THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BIOLOGT PRESENTED BY PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID ARGONAUT, OR PAPKB NAUTILUS (Argonauta argo). OCEAN WONDERS: COMPANION FOE THE SEASIDE, FREELY ILLUSTRATED FROM LIVING OBJECTS. BY WILLIAM E. DAMON. We know not a millionth part of the wonders of this beautiful world." NEW YORK : D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 549 AND 551 BROADWAY. 1879. SIOLOGY ll COPYRIGHT BY D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 1879. TO THE LOVEES AND ADMIEERS OF THE OCEAN AND ITS WONDERS THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOK. M361.888 PEE FAC E. THIS volume has been specially prepared with a view to supply a long-felt need of precise and reliable information in regard to the living objects of our own sea-coast, and, incidentally, of other marine animals, either suitable for the aquarium or of sufficient intrinsic interest to deserve notice in any general work on marine zoology. My purpose is not only to describe the organic features and modes of life of these creatures, in their native ocean and river homes, but also to give careful and practical instruction as to where and how many of them may be procured and preserved in par- lor and public aquaria. Thousands of persons visit the sea-shore, perhaps spend- ing weeks annually in its vicinity, without any idea of avail- ing themselves of these opportunities to become practically acquainted with the curious and interesting forms of life which abound in such localities. Nature throws her choicest treasures at their feet, but they walk over them disregardful and insensible ; while it is true that some even of the com- monest productions of the sea productions which are unno- ticed from their very abundance would well repay careful study and patient investigation. The invisible is often more vi PREFACE. curious than that which meets the eye, and a microscope of even moderate power will reveal in sea-water the marvelous resources of Nature in furnishing the minutest creations with organs as perfectly adapted to their mode of life as are those of the gigantic whale or the vertebrate land animals. The realm of marine zoology is very wide-reaching, and includes such a vast variety of large and small, simple and complicated organisms as to be practically limitless. No one human life is long enough to compass a thorough ac- quaintance with all the " wonders of the ocean," concealed as many of them are in the depths of that immense and prolific reservoir of animated existence. But, from the unnumbered total, it is my purpose in this work to draw forth examples of each important class, and I shall endeavor to give mainly such information as will tend to excite increased interest in the subject, and will enable those whose curiosity is thus aroused to effect a personal acquaintance with such speci- mens as are obtainable on our own shores or the neighboring West India Islands. Certain it is that the more intimate one becomes with this department of science the broader it grows, until the student is not only lost in wonder at the inexhaustible varie- ties of life displayed, but in endless reflections upon the uses of such profusion and such complications of means to meet the wants of apparently insignificant creatures. Often do I think of a remark made by my friend the late Dr. Edmund K. Peaslee, while inspecting my collection of minute marine animals, that " the thorough investigation of any branch of natural science always ends in a mystery." PREFACE. v ii The remark was true ; but, before reaching the mystery, how much pleasure and instruction are derived from the mere investigation ! The study of the wondrous formations of sea -polyps, of the delicate alcyonarian zoophytes and corals, of the sea-urchins, the lily-stars, and' the strange fish of delicate form and tint, opens to the student who ap- proaches the subject for the first time an entirely new world of unexpected pleasure and unimagined forms of existence. The sea, to him, never more can be simply a vast stretch of navigable water, useful as a highway for commerce, or as a means of summer recreation. Of books upon aquaria particularly of English reprints there has been a large number given to the American public. Many of them are valuable and interesting in their way, but they are generally deficient in that sort of infor- mation which the amateur most needs, namely, direct and comprehensible instruction "how to keep an aquarium." Some of the attempts to do this are altogether misleading and impracticable, while others are not adapted to the exi- gencies of our climate. Some of the most learned and scientific writers, both American and foreign, fail lamen- tably on this important point. It is not so easy as it appears at the first glance to assure success in establishing a private aquarium. Whatever value this volume possesses is due to the fact that I give no second-hand directions, but the results and deductions of my own dearly-bought personal experi- ence, attained at a considerable outlay not only of time and trouble but also of money, in obtaining many rare and scarce specimens of marine life, and in experiments to ascertain viii PREFACE. the kind of animals which would survive captivity. In the latter, I hope my directions or hints will materially dimin- ish the" amount of expenditure for such amateurs as may peruse this book. But even the process of learning by defeats and failures has its reward, and, when success is won, the aquarium becomes a permanent pleasure a " joy forever ! " I must, however, warn the reader, particularly the novice in natural science, that he must not expect in a volume of this size anything like a complete description, or a mention even, of every specimen which may be found upon our shores. Neither must he imagine that the excellent illus- trations which accompany most of the varieties introduced to his notice can adequately exhibit the delicate beauty and exquisite, changeful tints of the living animal. In many cases these are as evanescent as they are beautiful, and nei- ther pen nor pencil can convey a full and satisfactory repre- sentation. We can give the form and approximate to the shades of color, but the beauty inherent in vitality is un- transferable to the printed page. So perfectly inexhaustible are these minute objects, that one may spend hours or years of never-ending pleasure and interest upon them. The preeminent value of studies in natural science, pur- sued either as a profession or as the recreation of a busy life, will not be questioned at this late day. A practical knowl- edge of any branch of natural science, and an interest in it, are conceded to be the best possible tonic for producing phys- ical and mental health and vigor. Of the amount of abso- lute pleasure to be derived from such pursuits, every enthu- PREFACE. IX siastic amateur is a living illustration. The experimental naturalist is almost invariably a happy man. In conclusion, I desire to record my obligation .to those friends who have assisted me by sympathy or otherwise in this work. And, first of all, to my dear and honored sister, whose suggestive spirit and practical example awakened in my mind a love for this charming science, I here express my affectionate gratitude for the introduction she gave me to a knowledge of aquarial life, feeling that to her, and to the intelligent assistance and sympathetic interest of my wife in my favorite studies, I am indebted for some of my happiest hours. My valued friend Eobert A. "West would that he still lived to receive my acknowledgments! was the most de- voted lover of aquarial science that I have ever met. Being connected editorially with the " Commercial Advertiser " of this city, he exerted perhaps more influence than any other individual in advancing the subject in the public appreciation. On his practical wisdom and counsel I could always rely. H. Dorner, Ph. D., late of the Hamburg Zoological Garden and Aquarium ; Prof. H. D. Butler, and Messrs. Charles Reiche & Brother, of this city, have also courte- ously and kindly afforded me assistance in various ways. It would be a long list should I undertake to name all the kind friends who, in the course of years, have aided me in my aquarial pursuits ; but, though space does not permit me to mention them, not one is forgotten. In connection with the publication of this volume, I x . PREFACE. not in justice omit the name of J. Carson Brevoort, Esq., the eminent scholar and scientist, late Superintendent of the Astor Library, to whom I am indebted for valuable sugges- tions and the loan of authorities ; nor that of Mrs. E. Yale Blake, for special assistance in the revision of these pages A IT O for the press. W. E. D. NEW YORK, January, 1879. CONTENTS. CHAPTEK I. PAGE INTRODUCTORY THE OCEAN 1 CHAPTER II. ACTINOIDS : ACTINLE, SEA- ANEMONES, OR SEA-FLOWERS .... 7 CHAPTER III. LIVING CORALS 19 CHAPTER IV. HOUSE-BUILDERS OP THE SEA OCEAN ARCHITECTS DECORATORS MASONS WEAVERS JEWELERS DYERS BUTCHERS MOWERS SCAVENGERS SURGEONS 33 CHAPTER V. REMARKABLE FISHES AND CRABS OF BERMUDA 65 CHAPTER VI. THE OCTOPUS, OR DEVIL-FISH, AND ITS CONGENERS : THEIR HABITS, TRUE CHARACTER, AND MODE OP CAPTURE . . . . . . .66 CHAPTER VII. MOLLUSKS : THE BORING PHOLAS, TEREDO, ETC 82 CHAPTER VIII. THE HERMIT-CRAB . 100 xii CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. PAGE SOME CURIOUS DENIZENS OP THE SEA: SEA-HORSE, SHELL-TURTLE, ETC. 107 CHAPTER X. BARNACLES . . . . > 126 CHAPTER XI. STAR-FISHES 133 CHAPTER XII. ECHINOIDS AND SEA-CUOUMBERS 141 CHAPTER XIII. HYDROIDS MEDUSAE JELLY-FISH PHYSALIA OR PORTUGUESE MAN-OF- WAR 150 CHAPTER XIV. SPONGES 166 CHAPTER XV. THE WHITE WHALE THE SEAL -170 CHAPTER XVI. MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA How TO DO EVERYTHING THAT is NECESSARY TO BUILD, STOCK, AND TAKE CARE OP THE AQUARIUM . 180 APPENDIX. HOW TO COLLECT AND PRESERVE ALG.E 224 ILLUSTEATIOJSTS. PAGE ARGONAUT, OR PAPER NAUTILUS Frontispiece. LIVING FORAMINIFERA 5 ANEMONES, OR SEA-FLOWERS 8 CROSS-SECTION OP POLYP 9 ANEMONE AND ITS YOUNG 10 ANTHEA CEREUS .10 CNID.E, OR LASSO-CELLS . . . 13 HERMIT-CRAB AND ANEMONE 14 ACTINIAE, OR SEA- ANEMONES, WHICH LIVE IN THE SAND . . . .17 ASTRANGIA (Dana) 22 CLUSTER OP CORAL POLYPS 30 DEAD CORAL 30 MEANDRINA CEREBRIFORMIS 30 ASTR^EA PALLIDA 31 AN ANNELID AN CITY, OR GROUP OF SERPUL.E 35 THE MASON ANNELID 35 DECORATING CRAB, OR SEA-SPIDER 48, 49 PECTEN, OR SCALLOP 46 DANCING SCALLOPS 47 SHEDDING OF CRAB 50 CRAB EATING A CLAM 51 LOBSTER . . . . 52 EDIBLE CRAB 53 WHELK. 53 PERIWINKLE 54 CH^ETODON, OR PEACOCK-FISH 58 TRUNK-FISH 62 OCTOPUS, OR DEVIL-FISH 66 THE GIANT SQUID 68 AN OCTOPUS RUNNING 71 PEARLY NAUTILUS . 72 PAPER NAUTILUS . 73 XIV ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE ARGONAUT WITHOUT THE SHELL 74 ARGONAUT WITH THE SHELL 74 SEPIA OFFICINALIS AND SHELL, OR CuTTLE-BoNE 78 OYSTERS: DIFFERENT STAGES OF GROWTH 83 GIANT CLAM 84 BIVALVE SHELL 85 PHOLAS, OR DATE-SHELL 85 PHOLAS BORING . . . . . . . . . . . 86 TEREDO AND ITS BURROWS 88 TEREDO OUT OF ITS TUBE 88 TEREDO AND CREOSOTED WOOD 90 LYCORIS FUCATA 91 EDIBLE MUSSEL 93 SOFT CLAM 94 HARD CLAM 95 CREPIDULA FORNICATA, OR BOAT-SHELL 96 CHITON 97 THE SEA-HORSE FEEDING ON SERPULA 107 TOAD-FISH . . . . ' . . . \ 113 THE SEA-RAVEN 114 THE ANGLER (Lophius piscatorius) . .115 THE HAMMER-HEADED SHARK 116 UNDERSIDE OF SKATE 117 SMOOTH SKATE 118 BALLOON-FISH 119 PORCUPINE-FISH 120 KlNG-FlSH 121 TAUTOG, OR BLACK-FISH . . 121 GREAT SUN-FISH 121 STURGEON 121 PUFFER, OR SwELL-Fish 122 COD 122 LUMP-FISH 122 HADDOCK 122 SEA-MOUSE 123 RUDDER-FISH . 123 SQUILL 123 PILOT-FISH 123 HAWKSBILL, OR SHELL TURTLE 124 GREEN TURTLE 124 BARNACLES 126 GOOSE-BARNACLES 130 YOUNG AND ADULT BARNACLE . ..... 132 ILLUSTRATIONS. xv FAGB STAR-FISHES 133, 136 SEA-EGG, OR SEA-URCHIN 141 SEA-EGG, OR SEA-URCHIN, TOP VIEW 142 KEYHOLE-URCHIN 144 CAKE-URCHIN 145 SERPENT, OR BRITTLE STAR-FISH 145 BASKET-FISH 147 SEA-CUCUMBER 148 HYDROIDS 150 SUNFISH (Aurelid) . : 151 JELLY-FISH 153 SERTULARIA PINNATA 155 PLUMULARIA 155 CORYNE MIRABILIS 156 SARSIA 156 SARSIA, ADULT 156 TUBULARIA . 157 PHYSALIA, OR PORTUGUESE MAN-OF-WAR 160 WHITE WHALE 170 SEAL SWIMMING . . 177 THE SEAL 178 AQUARIUM COMPLETE .180 VALISNERIA SPIRALIS 194 WHITE POND-LILY 196 CALLA LILY. " 197 CRAWFISH . . . 202 STICKLEBACK 204 STICKLEBACKS BUILDING THEIR NESTS 206 SUNFISH, OR BREAM 207 BLACKNOSED DACE 208 COMMON PIKE 208 CATFISH . .209 SPECKLED TROUT 209 DEVELOPMENT OF THE TADPOLE .210 FROG 211 FIDDLER-CRAB 216 HORSESHOE-CRAB 217 HORSESHOE-CRAB IN TROUBLE 217 SHRIMP 218 AMERICAN FLOUNDER 222 SEA-HORSE . 222 THE OCEAN. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. THE ocean ! the vast, glorious, boundless blue ! How the vision of sunny hours, inspiring breezes, the invigorating scent of the salt air, and the sparkling of bright sea-foam, rises at thought of the great deep that restless, deceptive, yet ever-enchanting siren, which lures us in every tone of the gamut to trust ourselves on its sparkling bosom! When sunny and serene, how seductive, how harmless it looks; when lashed into bright foam by contending wind and tide, what various tints and shades of beauty creep up the crystal walls of the many-headed billows ! Watched from the shore, it is charming in its serenity, grand and glorious even in its wildest fury. But, sailing on its surface, how the wonders of the ocean deepen and expand ! In some parts of this vast water-system we should find it much salter than in others, and should perceive that other differences exist, not only in the proportions of its chemical ingredients, but in its specific gravity, its color, its purity, its thermal gradations, and innumerable other variations. In one part of the ocean a traveler might be endangered by icebergs, in another becalmed, as in the " doldrums," or 2 THE OCEAN. entangled in the giant algae of the Sargasso Sea. And he would learn that he could scarcely sail in a perfectly direct course from any given point to another, but that he must more or less obey the tides, currents, and prevailing winds. He might even vary his diversion by sailing up and down rivers in the sea, should he chance to navigate the long axis of the Gulf Stream or the great current of Japan. Then, again, in some parts of the ocean, if he looked over the bulwarks at night, he would see diffused or trailing lights, as if the milky-way had descended from its sphere and was floating on the sea, or as if the sun had left some broken rays of its departing glory on the waters, ere it descended below the horizon. On the surface, again, he might encounter the larger cetacea, whales, and schools of porpoises, disporting themselves ; or an immense growth of fuci, which he would naturally report as a " sea-serpent ; " or see dolphins chasing flying-fish, while robber birds disputed with them for the prey. These and many other interesting sights would help to charm away the hours, while the reflection that millions of the human race depend for their existence mainly upon the products of the ocean would add immense interest to all that related to it. Nature seems to have bestowed upon the most valuable edible inhabitants of the ocean a capacity for increase simply astounding ; but it is not food alone which the sea furnishes to man. Oil for lights and for mechanical uses, chemical substances for dyes and drugs, valuable furs for clothing, and many other useful and beautiful objects, would render the ocean an almost exhaustless subject for study, did there remain no others than those which we have named. But these various conditions of the ocean and the objects to be seen upon its surface are not the " wonders " of which we mean to speak, but rather of that vast reservoir of life hidden beneath these beautiful waves, of those curious and charming marine animals of which one can scarcely realize INTRODUCTORY. 3 the attraction, unless, like the writer, he has watched their modes of life with attention, and observed from day to day the wonderful provision which Nature has made for the growth and sustenance of even the minutest organisms. The immense variety of life contained in the ocean would never be suspected from superficial observations. The very scintil- lations of the surface, which we admire at night, are but the myriad lamps of tiny creatures, wonderfully fashioned, and serving purposes which eventually, by circuitous paths, re- dound to the advantage of the human race. As purifiers of the ocean by their constant movements, and as food for larger kinds of marine animals, they prove as serviceable to man as they are eminently worthy of his study. The only way by which amateur naturalists can famil- iarize themselves with living specimens of marine animals is by collecting them in aquaria. These artificial reservoirs are looked upon by many as a modern fashionable invention ; but history informs us that the art of preserving and breed- ing rare marine and fresh-water animals was well understood by the ancients. The Romans, in those luxurious days which preceded the decline of the empire, were famous for the lavish expenditure bestowed upon their artificial fish-ponds ; and some very ingenious and curious means were adopted by them in the preservation of aquatic animals. True, it was not with a view to scientific observation, or even as amateur naturalists, but rather with the epicurean intent to procure the choicest fish for their tables. But in some instances, doubtless, it was for the beauty of the creatures themselves, as in the case of the gold-fish and the red mullet, the latter of which displays in death those marvelous iridescent colors which induced some of the patricians to introduce streams of water under their dining-tables, so that this phenomenon might be observed at leisure by their guests. Others of those " noble Romans " have been charged with the barbarity of throwing slaves alive into their fish-ponds, with a special 4 THE OCEAN. view of thus fattening the famous lamprey-eels, which was a fashionable dish of the period. But the moderns must have the credit not only of culti- vating the edible species of fish, mollusks, and Crustacea, for useful purposes, but of studying the more minute and curi- ous non-edible, and even microscopic forms, from purely scientific motives. France led the way, and Germany, Eng- land, and our own country, have rapidly followed ; so that for the last four decades we may say that marine zoology has been popularized ; and we will yet hope that, in connec- tion with other branches of natural science, it may be made an ordinary branch of education. Why should our youth be kept in ignorance of one-half of the Creator's wonderful works, as displayed in the inhabitants of the waters of the ocean ? To prove that the study of natural objects is as good a discipline for the mind as is exclusive devotion to the clas- sics, we have only to point to Cuvier. There is an anecdote told of him which illustrates his own thought on this subject. It is said that, when he was called to fill an important public office, the Emperor Napoleon expressed his surprise at the skill displayed in the management of affairs by this student of Nature; but Cuvier declared that it was precisely the order and system with which Nature requires to be studied that had habituated his mind to grasp at once the problems presented to him in a totally different sphere of thought. Marine zoology has suffered under the disadvantage, be- yond other branches of science, that subjects for examination were not easily attainable. During the first century of our era, the greatest naturalist of his day, Pliny, had only dis- covered forty-seven* kinds of marine animals ! Successive observers added their mites of observation, but knowledge on this subject was of very slow growth, for, until the inven- tion of the microscope, the numerically largest division of these curious creatures were invisible ; and we may say that, until the era of scientific expeditions and the invention of INTRODUCTORY. 5 machines for deep-sea dredging, thousands of curious forms of coral, shells, algae, and all their congeners, were never be- held by any human eyes. But the human imagination was never idle, though sci- ence has been so tardy in its marches ; and those poetical fancies, which conceived of mermaids and fairy-grottoes be- neath the bright sea-waves, were in many respects nearer to the truth than the so-called facts of some of the old natu- ralists, for certainly no fairy-land could exceed in beauty many of the gorgeous bowers formed by the combined pro- ductions of the marine flora and the animated dwellers in the submarine depths of the tropical seas. SHELLS OP LIVING FOKAMINIFEBA. a, Orbulina universa, in its perfect condition, showing- the tubular spines which radiate from the surface of the shell; 6, Globigerina frulloides in its ordinary condition, the thin hollow spines which are attached to the shell when per- fect having been broken off; c, Textularia varidbilix ; d, Peneroplis planatus : e Rota- lia coneamerata ; f CrisleUaria mbarcuatula. Fig. a is after Wyville Thomson the others are after Williamson. All the figures are greatly enlarged (after Nicholson). 6 THE OCEAN. In those masses known as macciotta an almost unnum- bered variety of garden and even forest like structures are formed, consisting of polypiers, hydroids, corals, algae, and sea-anemones, of the most brilliant hues and graceful forms, which neither pen nor pencil can ever adequately describe. It must here be noted that modern facilities of observa- tion have greatly extended the area of animal life ; not only in our recognition of about 500,000 varieties of marine forms, of which 400,000 take rank as very low organizations, but in the discovery that many species of growths once classed as vegetables, such as the sponges and corals, are now known to be animal organising. CHAP TEE II. AC TIN OILS. ACTINIA, SEA-ANEMONES, OK SEA-FLOWEES. HAVING been peculiarly successful in keeping alive and in healthy condition a large number of these beautiful creat- ures, I shall now attempt to describe a few of them, begin- ning with a class which is better known than many others, and which must ever grow into popular favor from the beau- ty of its form, the brilliancy of its colors, and the compara- tive ease with which they may be preserved in the aquarium. I refer to those charming sea-flowers, the anemones, many of which rival in beauty the choicest treasures of the garden or conservatory. But added to their loveliness of form and color is the superior attraction of their vitality ; for these sea- flowers are living animals, breathing, eating, digesting, and capable of changing their forms at will. Would not a pink be more curious if it could walk ? a rose awaken greater in- terest if it could reach after its necessary nourishment, and take care of its own buds ? Well, this is what the flowers of the sea do. This animal-flower is widely diffused, is found upon all our shores, usually adhering to rocks, and has even been found upon the timber of our docks. Every sea offers us some representatives. It is classed by naturalists with the corals ; and, if we cannot all have the latter alive in our aquaria, we can all secure sea-anemones, which will assist us to understand the mode of life of the former. 2 8 THE OCEAN. The sea-anemones possess the power of altering their shape to an astonishing degree. Sometimes they will con- tract themselves into balls, partially elongated and expanded ; then they will stretch out their fringes and tentacles to their widest extent, like a polypetalous flower in full bloom. ANEMONES, OR SEA-FLOWERS. The variety known as Metridium marginatum is particu- larly fond of this habit. I have long had in my aquarium a beautiful salmon-colored one, which will assume many dif- ferent forms in as many minutes. Standing up at its full height, some six or seven inches, a constriction or belt will ACTINIA, SEA-ANEMONES, OR SEA-FLOWERS. 