118 OwENj on the Surface-fauna of Mid-ocean, 
I need not here go deeply into the various interesting 
objects that may be met with by the use of such an arrange- 
ment. The Polycystina^ with their interesting allies the 
Acanthometra; the Thalassicolla_, &c. &c., about which so little 
is really at present known, might be found. I am persuaded 
that the genera Pulvinulina and Globigerina, of the family 
Colymbitse of the Foraminifera, will be found on the surface 
of the ocean near home. Dr. Wallich found them in great 
numbers in the sediment forming the bed of the Atlantic. 
From 70 to 98 per cent, of this deposit in the deep seas is 
often composed of these Rhizopods. These two genera, 
together with the Orbulina of Dr. Carpenter, but which I 
have now proved to be a sub-genus of Globigerina, have been 
found to be surface-forms on every part of the ocean that I 
have sailed over. Different classes of creatures will be found 
on the surface during the night to those found in the day 
time ; from sunset till daylight the Polycystina, Foraminifera, 
Acanthometra, Entomostraca, small Pteropods, and shelled 
Molusca, must be looked for; during the day the Crusta- 
ceans, Thalassicolla, Creseis, &c., will repay our endeavours. 
I hope enough has been said to induce some to try the ex- 
periment on a scale that will bring great results. 
When at sea I had not the chance of entering upon a field 
of observation that promises to be very fruitful and interest- 
ing. I had no spectrascope with me to examine into the 
nature of the light given off by the various phosphorescent 
forms that are at times met with in such profusion on the 
sea-surface. I would now make an appeal in their behalf. 
We shall look forward with interest to receive papers on this 
subject when we meet again at the close of the year. I hope 
that some of our correspondents abroad will take it up, and 
send us the spectra of the fire-fly, lantern-fly, and a host of 
other luminous creatures. At home the glowworm and 
phosphorescent sea-surface forms might all be attended to. 
Those who visit the Mediterranean and more southern parts 
of the ocean this summer might add the spectrascope to 
their scientific instruments for this purpose. I take much 
interest in this subject, but, as I am not likely to have an 
early opportunity of prosecuting the investigation, I have 
brought it forward for the benefit of others who may be more 
fortunate. 
These spectra must be compared with those we shall get 
from such sources of phosphorescent illumination as phos- 
phorus, heated fluor spar, and many others that I might 
name. 
I have the pleasure to present to the Society a slide con- 
