Chapter V 



THE COMB JELLIES AND OTHERS 



If one would fully acquaint himself with the various 

 activities of the animals which frequent the shore, he 

 should not neglect to visit this region after nightfall. 

 Then it is, when the terrestrial world has settled to 

 rest, that the water becomes the scene of a singular ani- 

 mation. On lanci, the setting of the sun is for the 

 great majority of animals a silent signal for slumber. 

 It is quite different with the creatures of the sea. With 

 the exception of fishes and certain other higher forms, 

 it is extremely doubtful whether marine animals sleep; 

 and even in the case of those that are known to do 

 so, it is the period of daylight rather than of darkness 

 that they choose for this purpose. Throughout the 

 night many creatures come close to shore in search 

 of prey and retire before dawn. Observation at this 

 time is comparatively easy; for if one be provided with 

 a small electric flash lamp he can draw close to many 

 wary crawlers, or stand quietly watching others which 

 are utterly impossible of approach in the broad light of 

 day. They seem not to be disturbed by the presence of 

 the light; indeed, its rays are an attraction to not a few 

 fishes, which d'sport themselves in glittering shoals 

 within the luminous circle. 



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