LUMINOSITY OF THE SEA. 217 



amount of luminosity produced in the sea by the 

 latter passion is immeasurably smaller than that 

 produced by the former. We are thus, therefore, 

 set free to indulge in the pleasing reflection that 

 when we behold that magnificent gleaming of the 

 sea, which almost resembles liquid silver reflecting 

 the stars of heaven, we are witnessing the frolic- 

 some and joyous gambols of those myriads of little 

 beings to whom the beneficent Creator has assigned 

 the ocean as their dwelling-place. 



The theory which we have ventured to propound 

 in regard to vigorous impulse (whether of joy or 

 fear) being the cause of eliciting luminosity, is sup- 

 ported in some degree by the remark in our last 

 quotation, that when the bucket was sharply struck, 

 there appeared at once a number of luminous bodies, 

 which shone for a few seconds, and then disappeared. 

 Undoubtedly the poor little things got a fright 

 when their residence was sharply assailed in such 

 an unusual manner ; their energies were roused, 

 and their light emitted. Then, as they gradually 

 calmed down, their light disappeared. 



We are further told that when a drop of sulphuric 

 acid was put into a tumbler of water, " several 

 bright flashes were seen." This, we venture to think, 

 was somewhat similar to the putting of a few drops 

 of brandy and water into the human stomach ; the 

 usual result of which is, as we all know, to produce 

 several bright flashes of wit^ if not of light, or of 

 something at least meant to be remarkably luminous ! 