9 appear around the middle of its body or column ; this will be drawn tighter and closer, until a perfect hour-glass form is pro- duced ; then perhaps this band or girdle will move upward toward the crown, and it will appear like a small umbrella or mushroom. Then it may shift downward, and at a cer- tain distance become highly suggestive of a delicate-waisted young maiden. I have seen two of these belts appear at the same time, and have even observed three. Some of the forms assumed are wonderfully graceful and interesting to the observer, but I doubt if these are healthy indications. Sometimes it remains attached to a piece of rock, and anon it prefers the smooth glass wall of the tank. When in the latter position, the observer is enabled to note the peculiar structure of the base, and in some of the German varieties which I possess there is sufficient transparency to give a view of the internal structure. In the base of these latter appear both radiate and concentric lines, indicating the divisions which exist in the body, forming a succession of chambers ; a central cavity is observable above a,nd below, forming the axis of the animal, and around this the chambers or cells are arranged in a radiate form, char- acteristic of the class Hadiata. These partitions forming the cham- bers or cells do not all extend to the inner sac or stomach ; they in- crease in number in proportion to the age of the animal. Around the edges of these partitions are the genital organs, arranged close to the central cavity, in the lower pnrl of flip irmpr IP fhrrma-li CROSS-SECTION OF A POLYP, OR SEA- inner Sac, mrOUgil ANEMONK, SHOWING THE SEPTA. which the matured young pass, and thence through the mouth opening at the top. The tipper chambers of the cavity are prolonged at the superior edge into tentacles or feelers, which extend in a 10 THE OCEAN. number of rows around the upper part of the animal, form- ing when they are all extended a beautiful crown. If these tentacles or feelers are touched, or if the creature is in any way alarmed, they are instantly contracted, and all the parts sink down and are drawn together into a compact mass. This is effected by the exudation of water from the cavities or chambers through a series of small openings connected SEA-ANEMONE AND ITS YOUNG. ANTIIEA CEREUS (Opelet). with the central cavity. Expansion takes place by the re- versed action, namely, filling these cells with water. These creatures possess in a limited degree the power of locomo- tion by means of two sets of muscles, one set running around the body, the others arranged longitudinally; and by con- tracting and expanding these they are enabled to move even considerable distances. I have seen them go even at a snail's pace across the tank. The sea-anemones are delightfully varied in size, color, form, and special peculiarities of development and function ; so that a large collection would be like an animated flower- garden, composed of carnations, china-asters, dahlias, daisies, etc. Their general resemblance to flowers first caused natu- ralists to bestow upon the whole class the name of the anem- one, or wind-flower ; while individual features and pecu- liarities have induced successive discoverers to name the varying species in a similar way. Hence we have among our sea-anemones such designations as the dahlia, wartlet, Sagartia rosea, Actinoloba, Dianthus, and so forth. ACTINLE, SEA-ANEMONES, OR SEA-FLOWERS. H The beauty of many species is greatly enhanced by the fact that several colors are combined in individual specimens. Thus sometimes the main body or column will be green, with white or golden tentacles, and the base buff with a pink disk or tips, or crimson with azure spheroids ; sometimes the whole animal will be of one color, varied by different tints and shades. Down below, in the caves of the sea, these wonder- ful creatures have for untold ages anticipated our modern- "combination-suits," and have appeared dressed in all the glory of scarlet and gold, pink and gray, blue and white, green and crimson ; their exquisite taste always selecting ac- cords or pleasing contrasts, and avoiding all discordant shades which would clash with or " kill " each other, such as we sometimes see in human productions. In my own limited collection there is a beautiful crimson anemone, the Actinia mesemhryanthemum, a native of the Bermuda seas, with bright blue eyes, 1 situated at the base of the outer row of tentacles ; they are about the size of JSTo. 6 shot, and brilliant as turquoise, to which mineral they bear much resemblance, though brighter. I have others of a greenish gray with white tips, and a splendid specimen from the coast of Massachusetts of a delicate salmon tint, the disk being of a deepened tinge. The same waters furnish other varieties, the Metridium marginatum being probably the most numerous. There is also in my aquarium a lovely pure white specimen, taken from New York Harbor. Thus, it may be seen, we have these elegant marine beings at our very doors ; but how few are there to appreciate them as they deserve ! . As some of our readers, who reside at a distance from any public aquarium, may never have had the opportunity of examining a living anemone, we will describe, with as 1 Eyes only in appearance. They are not organs of vision, but a rudimen- tary form of pigment-cells, such as are found on the margin of the naked-eyed medusae. 12 THE OCEAN. little use of technical language as possible, their general form, habfts of life, and modes of reproduction, all of which processes are exceedingly interesting, and may be watched at leisure through the glass walls of the aquarium. The sea-anemone does not belong to the lowest order of marine life, but takes rank in the third great division or sub-kingdom, the COLENTERATA, sub-class A.ctinozoa. The column-shaped body of this animal-flower is soft, but usually tough and tenacious, and consists of a simple sac, commonly broadened at the base and open at the top or mouth. Within this outer sac is a smaller one, which, though serving for a stomach, is open at the bottom ; but its internal walls are provided with numerous septa (vertical muscular partitions), which exert a strong contractile force, and prevent the food from escaping until it has performed its office of nourish- ment. This sac the animal can turn inside out without in- jury or inconvenience. The upper edges of these two sacs are united, forming a thick circular lip, from which proceed the numerous tentacles that fringe the mouth with a col- larette of sensitive and retractile projections, individually closely resembling the petals of certain polypetalous flowers ; but they are narrow in proportion to their length, and, in- stead of being flat like most flower-petals, are hollow and susceptible of extension to the point of transparency. With them they clasp their food, and perform other curious func- tions to be hereafter mentioned. In addition to the tentacles, these curious creatures are armed for attacking their prey with what we may call fine thread-like lassos, of arrow-like sharpness, called cnidce (from a Greek word meaning a nettle), from which is transmitted a powerful stinging and benumbing sensation, deadly to small prey, the victim being affected as by a shock of electricity. This I know by experience, for, some years ago, when in Bermuda, while attempting to take a large actinia from a rock, one of these soft-looking beauties gave me a shock ACTINLE, SEA-ANEMONES, OK SEA-FLOW-ERS. 13 which disabled my arm for hours. It will easily be understood that this concealed battery en- ables the sea - anem- ones to conquer much larger and stronger creatures than they could hold simply by the tentacles ; they often seize large shrimps, and crabs far beyond their own size. Occasionally, however, if one of these finds an anemone weakened from any cause, it will take up a position upon the edge of its mouth, keeping it dis- tended, and with its claws pluck out the food from the victim's sac and appropriate it to its own use. Some- times, when such an attempt is made, a combat ensues, and then woe to the ma- rauder if he has mis- taken the strength of the sea-anemone ! He will surely fall into his own trap. 14 THE OCEAN. Some of the sea-anemones are free-swimming organiza- tions, and all have some capacity for movement ; but the habit of most is to attach themselves to some firm object, as a rock or a section of coral, or to the back of a crab or other Crustacea. In fact, when free they swim backward, and wherever their base encounters a firm object, no matter what, there they will fix themselves by suction, and as a gen- eral rule contentedly remain. There are two species, how- ever, which show a marked preference for the back of a crus- tacean. One is called the parasite anemone, and its favorite home is on the hard shell of the hermit-crab (the Pagurus HERMIT-CRAB WITH SEA-ANKMOUE ON ITS SHELL. Bernhardus) ; and as these crabs are great travelers, and have the peculiarity of frequently changing their residence by taking possession of the empty shells of other animals, this parasite anemone is likely to see far more of the world than its more modest brethren. There is one other genus which cultivates the parasitic habit, the Adamsia, which selects the crab P. Prideaitxii for its place of abode. This habit is known as commeiisalism, as they are presumed to dine at the same table. ACTINLE, SEA-ANEMONES, OR SEA-FLOWERS. 15 Once located, the sea-anemone has only to continue sed- entary, to open its mouth, and wait for food to float within reach of its tentacles, and ocean-water furnishes a never-fail- ing supply of the lower forms of infusoria, zoophytes, and polyps I give niine small portions of clams, oysters, or sometimes scraped chicken. If anything enters their mouth which proves unacceptable, they very promptly eject it. Anemones may live singly or in society, but they readily tend to reproduction, as most of them are hermaphrodite and are singly capable of producing living germs. Besides, the anemones are not reduced to a single mode of reproduction ; and though the birth of an anemone might in the aristocratic circles of the Actinozoa be considered more strictly legiti- mate when the germ .is nourished within the sac, yet this mode is not uniformly adhered to. When, however, this is the case, the larva remains within the sac until a certain stage of development is reached, when it is ejected from the mouth of the parent, and sets out on its own account, a free though as yet an imperfectly developed anemone needing only a little more time to complete its structure, affix itself to a permanent base, and become the nucleus of a new so- ciety. When these young are first set free, they usually ap- pear with only six tentacles ; subsequently these are multi- plied by sixes to twelve, twenty-four, forty-eight, and so on, until in the full maturity of the creature they sometimes ap- proach to two hundred in number. Nearly or quite all scientific writers on zoology represent this as the invariable procedure in this kind of propagation. But one of my anemones has, within a few weeks, given birth to seventeen young ; and certainly in two instances which I observed, instead of ignomiiiiously ejecting them from the mouth as above described, these were tenderly taken from the mouth lyy two tentacles, which then became wonder- fully elongated, and these young larvae were carefully de- posited on the rock which served the mother-anemone as a 16 THE OCEAN. base. They are now alive and wonderfully active in their independent existence. To the uninstructed eye it was as if one looking at a dahlia or aster should suddenly see the flower pluck a bud from its centre by two of its petals, ex- tend these to the earth, and there deposit the germ, which should thereupon begin to develop into a mature flower ! Would not such a sight be worth going a long journey to see ? Yet as curious actions, by these and other small marine animals, may be witnessed by any one sufficiently interested to keep and faithfully watch even a small aquarium. But this internal process of germination is supplemented by two other kinds : gemmation, or budding, and fission, or division. In the former the young are formed on the out- side of the parent, on the side or near the base, from which at the proper moment they detach themselves and become independent existences.- By the process of fission, the sev- ered parts, as with many polyps, grow into perfect individu- als. Should an anemone be divided horizontally, the lower part would soon form a new mouth and tentacles ; the upper part would remain for some time open at both ends, fruitless- ly endeavoring to satisfy its appetite for food which floated through it a more hopeless effort than that of Tantalus but Nature, kinder to the anemone than to him, soon comes to its relief, as the lower portion eventually closes, developing a new sac and tentacles, and the creature con- tinues to live as a twin or double anemone. If divided ver- tically, there is a tendency to reunite and form two parallel growths, each somewhat slimmer than the original. Some species have a habit of throwing off portions of their base, which form into new individuals. The Actinia, dianthus has this fissiparous habit, and others may suffer vivisection from man with similar results. The severed por- tion may be without germs or ova; it is only necessary that the piece cut away should contain the three elementary tis- sues of the animal, i. e., the tegumentary, the muscular, and ACTINLE, SEA- ANEMONES, OR SEA-FLOWERS. 17 the ciliated lining membrane, so tenacious of life and full of vivifying power are these delicate-looking creatures. 4 It would take a volume to fully describe even a small portion of the numerous varieties of sea-anemones. But, among those which have been most successfully preserved in aquaria, we may mention the parasite anemone, which affects the hermit-crab; and this, we may say, has been proved to be a deliberate and not accidental partnership. Gosse relates that, having found an anemone on a shell de- ACTINI^K OR SEA-ANEMONES, WIITCH LIVE IN THE SAND AND ARE OFTEN UNATTACHED. 1. PeacMa 7i fist ft fa-, Gosse. 2. Edwardsia cal/imorphia, Gosse. 3. Halocampa chrysanthellum, Gosse the last mostly buried in the sand. sorted by a hermit-crab, he put it, still adhering to its old home, into his aquarium. It soon left the deserted abode, and stuck to the glass walls of its prison ; but the crab being placed in the tank, and again taking possession of the shell, the anemone left the glass and returned to the back of the crab and remained there. The cloak-anemone always seeks 18 THE OCEAN. 'to base itself on the inner lip of some univalve shell. The sand-pintlet, Halocampa chrysanthellum, needs only sand enough at the bottom of the tank to burrow in ; and, when he raises his beautiful head and looks about for food, he easily pays for his lodging, which is certainly inexpensive. The globe-horn, Corynactis viridis, is of a beautiful yel- lowish emerald-green, sometimes of a translucent white, hav- ing umber tentacles, or brown with pink tips. This species has the peculiarity of not embracing its food with its ten- tacles ; it simply opens its mouth wide and receives what floats toward it. A curious species is the vestlet, Cerianthus Loydii, about seven inches long. It has in its natural state a rough, felty coat, which can be stripped off without injury to the creat- ure, and to prevent its reforming it may be kept in a glass tube within the aquarium. Some of these sea-anemones secrete calcareous matter or corallum, and are considered a connecting link with the true corals. Of this class are the Capneadce, of the tribe of Ca- ryophylliaccB. The eyed Sagartia is so named from the fact that when its tentacles shrink, or are withdrawn, there remain small, elevated points resembling the eyes of a butterfly's wing. Some dwellers by the sea in the south of Europe, more blessed with good appetites than aesthetic taste, do not hesi- tate to cook and eat these beautiful sea-flowers ; the taste is said to resemble that of the soft crab. The celebrated Eng- lish naturalist Gosse also tasted them, and pronounced them superior in flavor to the periwinkle. u Full many a gem of purest ray serene The dark, unt'athomed caves of ocean bear ; Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air." CHAPTER III. LIVING CORALS. u We wandered where the dreamy palm Murmured above the sleeping wave, And through the waters clear and calm Looked down into the coral cave." AMONG the advantages of travel may well be reckoned the memories of scenes passed through the adventures and labors shared in common with sympathizing companions especially when the object of the journey was the observa- tion and study of natural productions, fauna or flora, on land, river, or sea. Every practical marine zoologist must have shared in the keen delight and curious expectancy of watch- ing the rise of the dredging-machine, as it approached the deck from its foraging excursion below. How we hoped to find this or that some particular specimen upon which we had set our hearts ; and with what disappointment we turned away if nothing of value was discovered, or only the com- monest specimens appeared, of which we already had abun- dance ! But did the eye perceive some unknown form, with what ardor it was secured, and yet with what gentleness and delicacy it was handled and inspected ! for experience had taught us that some of the most beautiful marine forms are not to be touched with impunity, many of them possessing stinging qualities, while others, like the brittle-star, have the inconvenient habit of dismembering themselves if displeased or frightened. 20 THE OCEAN. There are many favorable locations for finding varied and curious specimens, such as the waters of the Mediterra- nean, the shores of Japan, and the coral islands of the Pa- cific; but, for those who cannot make extended voyages, there is perhaps no better hunting-ground for marine curi- osities than the Bermuda islands. One reason for this prob- ably is, that in favorable years the Gulf Stream throws many exotics on its shores ; but a more permanent cause may be found in the fact that this group of islands is entirely or- ganic, and that both fossil and living specimens of corals, mollusca, annelids, and wondrously beautiful fishes, may be found in abundance. But it is of coral alone that we now design to speak, and this interesting production may also be sought among the Florida Keys. It is not strange that so curious and beautiful an object as coral should have early attracted the attention both of naturalists and ordinary travelers. Even the common sea- man likes to take home a piece of coral to adorn his humble abode, while learned scientists have reasoned and argued with pertinacity and zeal over the mystery of its construction. The Greeks named it the " Daughter of the Sea," but are not known to have investigated its nature or mode of growth. For a long period it was the subject of curious conjectures, such as that it was a vegetable formation, and again that it was soft while in the water, and only hardened on exposure to the air ; and even to the present time there remain in the popular conception several curious errors in regard to its growth. Indeed, we have heard public speakers, clergymen and others, in pursuit of an illustration, speak of " the won- derful labors of the coral insect ! " In this short phrase are involved two fundamental errors ; for the coral-producers are neither laborers nor insects. Another very common mistake is the supposition that they are exceedingly minute even microscopic in size. This is far from being the case. Having had several varie- LIVING CORALS. 1 ties under observation in my aquarium for years, I can assure the reader that they are not only large enough to be plainly seen by the naked eye, but that they sometimes elongate themselves nearly an inch above the upper edge of their cell, measuring one-third of an inch in diameter. But some one may ask, " If the coral-producers are not insects, what are they ? " We answer, mainly polyps, with some hydroids and soft moljusks of the lowest class. These are all soft-bodied organisms, consisting of many varieties, having the organic function of secreting carbonate of lime, which, with some other ingredients, as silica and small por- tions of sand, composes the hard substance called coral. The body of the polyp consists of a cylindrical skin, with an inside sac, which is the stomach, and is furnished at the top with thread-like appendages, with which it draws in its food. Whatever it does not wish to retain in the stom- ach it rejects by the mouth, having no other resource, as the lower end of the polyp is affixed to the stony substance. When expanded, these thread-like tentacles around the. mouth give them a flower-like appearance. It is between the outer skin and the sac or stomach that the limestone is secreted which forms the coral substance. It will thus be seen that the polyp does not gather or col- lect from external sources the material of the coral does not in any correct sense work or " build " any more than a tree may be said to work as it grows into wood. Nature has simply provided that, in receiving its food, the polyp selects from the ingredients of the sea-water that which is capable of being reduced by simple functional processes into coral ; just as a plant selects and Secretes from the earth that kind of nourishment which makes stems, leaves, and buds. Each mature polyp, when fixed in its cell, may be con- sidered as resting upon the tombs of its ancestors ; and, when it dies, its descendants will repeat the process over its remains, and its own body, within which its share of 22 THE OCEAN. coral has been secreted, will be tlie base for a new living descendant. The cells of the coral colony are not retreats into which the polyps come and go, like a bird building its nest, but part and parcel of the creature ; just as much so as are the bones belonging to a human body with this difference, that in the case of the polyp the stony part (representing the osseous structure in man) is all at the lower portion, while the upper part is soft and flexible ; but in a healthy condition they are inseparably combined. It is well known that the power of secretion is inherent in all living tissue, while its matter and form are varied in every possible degree, from the animalcule to the superior mammal. This power or faculty is possessed in full perfec- D ANA'S ASTEANGIA (Astranyia Dance, Agassiz) : c, a growing cluster ; a, a single polyp en- larged ; 6, the dead coral. tion by what we call the lower forms of life, and it is among these we find the stone-makers ; for the simplicity of their structure is such that they may be nearly all stone while yet the small portion of vital substance carries on the processes of nutrition and growth. It is not generally known, outside of the circle of natural- ists and the scientists connected with the Coast Survey ser- vice, that coral grows on our own North Atlantic shores, the popular belief being that all corals are to be sought for in warm climates. There is one variety at least, Astrangia LIVING CORALS. 23 Dance, which has been found on the shores of Massachusetts and Connecticut. But what we call true coral has not hith- erto been kept in a living condition in any other private aqua- rium than my own. So far as I know, my acquisition is unique, being the only living specimen of the true coral^pro- ducing polyp preserved in captivity within the United States, though plenty of it may be found at the Florida Keys, some parts of the West Indies, and at the Bermudas. But these delicate creatures cannot be preserved except under favor- able conditions ; and constant care is required when in the aquarium to see that no injurious substance or fellow-captives come in contact with them. The Astrangia, specimens of which have been found in the vicinity of New Haven and other points along the Sound, differs in this particular from other varieties of coral : the polyp rises more prominently above its cell ; the coral secre- tion being limited to its base, and not, as in the reef -building and some others, continuing the secretion between the outer walls of the internal sac and the epithecum. The tentacles have minute warty prominences upon them, which are full of lasso-cells. I have never seen specimens of this variety above three or four inches in diameter, by less than one in height. The specimens I have are fine indeed. I have seen them when the mass of little animals with their myriads of fleecy locks looked like a pure white ball of snow. Among other varieties of coral which I have succeeded in preserving in health and good working order is a fine specimen of the species known as Occulina. Its peculiarity is its branched or tree-like form ; its zoothome, or mass of living occupants, when out in all their glory, are so numer- ous as nearly to hide the stony substance of the corallum, presenting the appearance of a stem and branches adorned with living flowers. In this variety the tentacles are shorter than in some other kinds, nor have they the power of elon- gating themselves to the same extent. They are colored, but 24 THE OCEAN. not uniformly of one shade ; they are often greenish or of an umber tint, with changeable iridescent color. They are usually considered more elegant than the reef-building va- riety, from which their internal structure does not materi- ally differ. It will be perceived that the association of the polyps in all compound groups must be of the most intimate kind ; for, though each individual has a separate mouth, tentacles, and stomach, yet the intervening tissue which connects them is subject to a free circulation of fluids through its pores or lacunes. Thus the zoothome as a whole must be considered as a living mass of animal matter, which is all benefited by the nourishment received through the individual members. It is a perfect commonwealth of its kind, even exceeding in perfection that of the honey-bees ; for there are no drones among the polyps. How long the coral polyps will live is not known. I have preserved mine in pure sea-water for years, and they appear to be as fresh and healthy as ever, active and indus- trious; but this industry, as has been explained, does not consist in any such operation as " building." Their simple and sole business is eating / and that a strong stony structure is the result, is no more creditable to them than it is to a maple-tree to secrete sugar, nor does it indicate any more effort. The process of coral growth is, however, very slow, if my specimens are any criterion. But a very minute addition has been made to my corallum during the years that I have had it. I cannot say, however, whether it might not have progressed more rapidly had it been left in its original habitat. But though my corallum has grown so slowly in height or lateral extent, it has increased very fairly by gemmation or budding ; a considerable number of infant polyps have been added to the group, always, so far as I have observed, LIVING CORALS. 