148 GOSSE ON MARINE ZOOLOGY 



present perfection of the instrument. On the other hand, the 

 habits of minute observation developed by the daily use of 

 the microscope have produced a number of observers, whose 

 contributions to science are known wherever its progress 

 is regarded with interest. To those who are pursuing the 

 latter path, all works on those departments of science to 

 which the microscope is applied are of interest. 



These two books by Mr. Gosse will be found useful 

 additions to the microscopist's library. The Marine Zoology 

 is the first part of a work devoted to the Zoology of the 

 sea-side. To those who make a practice of taking their 

 microscope to the sea-side, this book will be found very 

 useful, for although it does not give an account of every 

 species of animal to be met with, it gives descriptions of 

 families and genera, and contains illustrations of above three 

 hundred species. It is, however, only right to add that Mr. 

 Gosse has omitted any description of the Infusoria, the only 

 really microscopic family of animals. He excuses himself on 

 the ground of the uncertainty naturalists are in as to the 

 real nature and position in the animated scale of these minute 

 beings. We miss also the Rotifera, but surely the same 

 objections would not apply to giving an account of these 

 animals. 



One of the most useful adjuncts to the microscope is an 

 Aquavivarium. Even a piece of Vallisneria, Chara or Ana- 

 charis in a jar will not only afford the materials for interesting 

 observations in themselves ; but the creatures that nestle in the 

 leaves of these plants, and which live in the water they cerate, 

 are almost innumerable. But what is true of these fresh-water 

 plants and animals is also true of those of the ocean. With 

 a little care, sea-weeds and marine animals can be kept as 

 easily for observation as the plants and animals of fresh- 

 water ; but they require care, they demand knowledge ; the 

 domestication of Dulse and Sea Cucumbers is an art, and Mr. 

 Gosse comes forward with a tiny hand-book of instructions for 

 those who are ignorant and need a guide. From this book 

 we give a short extract, by way of recommendation : — 



In deep pools, aud narrow clefts near the verge of lowest water, where 

 the overshadowing rock excludes the sun's rays and imparts a genial 

 obscurity, grow several of our most delicate and beautiful Algce. Fore- 

 most among them is the Oak -leaved Delesseria (Z). smigidnea), with tufts 

 of crimson leaves, exquisitely thin, much puckered at the edge, and 

 strongly nerved. The Irkla, whose leaves are smooth and leathery, and 

 of a dark-brownish scarlet, is often the comjianion of the former. Here, 

 too, we find the PhyVophora, another weed of brilliant red hue, with 

 unnerved leaves much divided, giving origin to other leaves, and these 

 .igain to others. It is usually much covered with the cells and shriibs 



