of its beauties (at -all events during winter time) when seated by a -warm fireside.</p> - -<p>When lately in such a cosy position, my thoughts -reverted to the marvellous operations ever going on -within the liquid walls of the great deep. There -artifices and stratagems, robbery and murder, and -cannibalism in its worst forms continually occur. -On the other hand, there may be scenes of courtship, -touching instances of maternal affection, such -as, were they chronicled, would make our hearts -bleed with truest sympathy. Still, the Rob Roy -maxim of</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'They should take who have the power,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">And they should keep who can,'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>seems therein to be carried out with a rigour that -would do honour to the 'bold outlaw Macgregor.'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span> -Might there is generally predominant over right. -Fishes eternally prey upon each other; and for such -reason, were it not for the wonderful fecundity of -these creatures (one cod-fish, for instance, producing -several millions of ova in a single season), we should -soon have the waters depopulated of all but the -monsters of the deep.</p> - -<p>Now, knowing that such a state of things exists—that -cannibalism is of such frequent occurrence, -and the dogs of war are there ever let loose—the -inquiry naturally presented itself: Are the inhabitants -of the ocean a happy race or not? According -to many writers, the answer must be given in -the affirmative; nay, more, some authors state, and -with good show of authority, too, be it observed, -that <i>fishes are in reality the happiest of created -things</i>, by reason that they have no fear or apprehension -of death, nor are they subject to pain or -disease, nor, in fact, to any of those ills that <i>flesh</i> is -heir to. These creatures cannot, of course, live for -ever; but by a merciful dispensation of Providence, -their final pang endures but for an instant.</p> - -<p>The celebrated St. Anthony is among the believers -in the consummate happiness of the finny tribe. -There is on record a discourse said to have been -preached by him to an assembly of fish, in which -they are flattered to an amazing extent. It almost -rouses one's jealous ire to find such fulsome adulation -bestowed upon the lower animals, at the expense<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span> -of all other objects in nature, not excepting -<i>man</i> himself. There is, however, such a singular force -and truthfulness in some of the expressions and -sentiments which occur in the Jesuitical discourse -alluded to (given by Addison in his 'Remarks on -Italy'), that I cannot resist the temptation of quoting -a few of its most prominent passages.</p> - -<p>We are told that St. Anthony, feeling annoyed -at certain heretics not listening devoutly to his -preaching, he determined to teach them a lesson; -and for this purpose went down to the sea-shore, and -called the fishes together in the name of God, that -they might hear his holy word. The fish soon swam -towards the speaker in vast shoals, and, having -ranged themselves, according to their several species, -into a very beautiful congregation, were addressed -just as if they had been rational creatures.</p> - -<p>The sermon commences in the following words:—</p> - -<p>'My dearly-beloved Fish,—Although the infinite -power and goodness of God discovers itself in all -the works of his creation, as in the heavens, in the sun, -in the moon, and in the stars—in the lower world, in -man, and in other perfect creatures,—nevertheless, the -goodness of the divine Majesty shines out in you more -eminently, and appears after a more particular manner, -than in any other created beings.</p> - -<p>'It is from God, my beloved fish, that you have -received being, life, motion, and sense. It is he -that has given you, in compliance with your natural<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span> -inclinations, the whole world of waters for your -habitation. It is he that has furnished it with -lodgings, chambers, caverns, grottoes, <i>and such magnificent -retirements as are not to be met with in the -seats of kings or in the palaces of princes</i>!</p> - -<p>'You have the water for your dwelling—a clear, -transparent element, brighter than crystal; you can -see from its deepest bottom everything that passes -on its surface. You have the eyes of a lynx or of -an Argus; you are guided by a secret and unerring -principle, delighting in everything that may be beneficial -to you, and avoiding everything that may be -hurtful; you are carried on by a hidden instinct to -preserve yourselves, and to propagate your species; -you obey, in all your actions, works, and motions, the -dictates and suggestions of nature, without the least -repugnance or contradiction.</p> - -<p>'The cold of winter and the heat of summer -are alike incapable of molesting you. A serene -or a clouded sky are indifferent to you. Let -the earth abound in fruits or be cursed with -scarcity, it has no influence on your welfare. You -live secure in rains and thunders, lightnings and -earthquakes; you have no concern in the blossoms -of spring or in the glowings of summer, in the fruits -of autumn or in the frosts of winter. You are not -solicitous about hours or days, months or years, -the variableness of the weather or the change of -seasons.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span></p> - -<p>The saint still further 'butters his fish' by reminding -them, among other things, that they were -specially favoured by God at the time of the universal -deluge, they being the only species of creatures -that were insensible of the mischief that had -laid waste the whole world! He then begs of them, -as they are not provided with words, to make some -sign of reverence; give some show of gratitude, -according to the best of their capacities; express -their thanks in the most becoming manner that -they are able, and be not unmindful of all the -benefits which the divine Majesty has bestowed -upon them.</p> - -<p>He had no sooner done speaking, but behold a -miracle! The fish, as though they had been endued -with reason, bowed down their heads with all the -marks of a profound devotion, and then went -joyously bobbing around with a kind of fondness, as -in approval of what had been spoken by the blessed -father, St. Anthony.</p> - -<p>Many of the heretics, as a matter of course, were -converted at beholding the miracle; and the polite -and pious little fishes, having received his benediction, -were dismissed by the saint.</p> - -<p>Shakspeare authoritatively asserts that—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i20">'Travellers ne'er do lie,<br /></span> -<span class="i22">Though fools at home condemn them.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Here I beg to differ with the sweet Bard of Avon, -who, I am sure, would have retracted his statement<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span> -had he read the above fishy discourse, and also the -following among many other strange anecdotes -which are published regarding the 'denizens of the -deep.'</p> - -<p>An Eastern traveller tells us that, 'in a certain river -whose waters flow from Mount Caucasus into the -Euxine, there arrives every year a great quantity of -fish.' This information not being particularly novel -in regard to most rivers, will fail to excite surprise -in the mind of the reader. A different result, however, -will follow when he hears that, according to -Abon-el-Cassim, 'The people cut off all the flesh on -one side of those inhabitants of the deep, and let -them go. Well, the year following,' as this veracious -writer avers, 'the same creatures return and offer -the other side, which they had preserved untouched; -it is then discovered that new flesh has replaced the -old!'</p> - -<p>This account reminds us of the tale of the traveller -who reported that he had seen a cabbage, under -whose leaves a whole regiment of soldiers were sheltered -from a shower of rain. Another, who was no -traveller (but the wiser man), said he had passed by -a place where there were four hundred braziers making -a cauldron—two hundred within, and two hundred -without beating the nails in. The traveller, -asking for what use that huge cauldron was, he -told him, 'Sir, it was to boil your cabbage!' A -wittily severe, but deserved rebuke.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span></p> - -<p>There are many other statements regarding fishes -which, although curious, are, nevertheless, to a certain -extent true.</p> - -<p>The Chinese, for instance, who breed large quantities -of the well-known gold-fish, call them, it is -said, with a whistle to receive their food. Sir -Joseph Banks used to collect his fish by sounding a -small gong; and Carew, the historian of Cornwall, -brought his grey Mullet together to be fed by making -a noise with two sticks.</p> - -<p>In spite of these accounts, there are many writers -who affirm that <i>fishes do not possess the sense of -hearing at all</i>; and certainly a belief that these creatures -are gifted with such a faculty is not necessary, -in my opinion, in order to explain the above-mentioned -phenomenon.</p> - -<p>At the fountains, in the gardens of Versailles, the -writer has seen numbers of fishes flocking together -and anxiously waiting for the subscriptions of the -visitors. Now, had a bell been rung, these animals, -doubtless, would have appeared at the edge of the -fountain as usual; but had the bell <i>not</i> been sounded, -and any human figure been visible, they would have -taken up the self-same position.</p> - -<p>I have, at various times, kept packs of fishes -(Blennies, &c.), and tamed them, so that each member -would feed out of my hand. For some time I -used to attract them to the side of the vessel in -which, they resided by striking a wine glass with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[337]</a></span> -small stick; but I also noted that if I made myself -visible, and remained silent, while handing down a -few fish mouthfuls, that the whole pack followed as -readily as if I had sounded the mimic gong. Nay, -whether I offered any bribe or not, and silently approached -their crystal abode, the whole family would -immediately flock in great haste towards me.</p> - -<p>The tameness of these little creatures was somewhat -remarkable. On numberless occasions I have -taken them up in the palm of my hand, without the -slightest opposition on their part, and then stroked -and smoothed them on the back, as I would do a -bird. At such times they made a kind of musical -chirp, expressive of pleasurable emotion, and seemed -in no hurry to escape into their native element even -when I laid my hand in the water.</p> - -<p>Such delightful confidence was always rewarded -with some dainty.</p> - -<p>Dr. Warwick relates an instance of instinct and -intelligence in the Pike, which is so remarkable -that I am sure my readers will be pleased to be made -acquainted with it. I am the more induced to transfer -it to these pages, from the remarks with which -the doctor closes his narrative. From reasons -stated above, the reader will be prepared to learn -that I do not consider the statements therein advanced—that -fishes are really sensible to sound—by -any means conclusive.