CHAPTER IV, 



PHOSPHORESCENCE OF THE SEA ITS VARIOUS CAUSES 



ABUNDANCE OF MOLLUSCA. 



One of the most interesting and beautiful phenomena 

 presented by the sea, is the occasional luminosity of its 

 surface. This, although occurring in northern latitudes, 

 especially during the hot months of summer, is far more 

 brilliant in the intertropical ocean, where the waters, like 

 waves of molten metal, roll around the vessel in her 

 course, and a lurid track marks the line of her passage. 

 All who have seen this spectacle, describe it as truly 

 magnificent ; indeed the fainter luminosity of the waves 

 (as the writer has often seen them) on our own shore, as 

 well as that of the continent, flashing as they roll upon 

 the pebbly beach, or gilding the oars of the boat, itself 

 scarcely visible amidst the darkness of the night, (for it 

 is only by night that this effulgence is manifest,) pro- 

 duces a pleasing effect. It leads the contemplative mind 

 to a consideration of the wonders of that ever-moving 

 ocean, in whose depths are the wrecks of " ten thousand 

 royal argosies," " pale glistening pearls, and rainbow- 



