SUPERIOR ANIMALS. 161 



instant the pistol became distinctly visible. A pale- 

 bluish light, slightly tremulous, but not broken, co- 

 vered the 'metallic parts of it the barrel, lock, and 

 trigger. The stock, too, was clearly discern- 

 ible, as if by the reflected light ; and to the amaze- 

 ment of both of us, the thumb and two fingers with 

 which Petersen was holding it, the creases, wrinkles, 

 and circuit of the nails, clearly denned upon the 

 skin. The phosphorescence was not unlike the in- 

 effectual fire of the glowworm. As I took the pistol, 

 i/ny hand became illuminated also, and so did the 

 powder-rubbed paper when I raised it against the 

 muzzle. The paper did not ignite at the first 

 trial ; but the light from it continuing, I was able to 

 charge the pistol without difficulty, rolled up my 

 paper into a cone, filled it with moss sprinkled 

 over with powder, and held it in my hand whilst I 

 fired. This time I succeeded in producing flame, 

 and we saw no more of the phosphorescence. . . . 

 Our fur-clothing, and the state of the atmosphere, 

 may refer it plausibly enough to our electrical 

 condition."* 



I have given this account in Dr. Kane's words, 

 that the conditions under which this curious pro- 

 duction of light occurred may be more readily 

 appreciated. 



The light arising from currying a horse, or 'rub- 

 bing a cat's back, has often been observed. A 

 * See Dr. Kane's work, c The Second G-rinell Expedition,' etc. 



M 



