170 Secrets of the Ocean [FOURTH WEEK 



anything like actual misfortunes, or mishaps of nature, as 

 Buffon was so fond of thinking. These creatures have 

 found their adult mode of life more free from competition 

 than any other, and hence their adoption of it. It is only 

 another instance of exquisite adaptation to an unfilled 

 niche in the life of the world. 



Yet another phase of enjoying the life of these northern 

 waters; the one which comes after all the work and play 

 of collecting is over for the day, after the last specimen is 

 given a fresh supply of water for the night, and the final 

 note in our journal is written. Then, as dusk falls, we 

 make our way to the beach, ship our rudder and oars and 

 push slowly along shore, or drift quietly with the tide. 

 The stars may come out in clear splendour and the visual 

 symphony of the northern lights play over the dark vault 

 above us, or all may be obscured in lowering, leaden clouds. 

 But the lights of the sea are never obscured they always 

 shine with a splendour which keeps one entranced for hours. 



At night the ripples and foam of the Fundy shores 

 seem transformed to molten silver and gold, and after 

 each receding wave the emerald seaweed is left dripping 

 with millions of sparkling lights, shining with a living 

 lustre which would pale the brightest gem. Each of these 

 countless sparks is a tiny animal, as perfect in its substance 

 and as well adapted to its cycle of life as the highest created 

 being. The wonderful way in which this phosphorescence 

 permeates everything the jelly-fish seeming elfish fire- 

 works as they throb through the water with rhythmic 

 beats the fish brilliantly lighted up and plainly visible 

 as they dart about far beneath the surface makes such 



