Marvels of the Universe 839 
the limbs yellowish, with hairy joints, the 
reddish abdomen, and the wonderful wings with 
the fringe of long hairs all turned up and lying 
upon the surface—until the final exit from the 
host-egg, when they turn over on their hinges, 
each one taking its allotted place. The final 
change is now taking place, the delicate jaws 
are moving, until the tips press against the inner 
side of the host-egg, through which a hole is 
bitten, and gradually the Fairy Fly forces its 
way through the soft pith, until it reaches the 
opposite side; then the thick covering of the 
stem has to be bitten through before the Fairy 
Fly can escape and take its virgin flight. 
THE “ELEPHANT-FISH ” J ‘ 
IBS Vio ID, INCCRYNIDIN, 14S, ISUC 
Photo by] [F&. Enock. 
THE grotesque-looking Chimeras are repre- The Botdledoxcasiing [lly fa, like mest of the Fats Fikes. 
sented only by a few species, but all amply very small; the body measuring from head to tail one-fortieth 
justify the family name, for in appearance they °! °°" 
seem indeed to embody all the attributes of the fabulous, fire-spitting monster after which they 
have been named by the savants. But of all the Chimeras, perhaps the species commonly 
known as the “ Elephant-fish’’ is the most bizarre; and this because of the curious flap of 
skin which projects from a short beam in front of the mouth. The purpose of this strange 
appendage is not certainly known, but it seems to serve as an organ of touch. This curious fish 
is found only in the Antarctic basin and the 
South Pacific, and among other things it is 
remarkable for the singular form of its egg— 
though, as a matter of fact, all the Chimeras 
lay peculiar eggs. That of the Elephant-fish 
measures between nine and ten inches in length, 
and about five inches in breadth; while its 
upper surface is covered with a hair-like 
growth, which gives to the whole a close like- 
ness to a piece of seaweed. The centre of 
this egg is occupied by a pear-shaped cavity, 
containing first the yolk of the egg, and, later, 
the embryo. One end of this cavity is guarded 
by a valve, which forms the doorway to the 
outer world, from which the young in due 
course makes its escape. While still within the 
chamber the young fish develops long, filament- 
like gills, which project like tufts of crimson 
threads from each side of the head, and carry 
on the work of breathing. 
The Elephant-fish has a near relation in the Photo by] LF. Enock. 
American “ Spook-fish,’” which, unlike the rest The Yellow-legged Fly (male). Notice the long feelers and 
of its relatives, dwells near the surface of the dlenclas “walete” Qinentiiies! date Gtmece) 