</p> - -<p>When residing at Dunham, the seat of the Earl of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[338]</a></span> -Stamford and Warrington, he (Dr. Warwick), was -walking one evening in the park, and came to a -pond where fish intended for the table were temporarily -kept. He took particular notice of a fine -pike of about six pounds weight, which, when it -observed him, darted hastily away. In so doing -it struck its head against a tenterhook in a post (of -which there were several in the pond, placed to prevent -poaching), and, as it afterwards appeared, fractured -its skull, and turned the optic nerve on one -side. The agony evinced by the animal appeared -most horrible. It rushed to the bottom, and boring -its head into the mud, whirled itself round with such -velocity that it was almost lost to sight for a short -interval. It then plunged about the pond, and at -length threw itself completely out of the water on -to the bank. He (the doctor) went and examined -it, and found that a very small portion of the brain -was protruding from the fracture in the skull. He -then carefully replaced this, and with a small silver -toothpick raised the indented portion of the skull. -The fish remained still for a short time, and he then -put it again in the pond. It appeared at first a good -deal relieved, but in a few minutes it again darted -and plunged about until it threw itself out of the -water a second time. A second time Dr. Warwick -did what he could to relieve it, and again put it in -the water. It continued for several times to throw -itself out of the pond, and with the assistance of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[339]</a></span> -keeper, the doctor at length made a kind of pillow -for the fish, which was then left in the pond to its -fate. Upon making his appearance at the pond on -the following morning, the pike came towards him -to the edge of the water, and actually laid its head -upon his foot. The doctor thought this most extraordinary, -but he examined the fish's skull and found -it going on all right. He then walked backwards -and forwards, along the edge of the pond for some -time, and the fish continued to swim up and down, -turning whenever he turned; but being blind on the -wounded side of its skull, it always appeared agitated -when it had that side toward the bank, as it -could not then see its benefactor. On the next day -he took some young friends down to see the fish, -which came to him as usual, and at length he actually -taught the pike to come to him at his whistle, and -feed out of his hands. With other persons it continued -as shy as fish usually are. He (Dr. Warwick) -thought this a most remarkable instance of -gratitude in a fish for a benefit received, and as it -always came at his whistle, <i>it proved also what he -had previously, with other naturalists, disbelieved, -that fishes are sensible to sound</i>. (?)</p> - -<p>On hunting among the rock-pools by the sea-shore, -several peculiar little fishes are frequently to -be found, and although some of them cannot be considered -suitable for the aquarium, still, for the reader's -information, it may be as well that I devote a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[340]</a></span> -brief space to a description of the peculiarities of -each.</p> - -<p>By far the most interesting of all the finny occupants -of the rock-pool, is, to my taste, the Smooth -Blenny, or, as it is variously termed, Shanny, or -Tansy. It is also more abundant than many other -species, and may therefore be readily captured during -summer. The Blenny varies from two to five -inches in length. The back is ornamented with -exquisite markings, but the most characteristic -features are the peculiar bluntness of the head, and -the brilliant crimson dot both on and immediately -beneath the eyes.</p> - -<p>Although easily tamed, the Blenny, in his native -haunts, appears to be the most timid of animals, -darting with the rapidity of lightning to the shelter -of some stone or overhanging weeds at the remotest -indication of approaching footsteps, or the -faintest shadow of a human form being cast on the -water.</p> - -<p>When desirous to procure a specimen, it is best to -choose as small a pool as you can for your hunt. -Drop in your net at one end, and as the Shanny -precipitately retreats to the other, give him chase. -Having arrived at the extremity of his domain, he -will endeavour to hide among the weeds, but if you -hold your net across the pool with one hand, and -with the other lift up a stone or beat the bushes, -the little fellow will become greatly excited, and darting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[341]</a></span> -out, of course, unwillingly, falls into the snare -prepared for him.</p> - -<p>Having gained your prize, do not handle it, but -placing your finger under the net, tilt it over the -mouth of the bottle, and allow the Blenny to fall -as gently as possible into the water. You need -be under no uneasiness after introducing him to the -aquarium about the nature of his diet. He is far -from being epicurean in his tastes. I supply mine according -to my whim at the moment, with whatever -is at hand, a bit of fowl, roast beef, or the like.</p> - -<p>The only caution I adopt when giving animal -food to the Blenny is to remove all traces of fat. I -mince their food into minute particles, and having sufficiently -moistened it, I place a morsel upon a hair -pencil. This attention to their comforts the Blennies -soon learn to appreciate, and will, after a while, -display at meal times the sagacity of larger animals.</p> - -<p>Perhaps the simplest plan to adopt is to cut open -a mussel and throw it into the tank. A considerable -deal of amusement, moreover, is often to be obtained -by watching the fishes engaged at such a meal. -How they toss the valves of the Mytilus about, and -snap at each other's tails! How vexed they become -if by accident the shelly dish is turned topsy-turvy, -and resists all their manœuvres to reverse it so as to -get at the meat! The valves of a large mussel will -sometimes be literally cleaned out by some half dozen -Blennies in the course of an hour.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[342]</a></span></p> - -<p>I have noticed a singular fact in connection with -the Blenny—namely, <i>that they do not all increase in -size as they grow older</i>. Out of five that I kept -domesticated for more than two years, one specimen -remained at the end of that period of the same size -as when I first made its acquaintance in a rock-pool -by the sea-shore, while its companions had greatly -increased their proportions. But let me in justice -add, that if my little finny pet failed to increase in -corpulency, it gained largely in intelligence. Who -is there that has not seen children, short in stature, -and comparatively old in years, who deserve the -epithet applied to them by the vulgar, of 'little—but -<i>knowing</i>.' This remark would apply with great -truth to my 'little Dombey' fish.</p> - -<p>Before becoming expert in carrying out the plan -(which will be fully detailed hereafter) for clarifying -the water of an aquarium which has become opaque -from superabundant vegetative growth, I had to -submit to many annoying failures. Thus it was in -a certain instance.</p> - -<p>I had cleaned out my tank, refilled it with partially -purified water, and again inserted the various -animals constituting my 'stock.' Emboldened by the -success which had attended my operations, I thought -a still further dose of diluted acid might be added, in -order thoroughly to remove the greenish hue of the -water. A few minutes showed me the folly of not -letting well alone, for soon flakes of discharged vegetation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[343]</a></span> -were precipitated to the base of the vessel, covering -it with a coating of fur.</p> - -<p>The poor Blennies speedily showed signs of distress, -and changed colour, as they generally do, upon the -most trifling cause. Instead of dark brown or black, -their bodies appeared of a yellowish tint, spotted -with white. Such a change was lovely to the eye, -but, alas! it was—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i28">'The loveliness in death,<br /></span> -<span class="i18">Which parts not quite with parting breath.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>The little creatures jumped and dived about in all directions, -all their motions being extremely violent. I -quickly perceived the error which had been committed, -and, moreover, discovered to my chagrin that -such error could not possibly be rectified for some -time, on account of my not having by me any -reserve of pure salt water. Taking several of the -fishes in my hand, I stroked their backs with a -camel-hair pencil, and was pleased to find that as -their alarm subsided their natural hue returned. -My being obliged to place my pets in their unhappy -and pestilential home again was, as the reader may -suppose, a source of regret to me; but I had some -hopes that they might by chance survive, and -become used to the 'vapour of their dungeon,' at -all events until such time as I could hasten to -the sea-side and procure a new supply of water. -My expectations of such a result were built upon -the fact, that although four of the fishes had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[344]</a></span> -changed colour, the small Blenny still retained its -natural hue. How did this happen? it will be -asked. I answer, by little Dombey (doing as his -brethren had always hitherto done in similar circumstances) -leaping on to a ledge of rock that projected -out of the water, and there breathing the fresh air -in safety.</p> - -<p>On the following morning I peeped into the vessel, -and saw by their upturned gills that all my finny -proteges were dead!</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i24">'All my pretty ones?<br /></span> -<span class="i20">Did I say all?'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>All except the smallest of the pack, he was still -dressed in his sombre coat, and gracefully reclining -upon the rocky couch above mentioned.</p> - -<p>How thankfully he received the breakfast that I -temptingly offered upon the tips of my feeding brush, -and how grateful he seemed to be, when, after the -lapse of a few hours, I was enabled to let him float -again in his pure native element, a fresh supply of -which had been procured with as little delay as -possible!</p> - -<p>The Viviparous Blenny differs from the other -British Blennies 'in the circumstance to which its -name refers—that of bringing forth its young alive, -which seem perfectly able to provide for themselves -from the moment they are excluded.'</p> - -<p>It is a most gentle, graceful-looking fish, but as -far as my experience goes, one that is impossible to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[345]</a></span> -tame, or rather, I should say, embolden. All my -efforts to domesticate various specimens have proved -unavailing; and in spite of the most earnest and -kindly attention, they have generally pined away and -died within a week after their introduction to the -aquarium.</p> - -<p><a href="#Illus12">From the illustration on Plate 12</a> the reader will -have no difficulty in recognising the original, should -he by chance meet with it hiding among the tangle, -or beneath the stones by the sea-shore.</p> - -<p>The spotted Blenny, Butter-Fish, or Gunnel-Fish, -as it is variously termed, is found lurking under stones -in the same places as the preceding. In the north -of Scotland it is called 'cloachs,' and is used extensively -as a bait for larger fish. When disturbed, it -wriggles its body about in the muddy bottom of the -rock-pool like an eel, for which, indeed, it is occasionally -mistaken.</p> - -<p>Its length varies from three to nine inches; the -depth only half an inch; the sides very much compressed -and extremely thin.</p> - -<p>The dorsal fin consists of seventy-eight short spiny -rays, and runs the length of the back almost to the -tail. The most conspicuous feature in the Gunnel-Fish -are the eleven round spots which occur at the -top of the back, and reach the lower half of the dorsal -fin; they are black, half encircled by white.</p> - -<p>The tail is rounded, and of a yellow colour. The back -and sides are of a deep olive; the belly whitish.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[346]</a></span></p> - -<p>In its young state I have had this fish live in my -aquarium for several months, but it never seemed to -be happy or contented.