25 in the autumn, October and November. At first the young larvee are worm-like in form, whitish and semi-transparent ; they are very agile, and dart about in all directions, swim- ming, as we may say, " stern foremost," as their mouths are always in the rear. But this life of freedom soon comes to an end : Fate has ordained that they shall become fixed to their parent-stem or some other stationary object. Their mode of swimming facilitates this result, the base having a natural tendency to adhere on contact; and thus its gay youth" is soon exchanged for a sedentary life, with no other changes than that of eating and digesting their food. There are few natural objects more pleasing than an asso- ciation of these corallets ; for, as the polyps rise above their cells and extend their fine long tentacles, resembling threads of pure white silk, waving them to and fro like the radiated petals of a fairy-flower swayed by a gentle zephyr, or, again, like a minute feather fan slightly concave at the edge, they present an exceedingly animated and elegant appearance. Sometimes, when nearly at rest and the filaments are more contracted, they suggest the appearance of a dense frost set- tled upon a bed of moss. But these fairy-like implements, with which the coral- polyp gathers in its food, are not such innocent objects as they appear to the naked eye. Examined under a magnifying- glass, there may be observed on the tentacles a row of slight protuberances, one larger than the rest being situated at the tip. These might easily be mistaken for ornaments, but their character is far different : they may, in fact, be looked upon as the creature's armory, for within them lie concealed cnidce or lasso-like filaments, sometimes called capsule-threads, which are capable of being thrown out to a distance many times the length of their own bodies. It is with these that they capture their prey ; for these little soft animals are car- nivorous in their habits, and indeed have not yet abandoned the barbarous practice of infusing poison into their darts. 26 THE OCEAN. In each of these cnidcs is secreted an injurious fluid, which partially or wholly paralyzes the small Crustacea or other animals which the tentacles seize ; and whatever small prey falls within their grasp is very promptly and certainly se- cured. The mouth of the polyp being in the centre of the upper portion of the body, the victim thus seized is rapidly passed into it by aid of the longer tentacles, and thence de- scends to the stomach. The actinoidS) to which class these coral-polyps belong, owe nearly their whole success in foraging to these concealed weapons, which are numbered by myriads. The cavities which contain them have been called by Agassiz lasso or / O nettling cells. Gosse names them cnidce or thread-capsules, because the small cell-shaped sheath contains these slender tubular threads, coiled up, ready for use ; and they are darted out with astonishing rapidity when a victim happens to stray within reach. The poison is communicated instantly at the first contact. Should you have the least feeling of doubt as to the stinging propensity of these little animals, you may readily satisfy yourself on the subject by just touching your tongue or lips to the surface of the corallum, when you will receive such a sensational explanation on this point as you will never forget. In handling and arranging living corals from time to time, I have felt this poisonous stinging sensation, and suffered considerable pain for an hour, and some degree of inconvenience for more than twenty hours after. The shock from these, however, is much less severe than from the anemones, as mentioned in the chapter on those living " sea-flowers." The food received into the stomach is always digested before the animal retires to its quiescent condition within its cell or calicle. If closely observed, this process can be actu- ally seen through the semi-transparent, glassy walls of the living polyp. I have tested this by furnishing my pets with LIVING CORALS. 27 small portions of our ordinary edible mollusks, not over the fifteenth of an inch in size perhaps as large as half a me- dium-sized Zante currant. In the Corallidce the axis is wholly calcareous, firm and solid throughout, of a color usually varying from crimson to rose-red. In this class belongs the Corallium rub-rum, the red or precious coral. The cortex that is, the outer crust, resembling somewhat the bark of a tree is in this species thin, contains comparatively few calcareous spiculse, and may be readily rubbed off when dried specimens are handled. This outside cortex is of a coralline nature, but the true coral is the red axis which it envelops. When specimens of this variety have been carefully preserved, the polyp-centres may be perceived ; they are distinguished by the appearance of a faint six-rayed star. When living they are similar to other alcyonoids in respect to the number of their tentacles, there being eight, and fully fringed. In the living corallum they open out profusely, as was described in the branched form, making an exceedingly beautiful object. The branches have a tendency to expand horizontally. . Although I have not yet been fortunate enough to obtain a living specimen of this variety, I hope soon to receive one, and may yet be able to describe their habits and growth from my own observation. Large quantities of this precious coral, or coral of commerce, are annually fished up from the rocky bottom of the Mediterranean Sea and carried to the Paris and London markets, whence much of it reaches New York. Some extensive dealers, such as Messrs. Tiffany & Co., of this city, use in their jewelry hundreds of thousands of dol- lars' worth annually. Some shades of it are immensely valu- able. The real rose-pink is so much sought after, that its value becomes almost fabulous, being sometimes sold at twenty-five times its own weight in pure gold ; it is always sold by the ounce or pennyweight. When more than a few inches in length, its value is still further augmented, as few 28 THE OCEAN. pieces of any considerable size are ever offered for sale. This scarcity tends to enhance its worth, as well as the intrinsic beauty of its peculiar color. Mr. Gideon F. T. Reed, of Paris, some years ago kindly presented Mrs. Damon with what might be considered a giant specimen of this coral, measuring some twelve inches in surface ; it is likewise of a most graceful branching form, something like the antler of a deer. This she only allows me to look at on rare occasions ! It is certainly the finest specimen of this coral that I have ever seen. The Coralliwn rubrum is found at depths vary- ing from twenty-five to a thousand feet. The black coral, Corallium nigrescens, is still more scarce, and, though capable of being worked into ~bijouterie, on ac- count . of the small number of specimens which have been secured it is very rarely met with in commerce. One hand- some variety of this color is the Antipathes subpinnata^ so named on account of its spiny habit of growth. " It is," says M. Moquin-Tandon, " a fragile and brittle polypier. When dry, the branches, slender and delicate, resemble the barbs of a feather." It is sometimes found with a brownish or greenish tinge. The bark or cortex is soft and pliable, being destitute of calcareous or silicious matter, and is easily rubbed off when the coral is dead. The polyps are of a yellowish color, and long as compared with other varieties. The large, massive forms of coral, whether of the dome, reef, or tree-like shape, would never reach the magnificent proportions that they do were it not for that peculiar pro- vision of Nature in regard to the zoophytes, of life and death both proceeding simultaneously and successively ; each, combined and singly, aiding in one and the same object. This curious condition of growth favors the coral aggrega- tion by allowing the living polyp, as it secretes the calcareous matter, to mount upward on that which it has already secreted and deposited. From the successful execution of this ascend- ing process, we are led to infor either that the creature has LIVING CORALS. 29 the power of indefinite elongation, or that it must desert the precipitated portion of the corallum as growth proceeds ; and, in fact, this last is what actually occurs. In some instances a polyp of only an inch in length, and even less, has been found at the top of a stem many inches in height ; for the whole substance of what is called " living coral " is in reality dead, excepting the extreme surface or point of each branch occupied by the little animal. The living tissues which once filled the cells of the lower portion of the corallum have been consumed by natural processes, and have disappeared as growth went on above. Some writers, speaking of this sub- ject, use the expression that these tissues have " dried away ; " but how they could "dry" away under water is not very clear. On this theory of the growth of corallum, it would seem that there is no necessary limit to Jts increase in height, and that the elevation might extend indefinitely ; but, practically, we find that its natural limit is the surface of the sea. When that point is reached, the polyp dies, apparently from the exposure only, and not from any inherent cause of death in the animal organization. Some one or two exceptions to this rule have been reported, as madrepores having been found " alive and well " six inches above low tide ; but the narrator does not say how long they remained alive ! In those dense, weighty, dome-like forms called Astrcea, the rule certainly holds good : when the summit attains the level of the sea, progress ceases as to height, but it may yet be enlarged con- siderably as to breadth; and, should we endeavor to sep- arate one of these masses into their respective living and dead portions, we should have in the former a hemispherical shell, perhaps not more than half an inch thick, while the dome would be a mere dead mass of stone, perhaps ten or fifteen feet in diameter. The final solidification of the coral mass is aided by the increased secretion by the polyp shortly before its death, 30 THE OCEAN. filling all the pores with this stony matter in proportion as the vital tissues occupying them shrink and dwindle. This last deposit greatly aids in strengthening those tree-like or CLTTSTBE OF CORAL-POLYPS (Aeteroides catycularis, Milne-Edwards), in various stages of expansion. DEAD CORAL (Asteroides caly- cularis, Milne- Ed wards). MEAUDRINA CEKEBRIFOKMIS. branched coral growths which, though so slender of form, are really very strong. The facility with which polyps repair an injury, a fract- ure, or disturbance of any kind, is common to many of the LIVING CORALS. 31 lower marine organisms. A blow or sudden shock given to a mass of coral would probably cause the whole community to withdraw into their cells for a short time, perhaps an hour or more. Should even a portion be broken off, the inhabi- tants of the remaining mass would not long remain in re- treat ; but very soon we should see them, with their upper surface exposed, and their tentacles all expanded, commenc- ing the process of restoration without loss of time. The separated portion would either adhere in some crook or cranny of the mass, and reunite with its old associates, or, if too far removed for contact, would become fixed on some rock or other firm substance, and continue to grow regardless of the accident, perhaps becoming the nucleus of a mass as large as its parent group. It would do this by cementing its base, through new coral secretions, to whatever substance it came in contact with, if in any way favorable to its habits and nature. The common surf -corals, of which branching madrepore and the dome-shaped astrsea are good examples, consist al- ASTR/EA PALLIDA (living). most wholly of carbonate of lime the same ingredient which constitutes ordinary limestone. In 100 parts, 95 to 98 are of this substance, and of the remainder there are about four parts of organic matter, with some earthy ingredients and traces of silica, and in a few cases fluorine has been detected. 32 THE OCEAN. Its density exceeds that of common limestone or marble, as may be tested by striking it with, an iron instrument. The varieties of coral are very numerous, some growing in masses and others living an independent individual exist- ence, and all very interesting in their way ; but, as this little work is designed to give the results of our own observation and experience, we shall not indulge in any extensive descrip- tion of other varieties than such as we are personally ac- quainted with. Our only regret, in closing this chapter, is that we feel the utter inability to express by words the charm which these interesting creatures are capable of exerting over the mind of the lover of Nature, who watches them daily, feeds them, observes their changes, recognizes the condition of their health by the greater or less force with which they wave their little fairy flags of white, and follows with the keenest interest the fate and fortunes of the infant polyps, born under the loving and gentle captivity of our crystal- walled aquarium. CHAPTEK IY. HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. OCEAN architects, house-builders, decorators, masons, weavers, jewelers, dyers, butchers, mowers, scavengers, sur- geons! Who would expect to find the trades and profes- sions represented to this extent among the denizens of the ocean ? And yet in this list I have named but a portion of the curious marine operators which we have under daily ob- servation in my own aquarium. It would almost seem that the most ingenious architects and the finest constructive instinct were to be found ap- parently in the most insignificant forms. It is in the lower orders of animal life peculiarly that there are hidden from common observation worlds of beauty and wonderful dis- plays of skill, of which the transient or careless observer has no conception. Peering through the transparent walls of my aquarium, filled with clear, bright sea-water, I have for years daily watched these marvelous operations with never- wearying in- terest. The unexpected revelations of curious instinct, which in some cases seems to approach the verge of reason, the growth, the changes, the curious and beautiful combinations of form and color, are revelations more like a glimpse into fairy-land, or the realization of some fantasy of the imagina- tion, than simple facts in Nature's inexhaustible storehouse. And when we consider how many extinct myriads of these creatures have gone on unnoticed, even unknown to man, for so many ages, exercising skill and apparent taste, with no 34 THE OCEAN. eye to observe them superior to their own class, it gives something of a shock to the pride of man, who is apt to consider that all the lower animals were made for his con- venience. ANNELIDA. Serpula. The architectural productions of some of these submarine workers are of no mean order, each building its own residence, with separate stones, grains of sand, little hard pellets of any kind which will answer the purpose- laying them on in regular tiers as neatly as a mason. Among these pretty and interesting animals is the Serpula contortu- plicata, which is distinguished from the Serpula vermicu- laris by always holding its head up above the latter, the upper portion of its tube being nearly vertical. When the animal k at work, with its feathery plumes fully expanded, it far surpasses any flower in the extreme delicacy of its beauty. An inexperienced person might naturally take these serpulse for coral-builders, seeing that their stone-like house is composed of very similar-looking material ; but in the classification of the zoologists they are entirely disconnected. They belong to the class known as Annelida that is, worm- like, as the animal itself really appears when out of its sheath- like house ; but never was worm of the earth adorned with such a beautiful head-dress as this annelid of the sea. They are generally found in clusters on the back of a broad shell, like a mass of tubes, contorted into various curves and twists at the lower ends, sometimes lying nearly horizontally on the shell or stone to which they are attached, and then, after sundry windings and twi stings, shooting up in a nearly ver- tical direction several inches. The beautiful plume or head- dress, as we have called it, which is the most attractive point in this creature, really consists of its breathing-organs the branchiae or lungs. Just think of carrying one's lungs on the top of the head in the form of delicate-sprayed plumes ! The color of these branchiae is extremely variable; they HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. 35 number about eighteen separate barbs on each side, some- times of a purplish brown, transversely marked with flake- white, intermingled with yellowish green ; the pinnse have about the same colors. Sometimes we have the whole plume an orange-brown, white, salmon, chestnut, orange, or an um- ber-brown. They construct their tube-like homes from lime, which always exists in a state of solution in sea-water, and -which AN ANNELIDAN CITY. the serpulse know perfectly well how to appropriate and apply. Mine have added half an inch to the height of their houses in a few weeks after transferring them from their ocean habitat to my glass vase. If their tubes are acciden- tally broken, they are equally apt at repairing, and the de- ficiency or injury is soon made good. A year ago my group of serpulse was tumbled down against the side of the glass, and a few days later I was very much interested in see- 36 THE OCEAN. ing that the industrious little creatures had begun to recon- struct their broken houses. This, to my great satisfaction, they did by using the side of the glass tank as a support or buttress ; they thus economized labor and material, while I had the benefit of being able to watch the whole proceedings without any intervening obstruction. This was a fine chance for learning the secret of these mysterious marine masons, and their modus operandi soon became familiarly known to me. In addition to the ornamental branchiae which we have described, these animals are furnished with a curious append- age which answers the purpose of a front-door to their dwell- ing ; it is called the operculum, and looks when shut like a small disk which completely closes the entrance to the tube, like a cork in a bottle, supposing that the cork, instead of protruding, was sunken a short distance below the mouth. When the creature is frightened, or for any cause retreats into its shelly tube, this operculum is the last portion drawn in, and is the first protruded when the owner chooses to reappear. Its movements in the act of withdrawal are so rapid that I have never yet actually seen it shut its door, but on examination have found it securely closed to all in- truders. When additions of any kind are made to the aqua- rium, the serpulae exhibit great timidity ; even the passing of my hand over the glass will cause a retreat, or the sud- den shifting or raising of a curtain which affects the light thrown upon them. Equally on a changeful day, when sun and cloud alternate in the sky, these atmospheric changes affect the movements of these sensitive creatures. From this extreme sensibility to movements and shadows, it is rea- sonable to infer that the creature has organs of vision, though naturalists have not yet succeeded in pointing out the loca- tion of the eyes. 1 Familiarity and habit soon reconcile them 1 M. A. Quatrcfages thinks he has discovered eyes upon the branchiae of the Sdbella, an annelid closely related to the Serpula. HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. 37 to captivity, and in a few weeks they become quite domestic, and even sociable, so that they can be fed ; and, if they chance to be inside when I approach, they will come out to see me. There are several varieties of serpulse. That kind known as the Stillata forms its valve or operculum of three distinct plates, threaded together, thus arming itself with a triple door. Another variety, called Citrina, builds its tube inde- pendently and lives alone, as if it objected to neighbors, while most of the other varieties are found in groups ; it is of a bright lemon-color, and very beautiful. Its operculum is somewhat shorter and thicker than that of the variety first described. The apparatus by means of which the serpulse perform their upward and downward movements is a marvel of inge- nuity. The body of the annelid is composed of seven dis- tinct segments, and from each of these projects a pair of tubercles, each containing a bundle of bristles, which can be thrust out at the will of the animal ; at the end of each of these bristles are four sharp points, one being longer than the others. In ascending, these bristles are thrust against the walls of the tube, which gives the creature a forward impulse ; contraction follows, the hinder set of feet-like bris- tles are brought up, and so the movement is repeated till the end is accomplished. Now for the descent: Attached to each of these bristle-like feet is a small ring, resting on tri- angular plates ; each plate is notched with seven teeth ; six turn one way, and the seventh is reversed. There being one hundred and thirty-six on each ring, and as many rings as feet, there are fourteen times one hundred and thirty-six of these prehensile plates. With all of these teeth the ser- pula can seize upon the lining membrane of its tube to aid in its descent.. Spirorbis. How many of our readers have picked up on the sea-shore specimens of sea-weed on which they observed small white rings which looked like a coralline substance ? 38 THE OCEAN. And how large a proportion of those who have looked for a moment at the little circles have realized that they held in their hands a whole colony of living or lately living creat- ures ? These are the Spirorbis, a minute variety of annelids, and nearly related to the showy serpula. It is usually found attached to the leaves of the Ithodymenia, or the Chondrus crispus, though it is also found upon rocks and stones. It is usually found in considerable masses on the flat surfaces of the leaves or stones. The shells are very small indeed, looking something like the "mite sugar-plums" or small coriander-seeds ; the shape is spiral, and it generally consists of only one whorl. These little creatures cement themselves so firmly to the leaves that it would be impossible to shake them off. From the largest end of the little tube-like circle they put out lovely infinitesimal, plume-like branchiae, resem- bling those of their larger relatives the serpulae, but so fine and delicate that it requires a lens to bring out all their beauties. In almost every collection of algae will some of these tiny shells be found adherent on the preserved speci- mens, but to secure them living is not easy. It was not until about a year ago that I was able to add a live colony of these exquisite little spirorbes to my aquarium. Sdbella. Among the groups of my serpulae another fam- ily has found good quarters ; they are evidently relations, and apparently on good terms, though not following the same fashions exactly. These are the Sdbella tribe, inhabiting tubes like their neighbors, but made of different material. Instead of being formed of hard limestone, the tube is in- tegumentary, or of a leather-like texture; its diameter is about the same as that of the serpulae, but it generally rises somewhat higher. From the upper orifice of its house or tube the sabella displays a much larger wreath of plume- like appendages, which in its graceful form rivals its neigh- bor the serpula. Its color is not so variegated or brilliant, but it makes up for this deficiency by its superior size ; the HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. 