Chapter II The Rising Generation 



THE ocean at large has been justly 

 called the "cradle of life." The term 

 will be found to be specially applicable 

 when we consider that the majority of 

 living aquatic and semi-aquatic animals 

 begin life as free-swimming larvae. Al- 

 though often destined for a terrestrial 

 career when grown-up, they emerge from 

 the egg specially fitted for a life under 

 water. 



Every form of animal life hints in its 

 early stages at the probable appearance 

 of its remote ancestors. Man is no ex- 

 ception to the rule, and however nearly 

 he may approach " perfection " in later 

 life, he makes his debut with a form 

 highly suggestive of a simian origin. In 

 the sea the vast galaxy of young pelagic 



17 B 



