4IO 



Marvels of the Universe 



a matter demanding investigation is shown by the fact that the only other fish which takes an 

 interest in the upper world is that known as the " Four-eyed Fish," or Anableps. This creature 

 has bulging eyes and habitually swims at the surface, so that the upper half of the eve is above 

 the level of the water. This portion is divided by a sort of Plimsoll mark from the lower half, 

 and is modified to meet the requirements of terrestrial vision, while the lower half agrees with 

 that of fishes generally. The lens of the eye does not undergo any special change ; by a 

 modification of the iris, or coloured portion of the eye, two distinct pupils are formed, one 

 above the other ! 



The Four-eyed Fish is a native of the rivers of tropical America. The Archer-Fish enjoys a much 

 \vider distribution, being found in the fresh waters of the East Indies, North Australia. Polynesia 

 and New Zealand. 



Pholo hill 



IE. J. VulUs 



THE HAND FLOWER. 



This is the flower of a Central American tree, whose five red stamens, united towards their base, resemble a Ions, 

 thin hand with clawed fingers — a resemblance that has caused the Mexican Indians to regard it with veneration. It is here 

 shown about the natural size. 



THE BECKONING CRAB 



BY EDW.\RD STEP, F.L.S. 



The Crab family presents us with a great variety, not merely of form, but of habit also. Even 

 the Crabs of a single country — our own, for example — make this diversity plain ; but when we take 

 the Crabs of the world into consideration we are astonished by the many ways of life they have 

 adopted. Some, save for an annual trip to the sea, spend their lives on land away from the shores. 

 Others, though keeping close to the sea, live mostly out of water ; and among these is the quaint- 

 looking Crab of our photographs. Represented by different species in several parts of the world, 

 the Beckoning, or Calling, Crabs all have similar habits and the same grotesque appearance — 

 in the males, at least — due to the disproportionate development of one of the pincer claws. Whilst 

 one of these is scarcely larger than the walking feet, the other is larger than the little body 



