CHAPTER VII. 



SOME ODDITIES OF FISH LIFE. 



One of the most peculiar creatures to be found on 

 the bed of the ocean is the sea urchin. In some 

 respects, particularly in the possession of spines, the 

 sea urchin resembles the hedgehog, but the move- 

 ment of the spines is different. Whereas the hedge- 

 hog, on the appearance of danger, rolls itself up 

 into a ball and forms a defence with its spines, the 

 sea urchin is able to move its spines about in 

 different directions. Some of the sea urchins bore 

 holes into the hard rocks and remain immovably 

 attached to them. They are frequently attacked by 

 many varieties of fish on account of the ripe 

 bunches of sea urchin's eggs, which are regarded 

 by them as a special delicacy. In their attempts 

 to seize the eggs they are frequently badly wounded, 

 and sometimes blinded by the quills. The sting 

 caused by the spines is very much like that caused 

 by the bee, only it is more painful. In olden times 

 the spines of the echinus — for that is the scientific 

 name of the sea urchin — were powdered and then 

 taken as a remedy for various diseases. 



Swarms of snappers were seen by the party. 



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