On the Formation of an Aquarium, &c.
'And so I end this little book, hoping, even praying that it may
encourage a few more labourers to go forth into a vineyard which those
who have toiled in it know to be full of ever fresh health, and wonder,
and simple joy, and the presence and the glory of Him whose name is
Love.'--C. KINGSLEY.
[Illustration: A SKETCH FROM NATURE
1 Mussels attached by their byssus threads to the glass
2 Fronds of _Chondrus chrispus_
3 Fronds of _Delesseria Sanguinea_
4 Fronds of _Ulva latissima_]
XXV.
No ornament for the drawing-room or parlour can possibly be more
beautiful than a well-stocked and tastefully-arranged aquarium; nor is
there one likely to be productive of a greater amount of pleasure and
amusement. And it is instructive as well as amusing, for by means of
it the statements of writers relative to the habits of certain marine
animals may be verified by personal observation, and even difficult
problems in natural history satisfactorily solved. Aided by one of
these 'mimic oceans,' let the reader commence the practical study of
marine zoology, and I have little fear of his ever becoming tired of it.
'Age cannot wither it, nor custom stale
Its infinite variety.'
When pursued even in the most humble way, this recreation yields a
degree of interest greater than any other 'hobby' can produce, at least
in an equal space of time. If engaged in business during the day, the
student can always devote an hour morning or evening to the aquarium,
and when least expected, some circumstance will take place to excite
his wonder, and fill his mind with deep and devout reflection.
Moreover, the young naturalist will undoubtedly derive pleasure from
his endeavours to establish published facts relative to many of his
little prisoners; pleasure in noting down any interesting anecdote that
may occur; pleasure in knowing that his time is being profitably spent;
and above all, that he is making himself acquainted with objects framed
with marvellous skill and care by the hand of the Almighty:--
'Wonderful indeed are all His works,
Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all
Had in remembrance, always with delight.'
Without further preface, I shall now proceed to offer some practical
hints relative to the establishment of a marine aquarium. And, as some
of my readers may be perfectly unacquainted with the subject, I shall
treat it in as simple a style as possible. If, however, the experienced
zoologist will kindly follow me to the end of the chapter, it may be
that he will find some hints sufficiently new and useful to repay him
for his trouble.
First, then, in regard to the tank. This indispensable requisite may be
procured at certain shops in almost every town in the United Kingdom.
Its price varies from two or three shillings to £20. The expensive
kinds are generally oblong in form, but their construction being
somewhat intricate, they are apt to get out of order, unless made by
skilful and thoroughly competent artistes. Under certain circumstances,
there is no doubt that an oblong tank of moderate dimensions is a great
desideratum; but what I wish particularly to impress upon the mind of
the reader is, that a large tank is not at all necessary in order to
study the habits of marine animals; indeed, the more capacious the
vessel, the more difficult becomes the task of watching the secret
movements of any of its occupants. On this account it not unfrequently
happens that a common glass tumbler becomes of much greater service to
the student than the most elaborate aquarium.
The tanks which I use are circular in form, the largest being not more
than sixteen inches in diameter, by seven inches in depth. Its cost
was four shillings. Each one rests on a base of mahogany, elevated on
turned legs to a height of nine inches.
Some persons object to the circular tank, on the ground that its
occupants when seen from the sides appear magnified. This fact, as
I have elsewhere remarked, is rather a recommendation with me, as
it presents more distinct views of each movement in the vessel, and
whenever I wish to see the objects of their natural size, I can do so
by looking in from the top.
On the edge of the tank are placed three chips of gutta percha in which
are inserted three steel pins with brass heads; on these there is
laid a circular piece of common glass, cut two inches larger than the
diameter of the tank. As the 'pins' are about three-quarters of an inch
above the tank, they allow a current of air to pass over the water,
and also prevent, to a certain extent, particles of dust from falling
in. On the edge of the movable lid I _paste_ some crimson lace, which
serves for ornament, and also prevents the glass from cutting the hand
of any person moving it about. Sometimes I have a circular piece, about
four inches in diameter, cut out of the centre of the glass lid, which
allows the latter to be lifted off easily.
A glass syringe to aerate the water occasionally, a camel-hair pencil,
an ivory crotchet pin, and a pair of gutta percha forceps, complete the
whole machinery of the aquarium, the cost of which is so trifling that
the poorest person might manage to procure them.
