OCEAN LIFE. 



fish of the waters of America, found the air-bladder composed 

 of several cells, with a canal proceeding upwards into the pha- 

 rynx, and ending in an elongated slit, with everted edges, resem- 

 bling a glottis or tracheal aperture. However obvious may be 

 these relations of structure, it is still difficult to believe that 

 there can be any analogy in function, when it is recollected that 

 one-fourth of the fishes known are entirely without air-bladders, 

 and that two-thirds of the other three-fourths have neither canal 

 nor aperture for external communication, but that all are pro- 

 vided with gills. The search for these relations of structure in 

 animals of different classes, is among the most interesting of 

 the investigations of the comparative anatomist." 



THE HIPPOCAMPUS. 



" Mr. Lukis, who had in 1835 two of these animals, which had 

 been living twelve days in a glass vessel, at the time of writing 

 said, < an appearance of search for a resting place induced me 

 to consult their wishes by placing straws and sea-weed in the 

 vessel; the desired effect was obtained, and has afforded me 

 much to reflect upon in their habits. They now exhibit many 

 of their peculiarities, and few subjects of the deep have displayed 

 in prison more sport or more intelligence.' 



" When swimming about they maintain a vertical position ; 

 but the tail is ready to grasp whatever meets it in the water ; 

 quickly entwines in any direction around the weeds, and when 

 fixed, the animal intently watches the surrounding objects, and 

 darts at its prey with great dexterity. 



" When both approach each other, they often twist their tails 

 together, and struggle to separate or attach themselves to the 

 weeds ; this is done by the under part of their cheeks or chin, 

 which is also used for raising the body, when a new spot is 

 wanted for the tail to entwine afresh." 