</p> - -<p>The Five Bearded Rockling is almost as great a -favourite with the writer as the Smooth Blenny. It -is a very pretty fish, and may be easily tamed. In -the course of a week I trained one to feed out of -my hand, and when I put my finger in the water the -fish would rub against it with its head, just as a -favourite cat frequently does against the leg of a -person with whom it is very familiar; moreover, if I -moved the intruding digit with a circular motion -through the water, the Rockling would waltz round -the tip with evident signs of pleasure.</p> - -<p>This fish is often found in tide-pools, and may -readily be identified by the prominent appendages -attached to its head, to the presence of which, the -Rockling owes its familiar appellation.</p> - -<p>The Goby (<i>Gobius unipunctatus</i>), or, as it is more -popularly termed, One-Spotted Goby, is frequently -found inhabiting the same pool as the Blenny or the -Rockling. The distinguishing character of this -pretty creature is the black spot which is situated -between the fifth and sixth ray of the first dorsal fin. -Its length is usually about one, or one and a half -inches; specimens have, however, sometimes been -found on the shores of the Frith of Forth, that measured -nearly three inches.</p> - -<p>The colour of the Goby is very changeable. If the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[347]</a></span> -animal is labouring under excitement, its body -assumes a deep brownish tint, approaching in some -instances to black; this gives place to brown, drab, -and even amber, or yellowish white.</p> - -<p>The Goby possesses the power of attaching its body -to any object by means of its ventral fins, which become -united together in the form of a funnel.</p> - -<p>Another species (<i>Gobius bipunctatus</i>), or Two-Spotted -Goby, is generally found among the <i>Fuci</i>, in -rocky situations. Its name is derived from a dark -spot which is distinctly apparent on each side, near -to the origin of the pectoral fin.</p> - -<p>The head and upper part of the body is dark brown,—the -under part of the head and belly white or pale -drab.</p> - -<p>Allusion has already been made to the peculiarity -of the Gobies affixing their bodies to rocks or other -substances, by means of a sucker formed by the -junction of the ventral fins. The adhesive power in -question, which this class of creatures possess, is very -limited as compared with that which is exercised by -the true sucker fishes, and especially by the members -of a certain species, whose bodies are furnished -with two distinct organs of adhesion.</p> - -<p>The extraordinary adhesive powers of the Lump-Sucker, -for instance, have been tested by several -writers. One observer states, that a fish of moderate -size has been known to suspend a weight of -above 20 lbs., upon which it had accidentally fastened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[348]</a></span> -itself. Mr. Pennant says still more, for he has known -that, in flinging a fish of this kind just caught into -a pail of water, it fixed itself so firmly to the bottom, -that, on taking it by the tail, the pail was lifted up, -though it contained several gallons of water.</p> - -<p>To descend from the largest to the smallest species, -we arrive at the Montague Sucker-Fish, or, as it is -sometimes called, the Diminutive Sucker, one of the -most interesting little creatures to be met with at -the sea-shore. At the coast near Edinburgh I -have met with many specimens, equally well in -the spring or winter season, as during the summer -months. At such locality this species may -therefore be pronounced common; yet it is comparatively -unknown to most 'collectors' in the neighbourhood. -Many, indeed, contend that my designation -is erroneous. But having taken considerable -pains to satisfy my mind upon the subject, I have no -hesitation whatever in stating that the little fish in -question is identical with that of the Montague Sucker.</p> - -<p>Donovan, in his 'Natural History of British -Fishes,'<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> was the first to illustrate and publish an -account of this <i>petite</i> gem of ocean. His figures are -copied from drawings made by Colonel Montague, -who also furnished the description of the specimen -delineated. With the important exception of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[349]</a></span> -sucker—an organ of adhesion which is very nearly -correct—the general appearance of the Diminutive -Sucker-Fish as figured, is not at all satisfactory. -Perhaps this is not to be wondered at, when we -remember that the specimen from which the sketches -were taken was very small indeed. Moreover, it -was diaphanous, and is depicted as being principally -transparent, spotted, and tinged with pink.</p> - -<p>The Diminutive Sucker, in its adult state, is said -to be from two to three inches in length; consequently -Colonel Montague's first specimen must have -been an extremely young one.</p> - -<p>The usual colour is deep orange, varied with -minute dark spots. The under parts of the body -and throat are of flesh colour; the centre of the -sucker being faintly tinged with crimson.</p> - -<p>I have seldom met with specimens measuring -more than one, or one and a quarter inches. It -is a marked peculiarity in this Sucker-Fish, that -when adhering to any substance it has a constant -habit of curving the tail towards the head. In -such position it will remain motionless for several -hours.</p> - -<p>There is little difficulty in capturing the Montague -Sucker in its native haunts. It does not -possess the power of darting to and fro with the -speed of the Blenny, or most other fishes, but progresses -through the liquid element with a peculiar -quivering motion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[350]</a></span></p> - -<p>It is not a fish that can be recommended for the -aquarium. A fortnight to three weeks is the longest -time that I have been able to keep a specimen -alive; indeed, until I adopted the plan of allowing -each little captive to remain quiet and undisturbed -in a dark and shady place, death ensued in the course -of one or two days.</p> - -<p><a href="#Illus12">My illustrations (Plate 12)</a> having been carefully -drawn and coloured from a living specimen, the -student will, I trust, find no difficulty in recognising -the Diminutive Sucker, should he be so fortunate as -to meet with it in a rocky pool.</p> - -<p>'There is also a fish called the Sticklebag, a fish -without scales, but hath his body fenced with several -prickles. I know not where he dwells in winter, -nor what he is good for in summer, but only to -make sport for boys and <i>women anglers</i>.' Thus -contemptuously does dear old Izaak speak of the -Sticklebag, or Stickleback, as it is now termed, one -of the most amusing and interesting members of the -finny tribe. I have frequently transferred specimens -of the Stickleback from fresh water to salt water, -and found them live quite as well in the latter as in -the former.</p> - -<p>The contrast, however, between the appearance of -the three spined Stickleback, when first taken from -the sea, and one captured in the fresh water pond is -very remarkable. The first is dressed in a gorgeous -coat of varied colours. Around the mouth and belly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[351]</a></span> -it is bright crimson, on the upper part of its body -various tints of green prevail; while in the pond -specimen no red colour is visible at all, but only -white blended with green.</p> - -<p>In addition to <i>Gasterosteus aculeatus</i>, whom we -have above alluded to, there is another species, <i>G. -spinachia</i>, or Fifteen-Spined Stickleback, which is -also an inhabitant of rock-pools by the sea-shore, -but unlike the first-mentioned, is never found in fresh -water. Both species possess one peculiarity in common, -a description of which will form an appropriate -conclusion to this chapter. I allude to their nest-building -habits, which has only of late years been -proved to exist, although Aristotle has recorded the -same fact regarding a fish (<i>Phycis</i>) in the Mediterranean -Sea, which was known to make a nest and -deposit its spawn therein.</p> - -<p>The duties of mason and architect are invariably -undertaken by the male Stickleback. His materials -are of course very limited, still his labours are skilfully -and even artistically performed. Having chosen -a suitable spot as a foundation for his house, he collects -some delicate sea-weeds, gravel and sand, and with -these materials, aided by a glutinous fluid which is -given off from his body, the house is built. When -completed, and not before, he seeks out his mate, and -invites her to take possession of her newly formed -home. If she shows any affectation or coquetishness, -he does not hesitate to nip hold of her tail, and urge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[352]</a></span> -her forward by equally expressive signs. Soon, like -a dutiful little pet, she enters, and having deposited -spawn, retires again, leaving her lord and master to -guard the casket and its living treasure. This task, -though extremely arduous, he adopts with pride and -gratification.</p> - -<p>How so small a creature can bear up so long under -such a state of apparent excitement appears marvellous. -His assiduity is most extraordinary. By night -he rests beside the nest, and by day, if he can -possibly hinder it, he allows nothing to approach. -When there are other members of the Stickleback -family in the aquarium, numerous combats are sure -to ensue, for as the young and transparent offspring -of one fish are deemed a great dainty by the non-parental -body, the latter invariably endeavour to -satisfy their cannibal propensities at the harrowing -expense of their neighbours.</p> - -<p>When the spawn are hatched, fresh care devolves -upon the parent, in order to keep them within the -nursery, and protect them from the greedy mouths of -the larger fish, always on the look-out for tit-bits. -Should one of the little fishlings stray beyond the -prescribed bounds, the watchful parent darts after it, -and in an instant his jaws close over the wanderer -apparently for ever, but in fact only for a time, for -swimming quickly back the old fish puffs out the -straggler into its nest lively and uninjured.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[353]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ChapXXV" id="ChapXXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h2> - -<h3>On the Formation of an Aquarium, &c.</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p style="margin-left: 15.5%;">'And so I end this little book, hoping, even praying that it may encourage a few<br /> - more labourers to go forth into a vineyard which those who have toiled in it know<br /> - to be full of ever fresh health, and wonder, and simple joy, and the presence and<br /> - the glory of Him whose name is Love.'—<span class="smcap">C. Kingsley.</span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 454px;"> -<img src="images/image15.jpg" width="454" height="526" alt="Fronds" /> -</div> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> -1 Mussels attached by their byssus threads to the glass<br /> -2 Fronds of <i>Chondrus chrispus</i><br /> -3 Fronds of <i>Delesseria Sanguinea</i><br /> -4 Fronds of <i>Ulva latissima</i></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[355]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>XXV.</h2> - - -<p><span class="smcap">No</span> ornament for the drawing-room or parlour can -possibly be more beautiful than a well-stocked and -tastefully-arranged aquarium; nor is there one likely -to be productive of a greater amount of pleasure and -amusement. And it is instructive as well as amusing, -for by means of it the statements of writers relative -to the habits of certain marine animals may be verified -by personal observation, and even difficult problems -in natural history satisfactorily solved. Aided -by one of these 'mimic oceans,' let the reader commence -the practical study of marine zoology, and I -have little fear of his ever becoming tired of it.