BY THE DEEP SEA. 



On our South-western shores we sometimes receive visits 

 from Jelly-fishes which must be regarded as distinguished 

 foreigners. Among these is the beautiful creature to which 

 seamen give the name of the " Portuguese Man o' War " 

 (Physalia pelagicd). It is of a shape entirely different from 

 those we have noted. Instead of an umbrella it has a spindle- 

 shaped bladder distended with air and coloured with blue, 





THE " PORTUGUESE MAN 

 O' WAR " 



(Physalia pelagicd) . 



whilst along its upper surface there runs a beautiful pink frill 

 which serves as a sail. From the lower surface there hangs 

 down a cluster of long trailing corkscrews, beautifully coloured 

 and capable of stinging. Occasionally individuals from this 

 floating colony develop into Jelly-fish of distinct form, and 

 swim away from the community. 



