JELLY FISHES VAKIETY AND BEAUTY. 119 



bring the Cyclippc close to the glass and keep it thero, 

 so that a microscope can be brought to bear on it. 

 A half-inch power will be sufficient for most purposes. 



If one of the longitudinal bands already mentioned be 

 brought into focus, a most wonderful arrangement will 

 be seen. The band is composed of a vast number of tiny 

 flattened flaps, attached by one edge to the side of the 

 animal, and, when at rest, overlapping each other like 

 the tiles of a house. Supposing an ordinary Venetian 

 blind to be only three inches long, but to retain the 

 same width, it would present a good imitation of the 

 structure. When the Cydippe moves, these little flaps 

 rise and fall in rapid and regular succession, so that they 

 act like the paddle floats of a steam-vessel. And, at 

 the same time, their refractive power causes them to 

 break up the light into its primary colours, and so 

 to produce the beautiful opalescence which has been 

 mentioned. 



Even if the Cydippe be broken up by careless handling, 

 the paddle-flaps will continue their rhythmical movements 

 as long as they are not severed from their attachments, 

 and so each piece swims about just as if it Avere a perfect 

 animal. 



The best way to capture these beautiful creatures 

 Avithout injuring them is to go out in a boat and tow a 

 light net astern. I have always found that a common 

 entomological net answers the purpose perfectly well. 

 On a warm, calm day, the Cydippes float near the 

 surface of the water, and can be taken in any number. 



