CAPE COAST. 
179 
loration of tlie water, which when placed under a 
microscope, was found to abound in filaments, resem- 
bling the spathge of minute graniinem. On such 
occasions the luminosity was almost invariably great, 
and we had come to the erroneous conclusion that 
these were indeed, phosphorescent mollusca; on ex- 
amination, however, of similar appearances on the 
west coast of Africa, with a very powerful microscope, 
we found that these cylindrical bundles of filaments 
were vegetable, probably some confcrvse, and that the 
light proceeded from the minute gelatinous animal- 
cules already mentioned as the most abundant, and 
which had become attached in greater or lesser quan- 
tity. Subsequent examinations made on the east 
coast of South America, confirmed this opinion. 
Tuesday, March 20^/i. — In the afternoon w'e an- 
chored at Cape Coast Castle; found there H.M. frigate 
‘Madagascar,’ commanded by Captain Foote, the 
senior officer on the west coast of Africa. He kindly 
ofiered every assistance. 
Lieutenant Fairholme, who had experienced a return 
of the effects of the fever, was invalided at this place. 
He was a great loss to the Expedition. 
A magnetic term-day was kept in the castle. 
The character of the foliage at Cape Coast had 
altered very much since our last visit, being now richer 
and more diversified; and the absence of rain enabled 
us to enjoy a few excursions into the woods: here 
we observed the tree-ants busily at work, preparing 
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