CHAP. I.] 



INTRODUCTION. 



27 



much corroded. Shortly afterwards the cable gave 

 way in a depth of 1,200 fathoms, at a distance of one 

 mile from the spot where the electrical tests showed 

 that the cable had been previously broken. 



With these 40 miles of cable much coral and many 

 marine animals were brought up, but it did not appear 

 that their presence had injured the cable, for they 

 were attached to the sound as well as to the corroded 

 portions. On his return, Mr. Fleeming Jenkin sent 

 specimens of the animals which he had himself taken 

 from the cable, noting the respective depths, to Pro- 

 fessor Allman, E.E.S. for determination. Dr. Allman 

 gives a list of fifteen animal forms, including the ova 

 of a cephalopod, found at depths of from 70 to 1,200 



FIG. .CaryophyUia lorealis, FLEMING. Twice the natural size. No. 45. 



fathoms. On other portions of the cable species of 

 Grantia, Plumularia, Gorgonia, Caryophyllia, Alcy- 

 onium, Cellepora, Retepora, JZschara, Salicornaria, 

 Ascidia, Lima, and Serpula. I observe from Professor 