One great point in favour of an aquarium, and one by no means generally
understood is, that having once filled the tank with salt water, it
will last for months, and even years, if proper care be taken, without
requiring one particle of sea-water to be again added; for as the water
evaporates, the salt falls to the bottom, and the deficiency may be
supplied with _fresh_ water from the cistern or filter. In order to
ascertain when the sea-water is of the proper density, you require
to have a 'gravity bubble,' which can be had for sixpence. This may
always be kept in the tank. When 'all's well' it sinks to the bottom,
and when anything comes amiss it rises to the surface, but falls again
quickly upon the introduction of the fresh water.[20]
[20] _Vide_ author's "Sea-side and Aquarium."
A more simple plan is, to mark on the glass the height of the fluid
when the tank is first filled, then as the water sinks, raise it again
to its original level by means of fresh water.
Many persons decline starting an aquarium on account of the great
difficulty of procuring a proper supply of sea-water. This objection,
of course, can be offered only by those who happen to reside inland;
but even these need not now be discouraged, for an ingenious plan has
lately been devised for sending the commodity in question through the
post!
Mr. Bolton, chemist, Holborn Bars, London, supplies, not sea-water, but
'marine salts for the instantaneous production of sea-water,' About six
ounces is sufficient to make a gallon, by the application of _fresh_
water. The saline material here alluded to, is not an artificial
chemical compound, but is produced by the simple process of evaporating
sea-water itself. Those individuals so fortunate as to possess a marine
villa, or any other more humble residence at or near the sea-coast,
have no occasion to resort to the scheme above-mentioned for filling
their tanks, a pure supply of sea-water being attainable with scarcely
any trouble whatever. A stone jar should be kept for this purpose only,
and care taken that the vessel is perfectly free from any smell, as
that of spirits, dirty corks, or the like, as any such impurity would
quickly spoil the water.
It may not be uninteresting to some of my readers to know, that in
France an aquarium cannot be established with the same ease as in
England. In the former country 'the whole contents of the sea itself
is a contraband article,--that is, the contents of the salt sea of
the English Channel or the Atlantic Ocean.' One writer tells us, that
staying on the French coast, he kept sea-anemones alive in glasses,
but was frequently warned by his friends to be careful how he fetched
water from the sea, lest the custom-officers should interrupt him. 'My
bottle,' to use the writer's own words, 'being very small, they let
it pass, on the principle that the law does not care about extremest
trifles; had it been a pailful, the case would have been different. A
lady keeping a marine aquarium, explained her wants to the local head
of the customs. He came and saw it--found it beautiful, and being a
gentlemanly man, with some love for natural history, he gave a written
order for the procuring of any reasonable quantity of water from the
sea. Every time the needful element was brought from the shore, it was
accompanied by its passport, as formally as if it had been a cask of
wine, or a suspicious stranger. French salt sellers thus enjoy the
height of protection; they are protected even from their colossal
competitor, the sea!'
I do not know a prettier sight than that exhibited by a healthy
aquarium on a fine summer's day; the effect of the sunshine upon it
being to cause innumerable bubbles of oxygen--that look like balls of
quicksilver--to form on every weed, shell, and smallest pebble. On
looking through the transparent sides of the vessel, small particles
hitherto resting on its base, may be seen slowly arising to the
surface of the water, each buoyed up by a miniature gas balloon. The
broad, ribbon like fronds of the ulva, from the self-same cause, float
upwards, and reflect a beauteous emerald hue upon all objects that lie
beneath; while the glass bulb, placed in the tank as before stated, to
denote the density of the water, at such a time belies its mission,
and covered with numerous argent globules, mounts gracefully in
companionship with the sea-weed, until shades of evening approach, when
its buoyancy gradually subsides, and once more it falls to its original
resting-place.
Wherever the above phenomenon is apparent, rest assured that the
aquarium is in good condition. It is, in fact, to the oxygen thus given
out by the plants and infant vegetation that the animals owe their
existence. If no algæ were introduced, the water would become impure,
and unless changed often, your little colony would surely die,--at
least those of its members who were unable to rise above the fluid, and
occasionally breathe the fresh air.
The secret herein involved, that animal and vegetable respirations
counterbalance each other, has only of late years been discovered; yet
it is apparent to any observing eye at the sea-shore; there we never
meet with a rock-pool containing living animals, that is not more or
less adorned with sea-weeds.