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">'Age cannot wither it, nor custom stale<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Its infinite variety.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>When pursued even in the most humble way, this -recreation yields a degree of interest greater than -any other 'hobby' can produce, at least in an equal -space of time. If engaged in business during the -day, the student can always devote an hour morning -or evening to the aquarium, and when least expected,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[356]</a></span> -some circumstance will take place to excite his -wonder, and fill his mind with deep and devout reflection. -Moreover, the young naturalist will undoubtedly -derive pleasure from his endeavours to establish -published facts relative to many of his little prisoners; -pleasure in noting down any interesting anecdote -that may occur; pleasure in knowing that his time -is being profitably spent; and above all, that he -is making himself acquainted with objects framed -with marvellous skill and care by the hand of the -Almighty:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">'Wonderful indeed are all His works,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Had in remembrance, always with delight.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Without further preface, I shall now proceed to -offer some practical hints relative to the establishment -of a marine aquarium. And, as some of my -readers may be perfectly unacquainted with the -subject, I shall treat it in as simple a style as -possible. If, however, the experienced zoologist -will kindly follow me to the end of the chapter, it -may be that he will find some hints sufficiently -new and useful to repay him for his trouble.</p> - -<p>First, then, in regard to the tank. This indispensable -requisite may be procured at certain shops -in almost every town in the United Kingdom. Its -price varies from two or three shillings to £20. -The expensive kinds are generally oblong in form, -but their construction being somewhat intricate,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[357]</a></span> -they are apt to get out of order, unless made by skilful -and thoroughly competent artistes. Under -certain circumstances, there is no doubt that an -oblong tank of moderate dimensions is a great -desideratum; but what I wish particularly to -impress upon the mind of the reader is, that a large -tank is not at all necessary in order to study the -habits of marine animals; indeed, the more capacious -the vessel, the more difficult becomes the task -of watching the secret movements of any of its occupants. -On this account it not unfrequently happens -that a common glass tumbler becomes of much -greater service to the student than the most elaborate -aquarium.</p> - -<p>The tanks which I use are circular in form, the -largest being not more than sixteen inches in -diameter, by seven inches in depth. Its cost was -four shillings. Each one rests on a base of mahogany, -elevated on turned legs to a height of nine inches.</p> - -<p>Some persons object to the circular tank, on the -ground that its occupants when seen from the sides -appear magnified. This fact, as I have elsewhere -remarked, is rather a recommendation with me, as -it presents more distinct views of each movement -in the vessel, and whenever I wish to see the objects -of their natural size, I can do so by looking in from -the top.</p> - -<p>On the edge of the tank are placed three chips -of gutta percha in which are inserted three steel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[358]</a></span> -pins with brass heads; on these there is laid a -circular piece of common glass, cut two inches larger -than the diameter of the tank. As the 'pins' are -about three-quarters of an inch above the tank, they -allow a current of air to pass over the water, and -also prevent, to a certain extent, particles of dust -from falling in. On the edge of the movable lid -I <i>paste</i> some crimson lace, which serves for ornament, -and also prevents the glass from cutting the -hand of any person moving it about. Sometimes -I have a circular piece, about four inches in diameter, -cut out of the centre of the glass lid, which allows -the latter to be lifted off easily.</p> - -<p>A glass syringe to aerate the water occasionally, -a camel-hair pencil, an ivory crotchet pin, and a -pair of gutta percha forceps, complete the whole -machinery of the aquarium, the cost of which is so -trifling that the poorest person might manage to -procure them.</p> - -<p>One great point in favour of an aquarium, and -one by no means generally understood is, that having -once filled the tank with salt water, it will last -for months, and even years, if proper care be taken, -without requiring one particle of sea-water to be again -added; for as the water evaporates, the salt falls to -the bottom, and the deficiency may be supplied with -<i>fresh</i> water from the cistern or filter. In order to -ascertain when the sea-water is of the proper density, -you require to have a 'gravity bubble,' which can be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[359]</a></span> -had for sixpence. This may always be kept in the -tank. When 'all's well' it sinks to the bottom, -and when anything comes amiss it rises to the surface, -but falls again quickly upon the introduction of -the fresh water.<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p> - -<p>A more simple plan is, to mark on the glass the -height of the fluid when the tank is first filled, then -as the water sinks, raise it again to its original level -by means of fresh water.</p> - -<p>Many persons decline starting an aquarium on -account of the great difficulty of procuring a proper -supply of sea-water. This objection, of course, can -be offered only by those who happen to reside -inland; but even these need not now be discouraged, -for an ingenious plan has lately been devised -for sending the commodity in question through -the post!</p> - -<p>Mr. Bolton, chemist, Holborn Bars, London, supplies, -not sea-water, but 'marine salts for the instantaneous -production of sea-water,' About six -ounces is sufficient to make a gallon, by the application -of <i>fresh</i> water. The saline material here -alluded to, is not an artificial chemical compound, -but is produced by the simple process of evaporating -sea-water itself. Those individuals so fortunate as -to possess a marine villa, or any other more humble -residence at or near the sea-coast, have no occasion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[360]</a></span> -to resort to the scheme above-mentioned for filling -their tanks, a pure supply of sea-water being attainable -with scarcely any trouble whatever. A stone -jar should be kept for this purpose only, and care -taken that the vessel is perfectly free from any -smell, as that of spirits, dirty corks, or the like, as -any such impurity would quickly spoil the water.</p> - -<p>It may not be uninteresting to some of my readers -to know, that in France an aquarium cannot be -established with the same ease as in England. In -the former country 'the whole contents of the sea -itself is a contraband article,—that is, the contents -of the salt sea of the English Channel or the Atlantic -Ocean.' One writer tells us, that staying on the -French coast, he kept sea-anemones alive in glasses, -but was frequently warned by his friends to be careful -how he fetched water from the sea, lest the -custom-officers should interrupt him. 'My bottle,' -to use the writer's own words, 'being very small, -they let it pass, on the principle that the law does -not care about extremest trifles; had it been a pailful, -the case would have been different. A lady -keeping a marine aquarium, explained her wants to -the local head of the customs. He came and saw it—found -it beautiful, and being a gentlemanly man, -with some love for natural history, he gave a written -order for the procuring of any reasonable quantity of -water from the sea. Every time the needful element -was brought from the shore, it was accompanied by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[361]</a></span> -its passport, as formally as if it had been a cask of -wine, or a suspicious stranger. French salt sellers -thus enjoy the height of protection; they are -protected even from their colossal competitor, the -sea!'</p> - -<p>I do not know a prettier sight than that exhibited -by a healthy aquarium on a fine summer's day; -the effect of the sunshine upon it being to cause -innumerable bubbles of oxygen—that look like balls -of quicksilver—to form on every weed, shell, and -smallest pebble. On looking through the transparent -sides of the vessel, small particles hitherto resting on -its base, may be seen slowly arising to the surface of -the water, each buoyed up by a miniature gas -balloon. The broad, ribbon like fronds of the ulva, -from the self-same cause, float upwards, and reflect a -beauteous emerald hue upon all objects that lie -beneath; while the glass bulb, placed in the tank as -before stated, to denote the density of the water, at -such a time belies its mission, and covered with -numerous argent globules, mounts gracefully in companionship -with the sea-weed, until shades of evening -approach, when its buoyancy gradually subsides, -and once more it falls to its original resting-place.</p> - -<p>Wherever the above phenomenon is apparent, rest -assured that the aquarium is in good condition. It -is, in fact, to the oxygen thus given out by the -plants and infant vegetation that the animals owe -their existence. If no algæ were introduced, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[362]</a></span> -water would become impure, and unless changed -often, your little colony would surely die,—at least -those of its members who were unable to rise above -the fluid, and occasionally breathe the fresh air.</p> - -<p>The secret herein involved, that animal and vegetable -respirations counterbalance each other, has only -of late years been discovered; yet it is apparent to -any observing eye at the sea-shore; there we never -meet with a rock-pool containing living animals, that -is not more or less adorned with sea-weeds.</p> - -<p>The green Lettuce Ulva, so abundant in rock-pools, -the sea-grass, which covers almost every fixed object -at the sea-shore, or the well-known dulse or Chondrus -Crispus, form the only sea-weeds that it is necessary -to introduce into an aquarium. In fact, one or two -fronds of the Ulva Latissima alone, will answer perfectly -well to purify the water of even a comparatively -large tank. I have often been surprised to -find how small a quantity of algæ was required for -the purpose mentioned. After allowing a single -frond to float for a few days in a tank, in which some -sea-water was newly deposited, I took it out, and for -an entire twelvemonth the water remained healthy -and as clear as crystal.</p> - -<p>The arrangement of the 'stock' of an aquarium -is quite a matter of taste; perhaps no two persons -adopt precisely the same plan. It may, therefore, be -advisable, as this matter is so arbitrary, for the -writer to state how his own tanks are mapped out,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[363]</a></span> -leaving it to his readers to imitate the arrangements, -or adopt a style of their own as they may think -proper.</p> - -<p>At one time I used to make a grounding of sand, -but this plan is not to be recommended, even though -it be one highly approved of by several species of -crabs, &c. White pebbles do very well, but I now -prefer to cover the base of the tank with crushed -shells, washed very clean.</p> - -<p>The following is a sketch of one of my tanks as -it at present stands:—</p> - -<p>In the centre of the vessel is a <i>semi-circular arch</i>, -formed of pure white Sicilian marble, which has to -my eye a most pleasing appearance. Around it, and -indeed over the entire floor of the tank, are strewn -chippings of the same material as the centre piece -itself.