CARPS. 
313 
I diameters, the former is seen to be a layer of 
loose membranous cells of an orange colour, in 
what are properly called the Gold-fishes, and 
whitish or pellucid, in the Silver-fishes. If we 
now add a minute drop of water to the mass, and 
I gently agitate it with the point of a needle, and 
i again submit it to the microscope, we shall have a 
beautiful and interesting spectacle. The water 
around the mass is seen to be full of an infinite 
number of fiat spiculse or crystals, varying much 
in size, but of very constant form, a flat oblong 
prism with angular ends, as represented in the 
accompanying engraving. By transmitted light 
they are so transparent 
and filmy as to be only 
just discernible ; but by 
reflected light, and espe- 
cially under the sun’s rays, 
they flash like plates of 
polished steel. But what 
appears most singular, 
is that each spicula is 
perpetually vibrating and 
quivering with a motion apparently quite spon- 
taneous, but probably to be referred to slight 
vibrations of the water in which they float ; and 
each independently of the rest, so as to convey the 
impression to the observer that each is animated 
with life, though the scale be taken from a fish 
some days dead. Owing to this irregular motion, 
and consequent change of position, each spicula, 
as it assumes or leaves the reflecting angle, is 
momentarily brightening or waning, flashing out, 
or retiring into darkness, producing a magic effect 
on the admiring observer. To this property, we 
SPICULE OP gold-fish’s 
SCALE. 
