The Zoophytes. 313 
the colony is able to sink or float according as 
the air-bag collapses or is filled with air. This, how- 
ever, is a mistake ; the air-bag is permanently distended, 
there being no communication with the outer air ; and 
even when the colony is altogether disorganised, and 
cast, dead, upon the shore, the float still remains dis- 
tended with air. 
With the exception of the length of the stinging 
tentacles, the size of these Zoophytes is never consider- 
able, the length being on an average about 6-9 inches. 
In this respect, these organisms are inconspicuous ; but 
as regards delicacy of form and beauty of colouring, they 
are incomparably beautiful. The transversely grooved 
surface of the float gleams with a most delicate sheen of 
changing red, violet and purple, and its opalescence and 
iridescence transcend all description. The Portuguese 
man-of-war is indeed a thing of beauty ; but alas ! it is 
not a joy for ever, since, out of its own element, its 
loveliness decreases, and all attempts at preserving its 
fleeting colours are about as successful as such attempts 
would be with a gorgeous, glistening soap-bubble. 
What the state of Zoophytic life in Guiana in 
past ages may have been, there is no evidence to show : 
what it will be in the future, is equally impossible to 
arrive at ; but this we know, as set forth above, that 
under present conditions, it is barren in the extreme. 