39 disk in some of my specimens would measure over half an inch across. This little creature has also its means of locking up its house, and can conceal itself within as securely as its rela- tives in their harder shell ; and, when in danger from the hungry tramps of the sea, it can drop down as promptly, and close its door in the face of all obtruders, with full con- fidence that none will dare to molest it. Another curious little animal, also an annelid, is gener- ally to be found rearing its cozy home amid the tubes of the serpulre. It cannot boast perhaps of as much beauty of color and waving plume, but its habits are so interesting and really wonderful, that I think it takes the lead as an object of curi- osity of all the tube-building fraternity. Its tube is not homogeneous in its composition like that of the serpula, but it makes an aggregation of separate particles, artistically welded or fitted together like a piece of mosaic-work. This tube is not a secretion, like the cell of the coral-polyps ; it does not grow, but is voluntarily and with great skill and care built up by the animal. In its construction it will use the very finest material little specks of fine sand, and even dust that may chance to fall on the surface of the water. It also discriminates as to color, apparently preferring the brighter particles. For instance, I have ground red coral to powder, and put it into the water ; upon this the little an- nelid would promptly seize, and immediately appropriate it for building purposes. Sometimes its tube presents not only a showy but thoroughly patriotic appearance, display- ing the national colors of red, white, and blue ! In size it varies considerably, averaging somewhat less than that of the serpula. A casual observer might see this wonderful worker many times without perceiving or appreciating its artistic move- ments ; but get him once under a good lens, and you will see not only all the machinery in full operation but also the 40 THE OCEAN. object of its unwearied toil. Indeed, this busy little work- man lifts and carries bits of stone (hypothetical bricks), grains of sand, coral, glass, or shell, or any atoms which will serve its purpose, raises them to the top of its unfinished walls, and there places them with as much precision, neatness, ra- pidity, and in as regular order, as the most experience^ brick- layer. It is perfectly marvelous. One might watch them for hours together and never grow weary. But how do they do it ? "When the operation is seen, it is easily comprehended. The explanation presents some difficulties, though I have seen them build enough to create an annelidan city; but we will try to make it clear how the material for the con- struction of this little ocean tenement is hoisted up and placed in exactly the right position to complete its circular walls. In the first place, the creature has some twenty or thirty long, hair-like arms, which it propels out of the end of its tube. Extending these in every direction and to an incred- ible length, they become so attenuated as to be scarcely dis- cernible in the water ; but these fine, delicate cords or fila- ments, hardly discoverable by the unassisted vision, may be considered the ropes or tackling of its machinery for collect- ing the material which it needs for its sheath-like dwelling. Suppose a grain of sand, for instance, is lying at some dis- tance from the animal : by some sense it perceives it, deter- mines to appropriate it, and immediately sends forth one of its long, slender threads over it or to it, for the extreme points are so fine as to be distinguished with difficulty, but the grain is reached. Watch it closely now ! See ! the bit of sand begins to move gradually along and upward, gliding upon the surface of this serviceable, rope-like filament. Ob- serve, it is not grasped pincer-like with the end of the fila- ment, but rides upward on the thread, like that mysterious little wheel which thousands of our citizens see daily, creep- HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. 41 ing up and over the wire which is one day to be a strand in the great cable of the East River Bridge. What the pro- pelling or attracting force is, which causes the grain of sand to rise up against the laws of gravity and approach the mouth of this annelid, I have not yet been able to discover ; but in all probability there is a system of muscular contractile organs in this fine filament, which a sufficiently strong mag- nifying-lens may yet bring to observation and recognition. Be that as it may, we will in the mean time watch for what we can see of this process, and we find that when the object has reached the end of the filament it is placed for a moment in the mouth, where it is evidently coated with a glutinous mucus and is then passed out again, and finally deposited upon the edge of its walls. The true level is kept, one side being built up at exactly the same rate as the other, so that no excrescences are left on the edge, but when finished all is of a uniform and even surface. The general appearance of the animal when at work forcibly reminds one of an im- mense derrick, full-rigged and in vigorous operation. Nereis. This is another member of the annelid family, but I cannot indorse it, either for good looks or excellence of behavior. Indeed, I hardly know of one redeeming quality to which it may lay claim. Possibly, however, it may possess some hidden virtue, which may yet redeem its character, and give it a higher place in my affections. Speci- mens of Nereis are found in nearly every group of serpulae, generally hidden away among their closely-twisted tubes or in holes under stones, as if aware that it was not a favorite, and need not be on dress-parade. It appears to live upon the organic matter mixed in the mud and sand, for of these sub- stances it consumes large quantities. But, though in the day- time limiting itself to this unsavory diet, at night it puts on another character. After dark it emerges from its conceal- ment, swimming freely about, prowling and foraging among the delicate young fronds of algse, and making sad havoc 42 THE OCEAN. with its forceps-like jaws, cutting right and left like a pair of sharp, heavy shears, inexorable as those of Atropos. Still another little house-builder is often found amid the tubes of the serpulae, which indeed seem a sort of rallying- point, or chieftain's house, for the whole clan of the annelids. This latter variety is more simple in its organization, and ap- pears to have much less machinery at its command ; but it is equally as industrious as the best provided, though it has but two hair-like arms. MOLLTJSCA AND CKUSTACEA. Among the mollusca there is one very pretty little shell- fish which is found quite frequently at Wood's Hole, Mas- sachusetts, and which was brought to me by the well-known and enthusiastic collector, Mr. A. W. Koberts. This has afforded me many hours of entertainment from its curious and intelligent proceedings. It is the Anachis similis, de- scribed by Prof. Yerrill in his valuable work on the mollusks of the New England coast, published by the United States Government in 1871-'72. The shell has ten whorls flattened ; the colors are exceedingly variable, ranging from reddish- brown to chestnut, a light-yellowish brown, more or less mottled and speckled with white of a dullish hue ; a band of white encircles the last whorl. This apparently insignificant mollusk deserves more than a passing notice, and will well recompense the close observer of its habits ; for, besides intelligence, it evidently has affec- tions, which it proves by its love of society. In its internal structure there appears to be a small cordage-factory, for it carries about with it a life-saving apparatus, which it has it- self woven, in the shape of a fine silken cord. Should it be placed, or accidentally find itself, upon a piece of rock too high to slip off without injury, it unreels its silken cord and carefully lets itself down, instead of tumbling off at the risk of breaking its shell, as some of the more clumsy mollusks HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. 43 would do. When it wishes to ascend, it raises itself by the same apparatus, reefing in as it rises, like a sailor hauling in a rope. It is also gregarious. Having had a number of speci- mens for years, I have scarcely ever observed one alone ; and having many times separated them by placing them at op- posite sides of the tank, I was certain in the course of a few hours to find them all together again, feeding or quiescent. A very peculiar trait with them is, that they are ready and willing at all times to be taken from the tank and handled ; at least they show in no way any repugnance to this treat- ment. This is as rare as it is an agreeable feature ; for marine animals are mostly very shy and sensitive to the touch of human hands. They appear also to be perfectly harmless, molesting none of their neighbors, simply enjoying their own life in a harmless and pleasant way, forming quite a con- trast to the little prowling Nereis. The Anachis lays its eggs in a mass, carefully covering them over with a clear, gelatinous secretion of a perfectly transparent and glass-like nature, which has the quality of thoroughly protecting them from the many voracious mouths that constantly surround them in their native habitat. The Lunatia heros or Natica heros, as it is. sometimes called, is another mollusk of very interesting habits. It may be found upon the sand-flats at low tide off Coney Island indeed, upon almost any sandy shore from Maine to Florida, preferring those localities most thoroughly and freely ex- posed to the full force of the ocean-waves ; their wildest fury has no terrors for it. Burrowing down a short distance in the sand, its power of suction is so great that the Atlantic billows pour over it in vain. If the heros goes, it is because the shifting sand goes with it, not because it is forced from it. It is not easily removed from its position by the hand, if its power of suction is applied to its fullest extent. It ap- pears to find its food also in the sand, whatever its prey may 44 THE OCEAN. be. When its soft, fleshy parts are fully expanded, it almost entirely covers its shell. Its foot or operculum is quite broad and large, and deeply concave, which of course gives it its great adhesive power. This creature's manner of arranging for the protection of its eggs is exceedingly ingenious and interesting ; no finished artisan could exceed the accuracy or quality of its work. The eggs are usually deposited in the pools left by the re- treating tides upon the sandy flats, and a cursory observer would never suspect what they were or whence they came. They are laid in a broad, ribbon-like shape, arranged in a circle and mixed with sand, so that they look more like a tiny wash-bowl with the bottom out than anything else ; and this combination of eggs and sand is finished off into a glassy smoothness. Should you hold this curious ribbon up to the light, you would see plainly and distinctly about a thousand eggs, for nearly every nest contains at least that number. Our butcher mollusk is commonly known as " the drill ; " its scientific name is Urosalpinx cinerea. It has a small, roughly-carved shell, and is often found upon the shores in the vicinity of New York, and also upon the coast of Massa- chusetts. They are not so numerous as some other varieties, but quite plentiful enough to make the localities they in- habit rather unhealthy for the oysters and other bivalves upon which they freely exercise their professional skill. It bores or drills a small neat hole through the hardest enameled shell, making an orifice as round and perfect as if executed by the modern diamond - drill. This preliminary accom- plished, it sucks the unfortunate victim's substance away, leaving the empty shell upon the shore, with this profession- al death-mark upon it. Purpura lapillus, famous for having anciently yielded a royal die, abounds on the shores of Massachusetts, but is not found much if at all south of that latitude, on this side of the Atlantic. Its most striking peculiarity is its mode of HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. 45 nidification. It lays its eggs in little goblet-shaped capsules, and seals the top of each with a perfectly-fitting cover, which the washing and beating of ocean-waves for several weeks fail to loosen or disturb. At the end of about three months this lid is at last unlocked, the cover lifted, and from each capsule tumble out five or six young baby shell-fish to take their chances in the great ocean of life ; but, young and inex- perienced as they are, they understand at once that to live they must eat, and may be een immediately after they are freed clinging to the rocks and eating the sea-weed. Their soft, white, shelly covering is at first no larger than a pinV head ; but this shell very soon acquires a stony hardness, and reproduces the colors of its progenitors. I would here call the reader's attention to the little door or operculum of some of these univalve shells, as it is not generally understood that this little calcareous object, which is attached to the animal, and serves to close up the orifice of the shell after it has retreated, is the eye-stone of com- merce, such as the druggists sell, which is perhaps as pre- cious to man as to the little animal ; at least, if you were suf- fering with a miserable cinder or the like in your eye, you would promptly confess it. But for this wise and beautiful provision of a door of stony hardness, the little helpless mol- lusk would be destroyed by the thousands of hungry mouths that surround him in his ocean-home. This operculum or " eye-stone " is convex on one side and flat on the other, and, when drawn in by the animal, shuts the opening of its shell like a valve, perfectly air and water tight, varying in size from a pin's-head to three inches in diameter. (We do not, however, use the largest size for eye-stones.) The colors of some are very rich, and these have been used quite exten- sively for articles of jewelry, such as sleeve-buttons ; mounted in fine gold, they make a very pretty article. If you place one of these stones in a saucer containing some weak acid, it will move around like a living animal. This is caused by 46 THE OCEAN. the evolution of carbonic-acid gas, contained in the carbonate of lime of which the stone is composed. Loaves of bread are said to move sometimes in the oven from the same cause. Undoubtedly the eye-stone will often remove dust or any foreign substance ; if introduced under the lid of the eye, the stone is shifted about by the motion of the muscles, and any little particle it touches will adhere to it, and be brought out with it. The Pecten irradians, the " St. James's shell," best known as the common Scallop, is almost as familiar a sight in our markets as the oyster ; but, though chiefly regarded for its edible qualities, its interesting habits form its princi- pal attraction to the zoological connoisseur. Its history is unique its fame wide as Christendom. Being very plenti- ful on the shores of Palestine, it became customary for all European pilgrims, on their return, to attach a scallop-shell to their dress to prove that they had really been to the Holy Land. So thoroughly was it identified with Christian knight- hood and saintship, that it became the insignia not only of the great apostle whose char- acteristics the monks changed from fisherman to warrior, but the recognized badge of sev- eral of the half-saintly, half- chivalrous orders of knights which arose and flourished in the middle ages. But, not to dwell on its illustrious associations, or even on the intrinsic beauty of the shell itself, we will bestow our attention upon the inhabitant, which, if it prided itself on its ancestry, might certainly boast, over all the mollusks, of its sang azure. All shell-fish have over their SCALLOP (Pecten irradians). HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. 47 bodies and beneath their shells a flexible tissue known as their "mantle;" it is, indeed, from the secretions of this mantle, of many folds, that the shelly carapace is originally formed. In the case of the scallop a portion of this mantle can usually be seen, showing a finely-fringed curtain of scar- let or orange, the mantle itself being of a delicate fawn- color, the whole set off with a number of bright, glistening eyes, of an elegant emerald-green, encircled with a band of turquoise-blue. The finest jewels of our fairest belles can be no brighter than the natural adornments of this common mollusk. In their native element alone the scallops show to perfection all the beauties Nature has lavished upon them, especially when seen in motion. They move in a rapid zig- zag fashion, and with the speed of an arrow, the propelling force being secured by the rapid opening and shutting of their valves. One can scarcely see a lovelier sight than that of a large number of these pretty creatures, with shells of every hue, from purest white to black, enlivened with shades of pink, yellow, fawn, and other tints, darting about in the clear water, up, down, here, there, everywhere. In their flight- like movements, vertical, horizontal, east, west, north, and south, they are more suggestive of a flock of winged animals than of bivalves of which to make a meal. When at last they dispose them- selves to rest, sink- ing to the bottom for that purpose and there remaining passive for hours at a time, they will in the aquarium, if not properly managed, come to anchor by tying themselves with their byssus to the rocks ; and, if that occurs, they will entertain us no more with their lively and amusing habits. THE DANCING SCALLOPS. 48 THE OCEAN DECORATING CRAB, OR SKA-SPIDER. HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. The Sea-Spider, or Decorating Grab (Libinia canalicu- lata). Of all the crab tribe, this is surely the most fantastic little fellow, and ought to be considered the " missing link " which unites the animal creation to the human, for he has certainly one of the first instincts of civilization, namely, that of attempting to cover himself with extraneous and ornamental garments. He is the dandy of the sea. Bits of sea-weed are his great reliance, but small objects of almost any kind he will appropriate, even to pieces of stone or wood. One of mine showed considerable taste and an idea of style, preferring always the most gaudy colors which he could find in the tank. These animals will spend hours every day at their toilet, appropriating with their hand-like claws bits of sea-weed, Sertularia, sponge, or Tubularia. One will per- haps place a bit on the tip of his nose, or suspend from it a long, ribbon-like strip of red or green algse, or affix similar fragments to his legs, elbows, or knees, as we may call them. He does not appear to take these pieces at random, but has the air of selecting them with care, and then leisurely cutting them off from the large fronds with his own nippers, of which he has two pairs, one upon each of his two foremost arms. Hav- ing severed the de- sired portion, he takes it up in one of his hands (for his nip- pers serve for hands as well as shears), and, placing one end of it to his mouth, evidently deposits upon it a species of THE DECORATOR. 50 THE OCEAN. mucus or marine cement, which secures the object in the position in which his lordship sees fit to arrange it, and in which matter he is somewhat fastidious. This mucus must have great strength, for in his native element he will walk about thus arrayed, without any danger of his ornaments be- ing washed away even by the rolling surf. In the tank, when his toilet is completed, he will advance to the front or most conspicuous spot he can find, and as near to the specta- tor as he can conveniently get, with a self-satisfied air, as much as to say: "I'm in full dress now; how do you like my style ? " I have also had some of these " decorators " who showed a sort of paternal affection for the young actiniae, each seeming to take a particular pride in placing them, some- times five or six at once, upon his back, among the bits of algse already there, and then parading round as if bound to give his pets a free ride. At certain periods, like all crustaceans, this spider - crab be- comes too large for its shelly covering, and is obliged to move out, or rather its house is moved away from it. This is effected by a rupture of the tissue connecting the upper and lower carapace, near the hinder part. The body is first slipped out through this opening, then Mr. Crab slowly draws out his arms, one after the other, just as a man would with- draw his from his coat, and so proceeds until the ten arms are all freed. Its old habitation is left perhaps on a rock, SHEDDING, OB EMPTY SHELL OF SPIDEK-CKAB. HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. 51 or hanging to a sea-weed, and the most practised eye might be deceived and take it for a living crab. So perfect and un- injured is the abandoned skeleton, that even the delicate cov- erings of the eyes and antennae are all there, standing erect and staring at you like a ghost. Although I have witnessed this interesting operation probably hundreds of times, I was completely deceived by a specimen in my tank only a week ago. Mrs. Damon calling my attention to a new sea-spider, I saw him hanging in a frond of Solaria, looking boldly out of the tank at us ; and I supposed for some time that some kind friend had contributed another of these crabs to my already overstocked tanks. But soon the mystery was ex- CRAB EATING A "CLAM. plained, for just below I espied the familiar face of my old sea-spider in his new and undoubtedly more comfortable suit, for now he was at least one-third larger than before the shedding. He is very shy now, and most unobtrusive and polite ; for his new shell is yet very soft and tender, and he has all he can attend to in preventing the other animals from eating him up, house and all. Just after the moulting, these creatures usually half bury themselves under some rock or weed, until the new shell is hard enough to inspire them with courage and confidence. Our common lobster, Homarus Americanus, has the 52 THE OCEAN. same habit. So also have the common blue or edible crabs, which, in the transition-stage, are sold in the market as " soft- shell crabs," and are by many supposed to be a distinct spe- cies. The fishermen recognize the fact of their identity by AMERICAN LOBSTEE (Homarus Americans). the name they give them, " shedders." I cannot say posi- tively how often this moulting takes place, but during the earlier portion of the crab's existence it is probably not less than four times a year. For scavengers we have quite a variety both among the Crustacea and the mollusca. The crabs perform the coarser or more arduous duties, and the buccina give the finishing touches, sweeping up the finer fragments that would other- wise be left to decay. These animals are almost indispensable to the healthful condition of sea- water in the aquarium ; at least they are invaluable in preserving its purity. They are mostly carnivorous, living almost wholly upon dead animal matter. (I have known them to " mow " off confervse from the sides of tanks; but, fortunately, my tanks are not troub- HOUSE-BUILDERS OF THE SEA. 53 led with that annoying growth.) Cast a dead fish or crab in their path, and it will be entirely disposed of in a few hours. We are here tempted to ask if an army of buccina would not be a valuable acquisition for our Street Commissioners ; but think what the poor things would have to eat ! Of all EDIBLE CRAB (Callinectes hastatus). the shell-fish our coast supplies, I believe this is furnished in greatest abundance. One can hardly walk a yard upon any part of our sea-shore without treading upon them ; every creek in the adjoining meadows as well swarms with them. COMMON WHELK OF GEEAT BRITAIN (Euccinum undatwri). I have seen them at Unionville, Long Island, at low tide, by the million, or in heaps by the bushel, if you prefer them by measure. They deposit their eggs mostly upon the plants near the sea-shore, in little capsules, semi-transparent, and. securely fixed to whatever object they adhere to. 54 THE OCEAN. As a representative of the learned professions among our marine curiosities, we have a surgeon, commonly called the "doctor-fish" (Acanthurus), from the fact of its having a lancet-shaped weapon situated in a longitudinal groove upon each side near its tail ; and it has both the skill and power to use it most effectually when occasion requires. A more complete description of this remarkable fish will be given in the next chapter. PERIWINKLE. 1. lAttorina littorea; 2. L. rudis. CHAPTEE Y. REMARKABLE FISHES AND CRABS OF BERMUDA. need not leave the shores of the United States to find either beautiful fishes, Crustacea, or other marine curi- osities. Yet here on this beautiful little island, 1 situated in the middle of the Atlantic, eight hundred miles from any other land, it is natural to presume that we shall see novelties not easily attained in our own country. Nor are we disap- pointed. The very first morning after our arrival, between four and five o'clock, we become conscious of some slight local excitement, and find on making observation from the veranda of our hotel, the Royal Yictoria, that this slight ripple upon the usual repose of semi-tropical life is caused by the arrival of the fishing-boats, which have just come in, and toward which the early customers are proceeding, to make their purchases. These people, mostly colored, are of themselves a sufficient novelty to attract the attention of a stranger, as they come along chattering and singing with that nonchalance, and evi- dent absence of care, so different from the anxious and busy look which the American almost always bears about with him. They will not easily pass from our remembrance. But there is doubtless something in those boats which will interest me more than even these odd specimens of hu- manity ; so I hurry along with the gathering citizens of vari- 1 These observations were made during a residence at Hamilton Harbor, the largest port of the Bermuda Isles. 