64 THE OCEAN. 



probable : the fishermen atfirm that it abides with 

 its stem inserted in the mud at the bottom ; and 

 those which have been kept for observation have 

 remained at the bottom of the vessel, without anv 

 apparent power of even turning over on the other 

 side. This species, as its scientific name imports, is 

 one of the many animals that inhabit the sea, wliich 

 are endowed with the faculty of producing light : 

 in this instance, it appears from experiments that the 

 power is exerted as a means of defence, as only when 

 injured or irritated does the animal give out its light, 

 which is of a faint-bluish cast. Its sudden illumina- 

 tion at the bottom of the sea may have the effect of 

 terrifying some of its enemies, and of thus protecting 

 it from the dangers to which its otherwise helpless 

 frame would be exposed. 



