38 LIVING LIGHTS. 



stone, -perhaps fast asleep, and giving no evidence of ita 

 wondrous gift. Now touch it with the narrow handle of 

 the dip-net, and a seeming electric spark is given out. But 

 there is no electricity here : the ■ light is ■ a phosphorescent 

 protest, and rapidly passes from scale to scale, until the whole 

 animal stands out like a vivid shield of light against the 

 bottom, glowing with the mysterious flame. 



If the worm is greatly disturbed, we are presented with a 

 unique method of protection. Upon feeling the blow or 

 attack, the light becomes intense, and flashes quickly from 

 segment to segment, and along all the series of elytra; and, 

 as the animal darts away, one or more of the scales become 

 disconnected and are left behind, a luminous spot,. to attract 

 the, attention of a possible follower, while the worm itself 

 escapes. 



■ Nearly all the phosphorescent worms are rapid swimmers, 

 and noted for their agile movements ; and, as their scales are 

 very readily disconnected, we may imagine in some cases a 

 worm darting off and leaving a shower of sparks behind. 

 In these worms the light is usually green. 



We have seen that one of the deep-sea Crustaceans has 

 ■phosphorescent bands upon its feet; and in the Syllidce, 

 a family which contains some remarkable worms, we find 

 that the luminosity is confined to the under surface of the 

 feet. In Choetopterus^ a bright flashing light is emitted 

 from the posterior feet, while a far more brilliant one glows 

 at a point on the dorsum between the lateral wings of the 

 tenth segment. The mucus of the animals appears to be the 

 seat of the' luminosity, and not only encircles the worm with 

 an aureola of phosphorescence, but pervades the surrounding 

 water with a rich bluish purple light, so vivid and brilliarft 



