52 PELAGIC FAUNA. 



Polyzoa were still represented by various larval forms. 



No diminution in the wealth of crustacean life took place in 

 August, but it rather seemed more plentiful. While many of 

 the higher kinds were still in their larval forms, such as porcelain 

 crabs, others were in the large-eyed stage or beyond it. A 

 marked feature off the Forth was the abundance of the post- 

 larval stages of the Norway Lobster, which, mingled with the 

 long trailing tentacles of jelly-fishes (Gyanea), formed an 

 inextricable rope or chain. The larval stages (Nauplii) of the 

 lower crustaceans likewise were still common. Thus the waters 

 abounded in this rich food, the swarms of the post-larval stages 

 being especially suitable for the growing fishes. 



From the beginning to the end of the month the various 

 remarkable larvre of Echinoderrns (starfishes, sea- and heart- 

 urchins) in various stages thronged the water both surface 

 and bottom ; moreover, many minute sea-urchins, heart-urchins, 

 sand-stars and brittle-stars showed that considerable advance- 

 ment had been made in growth. The long spines of some of 

 these larvas may be protective, but notwithstanding it is 

 probable that they are largely diminished by the young food- 

 fishes. 



The jelly-fishes were in considerable profusion during the 

 month, and their distribution seemed to be more general 

 throughout the water. Occasionally it happened that a square 

 mile of sea was densely covered with the common jelly-fish with 

 the lilac bands (Aurelia). The uncertainties in connection with 

 pelagic life were seen in the case of Beroe, which was plentiful 

 the first week and afterwards disappeared. 



The Infusorians were abundant, especially at the bottom, 

 and those at the surface were occasionally accompanied by 

 Radiolarians. 



The minute alga?, such as Diatoms, spores, Rhizosolenias and 

 others, were as plentiful as in July, and now and then were 

 stranded as a greenish scum on the sands. 



September. The study of the pelagic eggs of fishes in 

 September presented a contrast to that in the preceding 

 months, for they had disappeared. A great diminution like- 

 wise had taken place in the post-larval food-fishes. Young 