4 56 THE OCEAN. ous shades, from Caucasian to African, and proceed to in- spect what is being offered for sale. For these fishermen are also the retail dealers, and sell their cargoes as quickly as they can directly from the boats. Here there is no anxiety as to " whether the fish are fresh," for, besides their being so recently caught, each boat is provided with a deep well or permanent tank into which " the catch " is thrown and there kept alive until sold. On this occasion there were about twenty of these boats. Several of them were loaded with brilliantly-colored beauties, which it seemed a shame to sell by the pound, to be eaten. One of the most common varieties for market-use is the large-mouthed grouper, Qerranus striatus, marked with white and black spots, changing to a brown or pale white with al- most incredible rapidity while one is gazing upon it. In a letter which I received from the late much-loved and highly-esteemed Prof. Louis Agassis, in relation to the fishes of Bermuda, some of which I am about to describe, he says: " This collection is highly interesting in a scientific point of view, as it shows the ichthyology of Bermuda to agree com- pletely with that of the Gulf of Mexico, and not at all with that of the Middle States or of Europe." The angel-fish, Holcecanthus ciliaris, is another variety largely used for the table ; and this, too, appeared like a desecration in my eyes. When alive their bright colors vie with, if they do not exceed, the most brilliant plumage of the Brazilian humming-bird ; the rainbow's tints are pale in comparison. They seem to me to have more expression in their countenances than any other fish. I always fancy as they swim toward me that there is almost a smile there certainly is an amiable air, corresponding with their name. They have a somewhat lazy, slow, and careful style of swim- ming, with their long, ciliated fins trailing after them, as they REMARKABLE FISHES AND CRABS OF BERMUDA. 57 glide in and out among the coral-branches with perfect ease and grace, often reminding one of some of the graceful feathered tribe if we could imagine the latter swimming without draggling their plumage. The angel-fish is of a broad oval shape, and remarkable for its crescented caudal extremity ; its forehead is very high, but its human look as it approaches one is to me its greatest attraction. The scales are very strongly defined, and are laid in with mathematical precision, reaching high up on the dorsal fin, their size gradually decreasing until individuality is lost in the extreme fineness to which they are reduced. A band of deep velvety blue adorns the high forehead, extend- ing backward and along the dorsal fin, gradually emerging into a rich golden-yellow tint on the caudal. But what an exquisite blue ! Did any one ever see just such a shade ? It is unequaled in silk or satin, and many a young lady would be happy indeed could our beautiful "angel" impart its secret, and tell us how to imitate its unrivaled blue. One of these beauties I have seen with a crescent-shaped black marking across its body, and with the same rich blue color- ing on the tips of its operculum or gill-covers. To see these lovely creatures laid out for sale on the mar- ket-stands seems almost wicked. But the Bermudians have no conscientious or scientific scruples, and fry them with as little compunction as a New-Yorker would an eel. I have brought many of them alive to the United States, swimming in pure sea-water, and have by most constant and careful at- tention succeeded in keeping some of them for nearly a year. In the winter, when the temperature was low, I found it necessary to protect " my angels " from the cold ; and not venturing to tamper with the water, I adopted the expedient of wrapping the tank with woolen blankets, thus keeping in the natural heat, and graduating the temperature as near- ly as possible to that of the Bermudian waters. These fish, though too handsome, in our opinion, to be eaten, are not 58 THE OCEAN. themselves too good to eat others ; their preferred morsels are mollusks and Crustacea. Sarothrodus bimaculatus called by the various names of " the bride," " peacock-fish," and " four-eyed fish " is another perfect little gem ; and at the first glance one is for- cibly reminded of some bright piece of jewelry. In form it is nearly oval, flattish, with its mouth elongated into a sort of tube-like projection. It has the reputation (like the chee- todons of tropical waters, the chelinons of the Asiatic seas, CH.ETODON ROSTEATUS. and the archer-fish of Japan) of shooting flies or other insects which it may perceive on the rocks, or on the plants near the shore, above the surface of the water, by forcibly ejecting a well-aimed drop of water at the intended victim. This in- teresting performance I have never had the pleasure of wit- nessing, except as illustrated, on paper. The coloring and marking of this fish are also very ornamental. Its body is a grayish pearl, with a band of jet-black crossing the forehead, and running directly through the eyes ; another similar band REMARKABLE FISHES AND CRABS OF BERMUDA. 59 a quarter of an inch in width crosses the caudal fin in a circu- lar direction. Did the description stop here, we might say that it was dressed in " half -mourning ; " but an ornamental design which it bears upon the hinder portion of the body precludes the " mournful " theory. These peculiar markings consist of two brilliant round spots, about the same size as, and bearing a perfect resemblance to, the eyes of a pea- cock's tail-feather. From these and its proper true eyes this little fish has acquired the name of the four-eyed. Its style of swimming is in direct contrast with that of the angel-fish, for it dashes about swiftly and nervously through the water. Holocentum longipenne, or the " squirrel- fish," probably obtained its name from its habits, which are as closely imita- tive of the squirrel as those of a marine animal can well be. He is not seen swimming about as a fish ought to do, but hides himself in holes or crevices of the coral-banks. Look- ing over the edge of the boat, as we sail over the abounding coral-groups, one may almost always observe at some point, often at many, two big black eyes staring out of the nooks and crannies in the rocks. If it is your first experience you naturally look again, and wonder what the eyes belong to, for that is all you see. You conclude, of course, that it is some sort of fish, and the next thought is to draw this " hide-and- seek " fellow out of his hole. So you bait a hook with some tempting morsel, and throw out your line. How he rushes ! with lightning-speed he has darted out of his hole and seized the bait. Had you time to think, you. would be sure you had him ; but quicker if possible than he dashed out does he drive back again, carrying hook and line with him, twisting and fouling the latter around and between the coral-branches, or some projecting peak, so that you may as well say " good- by " to hook, line, and squirrel together. The color of this brisk little fellow is of a bright, shiny red, and it has large, beautifully-serrated scales. Its dorsal fin is immense in pro- 60 THE OCEAN. portion to the size of the body. Its gill-covers are armed with long, sharp, dangerous spines. On account of this habit of the squirrel-fish, of making for his hole the instant that he feels the hook, and the diffi- culty of managing a line among the projecting coral-branches, the natives never attempt to take this or other fish in that way. All they take are caught in traps ^ very simply con- structed, but quite effective. They construct a sort of crate or basket out of strips of wood, of irregular and ingenious shape, but usually broader than high, and holding from one to two bushels. Having put in their bait meat, stale fish, crabs, lobsters, mussels, almost anything they securely at- tach to it a long and strong rope, and proceed with it in a boat to some good fishing-ground, generally near some reef at a distance from the land. Dropping the trap overboard, they let it sink to the bottom, not forgetting to secure the free end of the rope to a buoy to indicate its position. Usually several of these traps are deposited at each trip, at different points. They are allowed to remain for about twenty hours, when the fishermen visit them, haul the traps aboard, cursorily examine the contents, and, if nothing very dangerous is seen, open a little door in the trap and turn out all these mixed-up victims, which have been unfortunate enough to find themselves hopelessly ensnared. The bait is then renewed, and overboard goes the basket again, ready for another day's work. It is always interesting, sometimes amusing, to witness the operation of emptying the traps, for occasionally they catch a very ugly customer. An octopus or " devil-fish " is sometimes found secreted in one of these traps a very dis- agreeable and, when of large size, dangerous animal to deal with. For the present we will throw him overboard again, but will take an opportunity hereafter to describe and illus- trate him more particularly. But there is one snake-like creature, the green maray, REMARKABLE FISHES AND CRABS OF BERMUDA. 61 with his relative the spotted maray, which creates much more consternation among the occupants of the boat than even the discovery of a " devil-fish " among the contents of the trap. These are not infrequently found in the Bermudian waters ; they have a wicked, snaky eye, and are very dangerous. Should one of these creatures come tumbling out of the trap, out would go the negroes over the other side of the boat into the sea ! Indeed, all the natives have a wholesome fear of this creature, and put themselves at a respectful distance from it with what speed they may. These fish vary in length from three to ten feet, are armed with crooked teeth like the anaconda, and have a pointed nose and a large, fleshy dorsal fin running nearly their whole length. Their predominant color is a rich olive-green. When an animal which inspires dread is really ten feet in length, imagination readily adds to its true measurement. May not this maray be the original foundation for the " veritable sea-serpent," which varies so continually in size and appearance ? Or are these the degenerate and diminutive descendants of that rarely-seen and never-captured tyrant of the ocean ? Hon. C. M. Allen, United States consul here, has a fish- pond and fountain, which is supplied with pure sea-water by means of the tide flowing in and out ; and by a very ingenious mechanical arrangement, invented by himself, the water is thrown some thirty feet high into the air. This fountain will act about twenty-three hours out of the twenty- four. Mr. Allen has just informed me that he has in his pond some very fine specimens of the maray, and that they exhibit an incredible amount of strength in their teeth, by biting and pulling out the stones from the walls of the pond. The waters of Bermuda are so prolific in strange and wonderful fishes, that we with difficulty make our selection between the many we must omit to mention and the few we have space to describe. There is one which should, I think, 6% THE OCEAN. be called the " knight in armor," but which has had fastened upon it the utterly prosaic name of the " cow-fish" Ostrar don sexcornutus. This fish is covered with a perfect coat of shelly armor, excepting only two round holes for its eyes, and sufficient apertures for its fins to pass through ; and thus rigged, it is invulnerable with the exception of its steering YALE'S TRUNK-FISH (Ostracion Yalei). apparatus and its eyes. In shape it is also a curiosity, being formed like a three-sided trunk (hence also called trunk-fish), and when swimming with its flat side downward, its back somewhat resembles the sloping roof of a tiled house. It has two horn-like projections on its head, which suggest some resemblance to those of a cow ; hence its name. In addition to its singular armature this fish has an ex- traordinary power of change as to color, changing from black to blue, or to white and green, in a few minutes. Indeed, the transformation is so rapid that it appears magical, and one feels almost compelled to believe that he is looking at different specimens, which have been mysteriously substituted for the original. The intelligence of the creature appears to be very limited, much inferior to that of most fishes ; indeed, I think it may even be called stupid without doing it any great injustice. At least, it has not sense enough to get out of the way of an ordinary row-boat in open sea. It may be, however, that its armor-like covering is such a protection from ordinary dangers as to give it a degree of confidence which less well-provided fishes cannot feel ; and with boats and men they are not supposed to be sufficiently acquainted REMARKABLE FISHES AND CRABS OF BERMUDA. 63 to appreciate the danger which threatens all the lower orders wherever these appear on the SQene. To illustrate this lack of intelligence, I will relate my experience in capturing my first prize. But it may be well here first to explain that the extraordinary clearness and purity of the waters among these coral islands is such that ob- jects may be clearly discerned at a depth of twenty fathoms a fact which adds intensely to the pleasure of sailing upon them ; for, whether a naturalist or not, one cannot fail to be charmed at the variegated views of coral caves, branching tree-like forms, richly-colored algae, shells, and the vast va- riety and beauty of the marine creatures, fishes and others, which are to be seen gliding about in these submarine bowers. As I was one day seated on the bow of our boat, I saw a very fine specimen ahead, which naturally excited the attempt to capture it : and this proved a very easy task ; for I actually drove it along by means of an oar toward the sandy shore, until it became stranded in the shallow wa- ter, where it was immediately secured with my hands, alive and in perfect condition. Possibly this docile dispo- sition may have served to aid in fixing its common name upon it. The parrot-fish is another of those noted for its " good looks." Its scientific name is Scarus lurchesius. Vaulting from the farm-yard to the Brazilian groves in search of a name, our naturalists have not greatly erred in selecting that of parrot for this animal, for there is certainly a most strik- ing resemblance in the head of this fish to both beak and head of our common parrot ; its colors, too, measurably cor- respond to those of one of the best-known species of parrots, it being of a bluish-green tinge. This fish does not grow to any considerable size, nor is it esteemed for the table. Neither does it thrive in confinement. I have never succeeded in keeping one over three months, and can now only revive my memory of its beauties by regarding the skeleton form of 64 THE OCEAN. one which I have preserved among many other Bermudian curiosities. Cancer cranium morta, or the "grave-digger crab," is one of those singular creatures whose home may be said to be the sea, but which yet spend much of their time on the land. Its habits differ from those of many of its crustacean relations, particularly in its nocturnal perambulations. In the daytime it lies concealed in holes which it digs in the earth, formed something like a wild rabbit's burrow. It is useless to seek this species in the daytime ; the only oppor- tunities for capturing them occur at night, and the manner of doing so is rather a novel method of warfare. Suppose our party formed and ready for the expedition, at about twelve o'clock on a bright moonlight night. We start from Hamilton Harbor in a small boat, and row across the bay-like indentation of the shore a distance of about three miles, where we land, haul our boat high up on the beach, and proceed on foot over a neck of land a mile or so, until we reach the " North Shore." Here, on the flat lands, we shall find our " hunting-ground." Now the order is given to " halt ! " and each one is requested to keep perfectly still, as that is our only chance for catching sight of our game ; for any unusual noise would quickly alarm them, and cause them to retreat to their burrows. A few moments of hushed silence. " Listen ! " Here they surely are, marching about as bold as lions, yet cowardly at heart as hares unless cor- nered, with no chance of escape, when they will make a des- perate show of fight, and will even advance upon their pur- suers with their large fore-claws uplifted in very valorous fashion. What do you suppose is our implement of attack ? You will never guess. It is a blanket ! One of us takes this, and places himself before the hole which the crab in- habits. When, alarmed by the others of the party, the crab makes for his retreat, we deftly throw the blanket over him, rolling him up, and taking good care that he does not get a REMARKABLE FISHES AND CRABS OF BERMUDA. 65 claw free and a chance to grip our hands or arms. When quite secure, we throw him into a large bag prepared for the purpose, thus literally " bagging " our strange game. Hav- ing in this way seized all we care to capture, we return to our boat, and turn the bow homeward, after one of the most odd and exciting adventures which this island affords. These nocturnal crabs have gained for themselves, among the natives at least, the reputation of digging into graves ; but I scarcely believe so badly of them as that legend would imply. One reason for my disbelief is that they would have to dig too deep, and another that there is no necessity ; they can find food enough without taking so much trouble. How- ever, in their foraging expeditions at night they do make away with vast quantities of dead animal matter, fish, or any- thing else. In this they are probably performing a benefi- cial work, ridding the land of impurities which the hot sun would otherwise unpleasantly develop. CHAPTER YI. TEE OCTOPUS, OR DEVIL-FISH, AND ITS CONGENERS: THEIR HABITS, TRUE CHARACTER, AND MODE OF CAPTURE. THE transition from angel-fish to devil-fish is no greater in nomenclature than in fact. The creatures themselves are as different in appearance and habits as the contrasting names imply; for, without attributing moral qualities to animals who simply fulfill the functions which their special organi- zations demand, it is yet impossible not to feel an attraction tow- ard the pleasing and beautiful, and a certain degree of repulsion toward the ungainly, secretive, and diaboli- cal-looking octopus. Perhaps no better introduction to this chapter can be given than to recall to the minds of our readers the terribly vivid description of the devil-fish by that grand master of romance, Victor Hugo ; for, though incorrect in several scientific details, the general description is the best we have had, though Jules Verne's is almost as dramatic and OCTOPCS OB DEVIL-FISH (Octopus vulgaris). THE OCTOPUS AND ITS CONGENERS. 67 nearer to Nature. In "Les Travailleurs de la Her" M. Hugo says : "To believe in the existence of the devil-fish, one must have seen it. Compared to it the ancient hydras were insig- nificant. Orpheus, Homer, and Hesiod, imagined only the chi- mera Providence created the octopus. If terror was the object of its creation, it is perfection. The devil-fish has no muscular organization, no menacing cry, no breastplate, no horn, no dart, no tail with which to hold or bruise, no cutting fins, or wings with claws, no prickles, no sword, no electric discharge, no venom, no talons, no beak (?), no teeth. It has no bones, no blood, no flesh. It is soft and flabby, ... a skin with nothing inside of it. Its under surface is yellowish ; its upper earthy. Its dusty hue can neither be imitated nor ex- plained ; it might be called a beast made of ashes which inhab- its the water. Irritated, it becomes violet. It is a spider in form, a chameleon in coloration. " Seized by this animal," he adds, "you enter into the beast; the hydra incorporates itself with the man ; the man is amal- gamated with the hydra. You become one. The tiger can only devour you ; the devil-fish inhales you. He draws you to him, into him ; and, bound and helpless, you feel yourself slowly emptied into this frightful sac, which is a monster. To be eaten alive is more than terrible ; but to be drunk alive is inexpressible ! " This overwrought but wonderfully dramatic description (but a small part of which we have quoted) at once excited a popular interest in the habits and history of the octopus, though it was well known and described by Aristotle before the Christian era. Moreover, the animal so graphically pict- ured by the novelist was a mere "baby devil" in comparison with many which exist, and which have been described by that enthusiastic naturalist, Prof. Verrill, of Yale College. In a letter addressed to me on this subject by Prof. Spen- 68 THE OCEAN. THE GIANT SQCTD. cer F. Baird, under date of April 1, 1878, this distinguished naturalist says : " The giant squid in the New York Aquarium can only be designated as an infant or dwarf in comparison with the gigan- THE OCTOPUS AND ITS CONGENERS. 69 tic species of the Pacific Ocean those upon which the sperm- whale is known to feed. Chunks of squid-remains are not in- frequently found in the throat or stomach of the sperm-whale, apparently indicating specimens from ten to fifty times the size of the Newfoundland variety. I was informed that a consider- ably larger specimen than that at New York was cast ashore at Newfoundland later in the season. The arms of the latter, if I recollect right, were some ten feet longer than those of the other." The specimen referred to by Prof. Baird as at the public aquarium in New York, is of the species known as Architeu- this princeps. It measures about forty feet, and is preserved in alcohol. I have in a bottle some specimen portions of the sucking-disks, showing the serrated edges, from the arms of this terrible animal ; and I have also a perfect specimen of a smaller species of the animal itself in my private col- lection. Prof. Yen-ill's reports apply to the devil-fish found in our northern seas, and Prof. Baird mentions those cast ashore at Newfoundland ; but that they are not limited to the north- ern waters is certain. The late Captain Frederick Keimer, of New Jersey, a very intelligent observer, who was in Beau- fort Harbor, North Carolina, in 1862, described one that he saw there which measured fully thirty feet in length. Any one who has seen the specimen captured at Newfoundland can readily conceive how such a monster could stretch out its two long arms and seize its prey. These arms together form a pair of powerful pincers at their extreme ends, and are furnished for their whole length with two rows of per- fect sucking - disks, or some two thousand air-pumps ; the edges are also cut into sharp, saw-like teeth, as hard as steel, and these are buried in the flesh of its prey. With all these appliances it could easily reach a distance of twenty-five feet, and bring the body of a man to its mouth, where, with its 70 THE OCEAN. powerful iron-like beak, it crushes the helpless form, and swallows or drinks it down, as Yictor Hugo says. My own experience with them has been principally in the Bermudas. They are there caught in basket-traps, formed of wood, described on page 60. With a trap baited with mussel, crab, or lobster, of which the octopus is particularly fond, we row along the island-shore, among the more rocky parts, until we discover some indication of his majesty's re- treat. Their hiding-places can only be diagnosed by experts, but one of the trails by which they are traced is the presence of dead shells in unusual quantities, particularly skeletons of crabs, which will be pretty certainly seen near the water's edge, or at the mouth of the cave inhabited by a " devil." The clearness of the waters greatly aids in the search. "When a promising location is reached, we throw overboard the trap, which sinks to the bottom of some ledge, or rests upon a reef of coral. A rope, which is attached to it, is secured to a buoy to mark its place on the surface of the sea, and it is left for twenty-four hours. Then we return and haul it up, and, if the place of deposit has been well chosen, we shall soon see the long arms of Mr. Devil protruding through the bas- ket, searching and stretching in all directions, seeking to understand how it is that positions have become so reversed that he is the captured instead of the capturing party. His color changes with anger and vexation, and his body then displays numerous bunches or tubercles, which always appear when the animal anticipates danger. The trap being opened, we seize him quickly by what we must call the neck, the portion between the head and trunk, while his eight arms or legs, as you may choose to call them, are struggling and twisting in all directions, sometimes becoming attached to our own arms and twining about them. Those which I caught and handled personally had arms of remarkable softness and suppleness, so that their contact felt more like a running liquid upon my flesh than a structural THE OCTOPUS AND ITS CONGENERS. 