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> From the arch, at certain intervals, hang -various sized specimens of the <i>Mytilus edulis</i>, which -have gradually advanced to their more or less elevated -positions entirely by their own unaided exertions. -Near hand a hardy <i>A. mesembryanthemum</i> -has taken up his abode, and sits with ever expanded -tentacles, motionless and happy. On either side of -the Anemone is deposited a riband of Doris spawn, -that undulates to and fro whenever by any chance -the water is in the slightest degree disturbed. Several<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[364]</a></span> -soldier crabs, of course, act as sentinels of the -tank, and appear to be ever 'on duty,' marching -about in all parts of their subaqueous habitation; -while beneath the marble fragments repose, each -with his 'weather eye' open, a small <i>Maia squinado</i>, -two long-armed crabs, and a small <i>Carcinus mænas</i>. -On the sides of the vase rest a Limpet, a Trochus, -and two fine Periwinkles, with skin of glossy blackness. -The shells of either 'Buckie' is covered with -myriads of quicksilver globules, that rest on the tips -of the young and rising vegetation like dew upon the -bladed grass. As I write, upon the inner surface of -the water, like a fly upon the ceiling of a room, an -Eolis and two pearly white Dorides lie idly floating -in close companionship. Beneath them, upon the -verge of the aperture of a large empty whelk shell, -sits a pretty, cream-coloured Plumose Anemone (<i>A. -dianthus</i>). On two blocks of stone repose several -specimens of that mysterious animal the Pholas, who, -by my unkindness, are thus made to become members -of the marine 'houseless poor.' Several young -specimens of these bivalves are seated, in a piece of -rock, and daily engaged in 'boring.' A stick of -wood, formerly the slender twig of a tree, is thickly -clustered with fairy-handed acorn barnacles and serpulæ, -and being placed against the glass, the movements -of these singularly beautiful creatures can be -watched with ease. Then there are two Star-fishes, -a pack of three little Blennies, and a Five-bearded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[365]</a></span> -Rockling, whose singular movements I have previously -alluded to. Against the arch some fronds of -ulva are anchored, while at chosen spots specimens -of delicate sea-weeds are also fixed—these rising up, -and being magnified through the sides of the vase, -have a pleasing effect, even to the eye of a child.</p> - -<p>It is a pretty sight to watch the fishes glide under -and around the marble arch, or throw themselves -upon its highest point, there to enjoy the fresh air, -and have a pleasant 'crack' together. This expression -is literally correct, for the Blennies, when thus -situated, usually make a kind of noise not inaptly expressed -by snapping the nail of the thumb and finger -together.</p> - -<p>The foregoing animals which constitute the entire -stock of one tank, are, I am proud to state, all in a -healthy condition, and if we may judge by appearances, -all contented and happy. It will be from no -fault of mine if they do not long continue thus, and -exhibit no signs of yearning for their native haunts -by the sea-shore.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">'Those gay watery grots—<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Small excavations on a rocky shore,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">That seem like fairy baths or mimic wells,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Richly embossed with choicest weed and shells,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">As if her trinkets nature chose to hide<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Where nought invaded but the flowing tide.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>In another tank I have introduced as a centre object -a fine piece of white coral, the higher branches -of which rise above the surface of the water. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[366]</a></span> -roughness of the coral seems to be much approved -of by many of the animals, who are not slow to -avail themselves of the facility thus afforded them -of climbing and otherwise exercising their peculiar -propensities. When purchasing coral, care must be -taken to procure a specimen that has not undergone -any cleaning process, for although such may be -more pleasing to the eye, it is not so suitable for a -'centre piece' as the cream-coloured, and less expensive -coral.</p> - -<p>A third aquarium which I possess is fitted up in a -somewhat novel style, which offers, for certain purposes, -some slight advantages over others that I have -seen employed. It can be adopted in almost any -kind of tank; but the one under consideration is -circular in form, and is, in fact, a bell-shaped inverted -fern glass, the knob of which is sunk into a stand of -wood supported on three legs.</p> - -<p>The plan alluded to, which was suggested to the -writer by an ingenious friend,<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> consists of the introduction -of a floating centre piece composed of gutta -percha, which serves as a resting place for various -small animals, such as Actiniæ, Mussels, Barnacles, -Serpulæ, and even Pholades and Cockles. At the -base of the vessel, which is quite uncovered, rest -sundry members of the crustaceous family, whilst<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[367]</a></span> -fishes of various kinds swim freely about over the -entire vessel free from all annoyance.</p> - -<p>The question will doubtless be asked, 'How can I -procure the centre piece here spoken of?' I answer, -Make it yourself; a little skill combined with -patience and gutta percha being all that is required. -The following directions will serve to aid the young -reader who may wish to test his manipulative -powers.</p> - -<p>Procure a thin piece of gutta percha, and lay it in -hot water for a few minutes until it is thoroughly -soft and pliable. Then get a globe—an orange will -do if nothing better offers—and cover it with the -above material. Having done this, throw it into -cold water, and when hard, cut the fruit in two, so -as to leave the gutta percha cast to the shape of each -half.</p> - -<p>Next make a circular tray about eight or nine -inches in diameter, and turn up its edge about half -an inch all round. Then heat the brim of each cup, -and fasten them to the centre of the upper and -under part of the 'tray.' The structure will then -float in water. This, however, is not all that you -want, as your centre piece must always be entirely -immersed. First bore a few holes in the tray, then -fix a pretty shell, with a hole in it, to the base of the -lower 'cup,' and also form a loop of gutta percha, -from which to suspend, by means of a piece of silk, -a fragment of stone or marble of sufficient bulk to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[368]</a></span> -balance the centre piece, and sink it an inch or two -below the surface of the water. At the centre of the -upper cup fasten a small piece of gutta percha tube, -at the end of which the valve of a Pecten may be attached -as an ornament. The whole structure must -be gently warmed and entirely coated with fine sand; -then tastefully decorated with shells and fronds of -green Ulva, and the crimson Delesseria Sanguinea.</p> - -<p>Sometimes I introduce a globe of glass as a buoy, -and to its centre attach the tray of gutta percha.</p> - -<p>A useful centre piece, a specimen of which I have -had in use for several months, may be formed thus. -Make a tripod of gutta percha, on the top of which -attach the valve of a Pecten. From the centre of this -object fix a branch of coral by aid of gutta percha, -in such a way that it rises above the water in the -tank. From under the shell pieces of coral may be -made to branch out in various directions. The stand -should be coated either with crushed shells or sand, -to give it an ornamental appearance.</p> - -<p>It is often a source of annoyance to find the base -of the aquarium so thickly covered with dirt, &c. -To get rid of this great 'eye sore,' without emptying -and re-arranging the tank, I call in the aid -of a very simple and effective instrument. By -its application all objectionable matter may be -gradually removed without in the slightest degree -disturbing the water, or materially displacing the objects -situated at the base of the vessel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[369]</a></span></p> - -<p>The instrument mentioned is composed of a gutta -percha globe, made in the manner previously described, -into one end of which is inserted a tube of -gutta percha or glass about four inches long, and -at the opposite end of the ball is introduced a second -tube about eight inches in length.</p> - -<p>To use this instrument, close the orifice of the -longest tube, and plunge it into the water over any -spot where the debris is collected, then by removing -your finger from the end of the tube, <i>the impurity -will be instantly sucked up into the ball</i>. By again -placing the finger in its former position, the siphon -may be lifted out of the tank, and its contents -allowed to run off into a jug or basin placed near for -the purpose.</p> - -<p>This operation must be repeated until the whole -of the offending particles are removed. Of course, -more water will be drawn off than is necessary, but -it can easily be poured back into the tank as soon -as the sediment has been fully precipitated.</p> - -<p>Aquaria are generally much more difficult to keep -in order in summer than in winter, owing to the -rapid and profuse growth of minute vegetation which -renders the water opaque and exceedingly unpleasant -to the eye.</p> - -<p>This ugly opacity I at one time attributed to decaying -animal matter, for I could scarcely believe -that the mere increase of the algæ spores could produce -such a vile effect. Experience, however, has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[370]</a></span> -proved that the latter was in reality the true cause. -I tried often by syringing the water, or drawing it off -by means of the siphon, or stirring it about in all -manner of ways, to remove the objectionable muddiness, -but always without success. Limpets and -Periwinkles seemed quite useless. Nor did shutting -out the rays of light for a few days have any perceptible -effect in subduing the growth of the algæ which -collected with wondrous rapidity, and arrayed each -stone, shell, pebble, and even the poor crabs, in a -greenish garb.</p> - -<p>I was therefore under the necessity, on several -occasions, of renewing the water, and considering -that my residence was several miles from the sea-coast, -this task was by no means a pleasant one. -What made matters still more provoking, was the -fact that the rejected fluid seemed perfectly free from -all offensive smell. I now adopt the following novel -method for removing the opacity of the water, without -the latter being changed, and also for preventing -the too abundant growth of the algæ at all seasons.</p> - -<p>The plan in question (which requires, as already -shown, to be carried out with extreme caution by the -inexperienced aquarianist) is merely to dilute a small -quantity of <i>alum</i> in a wine-glass full of water, and -then mix it with the water contained in the aquarium. -A pellet of alum about the size of a pea is -sufficient for the purpose, if the tank be of moderate -size. And if inserted on the first appearance of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[371]</a></span> -dimness in the water, much future trouble will be -saved.</p> - -<p>Supposing the water to have become opaque, -proceed thus—Draw off a portion into a large jug, -and mix with it the diluted acid as before stated, -then let the jug remain undisturbed for about twelve -hours. The vegetation having been deposited in -flakes at the base of the vessel, the water should then -be gently strained off through a piece of fine muslin -into a second receptacle, which, in its turn, should be -allowed to stand for some time, and the contents -again strained as before. This process it is advisable -to repeat several times, until the whole of the fluid -in the tank has been thoroughly cleansed from impurity.