Marvels of the Universe 671 
backbone, is in the Sword-fish fashioned into a broad, square plate. And each vertebra grips the 
base of the plate next in front of it by a pair of flattened blades, so that, in consequence, an 
almost rigid rod is formed. Thus the body forms a sort of flexible arrow, which is discharged, not 
from a bow, but by its own volition—by violent side-to-side movements performed. by the muscles 
along the shaft, which are as powerful as bands of steel. 
The Sword-fish known also as the “ Sail-fish ’’ derives this name from the huge fin which runs 
along its back, and which is, at times, thrust out of the water and used as a sail. To preserve its 
balance during such feats the paired fins which answer to the hind-legs of land animals are produced 
into rods of great length, thus acting somewhat as centre-boards. 
Finally a word as to 
young Sword-fish. These, 
when newly-hatched, bear 
no resemblance to the 
graceful Sword-fish which 
is to be. A short body, 
short jaws, armed with 
tiny teeth, and a huge 
pair of eyes, are the 
most striking features of 
this stage; but a little 
closer examination will 
reveal an enormous spine 
projecting from the gill- 
plate behind the eyes, 
its tip projecting above 
the back, and a_ second 
below this runs along the 
lower border of the belly, 
with its point as far back 
as the base of the tail. 
Gradually, as the form 
of the adult appears, and 
the sword begins to grow, 
the spines behind the eye 
undergo a gradual decline, 
the upper disappearing, A RADIOLARIAN. 
the lower remaining to These minute creatures range in diameter from the tenth to the one-hundred-and- 
form a long Ss r fiftieth of an inch. Though classed amongst the lowest forms of life they are by no means 
és ee Pu ge the simple in structure. This specimen has had the outer network of fine threads removed to 
gill-cover. show the internal structure. This network can, however, be distinguished round the edge. 
Wels, ISLAVRILISQOWION IB 2 Le 
BY K. G. BLAIR, B.SC., F.E.S. 
Tue Harlequin Beetle is a native of Tropical America, ranging from Mexico down to Southern 
Brazil. It has received this name on account of the varied pattern of red, white and black with 
which it is adorned, though perhaps a more striking feature of the insect, and the one from which 
it derives its scientific name, is the extraordinary length of its front pair of legs. The beetle itself 
is a large one, its body attaining a length of about three inches, but its front legs, in the case of 
