384 
CBUISE OF HALS. CHALLENGED. 
Doubtless we shall be told of wondrous facts 
which will read like fairy tales; for previously no 
sounding-line had ever traversed the great oceans, 
or mapped out their figure. We now know that 
there are laws which govern the geographical dis- 
tribution of marine plants and animals, as well 
as those we are familiar with on the earth’s sur- 
face : of the myriads of curious creatures, orga- 
nised with delicacy and beauty, existing in these 
previously unsounded depths; creatures with num- 
berless eyes, and others without any ; starfish, grow- 
ing on long and slender stalks ; of beautiful phos- 
phorescent avenues of vegetation ; fish of all hues, 
blue and gold, striped and banded, in all colours and 
sizes, from the tiniest infusoria to the huge whale. 
It is impossible at present to foresee or estimate 
the vast amount of information that will result from 
this the greatest scientific expedition that ever sailed 
from any shore. 
The last day has come (June 12th), when all these 
close associations will be severed ; and each one of the 
Challenger s crew goes his own way, to seek relaxation 
and pleasure amongst home scenes and friends near 
and dear to him. 
A last shake of the hand, with “ Good luck and 
good-bye !” and so now, to you, my reader, I say 
farewell. 
