EARTHWORM STUDIES. 311 



distance. The Brandling, tit-bit of Trout and other fish, may 

 readily be supposed to exhibit a luminous skin when attacked or 

 affrighted ; and the fact that these lowly creatures seldom appear 

 luminous except when irritated or exposed to danger, apparent 

 or real, lends probability to the idea that the phosphorescent 

 display is protective. A light flashed out in time of danger would 

 scare a would-be intruder, which would soon become used to a 

 regular light and learn its innocuousness. If, as Pietro Martire 

 tells us, the people of the West Indies were alarmed when they 

 met a fellow in the dark whose face had been smeared with the 

 phosphorescence of an insect, it is not unreasonable to suppose 

 that a Trout would be alarmed if a Brandling suddenly lighted its 

 lamp. Further observation on this subject is greatly to be desired. 

 At present it is far from being as complete as the scientist could 

 wish. In the 'American Naturalist' (vol. xxi. p. 773-4) is a 

 note by Mr. G. F. Atkinson entitled "A Remarkable Case of 

 Phosphorescence in an Earthworm," which I have unfortunately 

 been unable to consult. Reference may also be made to Moniez's 

 paper in the 'Rev. Biol.,' i. pp. 197-200, Kirby and Spence's 

 1 Introduction to Entomology,' and Secchi, * Nouv. Observ. in 

 Ann. Sci. Nat.,' series 5, vol. xvi., 1872, p. 68. 



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