The green Lettuce Ulva, so abundant in rock-pools, the sea-grass, which
covers almost every fixed object at the sea-shore, or the well-known
dulse or Chondrus Crispus, form the only sea-weeds that it is necessary
to introduce into an aquarium. In fact, one or two fronds of the Ulva
Latissima alone, will answer perfectly well to purify the water of even
a comparatively large tank. I have often been surprised to find how
small a quantity of algæ was required for the purpose mentioned. After
allowing a single frond to float for a few days in a tank, in which
some sea-water was newly deposited, I took it out, and for an entire
twelvemonth the water remained healthy and as clear as crystal.
The arrangement of the 'stock' of an aquarium is quite a matter of
taste; perhaps no two persons adopt precisely the same plan. It may,
therefore, be advisable, as this matter is so arbitrary, for the writer
to state how his own tanks are mapped out, leaving it to his readers
to imitate the arrangements, or adopt a style of their own as they may
think proper.
At one time I used to make a grounding of sand, but this plan is not
to be recommended, even though it be one highly approved of by several
species of crabs, &c. White pebbles do very well, but I now prefer to
cover the base of the tank with crushed shells, washed very clean.
The following is a sketch of one of my tanks as it at present stands:--
In the centre of the vessel is a _semi-circular arch_, formed of pure
white Sicilian marble, which has to my eye a most pleasing appearance.
Around it, and indeed over the entire floor of the tank, are strewn
chippings of the same material as the centre piece itself.[21] From
the arch, at certain intervals, hang various sized specimens of the
_Mytilus edulis_, which have gradually advanced to their more or less
elevated positions entirely by their own unaided exertions. Near hand
a hardy _A. mesembryanthemum_ has taken up his abode, and sits with
ever expanded tentacles, motionless and happy. On either side of
the Anemone is deposited a riband of Doris spawn, that undulates to
and fro whenever by any chance the water is in the slightest degree
disturbed. Several soldier crabs, of course, act as sentinels of the
tank, and appear to be ever 'on duty,' marching about in all parts
of their subaqueous habitation; while beneath the marble fragments
repose, each with his 'weather eye' open, a small _Maia squinado_, two
long-armed crabs, and a small _Carcinus mænas_. On the sides of the
vase rest a Limpet, a Trochus, and two fine Periwinkles, with skin
of glossy blackness. The shells of either 'Buckie' is covered with
myriads of quicksilver globules, that rest on the tips of the young
and rising vegetation like dew upon the bladed grass. As I write,
upon the inner surface of the water, like a fly upon the ceiling of
a room, an Eolis and two pearly white Dorides lie idly floating in
close companionship. Beneath them, upon the verge of the aperture of a
large empty whelk shell, sits a pretty, cream-coloured Plumose Anemone
(_A. dianthus_). On two blocks of stone repose several specimens of
that mysterious animal the Pholas, who, by my unkindness, are thus
made to become members of the marine 'houseless poor.' Several young
specimens of these bivalves are seated, in a piece of rock, and daily
engaged in 'boring.' A stick of wood, formerly the slender twig of
a tree, is thickly clustered with fairy-handed acorn barnacles and
serpulæ, and being placed against the glass, the movements of these
singularly beautiful creatures can be watched with ease. Then there are
two Star-fishes, a pack of three little Blennies, and a Five-bearded
Rockling, whose singular movements I have previously alluded to.
Against the arch some fronds of ulva are anchored, while at chosen
spots specimens of delicate sea-weeds are also fixed--these rising up,
and being magnified through the sides of the vase, have a pleasing
effect, even to the eye of a child.
[21] The arch was cut from one of the waste pieces, of which there are
always a large number, lying in a marble mason's yard, and cost but a
few pence. The 'chippings' may be had in most cases for the trouble of
carrying them away.
It is a pretty sight to watch the fishes glide under and around the
marble arch, or throw themselves upon its highest point, there to enjoy
the fresh air, and have a pleasant 'crack' together. This expression is
literally correct, for the Blennies, when thus situated, usually make a
kind of noise not inaptly expressed by snapping the nail of the thumb
and finger together.
The foregoing animals which constitute the entire stock of one tank,
are, I am proud to state, all in a healthy condition, and if we may
judge by appearances, all contented and happy. It will be from no fault
of mine if they do not long continue thus, and exhibit no signs of
yearning for their native haunts by the sea-shore.
