312 EVENINGS AT THE MICROSCOPE. 



the oxide of iron, diffused through the sea- water. This 

 tint remained during the entire day, although the animal 

 was transferred to pure sea- water. Wishing to try if the 

 vessels of the Beroe would become distinct, if filled with some 

 coloured fluid from which the animal could suddenly be with- 

 drawn, and viewed through the usual transparent medium 

 of sea-water, I placed a Beroe in a weak infusion of saffron. 

 At the end of twenty minutes its colour had undergone a 

 perceptible change. I allowed it, however, to remain im- 

 mersed for about six or seven hours, when it had assumed 

 a bright yellow hue. It was then placed in pure sea- 

 water, but retained its yellow colour for twenty-four hours 

 afterwards ; and though it gradually become fainter, it 

 was very perceptible even at the expiration of forty-eight 

 hours." 



I am sure you will pardon my interrupting your micro- 

 scopic gazings for a moment by quoting the following 

 charming lines by the Rev. Dr. Drummond, which were 

 elicited by his having watched with pleasure the elegant 

 form and motions of this little creature : 



" Now o'er the stern the fine-meshed net-bag fling, 

 And from the deep the little Beroe bring : 

 Beneath the sun- lit wave she swims concealed 

 By her own brightness ; only now revealed 

 To sage's eye, that gazes with delight 

 On things invisible to vulgar sight. 

 When first extracted from her native brine, 

 Behold a small round mass of gelatine, 

 Or frozen dew-drop, void of life or limb : 

 But round the crystal goblet let her swim 

 'Midst her own element and lo ! a sphere 

 Banded from pole to pole a diamond clear, 

 Shaped as bard's fancy shapes the small balloon 

 To bear some sylph or fay beyond the moon. 

 From all her bands see lucid fringes play, 

 That glance and sparkle in the solar ray 

 With iridescent hues. Now round and round 

 She wheels and twirls now mounts then sinks profound. 

 Now see her, like the belted star of Jove, 

 Spin on her axis smooth as if she strove 



