THE WELFARE OF THE RACE 201 



They endure the extremes of climate on their passage 

 from the rivers to the sea, from the sea to the water- 

 heads. An old memory of the road seems to revive 

 within them, and in following it out they are hardly to 

 be delayed or turned aside. Even the sea-worm leaves 

 its burrow, and, transformed within and without, it 

 then launches itself upon a journey from which it will 

 not return (fig. 35.) 



The strange Palolo (fig. 36) of the South Seas, that 

 fills the reefs with its slimy burrows, assumes a new 

 guise at the October and November full moons. Its 

 tail acquires eyes, becomes blue and full of eggs. 

 At the appointed night-time myriads of these fruitful 

 tails separate from their heads, leave the reef, and 

 swim out to sea, where, after discharging their burden, 

 they die or are caught by the natives assembled for the 

 Palolo rising. 



The most general method that animals follow in 

 providing for their young is to cast their eggs upon the 

 waters. Heartless and improvident as the act may 

 appear, it is a wiser instinct than we deem. 



They seem to realise that the sea is their mother, 

 and that what they cast upon her care shall return as 

 offspring in no long time. Their trust is justified. 

 Movement, oxygen, and ultimately a feeding-ground, 

 are the requirements of the young. They need rocking 

 in order to stimulate their weakly glands, muscles, 

 and nervous control ; they need oxygen to maintain 

 their vitality and promote development ; and when 

 they are hatched their demand for food is incessant. 



