312 EVENINGS AT THE MICROSCOPE 



less arose from the oxide of iron, diffused through the 

 sea-water. This tint remained during the entire day, 

 although the animal was transferred to pure sea-water. 

 Wishing to try if the vessels of the Beroe would become 

 distinct, if filled with some coloured fluid from which the 

 animal could suddenly be withdrawn, and viewed through 

 the usual transparent medium of sea-water, I placed a 

 Beroe in a weak infusion of saffron. At the end of 

 twenty minutes its colour had undergone a perceptible 

 change. I allowed it, however, to remain immersed for 

 about six or seven hours, when it had assumed a bright 

 yellow hue. It was then placed in pure sea-water, but 

 retained its yellow colour for twenty-four hours after- 

 wards; and though it gradually became fainter, it was very 

 perceptible even at the expiration of forty-eight hours." 

 I am sure you will pardon my interrupting your micro- 

 scopic gazings for a moment by quoting the following 

 charming lines bv the Rev. Dr. Drummond, which were 

 elicited by his having watched with pleasure the elegant 

 form and motions of this little creature : — 



" Now o'er the stern the fine-meshed net-bag fling, 

 And from the deep the little Beroe bring : 

 Beneath the sun-lit wave she swims concealed 

 By her own brightness ; — only now revealed 

 To sage's eye, that gazes with delight 

 On things invisible to vulgar sight. 

 When first extracted from her native brino, 

 Behold a small round mass of gelatine, 

 Or frozen dew-drop, void of life or limb : 

 But round the crystal goblet let her swim 

 'Midst her own element— and lo ! a sphere 

 Banded from pole to pole— a diamond clear, 

 Shaped as bard's fancy shapes the small balloon 

 To bear some sylph or fay beyoud the moon. 

 From all her bands see lucid fringes play, 

 That glance and sparkle in the solar ray 

 With iridescent hues. Now round and round 

 She wheels and twirls — now mounts — then sinks profound- 

 Now see her, like the belted star of Jove, 

 Spin on her axis smooth — as if she strove 



