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naturalists, many abysmal forms, far from being blind, as would 
appear natural in depths which solar rays can never reach, have, 
on the contrary, highly developed eyes. This seems explained by 
the fact that the lack of sunlight in abysmal regions is in a 
measure compensated for by the presence of phosphorescent light 
produced by many animals, and particularly by many deep sea 
fishes. The knowledge of the existence of deep sea fishes was quite 
a recent discovery. Nothing positive was known as to the exact 
depths inhabited by these animals until observations were col- 
lected during the Challengers voyage. The greatest depth hitherto 
reached by a dredge enclosing fishes is 2,900 fathoms. In con- 
clusion, the Lecturer dealt with the interesting question of the 
origin of the present abysmal fauna, and after discussing the 
various views proposed, he explained the arguments which point 
out the deep sea faunas and those of moderate depths as the 
sources of the abysmal faunas which modern science is now 
revealing to the mind of man. 
BROWNING: HIS LATER LIFE AND WORKS. 
By B. SAGAR. January 21st, 1890. 
Mr. B. Sagar said his intention was to say something about 
the last book of Browning, his lamentable death and his funeral, 
of which he was a very interested spectator. He regretted 
that owing to the short notice he had had, his remarks 
must be desultory, but there were circumstances which 
rendered allusions to Browning most suitable at the present 
time. 1889 was a most memorable year in the literary 
world. Inno year had they seen two such remarkable publica- 
tions issued from the press of either England or any other 
country, as they saw in December of last year—Browning’s 
“ Asolando,”’ and Tennyson’s ‘‘ Demeter.’’ The last volume of 
Browning was received with a storm of praise, and praise of a 
genuine kind. The little volume contained some of Browning’s 
earlier fancies aud ideas and method of treatment. Some of 
the poet’s best lyrical specimens were also contained in the 
volume. Of course many had declared that Browning had no 
lyrical power ; but that had been proved to be false, for Browning 
was a sweet singer. Mr. Sagar read one or two examples of 
Browning’s humorous poems, and then, referring to the title of 
the last volume, said it was taken from a place which had 
impressed the poet very favourably for a number of years, and 
the scene of his powerful poem, ‘‘ Pippa Passes.” Browning’s 
epilogues, scattered throughout the latter portion of his works, 
form a condensed epitome of all his best work. It would be a 
capital thing if someone would make a selection of the epilogues 
