280 



THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA. 



[CHAP. vi. 



and the fact that there is an abundant and charac- 

 teristic invertebrate fauna at all depths was placed 

 beyond further question. As yet, little more can be 

 said. A grand new field of inquiry has been opened 

 up, but its culture is terribly laborious. Every haul 

 of the dredge brings to light new and unfamiliar 

 forms forms which link themselves strangely with 

 the inhabitants of past periods in the earth's history ; 

 but as yet we have not the data for generalizing the 

 deep-sea fauna, and speculating on its geological 

 and biological relations ; for notwithstanding all our 

 strength and will, the area of the bottom of the 

 deep sea which has been fairly dredged may still 

 be reckoned by the square yard. 



FUOLO "FROM THF, EASTERN SHOUE OF VIDER 