71 substance ; 1 and, indeed, though so formidable under certain circumstances, the preponderance of fluidity in their compo- sition may be judged from the fact that I myself saw one, which measured three feet in length by five or six inches in width, squeeze or run itself through a crevice not over half an inch in width ! I should have mentioned that if it is desired to preserve the octopus alive, the pressure on the neck should not be too severe, for that is their vulnerable point ; and a person at- tacked by one should never lose time in striving to loosen its arms, but grasp if possible this portion . connecting the head and body, in which way they may be easily killed. AN OCTOPUS BUNKING. In regard to their powers of locomotion upon land, on which there has been considerable controversy, I can assure the reader that I have seen a full-grown octopus at the Ber- mudas spring up out of the water, only a few feet forward of the boat I was in, and run up a perpendicular rocky cliff for more than two hundred feet ! This ledge of rock bore a general resemblance to our Hudson River Palisades at their steepest portion. We soon learned the cause of this seem- ingly strange performance, when we discovered one of those beautiful bright-red crabs, which are native to the locality, 1 This lack of tension probably resulted from my pressure upon the neck. THE OCEAN. trying to escape from the clutches of this devil-fish. The crab, being frightened almost out of its simple wits, had run up the rocks for safety ; but its tactics proved sure death in the end. As to the speed of the octopus, it appeared to me to travel much faster than I could run. At least, I should not care, if unarmed, to engage in a race with one, unless Mr. Devil started a good way ahead. In this case I soon came into closer acquaintance with our agile friend, for the next morning I had the satisfaction of discovering that his lordship had walked into our trap, which we had carefully placed near his cave ; and now that we could see him face to face, we found that his strength was enormous as compared with his moderate size. Being placed in a bucket of water, such as is usually found on a ship's deck, he attached his eight arms to the bottom and sides, by means of its powerful and perfect- working suction- disks, so firmly that I several times lifted the bucket, water and all, by taking hold of the animal's body, and twirled it over my head. The more I twirled the more firmly it stuck. An octopus will not relax its hold " on compulsion," any more than Falstaif would " give reasons." It is as self-willed as some human animals. According to scientific classification, the octopus belongs to the division of soft-bodied Mollusca, and . the class of Cephalopoda meaning "feet proceeding from the head." Of these the octopus, as its name indicates, has eight feet, or arms ; for, PEABLY NAUTILUS (Nautilus pompilius), showing chambers inside of shell. THE OCTOPUS AND ITS CONGENERS. 73 though these long appendages are sometimes used as feet, they are habitually used as arms. Of the octopoda family is the small paper nautilus or argonaut. How few of our readers who have admired this beautiful shell, with its mother-of-pearl lining, have realized that its former inhabitant was own cousin to the horrible devil-fish a female cousin, we must add, for the shell is not connected with the animal organically, but is held in position by two of the long arms, with the sole purpose of protecting the eggs. The male argonaut has no shell. PAPKB NAUTILUS (Argonauta argo). Though all the octopods, large or small, can swim freely at will, such is not their habit ; they prefer to lie concealed, or partially so, on the side or in the clefts of rocks. There the octopod's body is protected from the attacks of other animals, while it can extend its long feelers in search of prey, of which fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, are the princi- pal objects. Its movements, when an object of food is per- ceived, are marvelously rapid, swifter than the flight of an arrow from the bow of an experienced hunter. The long, flexible arms grasp the victim ; its hundreds of suckers, act- THE OCEAN. ing like pneumatic holders, make escape impossible ; and, as the long arms draw the object nearer and nearer, the other shorter arms add their multiplied disks, forming " a perfect mitrailleuse of inverted air-guns, which take horrid hold, ABGONATJT WITHOUT THE SHELL. and the pressure of air is so great that nothing but clos- ing the throttle-valve can produce relaxation." This throt- tle-valve is the neck, as we have before described. Those lengthy appendages, the limbs, are rather in the way when the animal is swimming, and would act as drag-anchors if left ABGONAUT WITH THE SHELL. pendent ; but the octopus usually draws them close alongside, whence they extend in a horizontal position, acting the part of a tail to a kite. It propels itself by drawing in and ex- pelling water through its locomotory tube. The octopus THE OCTOPUS AND ITS CONGENERS. 75 swims backward, and it lias been remarked that it changes its color to a darker hue when it starts out for a swim. This changing of its hue, apparently at will, is one of the most peculiar characteristics of the octopus. It may be con- sidered the chameleon of the sea. Its ordinary color when in repose is a mottled brown ; but if irritated it assumes a reddish hue, approaching to purple. Nature seems to have been almost superfluously careful in furnishing this animal with protecting elements ; for this coloring-matter, which re- sides between the inner and outer skin, enables it even to assume the color of the ground or rocks over which it travels, so that one can hardly say what color it is before it may have changed to something quite different. When exhausted after a battle or a struggle to get out of a trap, it turns pale, like a human being. Some persons besides Yictor Hugo's hero have had a chance to test the strength of these devil-fishes. Major New- some, R. E., when stationed on the east coast of Africa in 1856-' 57, undertook to bathe in a pool of water left by the retiring waves. He says : " As I swam from one end to the other, I was horrified at feeling something around my ankle, and made for the side as speedily as I could. I thought at first it was only sea-weed ; but as I landed and trod with my foot on the rock, my disgust was heightened at feeling a fleshy and slippery substance under me. I was, I confess, alarmed ; and so apparently was the beast on which I trod, for he detached himself and made for the water. Some fellow-bathers came to my assistance, and he was eventually landed. . . . As the grasp of an ordinary-sized octopus holding to a rock is not less than thirty pounds, while the floating power of a man is between five and six pounds, I believe if I had not kept in mid-channel it would have been a lif e- and-death struggle between myself and the beast on my ankle. In the open water I was the best man ; but near the bottom or sides, which he could have reached with his arms, but which I 76 THE OCEAN. could not have reached with mine, he would certainly have drowned me." The Major was right ; he had every chance of sharing the fate of the immortal Clubin. When a crustacean casts a limb from its junction with the body, it is after a time reproduced ; if injured below this point, it has no recuperative power. But our " devil-fish," which really seems favored beyond its deserts, will reproduce any injured portion of its arms, at whatever point they may have been severed ; of the numerous specimens which have been scientifically examined, many showed that one, two, or more arms have been either repaired or reproduced; and some of the female specimens have shown a loss of the whole eight arms, but all more or less restored. Another kind of exuviae observed with the octopods is the outer skin of their long limbs, which they not infrequent- ly shed. These cast-off skins float upon the water, and are one of the indications which lead to the discovery of their retreats. When the outer skin becomes too tight for the growing animal, or is worn too smooth by frequent contact with the rocks, the creature may be seen rubbing its arms against each other as if they were undergoing a scrubbing or cleansing process, and soon these thin, filmy skins may be seen floating away on the surface of the water. At certain periods there appears in the male octopus what is called the hectocotylus development in one of the arms. When this gentleman would a-wooing go, as Mr. Lee says in his valuable little book on this subject, and " he offers his hand in marriage to a lady octopus, she accepts it most literally, ~keeps it, and walks away with it ; for this singular outgrowth is detached from the arm of the suitor, and be- comes a separate living creature," specimens of which have been preserved in the Museum of Natural History in Paris. This hectocotylized arm is afterward reproduced in the male. THE OCTOPUS AND ITS CONGENERS. 77 It is surprising with what care the female watches over the development of the eggs. Having selected a snug re- treat in the rocks, she will barricade it by dragging to the entrance other portions of rock, or perhaps a pile of oysters anything out of which she can make a strong breastwork or line of defense ; and then she sits on guard ready to at- tack any intruder, even though it be her own mate. The eggs when first laid are about the size of grains of rice, and are arranged upon a stalk which is attached to the rock by a cement secreted by the parent, and to which each egg is sep- arately attached, like a mass of bananas on its stalk, only much more closely packed, the number being immense ; an octopus will produce in one laying from forty to fifty thou- sand. Mr. Lee describes one that he had under observation in an aquarium, which he says " would pass one of her arms beneath the hanging bunches of her eggs, and, dilating the membrane on each side of it into a boat-shaped hollow, would gather and hold them in; as in a trough or cradle. Then she would caress and gently rub them, occasionally turning tow- ard them the mouth of her flexible exhalent and locomotor tube, which resembles the nozzle of a hose-pipe, and direct upon them a jet of water." The object of the syringing process was probably to free the eggs from parasites, or to prevent the growth of confervse upon them. At the end of five weeks some of the egers were taken from the nest for oo observation under the microscope, which showed that the young octopods were already alive and freely swimming within the shell ; and most extraordinary was it to see that these immature creatures exhibited the characteristic changes of color at that early stage of development, flushing red ap- parently with anger when disturbed. The period of incu- bation is about fifty days, and during all that time the mother octopus brooded her eggs with the tenderest care ; so that the observer almost ceased to look upon her in the light of a " devil-fish," and recognized that at least the maternal in- 78 THE OCEAN. stinct was not dependent for its development upon external beauty. "When the young octopus emerges from the egg it is about the size of a large flea, but has none of the arms de- veloped ; these appear simply as " rudimentary conical ex- crescences, having points of hair-like fineness arranged in the form of an eight-rayed coronet upon the head." The amiable disposition of all female devil-fish is not perhaps equal to that of the one described above ; but it is not an unusual SEPIA OFFICTNALIS AND SHELL. event for them to die from the effects of exhaustion at the end of the long brooding period. This may perhaps partly result from insufficient nourishment, as they must evidently miss many chances of obtaining food, which others, un- burdened with family cares, avail themselves of. The nearest relations of the octopus are the cuttle-fish and squids. The former, Sepia officinalis, is best known as the animal which produces that fine black coloring fluid known as sepia-ink, and for its useful sepiostaire or internal shell, which is usually hung in the cages of canary-birds. Though the cuttle-fish resembles in its general structure its relative the octopus, it varies in several particulars. In- THE OCTOPUS AND ITS CONGENERS. 79 stead of eight arms, it lias ' ten, eight short arid two long. Some persons have pronounced them " beautiful " in which opinion we cannot coincide ; but their manners are decidedly more genial than those of the octopus. Instead of lurking in semi-concealed caves or behind rocks, and springing upon the unwary like a tiger from its jungle, the cuttle-fish comes out to the light and gives his intended victim a fair chance, having more the habits of a bird of prey than its congener the devil-fish. It is, however, very voracious, and fishermen have often cause to regret its proximity to the fishing-grounds, as it will attack fish while entangled in the nets and drag them out or bite and mutilate them. When attacked, its best defense is the sepia-bag, from which it ejects the black fluid, thus discoloring the water and escaping in the ob- scurity. The eggs of the cuttle-fish are usually found attached to a branch of sea-weed and very ingeniously hung by a perfect loop, each one separately upon the twig, where together they somewhat resemble a bunch of grapes. As soon as the young are released, they seek the light and approach the surface of the water. The sepia is naturally very shy, and at the slightest alarm shoots forth with wonderful rapidity its foe- defying ink ; but in captivity its fears may be overcome by kindness. It is not difficult to tame, and in time it appears to recognize and appreciate its protector, ceasing to discolor the water when sufficient familiarity has been established be- tween them. The eyes of the cuttle are so solid as to be almost calcare- ous, and are divided by a groove in the centre ; these halves are nearly globose at their outer surfaces, and reflect light with a "beautiful nacreous opal escence and play of colors." In Italy they are made into beads for necklaces. The cut- tle-bone when pounded is used as a polishing powder by jewelers, under the name of " pounce." It is also manu- factured into a dentifrice, and sold under the name of 5 80 THE OCEAN. " white coral-powder." Artists still use tlie natural sepia to some extent. The common squid (Loligo vulgaris) has the same num. ber of arms as the cuttle, but differs in form and some other particulars. The body of the cuttle is of a broad oval shape, with no perceptible neck ; the squid is nearly triangular in shape, and has two plainly-defined necks, one much smaller inserted within the other and projecting beyond it. It has also very large eyes in proportion to its size. It is a free swimmer like the cuttle ; its spawn is also left to float freely, but in a large circular mass, consisting of an immense num- ber of branches, all containing quantities of ova and united to a common centre. It has been estimated that these " mop- like " masses contain nearly forty thousand eggs. The squid is also privileged to carry an ink-bag, of which he makes very free use ; and many fishermen attempting to catch them have experienced the fate of Tom Hood, of whom Mr. Lee tells the anecdote that, being unaware of this propensity of the cuttle-fish and squid, and having caught one of the former on his hook while angling in Love Harbor, he laid hold of it to unhook it, and received its full^ cFeau in the face. On being asked what he had on his line, he replied that he did not know exactly, but thought he had caught a young garden engine ! As these sorts of creatures are never eaten in this country, it may be news to some that they are very extensively used as food in many countries at the present time, and that the ancient as well as the modern Greeks considered them a deli- cacy when properly cooked. One cause of the favor in which they are held by the Orthodox Greek Catholics on the shores of the ^Egean Sea is the substitute which they offer in place of meat and fish, both of which are forbidden during the long fasts of the Greek Church. A cuttle is practically de- clared not to be a fish, and certainly it is not meat ; and so it finds its way into the pots and frying-pans even of the eccle- THE OCTOPUS AND ITS CONGENERS. 81 siastics during Lent and other fasts in great quantities. A common way of catching them in the Mediterranean is by planting traps of stone jars or earthenware tubes, into which they creep, and are thus drawn up and secured. Everywhere they are used for bait, and the Indians of Vancouver's Island and Alaska eat them with relish, as do the inhabitants of China and the western coast of South America. There is a good story told of a party of savants in England endeavoring to make a dish of one, at a special dinner given for the pur- pose ; but the attempt was a complete failure no one could swallow a morsel. The ancients described them under the name of polypus, and all classical scholars will recall the frequent references to these animals as articles of diet, es- pecially by the comic poets. The greatest enemies to the class of cephalopods are the porpoises, dolphins, and conger-eels. The last do not hesi- tate to attack even a devil-fish of considerable size, while the young are snapped up by a great variety of fishes. In fact, if the great mass of all the spawn produced by the denizens of the ocean were not devoured or otherwise destroyed, the watery world would long ago have become so over-populated as to be unnavigable, and its condition incompatible with the health of the human race. CHAPTER VII. MOLLUSKS* THE BORING PHOLAS, TEREDO, ETC. THE immense variety of the mollusca forbids us to at- tempt the portrayal of more than two or three members pf this division of marine animals. The name mollusca is from the Latin mottis, meaning soft, because all these creatures are soft-bodied. They are separated into two grand divi- sions, the shelled, called conchifera, and the naked or shell- less, tunicata, which conceal themselves in a sort of leathery tube. Next they are distinguished as cephalous or acepha- lous, that is, with visible heads, or without that apparently essential member; again as cephalopoda, those whose feet extend from their heads ; pteropoda, those which have little wing-like expansions near the head ; and gasteropoda, hav- ing a muscular foot extending from the under portion of the body. The shell-bearing mollusks are divided into univalve, ty/valve, and multivalve, according as they have one, two, or more shell-plates ; and, finally, into the gregarious and the solitary. These last are considered the veritable represent- atives of this immense class of marine animals, which in- cludes almost every aquatic existence between a zoophyte and a fish. First, perhaps, it will be best to explain the process of shell-making ; for, although the shell is apparently only the house in which the animal lives, it is equally true that if you turn him out-of-doors he will die. The connection between 1 For illustration of the hermit-crab see page 14. MOLLUSKS: THE BORING PHOLAS, TEREDO, ETC. 83 the inhabitant and its shell is a vital one. All these soft- bodied creatures are provided with a tough, leathery, tena- cious sort of skin, the corium, which is commonly called its mantle from the looseness with which it covers the body ; and it is from this mantle, which is a vital tissue, that is secreted the calcareous, earthy, horny, and sometimes glassy OYSTERS, SHOWING DIFFERENT STAGES OF GROWTH. matter which forms the shell. True, the embryo, while yet in the egg, shows a rudimentary shell, but this must neces- sarily be extended if it is to protect the growing and adult animal, which, unlike the Crustacea is not allowed to cast off its old coat and procure a new one. This secretion from the 84 THE OCEAN. mantle proceeds continually until the animal has attained its adult size, when it appears to be passive, unless called upon to repair injuries, when its activity is again apparent. The curious varieties in shape which we see especially in the univalve shells, many of which are knobbed, ridged, or adorned with long spines, are all the result of the shape of the animal ; every inequality upon the shell showing a ridge or protuberance upon the underlying skin; and the long spines equally indicate the projections which the animal has thrown out, like so many arms, within its mantle. In many shelled'mollusks this mantle appears to have been interwoven i 4 SCALE IN FEET. GIANT CLAM (Tridacna gigas). in a measure with the calcareous matter. This may be tested by submitting the shell to a strong heat, when the carbonate of lime will show white, and a fine black tracery will define the remains of the animal matter ; or, test your shell bv a weak solution of muriatic acid, when the earthy matter will be dissolved, while the organic, usually in flakes of albumen, will remain, a delicate framework of the original shape of the shell. The mollusk tribe vary in size from the micro- scopic to the gigantic. Some specimens of the Tridacna gigas, or giant clam, have been found nearly five feet across, and weighing over five hundred pounds ! MOLLUSKS: THE BORING PHOLAS, TEREDO, ETC. 85 Among the gregarious mollusca are the valuable edible bivalves oysters, clams, mussels, and the pearl-bearing pinta- dines, and also the destructive barnacles. The pholadidce and. the Teredo navalis work singly, and it is to these boring mol- lusca that we shall give our at- tention in this chapter more particularly, partly for the rea- son that their habits are very interesting per se, and also be- cause they have been the sub- ject of much discussion among naturalists, and accurate knowl- edge in regard to them cannot fail to be serviceable to naval architects and all builders of docks, breakwaters, bridges, lighthouses, or any construc- tion which may be exposed to their ravages. The boring Pholas or date- shell is a bivalve of an oblong ovate form, which when closed is nearly cylindrical in shape, the upper or anterior part open; the shell is white and polished on the inside ; the valves are not joined closely together, but are connected by a strong, tough membrane, to which is joined an extra plate taking the direction of the col- umn of the main valves. It makes its home in either Stone DATE-SHELL (Pholas dactylns). BIVALVE SHELL. a, a, bosses ; &, 6, hinges; c, principal teeth ; y plants. No other method will keep it so clear. As evidence of this, I can to-day take a tumbler of water out of a tank that has had only the natural aeration of plants, which has not been meddled with for years, and in which I have kept all that time a large and varied assortment of ani- mals ; and it will equal the Croton in purity and clearness, and far surpass it in softness, and in living, sparkling brightness. REPLENISHING THE AQUAKIUM. The vegetation in the tank being plentiful and healthy, as will be shown by its sending up innumerable small glob- MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. 