Mr. Hassall on the Phosphorescence of Zoophytes, 343 



frost, which destroys their vitality, the same appearance could 

 be repeated on the second and third night, but with dimi- 

 nished brilliancy. 



With respect to the phosphorescence of some Fishes, Mol- 

 lusca tunicata, and the Medusa, spoken of by Mr. Landsbo- 

 rough, instances of it in all these are I believe on record ; and 

 of the phosphorescence of the latter distinct mention is made 

 by Professor Rymer Jones in his ' Outlines of the Animal 

 Kingdom ;' and indeed it is to the Acalepha, the animals com- 

 posing which class vary in size from particles almost imper- 

 ceptible from their transparency to creatures exceeding a foot 

 in extent, that the ocean is principally indebted for its lumi- 

 nous properties. I well remember the admiration, not un- 

 mixed with wonder (for then I knew not to what agencies the 

 power by which water seemed suddenly to kindle and glow, as 

 though turned to liquid fire, was to be attributed), which I felt 

 when first I viewed the beautiful phosphorescence phenomenon 

 of the ocean. Beautiful as this spectacle is even in our own seas, 

 in warmer latitudes, and in the Mediterranean, it is far more 

 splendid ; but to be seen at all it is necessary that the water 

 should be disturbed in some way — the slightest breeze curling 

 the surface of the tranquil ocean, calls forth from its waters a 

 flash of phosphorescent fire as it sweeps along — the wave, as it 

 falls from the vessel's side and breaks into ten thousand pieces, 

 reveals innumerable globes of animated fire suddenly called 

 forth from the darkness which enveloped them — each stroke 

 of the dripping oars scatters thousands of living gems around 

 them, unequalled in brilliancy by the glittering of a kingly 

 diadem — a golden path of light, increasing in breadth as the 

 distance becomes greater, follows, like an attendant comet, 

 the wake of the vessel urged onwards by the impelling wind 

 — and the fisher's net, just raised to the water's edge, and 

 laden with spoil collected from the secret beds and hiding- 

 places of the great deep, seems converted into a golden frame- 

 work set with precious jewels, by the presence of numerous 

 zoophytes entangled in its meshes. Indeed, in whatever way 

 the water is agitated, the same beautiful appearance follows ; 

 if a little be placed even in the palm of the hand, and shaken, 

 bright scintillations will be emitted ; but, of course, the phae- 

 nomenon will be more striking in proportion to the quantity 

 of water put into commotion. 



Arthur Hill Hassall. 



Cheshunt, Herts, Dec. 8th, 1841. 



[Note. In publishing Mr. Landsborough's paper, we might, with 

 great propriety, have taken occasion to direct the attention of our 

 readers (and it was perhaps an oversight on our part to have omit- 

 ted it) to that passage in Mr. Hassall's, in which he had detailed his 



