CHAPTER IV 



Nature's Fireworks 



NUMEROUS and varied as the fireworks made 

 by art may be, they are eclipsed by the dis- 

 plays produced in Nature. This would be apparent 

 in a moment if we were to consider the aurora, the 

 meteors, and other majestic and luminous effects, 

 which take place in the canopy over our heads. But 

 this is not our intention, neither do we include the 

 large family of insects, called the Lampyridae, the 

 shiners, which belong to the American continent, 

 and which have representatives in Europe, as in the 

 case of the glow-worm. The displays to which we 

 now draw special attention are all marine. 



In certain oceans and s?as, in calm weather, when 

 the nights are dark, the wake of the passing ship 

 resembles a path of oscillating gold, increasing in 

 brilliancy until it glistens in whiteness. The contrast 

 with the surrounding black waters becomes most im- 

 pressive. The boatman puts off from the shore, and 

 as he dips his oars and lifts them up the dripping 

 waters sparkle as if illuminated by thousands of 

 microscopic arc-lamps, while the prow of his boat 



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