THE METEORS OF THE SEA. 11 



white heat; and, at a short distance, the streamers resembled 

 delicate lace, wrought in curious designs. Peering into the 

 depths, they appeared everywhere, moving in all directions, 

 surrounded by the mysterious light whose office it is difficult 

 to conjecture. 



The vast numbers of medusae, and their importance as 

 light-givers, may be realized from the remarks of Giglioli, 

 who states that their light was seen from the " Magenta " 

 over an area of forty-four degrees of latitude, and for nearly 

 thirty consecutive days. During the day they sank into the 

 greater depths, at night rising to the surface, and appearing 

 like moderator lamps. With their long groups of tentacles 

 trailing behind as they pulsate through the ocean waters, 

 they readily suggest the title, " Meteors of the Sea." 



With few exceptions, the sea-jellies are light-givers. The 

 giant Cyanea, one of which was measured by Mrs. Agassiz, 

 and found to be nearly six feet in diameter, and to have 

 tentacles over one hundred feet in length emits a pale, 

 greenish light ; and, if the entire mass is luminous, it must 

 present a wondrous appearance as it moves through the 

 water, like a gigantic meteor. As large as this giant is, 

 weighing many hundred pounds, it is produced from a deli- 

 cate little creature which would hardly be noticed by the 

 casual observer. 



One of the commonest forms along the New-England coast 

 is a diminutive jelly, 4 seemingly blown in glass by some 

 skilful worker. As it moves gracefully along, it emits 

 a light of a deep aurelian blue, vast numbers imparting a 

 metallic glitter to the water. 



On some calm night, about a rocky point where the 

 current flows silently along, myriads of these wondrous 