</p> - -<p>Should the water be returned too early, an unpleasant -fur coating will appear over the entire base -of the tank. This can be easily removed by means -of the siphon. Let one end of this instrument, -when in action, be passed gradually over the lower -portion of the vase, and in the course of a few minutes -every sign of 'fur' will be obliterated with the loss -of but a small portion of water. When once the -fluid has been clarified in the manner here mentioned, -there is little fear of the young aquarianist -being again troubled in like manner for many -months, the acid apparently preventing the algæ from -being reproduced to any such excess as hitherto.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[373]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>GLOSSARY OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS.</h2> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;">Extracted principally from Professor Owen's learned work entitled, "Lectures on the<br /> -Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Invertebrate Animals."</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p><b>Ambulacra</b> (L. <i>ambulacrum</i>, an avenue, -or place for walking). The perforated -series of plates in the shell of the Sea-star, -or Sea-urchin, through which the -sucking-feet are protruded.</p> - -<p><b>Acalepha</b> (Gr. <i>akalephe</i>, a nettle). The -class of radiated animals with soft -skins which have the power of stinging -like a nettle. Commonly called Sea-nettles -or Jelly-fish.</p> - -<p><b>Actinæ</b> (Gr. <i>aktin</i>, a ray). The genus of -Polypes which have many arms radiating -from around the mouth.</p> - -<p><b>Alternate generation.</b> That modification -of generation in which the young do -not resemble the parent, but the grandparent; -so that the successive series of -individuals seem to represent two species, -alternately reproduced, in which -also parthenogenesis alternates with the -ordinary engendering by impregnation.</p> - -<p><b>Algæ</b> (sea-weeds). A large class of -cryptogamic plants inhabiting salt and -fresh water.</p> - -<p><b>Anomoura</b> (Gr. <i>anomos</i>, irregular, and -<i>oura</i>, a tail). A section of crustaceous -animals distinguished like the Hermit -crabs, by the irregular form of the -tails.</p> - -<p><b>Annelid.</b> The Anglicised singular of -<i>annelleta</i>.</p> - -<p><b>Adductor muscles</b>, are those which hold -together the shell of a bivalve, such as -the Oyster, Mussel, &c.</p> - -<p><b>Animalcules.</b> Those extremely small -animals which are invisible to the -naked eye.</p> - -<p><b>Antenna</b> (from the Latin for yard-arm). -Applied to the jointed feelers or horns -upon the head of insects and crustacea.</p> - - -<p><b>Balanoids</b> (Gr. <i>balanos</i>, an acorn). A -family of Sessile cirripeds, the shells of -which are commonly called Acorn-shells.</p> - -<p><b>Bivalve.</b> When a shell consists of two -parts, closing like a double door. The -mollusca so protected are commonly -called bivalves, as the Mussel.</p> - -<p><b>Brachyura</b> (Gr. <i>brachus</i>, short; <i>oura</i>, -tail). The tribe of crustacea with short -tails, as the Crabs.</p> - -<p><b>Branchiæ</b> The gills or respiratory -organs which extract the oxygen from -air contained in water, as in fishes and -other aquatic animals.</p> - -<p><b>Buccal</b> (L. <i>bucca</i>, mouth). Belonging to -the mouth.</p> - -<p><b>Byssus</b> (Gr. <i>byssos</i>, fine flax). A term -applied to the silken filaments or -'beard' of the Mussel and Pinna.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[374]</a></span></p> - -<p><b>Carapace.</b> The upper shell of the Crab, &c.</p> - -<p><b>Calcareous.</b> Composed more or less of -lime.</p> - -<p><b>Carnivorous</b> (L. <i>caro</i>, flesh; <i>voro</i>, I devour). -The animals which feed on flesh.</p> - -<p><b>Caudal</b> (L. <i>cauda</i>, the tail). Belonging -to the tail.</p> - -<p><b>Cephalópoda</b> (Gr. <i>kephale</i>, a head; <i>pous</i>, -a foot). The class of Molluscous animals -in which long prehensile processes, -or feet, project from the head, -as in the Cuttle-fish.</p> - -<p><b>Ciliogrades</b> (L. <i>cilium</i>, an eyelash; <i>gradior</i>, -I walk). The order of the <i>acalephæ</i> -(as the Beröe) which swims by -action of cilia.</p> - -<p><b>Cilia</b> (L. <i>cilium</i>, an eyelash). The microscopic -hair-like bodies which cause, by -their vibratile action, currents in the -contiguous fluid, or a motion of the -body to which they are attached.</p> - -<p><b>Cirri</b> (L. <i>cirrus</i>, a curl). The curled filamentary -appendages, as at the feet of -the Barnacles.</p> - -<p><b>Cirripedes</b>, or <b>Cirripedia</b> (L. <i>cirrus</i>, a -curl; <i>pes</i>, a foot). A class of articulate -animals having curled, jointed feet; -sometimes written Cirrhipedia and -Cirrhopoda.</p> - -<p><b>Conchifera</b> (L. <i>concha</i>, a shell; <i>fero</i>, I -bear). Shell-fish; usually restricted to -those with bivalve shells.</p> - -<p><b>Comminuted.</b> Broken or ground down -into small pieces.</p> - -<p><b>Conchology.</b> The department of science -which treats of shells.</p> - -<p><b>Convoluted</b> (L. <i>convolutus</i>). Rolled together.</p> - -<p><b>Cornea</b> (L. <i>corneus</i>, horny). The transparent -horny membrane in front of the -eye.</p> - -<p><b>Crinoid</b> (Gr. <i>krinon</i>, a lily; <i>eidos</i>, a discourse). -A family of Star-fishes which -bear some resemblance to the form of -a lily. The fossils called Stone-lilies, -or Encrinites, are examples.</p> - -<p><b>Crustacea</b> (L. <i>crusta</i>, a crust). The class -of articulate animals (which includes -the Crab, Lobster, &c.) with a hard -skin or crust, which they cast periodically.</p> - - -<p><b>Decapoda</b> (Gr. <i>deca</i>, ten; <i>pous</i>, a foot). -The crustaceous and molluscous animals, -which have ten feet, such as the -Crab, Cray-fish, &c.</p> - -<p><b>Digitate</b> (L. <i>digitus</i>, a finger). When a -part supports processes like fingers.</p> - - -<p><b>Effete.</b> Barren, worn out.</p> - -<p><b>Elytra</b> (Gr. <i>elytron</i>, a sheath). The -sheath or wing covers of coleopterous -insects (Beetles).</p> - -<p><b>Entomostraca</b> (Gr. <i>entoma</i>, insects; <i>ostracon</i>, -a shell). The order of small -crustaceans, many of which are enclosed -in an integument like a bivalve -shell.</p> - -<p><b>Entomology</b> (Gr. <i>entoma</i>, insects; <i>logos</i>, -a discourse). The branch of science -treating of insects.</p> - -<p><b>Exuvium</b>, Pl. <b>exuviæ</b> (L. <i>exuo</i>, I cast -off). The shell or skin of an animal -which is shed in moulting.</p> - -<p><b>Epizoa</b> (Gr. <i>epi</i>, upon; <i>zoon</i>, an animal). -The class of low organized parasitic -crustaceans which live upon other animals.</p> - - -<p><b>Fissiparous</b> (L. <i>fissus</i>, divided; <i>pario</i>, I -produce). The multiplication of a species -by the self-cleavage of the individual -into two parts.</p> - -<p><b>Frond</b> (L. <i>frons</i>, a leaf). A term applied -to that part of flowerless plants resembling -true leaves.</p> - -<p><b>Fucivorous</b> (L. <i>fucus</i>, sea-weed; <i>voro</i>, I -devour). Animals which subsist on -sea-weed.</p> - -<p><b>Flora.</b> The plants which belong to a -country or district.</p> - -<p><b>Foliaceous</b> (L. <i>folium</i>, a leaf). Shaped -or arranged like leaves.</p> - - -<p><b>Gasteropoda</b> (Gr. <i>gaster</i>, stomach; <i>pous</i>, -a foot). That class of animals which -(like the Snail) have the locomotive -organ attached to the under part of -the body.</p> - -<p><b>Gemmiparous</b> (L. <i>gemma</i>, a bud; <i>pario</i>, -I produce). Propagation by the growth -of the young like a bud from the parent.</p> - - -<p><b>Habitat.</b> The locality in which an animal -habitually resides.</p> - -<p><b>Hinge.</b> That part of a shell at which -the valves cohere.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[375]</a></span></p> - -<p><b>Hyaline</b> (Gr. <i>hualos</i>, crystal). The pellucid -substance which determines the -spontaneous fission of cells.</p> - -<p><b>Hydra</b> (Gr. <i>hudra</i>, a water serpent). The -modern generic name of certain fresh -water polypes.</p> - -<p><b>Hydrogen</b> (Gr. <i>hydor</i>, water; <i>gemmæ</i>, I -produce). A gas forming one of the -components of water and atmospheric -air.</p> - - -<p><b>Infusoria.</b> The class of animalcules -which abound in vegetable and animal -infusions.</p> - - -<p><b>Lamellibranchiata</b> (L. <i>lamella</i>, a plate; -<i>branchiæ</i>, gills). The class of acephalous -molluscs, with gills in the form of -membraneous plates, of which the -oyster and mussel are familiar examples.</p> - -<p><b>Larva</b> (L. <i>larva</i>, a mask). Applied to an -insect in its first active state, which is -generally different from, and, as it were, -masks the ulterior form.</p> - -<p><b>Ligament</b>. A membrane close by the -hinge which connects the valves.</p> - - -<p><b>Mantle.</b> The external soft, contractile -skin of the mollusca, which covers the -viscera and a great part of the body -like a cloak.</p> - -<p><b>Macroura</b> (Gr. <i>makros</i>, long; <i>oura</i>, a -tail). A tribe of ten-footed crustacea -(as the Lobster, Cray-fish), which have -long tails.</p> - -<p><b>Medusæ.</b> A genus or family of soft -radiated animals or Acalephæ, so called -because their organs of motion and -prehension are spread out like the -snaky hair of the fabled medusa.</p> - -<p><b>Molecules.</b> Microscopic particles of -matter.</p> - -<p><b>Mollusc—Mollusca</b> (L. <i>mollis</i>, soft). -The primary division of the animal -kingdom. It contains most shell-fish, -slugs, &c.</p> - -<p><b>Monograph</b> (Gr. <i>monos</i>, one; <i>grapho</i>, I -write). A written description of a -single thing, or class of things.</p> - -<p><b>Multivalve</b> (L. <i>multus</i>, many; <i>valvæ</i>, -folding doors). Shells composed of -many pieces or valves, as the Chiton.</p> - - -<p><b>Nudibranchiate</b> (L. <i>nudus</i>, naked; -<i>branchiæ</i>, gills). An order of gasteropods, -in which the gills are exposed, as -the Eolis, Doris, &c.</p> - - -<p><b>Oxygen.</b> A gas which is one of the constituent -parts of water and of atmospheric -air. It is essential to animal life.</p> - -<p><b>Oviparous</b> (L. <i>ovum</i>, an egg; <i>pario</i>, I -bring forth). The animals which bring -forth eggs.</p> - -<p><b>Operculum</b> (from the Latin for lid). Applied -to the horny or shelly plate which -closes certain univalve shells, as the -Whelk, Periwinkle, &c.</p> - - -<p><b>Papillæ</b> (L. <i>papilla</i>, a nipple). Soft prominences -which resemble in form the -teats of animals.</p> - -<p><b>Palpi</b> (L. <i>palpo</i>, I touch). The organs of -touch commonly called 'feelers,' developed -from the lablum and maxillæ -of insects.</p> - -<p><b>Pectinated</b> (L. <i>pecten</i>, a comb). Toothed -like a comb.</p> - -<p><b>Physograde</b> (Gr. <i>physis</i>, air; <i>gradior</i>, I -advance). The acalephes that swim by -means of air-bladders.</p> - -<p><b>Phytophagous</b> (Gr. <i>phuton</i>, a plant; -<i>phago</i>, I eat). Plant-eating animals.</p> - -<p><b>Pulmonigrade</b> (L. <i>pulmo</i>, a lung; <i>gradior</i>, -I walk). The tribe of Medusæ -which swim by contraction of the respiratory -disc.</p> - - -<p><b>Rotifera</b> (L. <i>rota</i>, a wheel; <i>fero</i>, I bear). -The name of a class of infusorial animalcules, -characterized by the vibratile -and apparently rotating ciliary -organs upon the heads.</p> - -<p><b>Rhodospermes.</b> The red-coloured sea-weeds.</p> - - -<p><b>Serrated</b> (L. <i>serra</i>, a saw). Toothed like -a saw.</p> - -<p><b>Sessile.</b> Attached by a base.</p> - -<p><b>Silicious</b> (L. <i>silex</i>, a flint). Flinty.</p> - -<p><b>Setæ.</b> Bristles, or similar parts.</p> - -<p><b>Spicula</b> (L. <i>spiculum</i>, a point or dart). -Fine-pointed bodies, like needles.</p> - - -<p><b>Tuberculate.