1869.] on the Scientific Exploration of the Deep Sea. 



423 



eyed Crustaceans. The wind having been previously easterly, it is difficult 

 to say what share the wind or tide had in the drift ; but it could scarcely 

 have been caused by any circulation from the equator. The Fauna nowhere 

 showed the least trace of that wonderful and apparently restricted current 

 known as the Gulf-stream. The beautiful Pteropod Clio pyramidata 

 flitted about in considerable numbers ; a delicate Cuttlefish (Leachia ellip- 

 soptera), which is supposed to prey on Salpce, was caught in the scoop- 

 sieve, as well as several specimens of a small and very slender Syngnathus 

 or pipefish. On our homeward passage we experienced severe weather, in 

 which our vessel sustained some injury from the heavy cross seas which 

 struck her. After putting into Killi-begs we dredged in Lough S willy, 

 Lough Foyle, and the North Channel on the way to Belfast, where we 

 arrived on the 13th of July. 



Second Cruise. (Chart, Plate 5.) 



40. As already stated, it was the original intention to devote the Second 

 Cruise to the exploration of an area to the west of the outer Hebrides, 

 between Rockall and the south-western limit of last year's work in the 

 * Lightning.' During the First Cruise, however, dredging had been 

 carried down successfully to a depth of nearly 1500 fathoms; and the 

 result so far realized our anticipations, and confirmed the experience of last 

 year. The conditions (to that great depth at all events) were consistent 

 with the life of all the types of Marine lnvertebrata ; though undoubtedly 

 in very deep water the number of species procured of the higher groups 

 was greatly reduced, and in many cases the individuals appeared to be 

 dwarfed. From these observations (which thoroughly corroborated those 

 of Dr. Wallich and others, about which there had been some difference of 

 opinion on account of the imperfection of the appliances at the command 

 of the observers), we concluded that probably in no part of the ocean were 

 the conditions so altered by Depth as to preclude the existence of xlnimal 

 Life, — that Life had no Bathy metrical limit. Still we could not consider the 

 question thoroughly settled ; and when, upon consultation with Captain 

 Calver, we found him perfectly ready to attempt any depth, and from his 

 previous experience sanguine of success, we determined to apply to the 

 Hydrographer to sanction an attempt to dredge in the deepest soundings 

 within our reach, viz. 2500 fathoms indicated on the chart 250 miles west 

 of Ushant. The deepest reliable soundings do not go much beyond 3000 

 fathoms ; and we felt that if we could establish the existence of Life, and if 

 we could determine the conditions with accuracy down to 2500 fathoms, 

 the general question would be virtually solved for all depths of the ocean, 

 and any further investigation of its deeper abysses would be mere matter 

 of curiosity and of detail. The Hydrographer cordially acquiesced in this 

 change of plan; and on the 17th of July the ' Porcupine ' left Belfast 

 under the scientific direction of Professor Wyville Thomson ; Mr. Hunter, 



