FlozverJikc Forms and Fantasies 183 



of their scaly armor and leathery hide, caught and 

 benumbed and rendered utterly helpless. Nay, the dan- 

 ger that lurks in that deadly touch makes the man-of- 

 war a fearful animal to encounter by even the human 

 swim.mer. 



Yet, notwithstanding the deadly nature of the ten- 

 tacles, they harbor, unharmed, certain little fishes which 

 swim throughout the treacherous toils with perfect 

 freedom and unconcern. This, you will admit, is truly 

 remarkable. How much more so, then, is the fact that 

 these constant companions of Physalia are of the exact 

 color — a bright, pretty blue — as that of the monstrous 

 members among which they make their home ! 