</b> Warty, or carved with -small rounded knobs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[376]</a></span></p> - -<p><b>Testacea</b> (L. <i>testa</i>, a shell). Molluscs -with a shelly covering, as the Oyster, -Whelk, &c.</p> - - -<p><b>Univalve</b> (L. <i>unus</i>, one; <i>valvæ</i>, doors). -A shell composed of one calcareous -piece, as the Periwinkle.</p> - -<p><b>Umbones.</b> The base of a shell about the -hinge.</p> - - -<p><b>Viviparous</b> (L. <i>vivus</i>, alive; <i>pario</i>, I -bring forth). The animals which bring -forth their young alive. See Oviparous.</p> - - -<p><b>Whorl.</b> The spiral turn of a shell.</p> - - -<p><b>Zoology</b> (Gr. <i>zoon</i>, animal; <i>logos</i>, a discourse). -That branch of science that -treats of the habits, structure, and -classification of animals.</p> - -<p><b>Zoologist.</b> One who is acquainted with -the science of Zoology.</p> - -<p><b>Zoophyte</b> (Gr. <i>zoon</i>, an animal; <i>phyton</i>, -a plant). The lowest primary division -of the animal kingdom, which includes -many animals that are fixed to the -ground and have the form of plants.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[377]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>INDEX.</h2> - - -<p> -<i>Animalculæ</i>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Actiniæ</i> (Sea anemones), <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>.<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>mesembryanthemum</i>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>troglodytes</i>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>bellis</i>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>dianthus</i>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_366">366</a>.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>crassicornis</i>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>coriacea</i>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>parasitica</i>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>explorator</i>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</span><br /> -<br /> -Acorn barnacles, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Adductor muscle, <a href="#Page_178">178</a>, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Annelids, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Acalephæ</i>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Alternation of generations, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Aphrodite aculeata</i>, <a href="#Page_267">267</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Aplysiæ</i>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Aquariæ</i> (on the formation of marine), <a href="#Page_357">357</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Anomoura</i> (Hermit crabs), <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Asteriadæ</i>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Algæ, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>A. ventilabrum</i>, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Amphitrite, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Buccinum undutum</i>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Byssus of Mussel, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>, <a href="#Page_177">177</a>, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Beröe</i>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Bêches de mer</i>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Brittle Star-fishes, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Bird's foot Sea-star, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Blenny (Smooth), <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>, <a href="#Page_341">341</a>, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Blenny (Viviparous), <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Butter fish, <a href="#Page_347">347</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Brachyura</i> (crabs, &c.), <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Buckie, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Barnacles, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Barnacle geese, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Boring Acephaia, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Bivalves, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>, <a href="#Page_363">363</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Bearded rockling, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Cilia</i>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Coryne</i>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Crabs, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Cancer Pagurus</i> (Edible crab), <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Carcinus mænas</i> (Common Shore crab), <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>, <a href="#Page_239">239</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Common Whelk, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Common Cockle, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_239">239</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Cray fish, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Crangon vulgaris</i> (Common Shrimp), <a href="#Page_139">139</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Cestum veneris</i>, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Cydippe pileus</i>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Cyanea capillata</i>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Comatula rosacea</i>, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Crinoid Star fishes, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Cross fish, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Cushion stars, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Cake Urchin, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Chondrus crispus</i> (Irish moss), <a href="#Page_101">101</a>, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Cirri</i>, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Cetacea</i>, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Chiton, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>C. offinalis</i>, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Ciliograde acalephæ</i>, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Common Sea cucumber, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Doris, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>, <a href="#Page_363">363</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Doris (Spawn of), <a href="#Page_226">226</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Diminutive Sucker-fish, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Decapoda</i> (ten-footed crustacea), <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>D. sanguinea</i>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_368">368</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Dorsibranchiate annelidans, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Devil's hand, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Dulse, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Exuviation of Crabs, &c., <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Exuviation of Prawns, &c., <a href="#Page_139">139</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Exuviation of Barnacles, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>.<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[378]</a></span></p> - -<p> -<i>Eolis</i>, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Eolis</i>, (Spawn of) 228.<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>papillosa</i>, <a href="#Page_228">228</a>.</span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Echinus</i>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>.<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>sphæra</i>, <a href="#Page_297">297</a>.</span><br /> -<br /> -Entomology, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Egg Urchin, <a href="#Page_297">297</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Foraminifera</i>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Fan-amphitrite, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>, <a href="#Page_163">163</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Fishes 329.<br /> -<br /> -Five-fingers (Star-fish), <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Gulf stream, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Girdle of Venus, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Green-pea urchin, <a href="#Page_299">299</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Gunnel-fish, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Goby (one-spotted), <a href="#Page_309">309</a>, <a href="#Page_348">348</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Goby (two-spotted), <a href="#Page_348">348</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Gasterosteus aculeatus</i>, <a href="#Page_352">352</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Golden willow, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Hyas araneus</i>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Hermit crabs, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Hydra tuba</i>, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Hydra gelatinosa</i>, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Hyaline stylet, <a href="#Page_239">239</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Holothuriadæ</i>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Infusoria</i>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Iridea edulis</i>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Irish Moss, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Jelly fish, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Kerona silurus</i>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Lepas anatifera</i> (Ship barnacle), <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Laminated nereis, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Luidia fragillissima</i>, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Lepus marinus</i>, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Lettuce Ulva, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>, <a href="#Page_364">364</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Limpet, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Lobster crabs, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Lily stars, <a href="#Page_271">271</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Lobster (The), <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>L. digitata</i> (Oar weed), <a href="#Page_277">277</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Lingthorn, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Lump sucker, <a href="#Page_347">347</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Maia squinado</i> (Spider crab), <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Mussel (<i>Mytilus edulis</i>), <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>, <a href="#Page_363">363</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Medusæ</i>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Modera formosa</i>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Montague Sucker-fish, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Marine Aquariæ, <a href="#Page_357">357</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Macroura</i> (as Lobsters), &c.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Nereis</i>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Nudibranchiate gasteropoda, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Ostrea edulis</i> (oyster), <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Ophiuræ</i>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>.<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><i>texturata</i>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><i>albida</i>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>.