BENEATH TROPIC SEAS 



The fourth I saw caught, and after a terrific jerk- 

 ing it managed to snap free, but sank dying in 

 the water. 



IMuch has been written concerning the mutual 

 advantages of such a relationship, but there seems 

 little doubt to me that the jelly, — which is very 

 close to the bottom of the evolutionary tree, — 

 knows nothing whatever of the affair. Between 

 its stomach and egg pouches, within its umbrella, 

 is a generous space open to the water, and this 

 the fish uses as sanctuary from the host of dangers 

 which ever threaten. 



The Quad probably does not even know of the 

 fishes' presence until one of them ineptly bumps 

 against the hair-trigger of its nettle batteries, and 

 affords it a hearty meal. The fish, on their side, 

 have received, as part of their heritage, an in- 

 stinctive knowledge of this balloon home. The 

 first time an infant Bumper sees a Quad it is 

 probably as natural for him to dodge the tentacles 

 and dart within as it is for an incubator chick to 

 peck at a bit of food. All this we can coldly 

 analyze and apprehend, but when from a Quad 

 measuring two by four inches, there pours forth 

 no fewer than a dozen healthy little fish which 

 must have been packed together like sardines in 

 a tin, we must stop to give an mcredulous, un- 

 scientific gasp of wonder. 



On one of the early days of the expedition I was 

 called to look at a huge Cyanea jelly drifting past. 

 Armed with a pail I rowed after it in a boat, 



86 