'Those gay watery grots--
Small excavations on a rocky shore,
That seem like fairy baths or mimic wells,
Richly embossed with choicest weed and shells,
As if her trinkets nature chose to hide
Where nought invaded but the flowing tide.'
In another tank I have introduced as a centre object a fine piece of
white coral, the higher branches of which rise above the surface of the
water. The roughness of the coral seems to be much approved of by many
of the animals, who are not slow to avail themselves of the facility
thus afforded them of climbing and otherwise exercising their peculiar
propensities. When purchasing coral, care must be taken to procure a
specimen that has not undergone any cleaning process, for although such
may be more pleasing to the eye, it is not so suitable for a 'centre
piece' as the cream-coloured, and less expensive coral.
A third aquarium which I possess is fitted up in a somewhat novel
style, which offers, for certain purposes, some slight advantages over
others that I have seen employed. It can be adopted in almost any kind
of tank; but the one under consideration is circular in form, and is,
in fact, a bell-shaped inverted fern glass, the knob of which is sunk
into a stand of wood supported on three legs.
The plan alluded to, which was suggested to the writer by an ingenious
friend,[22] consists of the introduction of a floating centre piece
composed of gutta percha, which serves as a resting place for various
small animals, such as Actiniæ, Mussels, Barnacles, Serpulæ, and
even Pholades and Cockles. At the base of the vessel, which is quite
uncovered, rest sundry members of the crustaceous family, whilst
fishes of various kinds swim freely about over the entire vessel free
from all annoyance.
[22] Mr. Walter Hardie of Edinburgh, who has been my companion in many
a delightful excursion among the rock-pools of the shores of the Frith
of Forth, and to whom I feel myself greatly indebted for much valuable
information relative to the subject of marine zoology.
The question will doubtless be asked, 'How can I procure the centre
piece here spoken of?' I answer, Make it yourself; a little skill
combined with patience and gutta percha being all that is required. The
following directions will serve to aid the young reader who may wish to
test his manipulative powers.
Procure a thin piece of gutta percha, and lay it in hot water for a few
minutes until it is thoroughly soft and pliable. Then get a globe--an
orange will do if nothing better offers--and cover it with the above
material. Having done this, throw it into cold water, and when hard,
cut the fruit in two, so as to leave the gutta percha cast to the shape
of each half.
Next make a circular tray about eight or nine inches in diameter, and
turn up its edge about half an inch all round. Then heat the brim of
each cup, and fasten them to the centre of the upper and under part of
the 'tray.' The structure will then float in water. This, however, is
not all that you want, as your centre piece must always be entirely
immersed. First bore a few holes in the tray, then fix a pretty shell,
with a hole in it, to the base of the lower 'cup,' and also form a loop
of gutta percha, from which to suspend, by means of a piece of silk, a
fragment of stone or marble of sufficient bulk to balance the centre
piece, and sink it an inch or two below the surface of the water.
At the centre of the upper cup fasten a small piece of gutta percha
tube, at the end of which the valve of a Pecten may be attached as an
ornament. The whole structure must be gently warmed and entirely coated
with fine sand; then tastefully decorated with shells and fronds of
green Ulva, and the crimson Delesseria Sanguinea.
Sometimes I introduce a globe of glass as a buoy, and to its centre
attach the tray of gutta percha.
A useful centre piece, a specimen of which I have had in use for
several months, may be formed thus. Make a tripod of gutta percha, on
the top of which attach the valve of a Pecten. From the centre of this
object fix a branch of coral by aid of gutta percha, in such a way that
it rises above the water in the tank. From under the shell pieces of
coral may be made to branch out in various directions. The stand should
be coated either with crushed shells or sand, to give it an ornamental
appearance.
It is often a source of annoyance to find the base of the aquarium so
thickly covered with dirt, &c. To get rid of this great 'eye sore,'
without emptying and re-arranging the tank, I call in the aid of a very
simple and effective instrument. By its application all objectionable
matter may be gradually removed without in the slightest degree
disturbing the water, or materially displacing the objects situated at
the base of the vessel.
The instrument mentioned is composed of a gutta percha globe, made in
the manner previously described, into one end of which is inserted
a tube of gutta percha or glass about four inches long, and at the
opposite end of the ball is introduced a second tube about eight inches
in length.
