Marvels of the Universe 1079 
so much so as in the larval form of the Deal- 
fish; and their likeness in this respect may 
indicate relationship, or merely adaptation to like 
requirements. 
In its way the young Stalk-eye is more 
remarkable than the young Ribbon-fish. Nothing 
is known of its life-history save that it is a dweller 
in the abysses of the ocean: we do not even know 
what shape it assumes when adult. But this we 
do know, that among the vertebrates it is unique 
in the matter of its eyes, which are borne on long, 
flexible, and retractile stalks recalling those of the 
snail. This is really a most extraordinary fact, 
for these eyes must be of tremendous importance, 
though they may achieve no more than distinguish- 
ing the pale phosphorescent light of their surround- 
ings from the darkness which may be felt. This 
being so, it seems strange that they should be 
constantly exposed to such a risk of being bitten 
off. Possibly they are extremely sensitive, so that 
the vibrations in the water set up by an approach- 
ing enemy may serve to give warning in time to 
permit of their being instantly withdrawn to the 
level of the head, or, at least, far enough in that 
direction to be out of harm’s way. 
Tsls, ILE, IBUSTORY OF 
THE FROG 
BY WALFORD B. JOHNSON. 
WHEN the night frosts of autumn set in Frogs 
seek out suitable places in which to pass the 
winter. Moss-lined crannies and hollows in the 
stumps of trees are the places most favoured ; and 
there they remain till the spring recalls them to 
activity. 
During this period of hibernation these creatures 
are in a state of torpor, the mouth and nostrils 
are closed and respiration is all but absent, being 
carried on then entirely by means of the skin. 
It is only healthy Frogs which can successfully 
withstand the rigours of the winter, for the weak- 
lings die during their hibernation ; giving another 
instance of Nature’s method of weeding out the 
unfit. 
With the fitful sunshine of March, these Frogs 
issue from their hiding-places and congregate in 
considerable numbers in the ponds, and there 
they commence to spawn. Curiously enough, the 
INFANT RIBBON-FISH. 
Remarkable for the enormous length of certain of its 
fin-rays. The arrow-head appearance is given by little 
tabs of skin. 
