320 SEASIDE DIVINITY. 



both cases, an apparatus adapted to a similar use 

 in elements and under conditions widely different, 

 and thus exhibiting the unity of purpose in the 

 one creative Mind. 



The colours of fishes are likewise most re- 

 markable. Nothing can exceed the beauty of 

 the metallic lustre which some of them possess. 

 The herring, for instance, when just taken from 

 the water, presents a variety of iridescent hues ; 

 and there are many fishes the external deco- 

 ration of whose scales exhibits the most brilliant 

 tints of gold, silver, copper, blue, green, and 

 scarlet, distinct or intermingled. The colours 

 of fishes are all most brilliant when they are in 

 full season, and at the period of reproduction; 

 and it can hardly be doubted that those bright 

 hues serve to promote the benevolent purposes of 

 the Author of Nature by contributing in some 

 manner to the happiness of those tribes which 

 inhabit the world of waters. 



The locomotive organs of fishes present to us 

 several very striking lessons ; they exhibit an ad- 

 mirable mechanical contrivance, adapted with the 

 utmost nicety to the purpose in view. The tail, 

 including the lower extremity of the body, is the 

 principal organ of motion. By means of this ap- 

 paratus the fish can turn to either side, or propel 

 itself forwards. A stroke of the tail to the right 

 or left turns the head of the fish in the opposite 

 direction ; a combination of strokes in both direc- 

 tions causes it to dart forwards. The action of 

 the tail in causing progression is, our readers will 



