A pail of sea-water carried into a dark room often affords a good opportunity for studying this interesting phenomenon. Although we may not have detected the presence of any animals before, as soon as the water is stirred or jostled we will see the beautiful sparkles of light. The phosphorescence of some animals is of a bluish tint; in others it is red, like flame.
A person will rarely tire of watching a boat as its prow turns up a furrow of liquid fire, and each dip of the oar sends a miniature flash of lightning through the otherwise dark water. It fills us with wonder to think of the countless millions of little creatures required to produce these marvellous effects all over the ocean, and wherever the restless waves break in lines of light, either upon tropical shores or ice-bound rocks.
Crabbe, the English poet, has given us the description of a phosphorescent sea:
"And now your view upon the ocean turn,
And there the splendor of the waves discern;
Cast but a stone, or strike them with an oar,
And you shall flames within the deep explore;
Or scoop the stream phosphoric as you stand,
And the cold flumes shall flash along your hand;
When, lost in wonder, you shall walk and gaze
On weeds that sparkle, and on waves that blaze."
[FALSE COLORS.]
BY MRS. JOHN LILLIE.
"It's to be what I call fun."
This from Mattie Blake, the eldest of the party, sitting on the bed, and dangling her feet idly.
"Rather risky," said little Joan in her shy voice.