OR, GLIMPSES BENEATH THE WATERS. 



ricli with prismatic hues, the effect has been com- 

 pared in splendour to that of the peacock's tail 

 when outspread in the sunshine. When in the 

 Aquarium it crawls restlessly to and fro, as though 

 anxious to exhibit its splendours in every possible 

 point of view ; the metallic tinges, changing with 

 every position, being most magnificent by candle- 

 light, when red and orange hues predominate, 

 while by day-light pearly greens and blues are 

 most frequent. 



The bodies of many of the JSuricidce and Nere- 

 ides exhibit changing colours of similar character, 

 though less splendid ; but many of them possess an 

 opal-like tenderness and delicacy almost equally 

 attractive. 



The little Sea-Slug, jEgines punctiluceus, is a 

 brilliant little creature, well worthy the trouble of 

 being permanently established in our Aquaria. 

 Its general colour is pale reddish-brown ; but, mth 

 the aid of a moderate lens, it exhibits a number of 

 small black tubercles, in the centre of each of which 

 is a speck of resplendent blue or green, forming a 

 succession of gem-like ornaments that have been 

 compared, by enthusiastic naturalists, to sapphires 

 and emeralds; but, without exaggeration, the jewelry 

 of this little creature may be said to surpass that 



93 