201 ules of air, the next thing is the selection of animals the necessary first, the ornamental next. The reader is particu- larly advised to avoid the common error of selecting too large fish, or too many. It is of the first importance to supply your tank from the start "with fresh-water mollusca a/ndcrus- tacea. Snails are almost a necessity. To obtain them, let us take a walk to the nearest rivulet. Brush your hand-net along the margin, grazing it against the overhanging grass and weeds. How readily you have obtained a number, but perhaps all of one kind ! You " thought all water-snails were alike." In that you find you were greatly mistaken ; and this is your first practical lesson in natural history. The snails you have probably got are called Physce, and are of all others best adapted to your purpose. They will consume the conferva which forms in the tank, mowing it from the sides in swaths, as the mower's scythe does the grass. There is but one drawback to them: their delicately-mottled shells are so fragile that they easily fall a prey to any of the larger fish which may be in the aquarium. Another kind is the Planorbis or trumpet-snail, which is also ornamental, being in form similar to the ammonites, so remarkable among the shells of a former epoch. The general belief is that it will destroy the plants ; but my own observation does not confirm this bad character. It is not often found in running streams, but is abundant in ponds, ditches, and low marshes. Next may be mentioned the Lymneas, with a sharp, spiral, intensely black shell, which is the most ornamental of all. I cannot say much for their industry, however; they enjoy rest too well. The P alluding another variety,. are useful, but there should not be too many of them. Some of the bivalves of the fresh-water mussel tribe may be introduced for variety, and have been growing in favor as cleansers. The " swan-mussel," for instance (Anodon cygneus\ is an interesting object on account of its large size ; but a 202 THE OCEAN. handsomer kind is the Unio radiatus, which .abounds in the Passaic River and the ponds and streams of New Jersey. Some unios are rainbow-tinted, and others are of a beautiful rich green. But perhaps you will say, " They are too inert for an aquarium." There again you are wrong, as close ob- servation of your tank will prove to you. They will some- times travel the whole length of the tank in a few hours. While I write, one of them has just turned itself over with a jerk, and (by-the-way, it is " moving-day ! ") is evidently preparing to shift its quarters, proving itself a true New- Yorker. Having several times referred to the Passaic River, I will here mention that I have there found adhering to the Valis- neria,) which is abundant in that river, a beautiful, small uni- valve, the scientific name of which I do not know. The crayfish or crawfish (Astacus flumatilis] is frequently but erroneously called the fresh- water lobster. It is a very CRAWFISH (Astacus ftumatilis). interesting object in the aquarium, but cannot well be kept in a deep tank without elevated rock-work, by which it can ascend nearly or quite to the surface. It affects shallow brooks, and can be found in such localities on Staten Island. MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. 203 With less trouble it may also be procured from the well- known fish -merchant, Mr. Eugene Blackford, of Fulton Market, on whose marble tables specimens can be seen by thousands. Small ones should always be preferred for the tank : if too large, they will disturb the plants and loosen them from their anchorage. The crawfish is very fond of working among the pebbles at the bottom of the tank, and will build itself a cave most ingeniously lifting stones much larger than itself in its claws, and with them building up a wall with great regularity in front of its hiding-place. From what I have seen in my own aquarium, I believe the craw- fish frequently leaves the water at night. Perhaps it goes on foraging expeditions ; for through the night, at almost any hour, they may be found on the dry rock in the centre of the tank, where they rarely appear in the daytime. It is altogether best to give them a separate tank if possible, as they are apt not only to commit depredations on the fish and plants, but to disturb more or less the general arrangements of the aquarium. FKESH-WATEK REPTILES AND INSECTS. " Oh ! there is a lizard ! " How many times have I heard this exclamation, when only an innocent little triton or water- newt made its appearance ! True, they are somewhat lizard- like in form ; but the lizard is wholly a land-reptile, while the newt delights in the running brook. They are entirely innocuous, and very curious and pleasing inmates of the aquarium. Nothing can be more eccentric than the perform- ances of one of these little fellows. He is the gymnast and acrobat of the tank ; his antics exceed belief. Now we see him poising himself by one foot on a leaf, now " treading - water " as bathers sometimes do ; then again suspended, mon- key-like, by his tail from the stem of a plant ; then, perhaps, sitting upright like a kangaroo at the bottom of the tank ; next, darting hither and thither in a frolicsome mood ; so 204 THE OCEAN. that the eye never wearies of watching him. If he could only speak, we should put him on a salary as " clown " to the concern. But he is useful as well as entertaining, feed- ing upon the minute parasitical insects which injure aquatic plants. His progressive development is also curious ; he goes through eight or nine transformations of form before his latest and most perfect is acquired. No aquarium can be complete without two or three of these lively and amusing creatures. The frog, being amphibious, cannot well be kept in the tank, unless you have a projecting rock or floating island ; and then it is apt to make a bold leap for liberty, and if an open window is near Mr. Frog may have utterly disappeared, without so much as saying " Good-by." The cleansers having been duly located to keep the apart- ment in order, like the neokoros of the famed temples of Greece, the fish may be introduced ; and it will be a pleasure to me to make you acquainted with the FINNY DENIZENS OF THE AQUARIUM. Of these, perhaps the stickleback (G aster osteus) is the most interesting ; and, although I presume most of my readers TWO-SPINED STICKLEBACK (Gasterosteus liaculeatus). have already read accounts of his doings, I cannot altogether omit a description of him, without leaving these pages incom- plete. There are several species of sticklebacks, varying in size and form, and in the number of their spines ; but they are all pretty and interesting creatures, and well suited for MARINE AND FKESH- WATER AQUARIA. 205 the aquarium. The smaller kinds abound in the creeks and ditches of the Jersey meadows, and the larger kinds (which will breed freely in the tank) are found in the shoal waters of the East River and in the creeks on Long Island. They are all, the latter especially, pugnacious little fellows, and quickly become the tyrants of the miniature ocean of their prison. They prefer brackish water, but will live in fresh ; the small-tailed or nine-spined variety is least adapted for the latter. In the breeding-season the male stickleback is more than usually disputatious, and will successfully assail fishes five times his own size and weight. At this period, too, he as- sumes colors more gorgeous than my pen can paint, while his little eyes glitter like emeralds. When building his nest, which he does with all the care and precision of the most skillful bird, he is peculiarly excitable. He is an aquatic representative of Mormonism, being a decided polygamist. "When his nest is completed, both an entrance and an exit are provided for. Into the former he drives the female ; and, at that moment, so intense is his excitement that his brilliant hues forsake him, and he absolutely turns pale, or silvery white. The spawn and milt are both deposited in this tunnel-like nest, as the male and female fish pass through the aperture. Then the male takes up his position at the entrance, " standing guard " with most praiseworthy perse- verance ; and by a rapid motion of his pectoral fins, back- ward and forward, a perfect current is created, which flows through and over the eggs. Over these he keeps vigilant watch for ten or twelve days ; there are hundreds of them in one nest, and were they all pearls they would not be so pre- cious to our little stickleback as are these small glutinous masses from which the young fish will now appear. But his fatherly care is not yet ended; for eight or ten days longer lie continues to watch with the most intense solici- tude, keeping them from straying, which should any of them 206 THE OCEAN". STICKLEBACKS BUILDING THEIR NESTS. MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. 207 do, lie may be seen taking them up as carefully in his mouth as a cat would her kittens, and restoring them to their home in the nest. The breeding-season of the stickleback begins in January or February. To raise them in confinement, it is much the best to. give them a tank to themselves. The male is very ravenous, his food consisting mainly of small insects, chrysalids, and young fish emerging from the spawn. He will also take worms or a bit of meat scraped very fine. Gold and silver fish live well in the aquarium, but the smallest size should be selected for the purpose ; large fish will not thrive unless the tank is artificially aerated. The white perch is a very beautiful inmate of our parlor ponds. The same rule about selecting the smaller specimens should be observed here also; and this general maxim in regard to fish cannot be too strongly impressed upon the amateur aquarianist. The white perch is plentiful in the Passaic, and can be easily tamed so as to feed from the hand, as indeed can most fish. The perch likes worms. There are other varieties of the perch family, all beautiful, but somewhat dangerous company for other fishes. AMERICAN BREAM OK SUNFISH (Pomotis Bulgaria). You would better avoid the common sunfish, unless very small. He is beautiful, but an assassin of most murderous habits. Have nothing to do with him, notwithstanding his beauty. There is another variety of sunfish, however, 208 THE OCEAN. called the rock-sun, which is an excellent inmate of the tank. He is richly marked all over with gold, silver, and bronze, and is of a most harmless disposition ; one could scarcely believe that he belongs to the same family as his namesake described above. Of the dace tribe, there are the red-fin, the white-fin, BLACK-KOSED DACE (Argyreus atronasus). and the striped all desirable fish for the tank. The pike if very small not above two inches in length will do ; but beyond that size he is a dangerous fellow. COMMON PIKE (Esox reticulatus). Eels are ornamental when small, their wavy lines and undulating motions offering a pleasing variety ; but they are very destructive of snails, and are better dispensed with. A very pleasant and lively little fellow is the common minnow ; and the " barred killia-fish " is exquisitely beauti- ful as well as active. Among other suitable fishes is the rock-fish. It has a beautiful and graceful form and curious geometrical mark- ings; and, on account of certain peculiarities, the unusual MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. 209 shape of its caudal fin, and other points, it was a particular object of scientific interest to the late Prof. Agassiz. The black bass (not the lake-bass) is a neat, bright, harm- less little fish, always improving on close acquaintance. The common catfish is not amiss, if he is not permitted to grow too large. His bearded chin and curious form are very attractive when he chooses to show himself. In the CATFISH OB HORNED POUT (Pimelodus atrarius). daytime he is apt to hide himself among the rocks ; but he never fails to come out on his evening prowl for food. The " tessellated darter " may be admitted. He is a sly fellow, and will lie on the bottom of the tank as if fast asleep ; but, if any suitable prey is passing, out he darts with a sud- den spring as lively as if sleep was a thing unknown to him. The small-sized trout is very beautiful, but delicate for the aquarium ; and, if he does live, he soon proves danger- ous. SPECKLED TEOUT (Salmo fontinalis). 210 THE OCEAN. The tadpole, though not belonging to the " finny tribe," may as well be mentioned here. He must by no means be omitted from our collection, for he is one of the " funny " little creatures. With, his big, fat, lazy head, and smart little tail, he goes about the tank, apparently so happy, not mind- ing confinement in the least, until he is gradually transformed into a frog, when he becomes a more serious member of the EIGHT STAGES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TADPOLE, from the recently hatched (1) to the adult form (8). family, and might better be dismissed. But the change itself is very interesting to watch. In his transformations his last legs appear first, and his first or fore legs last. " But what about that lively tail ? " Well, its wiggle-waggle has become gradually fainter, and moves in more sober mood than in his greener days; more surprising still, it appears to be van- MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. isliing ! Where it goes to it is hard to see, but finally it disappears actually all absorbed into the body, which is no longer tadpole, but plain frog! Poor "tad" used to be of COMMON FKO& (Rana temporaria). some use, too, for he was a splendid scavenger, and helped to clean the glass with his thick, fleshy lips. Give the little " tads " a home. The caddis-worm, the larva o, the caddis-fly, of the fam- ily of Phryganida, you will find on the bottom of running brooks, nicely incased in his house of sticks, stones, and sand, and sometimes of leaves. He is an interesting little creature, and sometimes builds his house in such a queer way that you are sure to want to be better acquainted with him. A large number of their eggs probably hundreds of them were once hatched out in one of my glasses ; and, before the young were twelve hours old, each had built a house over its tiny body, and was carrying it about almost as well as the older members of the family. They stick these particles together by a cement which they secrete from their own bodies, and the inside of this little tube or case is covered with a silky lining, from which they stick out their THE OCEAN. heads and fore-feet when moving about. Should the case when completed prove too light, so as to be inclined to float, they fasten on an extra stone to weigh it down. SALT OR FRESH 2 Should you ask me which to choose, a salt-water or a fresh-water aquarium, I should reply, Both. "But this is not answering the question." Certainly not, nor can I an- swer it conclusively; for each has its peculiar advantages and special attractions. However, in point of rare and curi- ous objects, undoubtedly the salt-water is the more prolific ; but it is perhaps a little more difficult to manage, and some of the most desirable curiosities cannot be either so cheaply or easily procured as stock for the fresh-water tank. Prob- ably an amateur would succeed best with the latter, at least until he has fully mastered both the principle and practice of the aquarian art. To stock a salt-water aquarium hand- somely involves considerable time if undertaken indepen- dently, and expense if procured by purchase. There are, however, many very interesting objects which may be easily and cheaply obtained ;. and of these I will first speak. SALT-WATER AQUARIUM. The water would better be pure sea-water, not taken in a brackish state at half -tide, when there is certain to be a large amount of foreign matter held in solution, and the saline property is weakened by the mingling of fresh-water streams. But if circumstances permit your going farther out, and you get your salt-water from the Bay or the East River, by all means consult the time-table, and let your dip for the precious fluid be as near full flood-tide as possible, or a little before, not after, for the former is when the sea-water is running in. I have many times used this water with per- fect success ; and I have understood that specimens of water taken from around Hell Gate have been carefully analyzed MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. and found to be ninety-site per cent, pure, and in density about the same as water taken from the locality of the light- ship at Sandy Hook. There are formulae for the manufacture of artificial sea- water which are well spoken of in the English works on this subject, but I have never tried any of them. I imagine there are conditions and occult combinations in ocean-water which no art can fully reach. I know, however, a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, who has used, and is still using, artificial sea-water with very good results. He has a number of salt- water algae and animals in a perfectly healthy condition in his tanks. 1 The principle upon which the marine -aquarium is based and managed is the same as for the fresh- water, here- tofore explained. The aeration is a very simple matter, for the means are abundant. The common sea-lettuce ( Ulva latissimd), which is washed up on every beach, is the best and really the only necessary vegetation for the salt-water aquarium. Nothing can be more beautiful either in color, texture, or form ; and it will grow floating as well as rooted. A handful of the loose leaves picked up on the shore will, if clean, begin the work of aeration as soon as they are placed in the tank. The only objection to these loose .fragments is, that they do not remain stationary. But we are not obliged to use them, for there are thousands of oyster-shells, pebbles, and small 1 For the benefit of those who may live far away from the sea-shore, I will give Mr. Gosse's formula for making artificial sea-water, which is probably as good as any in use : Parts. Common table-salt 81 Epsom salts 7 Chloride of magnesium . . . . . . .10 Chloride of potassium 2 Total. 100 One pound of this mixture carefully dissolved in water, and then filtered, will make about three gallons of sea-water. 214 THE OCEAN. pieces of rock, to be found on any beach, covered with the younger forms of the same sea-weed, which can be arranged picturesquely and permanently in the tank, and which will supply oxygen freely. Other algae may be added to beau- tify and vary the effect. Indeed, a perfectly gorgeous ap- pearance may be produced by the many-colored and delicate algae. It was formerly believed that the red, being mostly deep-sea plants, could not with safety be introduced into the aquarium ; but experience, that faithful teacher, has proved the unsoundness of that belief. As with the fresh, so with the salt-water tank, it is best to introduce your vegetation a few days before you stock it with animals. I will mention some of the many varieties of algae that have grown in my aquaria at different periods, many of which, however, I do not recommend, as the aquarium is safer without them. Besides the Ulva latissima already mentioned, we have the U. linzcb, TJ. intestinalis, Enteromorpha compressa, Cla- dophora reflecta, and the Grenella Americana, bright red, ribbon-like, and, if collected while it is young, very good for the tank ; Porphyra lacinata, royal purple, rich and beauti- ful, and as dangerous as it is pretty ; Chondrus crispas, com- monly called Irish moss, the plant so extensively used in commerce, which is a valuable addition if young and small specimens are used ; jRhodymenia palmata and .R. laciniata, both red plants. The Solieria chordalis is of a brilliant crimson color, with round, wire-shaped branches, growing profusely on shells and stones in a few fathoms of water ; this is one of the few that should never be dispensed with. Dasya elegans is one of the most ornamental of ocean-plants, of a soft, feather-like shape and texture, but not safe for the aquarium. Ceramium fastigiatum is one of the most beau- tiful objects to look at with a strong lens that can be imag- ined ; dried and pressed on paper, it is one of the choicest. Callithamnium lyyssoidium is not very hardy. Polysiphonia parasitica and P. nigrescens can be almost always found near MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. 215 the shore, and are about the first plants which you may ex- pect to appear in your tank, whether you put them there or not ; for some of the seeds or spores are nearly sure to be contained in the sea-water. They belong to a family of sea- weeds numbering over three hundred known varieties. Cla- dophora arcta is a fine, soft, silky green plant, growing in little tufts, appearing on the shore at early spring, and always tempts the amateur, saying by its seductive charms, " Try me ; " but my advice is, Beware. Ptilota elegans, one of the pretty red weeds with beautiful feathered fronds, makes a fine contrast with the greens. Delesseria sanguinea and D. Americana are two of the most beautiful sea-weeds to be found upon our shore, and will do very nicely for the aqua- rium during the cold season. Of specimens obtained in the Bermudas, I have had growing Acetdbularia crenulata, Caulerpa plumaris, Zona- ria, Halimeda^ Padina pavonia, Bostrychia scorpioides, and Penicillus capitates, a very pretty tree-like form. Supposing that we have our plants arranged and in good working (i. e., oxygen-producing) order, we are now ready for the animals, and will begin with the MOLLUSKS AND CRUSTACEA. The choice of mollusks is greater for the salt-water than for the fresh-water aquarium. Their use is the same. The common salt-water snails as we shall have to call them are to be counted by millions on almost every beach ; they are good workers, and in my eyes beautiful creatures. They occupy themselves almost entirely with devouring the con- fervoid formations on the sides of the tank ; but I know by observation that they are also useful scavengers of animal matter. If your fishes chance to have been over fed, the snails will eat up the fragments. The periwinkles (Littorina, palliata and Z. rudis\ whose natural food is decayed vege- tation, can be used with advantage. But the whelks (Sue- 216 THE OCEAN. cinum) are probably the most active of all, as they will con- sume all decayed animal matter as well as the confervoid growth. It is an interesting sight, if you have a proper glass, to watch these little creatures at work. With their scythe- like tongues they mow away the fine growth of algse in per- fect swaths, until the whole glass is swept clean ; the shell of the whelk is a favorite dwelling for the smaller hermit- crabs, as described on page 100. The Tritia trivittata is a pretty spiral - shaped shell, found upon the sandy shores of Long Island; it is quite useful for the tank, and also ornamental. The Anachis similis and Cerithiopsis tere- firalis are almost invaluable for a small tank. Beware of the Urosalpinx cinerea, commonly called "the drill" (de- scribed on page 44) ; it is interesting, but may prove an expensive luxury to harbor. The scallop exceeds all in beauty, but its life is somewhat precarious in an aquarium ; its richly-tinted, corrugated shell alone is an ornament, but the inmate is beautiful beyond description. The Mytilus edulis or common mussel, Modiola plicatula and M. modio- lus, My a truncata, Venus mercenaria, Crepidula fornicata, Anomia gldbra, and Argina pexata, have already been de- scribed, and many more might be given; but the above- named number of mollusks is quite sufficient, and they are all available for the tank. FIDDLEE-CKAB (Gelasimus vocans). MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. 217 Among Crustacea^ I would mention the hermit-crab (see KING OB HoBSEsnoE CBAB. 1. Lower surface ; 2. Upper surface. Chapter VIII.), which is most interesting. Any number of C <~- a"* ^p-"" ,.^- f ^ " "~~ ''* H '*,- ^ HOKSESUOE-CKAB IN TBOUBLE (Limulus specimens can be obtained among the rocks and sea- weed at 218 THE OCEAN. low tide. If well, the hermit-crab is full of life and activity, he runs along the bottom of the tank, and climbs the rocks, if there are any, with surprising rapidity. The whole race, however, belongs to the "fighting brigade." Just watch him ! He is also a good scavenger. Do not use the fiddler- crab, for he is not wholly an aquatic animal ; if you shut him up in your tank, he will revenge himself on you by dying and thus causing trouble. The common edible or blue crab, if very small, may be introduced " with care." The small lady or land crab, and the modest rock-crab, are acquisitions, being good-natured and harmless. And last, but not least, procure a few of those interesting little horseshoe - crabs (Polyphemus Americanus) ; they may be found half covered with sand on Coney Island. The common sand or silver shrimp lives well in the aqua- rium, and is one of the most graceful creatures imaginable. COMMON SHRIMP (Crangon culgaris). Remember that all Crustacea need feeding regularly ; a small piece of raw meat, cut fine, suits them as well as anything. ZOOPHYTES. Here we enter into the exclusive domain of the salt-water aquaria, and upon the class of objects most difficult to ob- MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. 