</span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Ophiocoma rosula</i>, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Paramecium caudatum</i>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Portunus puber</i> (Velvet crab), <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Porcellana longicornis</i> (Minute Porcelain crab), <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Periwinkle, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Pagurus bernardhus</i> (Hermit crab), <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Pecten, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_370">370</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Prawn, Common (<i>Palæmon squilla</i>), <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Phyllodoce laminosa</i>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Purpura lapillus</i> (Whelk), <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Portuguese man-of-war, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Pholas (<i>crispata</i>), <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>, <a href="#Page_258">258</a>, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Pholas (<i>dactylus</i>), <a href="#Page_260">260</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Pentacrinus Europæus</i>, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Psolus phantapus</i>, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Pike-fish, <a href="#Page_339">339</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Pinnotheres pisum</i> (Common Pea-crab), <a href="#Page_82">82</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Pinna, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Partane, The (Edible crab), <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Pulmonigrade acalephæ</i>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>l.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Physograde acalephæ</i>, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Parthenogenesis</i>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Rotifera</i>, or Wheel-bearers, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Rosy Feather star, <a href="#Page_276">276</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Rosy Heart urchin, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Rockling (Five-bearded), <a href="#Page_347">347</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Razor-fish, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Stickleback, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_352">352</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Sertularia</i>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Ship Barnacle, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Sea-Mouse, <a href="#Page_267">267</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Star fishes, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Solaster papposa</i>, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>.<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>endeca</i>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>.</span><br /> -<br /> -Sea Urchins, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>.<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[379]</a></span></p> - -<p> -Silky Spined urchin, <a href="#Page_299">299</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Sea Cucumbers, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Sea Hares, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Serpulæ</i>, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Sabellæ</i>,315, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Solen siliqua</i>, Razor-fish, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Soldier crabs, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Shrimps, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Saxicavæ</i>, <a href="#Page_248">248</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Sucker fishes, <a href="#Page_348">348</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Shore crab, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Swimming crab, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Spider crab, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Salex vitellina</i> (golden willow), <a href="#Page_87">87</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Silver Willie (<i>T. zizziphanus</i>), <a href="#Page_191">191</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Terebella figulus</i> (the potter), <a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>.<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>littoralis</i>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>.</span><br /> -<br /> -Trepang, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Top-shell, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Trochus</i>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Tubiculous annelids, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Tanks, <a href="#Page_355">355</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Uraster rubens</i>, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Ulva latissima</i>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>, <a href="#Page_367">367</a>, <a href="#Page_368">368</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Univalves, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Urchins (Sea), <a href="#Page_298">298</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Vorticellæ</i>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Velvet Fiddler crab, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Whelk (<i>Purpura lapillus</i>), <a href="#Page_168">168</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Zoothamnium spirale</i>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>.<br /> -<br /> -<i>Zooids</i>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>.<br /> -<br /> -Zoophytes, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - - -<div class="footnotes"><p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 1em;">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Ehrenberg states that Infusoria are in a higher state of organization when taken -from pure streams than from putrid waters.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> The above mentioned Actinia is extremely abundant on the shores of the Frith -of Forth. Sir J. Dalyell terms it <i>A. explorator</i>. Local amateur naturalists frequently -reject the specific name of 'Troglodytes,' and adopt the more musical -appellation of 'Daisy-Anemone.' Such error seems very pardonable, when we remember -the close resemblance which the creature when expanded bears to the daisy -of the field. In no single instance have I met with specimens of the true <i>A. bellis</i> -at the above named locality, nor do I think any have ever been found by previous -naturalists.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Bell's Brit. Crus.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Illustrations to Paley's Natural Theology.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> This affords an important hint to the young aquarian to watch the Patella, and -occasionally to touch its conical house, to make sure the proprietor is alive and -well.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> <a href="#Illus4">A drawing of this crab</a> will be found on Plate 3.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> The fact of the exuvium of the Hermit-Crab being cast off in two pieces, and at -different periods, I have since confirmed 'many a time, and oft.'</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> Vide author's 'Seaside and Aquarium.'</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> Since writing the above, I have received the following interesting epistle from -Mr. Edward Capern, the celebrated 'poet and rural postman' of Bideford, who kindly -sought out the information I desired, relative to the present state of the bridge above -alluded to:—</p> - -<p style="text-align: right; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">Bideford, January 27, 1859.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,—I have inquired of the bridge warder, and he informs me that the -feoffees of the bridge command mussels to be brought up by the cart-load, to protect -the foundation, which is laid on <i>rubble</i>.</p> - -<p>I am pleased that it has been in my power to procure this information for you—I -am, dear sir, faithfully yours,</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><span class="smcap">Edward Capern</span>.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Cephalic, belonging to the head.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> My first introduction to the Hyaline stylet as above narrated, occurred in -October 1858.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> Specimens of this species, I may mention, have always formed the subject of my -experiments, and therefore are alone alluded to in the following remarks.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Mr. Clark says, 'M. Deshayes, in his comment on Pholas, in the last edition of -Lanarck, mentions the hinge as scarcely existing, and not being <i>a veritable ligament</i>.' -How different from the fact; and I will observe, that '<i>if there is a genus -better provided than any other of the bivalves with ligamental appendages, it is Pholas.... -The Pholas is iron-bound as to ligament</i>, which in it is far more powerful in -securing the valves, than is the shell of any other group of the acephala, of -similar fragility and tenuity!'</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> In the <i>Athenæum</i> (Nos. 1632 and 1636), were kindly published two letters from -the author on the above subject, under the respective dates January 26th, and February -28th, 1859.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> The above remark holds good, even although (<i>as is frequently the case</i>) the animal -wilfully deviates from the straight path, and bores its tunnel in a curved -form.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> British Star-fishes.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> In a specimen that I examined, and then carefully took to pieces, there were -exactly 1780 plates.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> The 'Aquarian Naturalist,' p. 224.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> This splendid work, which was published in five volumes, between the years -1802-8, contains 120 exquisite illustrations, all, <i>with the solitary exception, unfortunately, -of the Montague Sucker-Fish</i>, accurately drawn and coloured from living -specimens, procured at vast trouble by the author.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> <i>Vide</i> author's "Sea-side and Aquarium."</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> The arch was cut from one of the waste pieces, of which there are always a -large number, lying in a marble mason's yard, and cost but a few pence. The -'chippings' may be had in most cases for the trouble of carrying them away.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em;"><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Mr. Walter Hardie of Edinburgh, who has been my companion in many a delightful -excursion among the rock-pools of the shores of the Frith of Forth, and to -whom I feel myself greatly indebted for much valuable information relative to -the subject of marine zoology.</p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 345px;"> -<img src="images/image16.jpg" width="345" height="578" alt="Advertisement 1" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 355px;"> -<img src="images/image17.jpg" width="355" height="578" alt="Advertisement 2" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 360px;"> -<img src="images/image18.jpg" width="360" height="576" alt="Advertisement 3" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 365px;"> -<img src="images/image19.jpg" width="365" height="572" alt="Advertisement 4" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<div class="transnote"> - -<p class="ph2">TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:</p> - -<p>Obvious printer errors have been corrected. 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