To use this instrument, close the orifice of the longest tube, and
plunge it into the water over any spot where the debris is collected,
then by removing your finger from the end of the tube, _the impurity
will be instantly sucked up into the ball_. By again placing the finger
in its former position, the siphon may be lifted out of the tank, and
its contents allowed to run off into a jug or basin placed near for the
purpose.
This operation must be repeated until the whole of the offending
particles are removed. Of course, more water will be drawn off than is
necessary, but it can easily be poured back into the tank as soon as
the sediment has been fully precipitated.
Aquaria are generally much more difficult to keep in order in summer
than in winter, owing to the rapid and profuse growth of minute
vegetation which renders the water opaque and exceedingly unpleasant to
the eye.
This ugly opacity I at one time attributed to decaying animal matter,
for I could scarcely believe that the mere increase of the algæ spores
could produce such a vile effect. Experience, however, has proved that
the latter was in reality the true cause. I tried often by syringing
the water, or drawing it off by means of the siphon, or stirring it
about in all manner of ways, to remove the objectionable muddiness,
but always without success. Limpets and Periwinkles seemed quite
useless. Nor did shutting out the rays of light for a few days have any
perceptible effect in subduing the growth of the algæ which collected
with wondrous rapidity, and arrayed each stone, shell, pebble, and even
the poor crabs, in a greenish garb.
I was therefore under the necessity, on several occasions, of renewing
the water, and considering that my residence was several miles from the
sea-coast, this task was by no means a pleasant one. What made matters
still more provoking, was the fact that the rejected fluid seemed
perfectly free from all offensive smell. I now adopt the following
novel method for removing the opacity of the water, without the latter
being changed, and also for preventing the too abundant growth of the
algæ at all seasons.
The plan in question (which requires, as already shown, to be carried
out with extreme caution by the inexperienced aquarianist) is merely to
dilute a small quantity of _alum_ in a wine-glass full of water, and
then mix it with the water contained in the aquarium. A pellet of alum
about the size of a pea is sufficient for the purpose, if the tank be
of moderate size. And if inserted on the first appearance of dimness
in the water, much future trouble will be saved.
Supposing the water to have become opaque, proceed thus--Draw off a
portion into a large jug, and mix with it the diluted acid as before
stated, then let the jug remain undisturbed for about twelve hours. The
vegetation having been deposited in flakes at the base of the vessel,
the water should then be gently strained off through a piece of fine
muslin into a second receptacle, which, in its turn, should be allowed
to stand for some time, and the contents again strained as before. This
process it is advisable to repeat several times, until the whole of the
fluid in the tank has been thoroughly cleansed from impurity.
Should the water be returned too early, an unpleasant fur coating will
appear over the entire base of the tank. This can be easily removed by
means of the siphon. Let one end of this instrument, when in action,
be passed gradually over the lower portion of the vase, and in the
course of a few minutes every sign of 'fur' will be obliterated with
the loss of but a small portion of water. When once the fluid has been
clarified in the manner here mentioned, there is little fear of the
young aquarianist being again troubled in like manner for many months,
the acid apparently preventing the algæ from being reproduced to any
such excess as hitherto.
GLOSSARY OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS.
Extracted principally from Professor Owen's learned work entitled,
"Lectures on the Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Invertebrate
Animals."
=Ambulacra= (L. _ambulacrum_, an avenue, or place for walking).
The perforated series of plates in the shell of the Sea-star, or
Sea-urchin, through which the sucking-feet are protruded.
=Acalepha= (Gr. _akalephe_, a nettle). The class of radiated animals
with soft skins which have the power of stinging like a nettle.
Commonly called Sea-nettles or Jelly-fish.
=Actinæ= (Gr. _aktin_, a ray). The genus of Polypes which have many
arms radiating from around the mouth.
=Alternate generation.= That modification of generation in which
the young do not resemble the parent, but the grandparent; so that
the successive series of individuals seem to represent two species,
alternately reproduced, in which also parthenogenesis alternates with
the ordinary engendering by impregnation.
=Algæ= (sea-weeds). A large class of cryptogamic plants inhabiting salt
and fresh water.
=Anomoura= (Gr. _anomos_, irregular, and _oura_, a tail). A section
of crustaceous animals distinguished like the Hermit crabs, by the
irregular form of the tails.
=Annelid.= The Anglicised singular of _annelleta_.
=Adductor muscles=, are those which hold together the shell of a
bivalve, such as the Oyster, Mussel, &c.
