Multitudinous Life 



crawl upon the sea-bed, or which live within 

 about three hundred fathoms of it. 



The second includes all animals which live 

 between about three hundred fathoms of the sea- 

 bottom and three hundred fathoms of the ocean- 

 surface. 



The third includes all animals which live within 

 three hundred fathoms of the surface, and those 

 on shallow shores. 



By far the greater number of living creatures 

 appear to inhabit the surface regions ; and it 

 may be that the next in number are those on 

 and near the ocean - bed. This, however, is 

 uncertain. It is difficult to judge about the 

 intermediate depths. All creatures living there 

 must be extremely good swimmers, and they are 

 very shy of nets. 



We cannot readily picture to ourselves the 

 manner of life which goes on in those inter- 

 mediate parts. Creatures there have, as it seems, 

 no connection with either the ocean-bed or with 

 shallow shores no resting-place to which they 

 may turn in short, no home. Though one may 

 not realise the fact, few animals within our ken 

 have not something in the shape of a home, a 

 pied a terre, to use a familiar term, though that 

 " terre " may be under water. 



191 



