174 BENEVOLENT DESIGNS. 



or red colour. In these latter, the power of emit- 

 ting light appeared chiefly to be seated ; these 

 being frequently bright, while the remainder of 

 the body exhibited only its naturla white or yel- 

 lowish white hue ; a hue which changed after death 

 into a red tinge. The brown specks, when re- 

 moved from the body, did not emit light. 



But what, it might be asked, is the great design 

 of this phosphorescence ? And assuredly, much 

 might be said in reply to this question, beyond our 

 present limits. Let it however be observed, that 

 light diminishes rapidly in passing through water, 

 and that absolute darkness reigns in the depths of 

 the sea. And yet it teems with active and rapacious 

 beings : often social, performing various functions, 

 moving hither and thither with the celerity of 

 birds, and above all, provided in countless instances 

 with visual organs. How then are they to see in a 

 world of gloom ? 



Infinite Wisdom has solved the problem, by 

 establishing an independent source of light beneath 

 the ocean, and so precisely disposing it, as effectually 

 to answer the intended purpose. That the animal 

 may be seen in utter darkness, it is rendered 

 luminous ; and this provision was necessary for the 

 pursuit of food. But for this, the deep-residing 

 fishes could not have found the means of subsistence, 

 and the night-preying ones would have been utterly 

 helpless. Now, there is an abundant and accessible 

 provision for all. 



