134 THE WORLD OF THE SEA. 
a few hours. The retiring waves often leave upon the beach 
numbers of these poor medusz, which melt like ice. Many of the 
large species weigh ten or twelve pounds, and yet only contain a 
few grains of solid matter. 
Mr. Telfair, in 1819, saw on the shore near Bombay an enor- 
mous medusa, weighing several tons. Three days afterwards the 
creature began to putrefy. The fishermen of the neighbourhood 
THE BEAUTIFUL-HAIRED MEDUSA. 
(Cyanea euplocania.) 
were employed to watch its decomposition, and to collect any 
bones or cartilages of this sea monster, if, perchance, it should have 
any ; but nothing was found. It entirely disappeared, although it 
required nine months for its complete dissolution. 
The acalephe of our coasts never reach so gigantic a size; 
indeed, they are generally small. One of the most delicate is the 
Turris neglecta (the Ruined Tower), which has been described as a 
bell of red glass, ornamented with four transversal rays, and four 
white appendages, which are placed over the dome-like creature in 
