LANTERN-FLIES. 71 



ally in two streams, one on each side, and yet lighting up 

 the whole body. The trail extended one and a half feet 

 from each centipede over the grass and gravel walk, and it 

 had the appearance of illuminated mucus. On securing one 

 of the creatures for examination, I found, on touching it, 

 the light was instantly extinguished." This observer says 

 that this phenomenon was frequently seen by others about 

 his place. 



Mr. Brodhurst continues, "Professor Flower identified 

 the centipede as Geophilus subterraneus. The published 

 descriptions of the luminous properties of British centipedes 

 differ considerably from what I observed in this instance; 

 the latter attributing light to the creatures only when dis- 

 turbed. I was never able to induce my centipede to shine 

 while in captivity." 