219 tain. First of this class are the ActinicB or sea-anemones, described in Chapter II. They are properly called flower- shaped animals, though it was long doubted whether they were animals. There is a certain class of sea-anemones which can be obtained among the rocks w r hen the tide is out, but only a practised eye would detect them ; for, though they will be in full bloom when covered by the water, when de- serted by the friendly wave they look only like slimy accu- mulations upon the rock. But when you have once learned to recognize them, there is no further difficulty except to get them. This is not always a very easy matter, and practice alone will make you expert in detaching them from the rock. Indeed, this is always more or less hazardous, because it is at their base that they are most easily injured, and often fatally by the inexperienced. The best way when collecting them is to supply yourself with a hammer such as geologists use, and split off the piece of rock to which they adhere. A very pretty, small, white variety can be found at Gowanus Bay, and a deep, rich orange - colored one at Hell Gate. I have found them here so thick upon the rocks that the surface would be entirely covered. Sometimes they fix themselves upon a piece of brick, as many as two hun- dred young ones perhaps together ; or the sole of an old shoe may be their resting-place. These will live well and multiply in the aquarium. The larger and finer anemones, and those of the most beautiful and varied colors, are ob- tained only in deep water, and generally by dredging. Some of these are truly gorgeous ; but about the best suited for the tank is the Actinia mesembryanthemum, which comes from the Bermuda Islands, and can almost always* be had at the aquarial store of Mr. Greenwood. Its color varies from a deep blood-red to a delicate scarlet. It never grows to more than an inch and a half in diameter, and multiplies readily in the tank during the winter. Sea-anemones can be safely carried in a basket, if packed in wet sea-weed. 220 THE OCEAN. Like all inmates of the aquarium, they should be regularly fed, as no tank would naturally supply sufficient food such as they require. I generally feed mine with pieces of clams, but any finely-cut raw meat will do. If I wish to " treat them " and give them a sort of Thanksgiving dinner, I get some of those little crabs which are found in oysters ; and these they cannot resist even when not hungry. They re- main closed for some time after feeding, to bloom, however, after the food is digested with fresh vigor and beauty. I think enough has been told about sea-anemones; like all natural objects, only study and observation will enable you thoroughly to appreciate them. SEKPUL^E AND HYDKOIDS. There is a class of remarkable animals known as annelids, which are great acquisitions to the salt-water aquarium, but which should be introduced with caution and watched with vigilance. The proper care of them requires considerable experience. The Serpulce form contorted cellular tubes en masse, to which fishermen give the name of " clinkers," sup- posing them to be pieces of clinkered coal which have been acted upon by salt-water. These cells, however, are inhab- ited by gayly-colored, lively animals, as described fully in Chapter IV. Another interesting and valuable specimen for our tank is the Tubular ia indivisa, unquestionably one of the most beautiful things which the sea produces. The groups formed by it can sometimes be found at Hell Gate, but are not always conveniently situated so as to be got at and removed with safety. To those only who explore the bed of the ocean are all its wonders revealed ; but enough of this class of objects has been described in these pages to enable any one to make a fine selection for a sea-water aqua- rium. MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. 221 THE MOST DESIRABLE FISHES. First, as with fresh, water, so with salt the smaller the fish, the better. Just brush your hand-net along the margin of that eel-grass, about a foot below the surface, and examine its contents without taking it wholly out of the water. I suspected as much ! Those delicate, semi-transparent, silvery- striped spearings are indeed a treasure for your aquarium. I fear, however, you will find them, as most exquisitely beau- tiful things are, but short-lived. Expose them to the air as little as possible in transferring them to your " collection- pail," for they are very sensitive. The common belief that they will die if they leave their natural element and breathe the air but for a moment, is, however, erroneous. But " handle them tenderly, lift them with care," for they are worth it. What else have you ? Ah ! those chubby little fellows, with their bars of emerald on a shield of gold, are sheeps- head (Lebias) the best fish for the marine aquarium that I know of. They are vegetarians, with an insatiable appe- tite, and forage freely on your sea-lettuce and the delicate alg88 ; but never mind, the Lebias is just as much at home in the tank as in the vasty deep, and you may keep him till he dies of old age ; and he is beautiful as he is hardy. And a young flounder, too ! Good again. But if you mean to preserve him in health, you must indulge him with a sand-bank in which to lie and to burrow. And an infantile blackfish! Yes, he will do admirably; for he is a tough little chap, and is marked so prettily with black and white. A young bergall is a fine addition to your catch ; he will glide in and out among your rock-work as independently and gracefully as if he owned the whole aquarium. And there's a pipe-fish ! Well, he's curious if not handsome : drop him in the pail. But that frost-fish let him go. If you transfer him to the handsomest aquarium that ever was 222 THE OCEAN. made, he will not content himself, but will sulk and refuse to eat, and will consequently die, as you, dear reader, would if persisting in such a refusal. AMERICAN FLOUNDER (Platessa piano). My pet of all pets I leave to the last the little sea- horse, described in Chapter IX. If you once have one of these under your eye, you will never wish to be w T ith- SEA-HORSE iING FOR FOOD. MARINE AND FRESH-WATER AQUARIA. 223 out them ; and yet they are delicate, and there is no telling how long or rather how short a time you may be able to keep them. But " a thing of beauty is a joy forever," to memory if not to sight; so, if you can obtain one, don't deny yourself the pleasure for fear it will not last. " Under bright rainbows of perpetual showers, God's gardens of the deep His patient angels keep ; Gladdening the dim strange solitude With fairest forms, and thus Forever teaching us." And now it is time to close these pages, and to say to the reader who has accompanied me to the end : Farewell. Or, rather, shall it be au revoir f May I not hope that some who have perused this little book will have become suf- ficiently interested in the objects described, not only to wish to possess them, but to obtain them personally seeking such as may be found in our vicinity in their native re- treats ? Shall we meet then, reader, perchance on the Coney Island shore (now Manhattan Beach), or on some rocky pro- jection of the East River, or, mayhap, on the Hackensack or Passaic, and, in the spirit of brotherhood which the study of Nature engenders, compare our respective " finds," and re- joice with each other over some new treasure discovered ? If not, I shall hope that at least my experience and sugges- tions may be of use to those interested in aquarial objects ; that they may encourage some, who have failed, to "try again ; " and that it may save from loss and disappointment some amateur just beginning to make collections. To the more advanced aquarianist, possibly my per- sonal experience may not prove wholly useless ; and if the reader, of any class, has enjoyed the perusal of this book, and learned to love my little pets, I ask no further recom- pense. APPENDIX. HOW TO COLLECT AND PRESERVE THE best manner to gather marine plants to be sent abroad is to take them from the rocks at low water, and dry them in the shade. Then pack them in paper or muslin bags, and mark the locality, day of the month and year, in plain letters. In gathering plants, always take them with the roots when you can ; and never, on any account, let the plants (if marine) be placed in fresh water, in which they lose their color and soon decay. It is a good plan to gather in mass the plants as they are thrown up from the sea and cast ashore, and examine them carefully at leisure, as many rare and beautiful specimens grow in deep water. If you wish to preserve them on the spot, provide yourself with paper and small pieces of white muslin, and float them out in sea-water, taking care to cover each specimen with a piece of muslin, and over this a sheet of blotting-paper before putting on any pressure. In this manner you can preserve many specimens together without injury. It is well to pre- pare the delicate specimens on the spot, as they decay very soon. The large, coarse specimens are always best preserved by being hung up to dry in the shade, and when nearly dry they will be ready to pack away in paper or muslin bags. Do not discard specimens* that are coarse and ugly, as they often have minute parasites attached to them of great in- terest to the botanist ; and frequently plants that look like decayed specimens are rare and valuable to the algologist. Collect everything in the shape of a plant that grows in the water, and preserve them, as they will be of interest. INDEX. Acanthus, or Surgeon-Fish, 54. Acorn Barnacles, 129. Actinoids, 7. Agassiz, Professor, Letter about Bermuda Fish, 56. Anemones, Sea, T. Adamsia, 14, 87. Cnidse, or Lasso-Cells of, 12. Dianthus, 10, 16. Dahlia, 10. Eyes of, 11. Globe-horn, 18. Mantle, 87. Mesembiyanthemum, 11. Metridium margmatum, 8, 11. Parasitic, 14, 17. Reproduction of, 15, 16. Sagartia rosea, 10, 18. 8and-Pintlet, 18. The Birth of, 15. Vestlet, 18. Wartlet, 10. Animals for Marine Aquaria, 215-222. Algae, 214, 215. Preservation of, 224. Anachis similis, 42, 216. Anacharis Canadensis, 195. Angler, 113. Angel-Fish, 56. Annelida, 34. Annelid Mason, 41. Anomia glabra, 95. Antipyretiea gigantea, 192. fontinalis, 192. Antipathes subpinnata, 28. Aquaria, Fluviatile and Marine, 180. Aquatic Vegetation, 192. Architeuthis princeps, 69. Area, 92. Argina pexata, 92. Argyreiose, 118. Artificial Aeration, 185, 199. Sea- Water, 213. Astrangia, 22. Astraea pallida, 31. Astracanthion, 133, 135. Astrophyton, 146. Baird, Professor, Remarks about the Giant Squid, 68. Barnacles, 126. Batrachospermae, 199, Batrachus tau, 112. Balloon-Fish, 119, 120. Basket-Fish, 146. Beluga catodon, 170. Bermuda Fishes, 55. Bergall, 221. Birth of the Anemone, 15. Bivalve Shells, 85. Black-Fish, 121. Black Bass, 209. Bloody Clam, 92. Blue Crab, 52. Boat-Shell, 96. Boroes, 153. Botryllus violaceous, 98. Brittle Star-Fish, 146. Bride, the, 58. Bryozoa, 158. Buecina, 52, 139. Buttercup, Water, 195. Caddis- Worm, 211. Calamus, 197. Calla Lily, 196. 226 INDEX. Callitriche autumnalis, 195. Campanularians, 151, 157. Cancer cranium morta, 64. Capture of the Devil- Fish, 70. Capture of the White Whale, 173. Caryophylliaoe, 18. Cerithiopsis terebralis, 42, 216. Ceratophyllum dcmersum, 193. Chsetopleura, 97. Chelonia viridis, 124. Chiton, 97. Cirrhopoda, 127. Citrina, 37. Cladophora, 198. Clam, Common Soft, 94. Common Hard, 95. Giant, 84. Cnid, 12. Cod, 122. Confervse in the Aquarium, 191, 198. Coral, Living, 19. Black, 28. Growth of, 24. Solidification of, 29. Astrsea, 31. Corallium rubrum, 27, 28. nigrescens, 28. Coryne mirabilis, 156. Cow-Fish, 62. Crab, Grave-digger, 64. Blue, 52. Rock, 218. Hermit, 100. Horseshoe or King, 218. Spider, 49. Soft-shell, 52. Hunting in Bermuda, 64, Cray or Crawfish, 202. Crepidula fornicata, 96. Crustacea, 42. Cuttle-Fish, 78. Bone, 78. Cyanea capillata, 168. Dace, 208. Dancing Scallops, 47. Date-Shell, 85. Decorating Crab, 49. Devil-Fish, 66. Doctor- or Surgeon-Fish, 54. Drapernaldia glomerata, 198. Drapernaldia nana, 198. Drill, the, 44. Duckweeds, 198. Echinoids, 141. Echinarachnius, 144. Edible Mussel, 92. Edible Crab, 52. Eels, 208. Eggs of Caddis- Worm, 211. of Stickleback, 205. of Natica, 43. of Skate, 118. of Anachis, 43. of Octopus, 77. of Purpura lapillus, 44. of Buccina, 53. of Cuttle-Fish, 79. of Squid, 80. of Star-Fish, 137. Enteromorpha compressa, 214 Eyes of Sea-Anemone, 11. Eye -Stone, 45. Feeding Coral-Polyps. 27. Sea-Anemones, 15. the White Whale, 175. the Seal, 177. Fishing Frog, 114. Fishing in Bermuda, 60. Fish-Traps, 60. Flounder, 221. Floating Vegetation, 198. Fontinalis, 192. Formula for Sea-Water, 213. Formation of the Aquarium, 9, 12. Four-eyed Fish, 58. Fragilis, Spongia, 168. Fresh- Water Aquaria, 189. Eeptiles and Insects, 203. Frog, 204, 211. Frost-Fish, 221. Gases in water, 184. Giant Clam, 91. Squid, 68. Gold-Fish, 207. Goose Barnacles, 127. Great Sun-Fish, 121. Green Turtle, 125. Green Maray, 61. Grenella Americana, 214. INDEX. 227 Grouper, the, 56. Growth of Coral, 29. Haddock, 122. Hair-finned Argyreiose, 118. Hammer-headed Shark, 115. Hawksbill Turtle, 124. Hectocotylus of Octopus, 76. Ilemitripterus Americanus, 113. Hermit-Crab, 100. Hippocampus Hudsonius, 10T. Holacanthus ciliaris, 56. Holocentum longipenne, 59. Holothuria, or Sea-Cucumber, 14S. Homarus Americanus, 51. Home-made Tanks, 1ST. Hornwort, 193. House-hunting by the Hermit-Crab, 102, House-Builders, 33. Ilyalotheca, 198. Hydroids, 150. Hydractinia polyclina, 158. Hyrodyctyon utriculatum, 199. Irradians, Pecten, 46. Jelly-Fish, 150. Jingle- Shell, 95. Killia-Fish, 208. King-Fish, 121. Larva of Teredo, 96. Lasso-Threads, 12. Lebias, 221. Lemna purpusilla, 198. trisulka, 198. Libinia canaliculata, 49. Lily, Calla, 196. White Pond, 195. Ox-heart, 197. Littorina, 54. Living Coral, 19. Astrangia, 22, 23. Occulina, 23. Astraea, 29. Lobster, Common, 51. Loligo vulgaris, 80. Lophius piscatorius, 113. Lump-Fish, 122. Lunatia heros, 43. Lycoris fucata, 90. Lymnanthemum lacuosum, 197. Lyngbya virescens, 199. Macciotta, 6. Madrepora aspera, 30. Maray, Green, 61. Spotted, 61. Marine Aquarium, 212. Marine Plants for the Aquarium, 214, 215. Animals for the Aquarium, 215-222. Medusae, or Jelly-Fish, 150. Milfoil, 193. Modiola plicatula, 93. modiolus, 94. Mollusca, 42, 82. Mussel, Edible, 92. Modiola modiolus, 94. Plicatula, 93. Swan, 201. Anodon, 201. Mya arenaria, 94. Myriophyllum spicatum, 198. verticillatum, 198. Mytilus edulis, 92. Naias, 198. Natica, 43. Nereis, 41. Newt, 203. Nitilla flexilis, 198. Nymphaea odorata, 195. Ocean Architects, 34. Oceania, 153. Ocillatoria pulchella, 199. Octopus, 66. Young of, 77. }perculum, 36, 45. )phiurans, 145. )stracion sexcornutus, 62. )x-heart Lily, 197. )ysters, 90. Pagurus longicarpus, 100. Paper Nautilus, 73. Parrot-Fish, 63. Peacock-Fish, 58. Pearly Nautilus, 72. Pecten, 46. Pegasus volans, 112. Periwinkle, 64. Physalia, 160. 228 INDEX. Phoca vitulina, 1T6. Pholas, 85, 92. Pilot-Fish, 221. Pipe-Fish, 221. Plants for the Marine Aquarium, 214, 215. for the Fresh-Water Aquarium, 192. Polyphemus Americanus, 218. Pond-Weed, 192. Porcupine-Fish, 120. Porifera, 167. Porphyra lacinata, 214. Portuguese Man-of-War, 159. Potamogeton, 192. densum, 192. crispum, 192. heterophyllum, 192. natans, 192. Preservation of Algae, 224. Precious Coral, 28. Puffer, or Swell-Fish, 122. Purpura lapillus, 44. Quahog Clam, 79. .Rambles of an Aquarianist, 185. Ranunculus aquaticus, 195. Kay, or Skate, 117. Eeplenishing the Aquarium, 200. Reproduction of Coral Polyps, 25, 81. of Sea- Anemones, 15, 16. of Star-Fish, 137. of Arms of the Octopus, 76. Reptiles and Insects, 203. Riccia natans, 198. Rock-Fish, 208. Rudder-Fish, 123. Sabella, 38. Salt- Water Aquarium, 212. Sand-Dollar, or Sand-Cake, 144. Sarsia, 156. Saxicava rugosa, 87. Scallop, 46. Scarus turchesius, 63. Sea-Cucumber, 148. Horse, 107. Anemones, 7. Lettuce, 213. Raven, 118. Urchin, or Sea-Egg, 141, 142. Mouse, 123. Seal, 176. Sepia officinalis, 78. Serpent-Star, 145. Serpula, 34. Sertularia argentea, 154. pumila, 155. Shedding of Crab, 50. Shell-Turtle, 124. Sheepshead (Lebias), 221. Ship- Worm, 87. Shrimp, 218. Skate, or Ray, 117. Snails, 201. Soldier-Crab, 100. Spearings, 221. Spirorbis, 37. Sponges, 166. Squid, 80. Squill, 123. Squirrel-Fish, 59. Star-Fish, 94, 133. Brittle, 145. Starwort, 195. Starting an Aquarium, 201. Stickleback, 204, 205. building its Nest, 205. Stillata, 37. Stinging Powers of Coral Polyps, 26. Sturgeon, 121. Sun-Fish, Ocean, 121. Common, 207. Rock, 208. Surgeon-Fish, 54. Tadpole, 210. Tautog, or Black-Fish, 121. Teredo navalis, 8T. Tesselated Darter, 209. Tetraspora ulvacea, 198. Toad-Fish, 112. Tridacna gigas, 84. Tritia trivittata, 216. Trout, Speckled, 209. Tubularia, 157, 220. Turris neglecta, 152. Turtle, Hawksbill, 124. Green, 125. Tyndaridia pectinata, 199. Ulva latissima, 213. linza, 214. intestinalis, 214. Unio radiatus, 202. Urosalpinx cinerea, 44. INDEX. Valisneria spiralis, 194. Venus mercenaria, 95. Vetella, 154. Vorticella, 15S. Water, 184. Buttercup, 195. Net, 198. Whale, the White, 170. theSp3rm,171. Whelk, Common, 58. White Pond-Lily, 195. Perch, 207. Young of Teredo, 89. of the Sponge, 167. of the Whale, 172. of the Seal, 177. of the Sea-Horse, 111. Zygaena malleus, 115. Zygnema inequale, 199. THE END. THE WORLD OF WATERS, The Commercial Products of the Sea ; Or, Marine Contributions to Food, Industry, and Art. By P. L. SIMMONDS. With Thirty-two Illustrations. 1 vol., 12mo, cloth. 484 pages. Price, $1.75. "It is certain that a large part of our race would have to perish but for the countless forms of life which swarm in the depths of the sea. Mr. Simmonds has brought together the statistics as to the extent of the various large fisheries of the world, whether they supply food or objects of industrial value. Of the most exquisite and highly- valued product of the sea, the pearl, and of the methods of obtaining it, and managing the pearl-oyster beds, Mr. Simmondg gives a care- ful account. To the sponge, coral, amber, turtle, and other fisheries, he devotes the same detailed attention." -AT. Y. Sun. "Filled with important and interesting facts concerning marine contributions to food, industry, and art." Boston Journal. "A vast amount of information is here collected, and the general reader, as well as the specialist, will find the work full of interest." Buffalo Daily Courier. "The Multitudinous Seas." With Illustrations. By S. G. W. BENJAMIN. Forming Number 23 of Appletons' " New Handy-Volume Series." 18mo. Paper, price, 25 cents. " Another view of the inexhaustible fascinations of the deep is displayed in 4 The Multitudinous Seas,' by S. G. W. Benjamin. Free from statistics, and written in a fluent and picturesque style, by one who has traveled far and near over the face of the waters, it deals little with subjects of industrial importance, but enables one to gain, in an easy and attractive way, a new insight into the myriad strange aspects of the ocean. St. Elmo's lights, water-sponts, submarine volcanoes, icebergs, cyclones, .the beautiful and curious creatures found floating on the surface of the sea, are only a part of the themes on' which it discourses." -N. Y. Sun. Figuier's Ocean World: A Descriptive History of the Sea and its Inhabitants. With 425 beautiful Illustrations. Carefully revised. By E. PERCIVAL WRIGHT, M. D. 1 vol., 12mo. Cloth, $3.00 ; half calf, $5.00 ; full calf, $6.00. D. APPLETON & CO., PUBLISHERS, 549 & 551 BROADWAY, N. Y. HEALTH PRIMERS. J. LANGDON DOWN, M. D., F. R. C. P. HENRY POWER, M. B., F. R. C. S. J. MORTIMER-GRANV1LLE, M. D. JOHN TWEEDY, F. R. C. S. it is of the greatest importance that books upon health 1 should be in the highest degree trustworthy, it is notorious that most of the cheap and popular kind are mere crude compilations of incom- petent persons, and are often misleading and injurious. Impressed by these considerations, several eminent medical and scientific men of Lon- don have combined to prepare a series of HEALTH PRIMERS of a character that shall be entitled to the fullest confidence. They are to be brief, simple, and elementary in statement, filled with substantial and useful information suitable for the guidance of grown-up people. Each primer will be written by a gentleman specially competent to treat his subject, while the critical supervision of the books is in the hands of a committee who will act as editors. As these little books are produced by English authors, they are naturally based very much upon English experience, but it matters little whence illustrations upon such subjects are drawn, because the essential conditions of avoiding disease and preserving health are to a great degree everywhere the same. VOLUMES OF THE SERIES. Exercise and Training. (Illus- trated.) Alcohol: Its Use and Abuse. The House and its Surround- The Heart and its Functions. The Head, Clothing and Dress. Water. The Skin and its Troubles. Premature Death: Its Promo- tion or Prevention. Personal Appearances in Health and Disease. (Illus- trated.) Baths and Bathing. Fatigue and Pain. The Ear and Hearing. The Eye and Vision. Temperature in Health and Disease. In square 16mo volumes, cloth, price, 40 cents each. For sale by all booksellers. Any volume mailed, post-paid, to any ad- dress in the United States, on receipt of price. D. APPLETON" & CO., PUBLISHERS, 549 & 551 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. SOCIAL ETIQUETTE OF NEW YORK. CONTENTS: The Value of Etiquette Introductions Solicitations Strangers in Town Debuts in Society Visiting, and Visi ting-Cards for Ladies Card and Visiting-Customs for Gentlemen Morning Receptions and Kettle-Drums Giving and attending Parties, Balls, and Germans Dinner-giving and Dining out Breakfasts, Lunch- eons, and Suppers Opera and Theatre Parties, Private Theatricals, and Musicales Etiquette of Weddings Christenings and Birthdays Marriage Anniversaries New-Year's-Day in New York Funeral Customs and Seasons of Mourning. 18mo. Cloth, gilt edges, price, $1.00. "This little volume contains numerous hints and suggestions, which, are speciallly serviceable to strangers, and which even people to the manner born will find interesting and useful. Perhaps the best part of it is in what it does not say, the indefinable suggestion of good-breeding and refinement which its well- written pages make." New York Evening Express. "A sensible and brief treatise, which young persons may profitably read." New York Evening Post. "Everything which refines the habits of a people ennobles it, and hence the importance of furnishing to the public all possible aids to superior manners. This book will undoubtedly meet the needs of a large class." Boston Evening Transcript. "A frank and sensible epitome of the customs of good society in the first city of America. It admits the existence and need of certain rules of social behavior, and then in a kindly and decorous manner points out how to conform to the best usage." Boston Commonwealth. "A very sensible and if we may say it of a book well-bred volume. It gives the rules that are observed in the metropolis. These sometimes seem artificial, but they are usually founded on reason." Hartford Courant. "This is a timely work. For years our people have followed the habits of the older nations. In this young republic it can not be expected that the same rules exist as we find abroad. This work is very complete, and is easily carried in the pocket to read at odd intervals." Albany Sunday Press. " The statements are exact and simple, and cover all that any reader is likely to desire. The work will convey positively useful and reliable instruction that can not always be reached otherwise." Philadelphia North American. D. APPLETON & CO., PUBLISHERS, 549 & 551 BROADWAY, N. Y. RAMBLES IN WONDERLAND; OR, Up the Yellowstone, and among the Geysers and other Curiosities of the National Park. By EDWIN J. STANLEY. WITH MAP AND TWELVE ILLUSTRATIONS. Large tibo. Paper coyer, price, 75 cents; cloth, $1.25. " The natural wonders of the Great West, and especially those of the Yellowstone region, have been frequently described. But it can be safely said that, however familiar they may have become, either through books or by travel there, every one will find these sketches of them well worth reading. It is a most impressive volume ; and this comes from the fact that the author gives a plain and clear description, and does not attempt to portray the wonder or the admiration which he himself felt. The re- sult is, that the grandeur of the objects themselves reaches, directly and naturally, the soul of every reader. We commend the volume as one which, in the first place, has an abundance of things which every Ameri- can, at least, ought to know, and one which, in the second place, is un- usually readable." N. Y. Churchman. " Mr. Edwin J. Stanley has made a book with the title * Rambles in Wonderland' out of his notes and letters written during a season of travel up the Yellowstone River and through the Yellowstone Park. The book pretends to no special literary excellence, but is briskly written, and may be read with interest. Some of its descriptions are very graphic and picturesque, and, with its excellent illustrations, it is a travel-sketch of much interest and value." N. Y. Evening Post. " The famous canons, the hot springs or geysers, the National Park, the Indian agencies, the tribes of the Sioux, Crows, and other aboriginals ; Indian fighting, the massacre of pleasure-parties in the National Park, hunting, fishing, and the usual adventures of travel in a wild country, are among the subjects treated." N. Y. Home Journal. " An account of the summer rambles of a Methodist preacher in the wondrous Yellowstone region. The numerous chapters are vivid pictures of the journey to and through that enchanted land." 2V. Y. Christian Advocate. " This is a well-printed book of 179 pages, by a worthy and useful Southern Methodist preacher one of our brethren on the far frontier of the new Northwest. There is much in the book to interest and instruct. It is pleasant reading for a man ; it would delight a boy with any soul in him." Macon (Ga.) Wesleyan Christian Advocate. D. APPLETON & CO., 549 & 551 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED BIOLOGY LIBRARY TEL. NO. 642-2532 This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. DUE JUN 2 8 1982 Subject to Recall JUN BIOLOGY MBRARY LD21A-6m-9,'73 (R2491slO)476-A-32 General Library University of California Berkeley