CHAP. 111.] THE CRUISES OF THE ‘ PORCUPINE’ 93 
of all the types of marine invertebrata; though 
undoubtedly in very deep water the number of species 
procured of the higher groups was greatly reduced, 
and in many cases the individuals appeared to be 
dwarfed. From these observations (which thoroughly 
corroborated those of Dr. Wallich and others, about 
which there had been some difference of opinion on 
account of the imperfection of the appliances at the 
command of the observers), we concluded that prob- 
ably in no part of the ocean were the conditions so 
animal life,—that life had no bathymetrical limit. 
Still we could not consider the question thoroughly 
settled; and when upon consultation with Captain 
Calver we found him perfectly ready to attempt any 
depth, and from his previous experience sanguine of 
success, we determined to apply to the Hydrographer 
to sanction an attempt to dredge in the deepest sound- 
ings within our reach, viz. 2,500 fathoms indicated 
on the chart 250 miles west of Ushant. The deepest 
reliable soundings do not go much beyond 3,000 
fathoms; and we felt that if we could establish the 
existence of life, and if we could determine the 
conditions with accuracy down to 2,500 fathoms, the 
general question would be virtually solved for all 
depths of the ocean, and any further investigation of 
its deeper abysses would be mere matter of curiosity 
and of detail. The Hydrographer cordially acquiesced 
in this change of plan; and on the 17th of July the 
‘Porcupine’ left Belfast under the scientific direction 
of the writer; Mr. Hunter, F.C.S., Chemical Assistant 
in Queen’s College, Belfast, taking charge of the 
examination and analysis of the sea-water. 