=Animalcules.= Those extremely small animals which are invisible to the
naked eye.
=Antenna= (from the Latin for yard-arm). Applied to the jointed feelers
or horns upon the head of insects and crustacea.
=Balanoids= (Gr. _balanos_, an acorn). A family of Sessile cirripeds,
the shells of which are commonly called Acorn-shells.
=Bivalve.= When a shell consists of two parts, closing like a double
door. The mollusca so protected are commonly called bivalves, as the
Mussel.
=Brachyura= (Gr. _brachus_, short; _oura_, tail). The tribe of
crustacea with short tails, as the Crabs.
=Branchiæ= The gills or respiratory organs which extract the oxygen
from air contained in water, as in fishes and other aquatic animals.
=Buccal= (L. _bucca_, mouth). Belonging to the mouth.
=Byssus= (Gr. _byssos_, fine flax). A term applied to the silken
filaments or 'beard' of the Mussel and Pinna.
=Carapace.= The upper shell of the Crab, &c.
=Calcareous.= Composed more or less of lime.
=Carnivorous= (L. _caro_, flesh; _voro_, I devour). The animals which
feed on flesh.
=Caudal= (L. _cauda_, the tail). Belonging to the tail.
=Cephalópoda= (Gr. _kephale_, a head; _pous_, a foot). The class of
Molluscous animals in which long prehensile processes, or feet, project
from the head, as in the Cuttle-fish.
=Ciliogrades= (L. _cilium_, an eyelash; _gradior_, I walk). The order
of the _acalephæ_ (as the Beröe) which swims by action of cilia.
=Cilia= (L. _cilium_, an eyelash). The microscopic hair-like bodies
which cause, by their vibratile action, currents in the contiguous
fluid, or a motion of the body to which they are attached.
=Cirri= (L. _cirrus_, a curl). The curled filamentary appendages, as at
the feet of the Barnacles.
=Cirripedes=, or =Cirripedia= (L. _cirrus_, a curl; _pes_, a foot).
A class of articulate animals having curled, jointed feet; sometimes
written Cirrhipedia and Cirrhopoda.
=Conchifera= (L. _concha_, a shell; _fero_, I bear). Shell-fish;
usually restricted to those with bivalve shells.
=Comminuted.= Broken or ground down into small pieces.
=Conchology.= The department of science which treats of shells.
=Convoluted= (L. _convolutus_). Rolled together.
=Cornea= (L. _corneus_, horny). The transparent horny membrane in front
of the eye.
=Crinoid= (Gr. _krinon_, a lily; _eidos_, a discourse). A family of
Star-fishes which bear some resemblance to the form of a lily. The
fossils called Stone-lilies, or Encrinites, are examples.
=Crustacea= (L. _crusta_, a crust). The class of articulate animals
(which includes the Crab, Lobster, &c.) with a hard skin or crust,
which they cast periodically.
=Decapoda= (Gr. _deca_, ten; _pous_, a foot). The crustaceous and
molluscous animals, which have ten feet, such as the Crab, Cray-fish,
&c.
=Digitate= (L. _digitus_, a finger). When a part supports processes
like fingers.
=Effete.= Barren, worn out.
=Elytra= (Gr. _elytron_, a sheath). The sheath or wing covers of
coleopterous insects (Beetles).
=Entomostraca= (Gr. _entoma_, insects; _ostracon_, a shell). The order
of small crustaceans, many of which are enclosed in an integument like
a bivalve shell.
=Entomology= (Gr. _entoma_, insects; _logos_, a discourse). The branch
of science treating of insects.
=Exuvium=, Pl. =exuviæ= (L. _exuo_, I cast off). The shell or skin of
an animal which is shed in moulting.
=Epizoa= (Gr. _epi_, upon; _zoon_, an animal). The class of low
organized parasitic crustaceans which live upon other animals.
=Fissiparous= (L. _fissus_, divided; _pario_, I produce). The
multiplication of a species by the self-cleavage of the individual into
two parts.
=Frond= (L. _frons_, a leaf). A term applied to that part of flowerless
plants resembling true leaves.
=Fucivorous= (L. _fucus_, sea-weed; _voro_, I devour). Animals which
subsist on sea-weed.
=Flora.= The plants which belong to a country or district.
=Foliaceous= (L. _folium_, a leaf). Shaped or arranged like leaves.
=Gasteropoda= (Gr. _gaster_, stomach; _pous_, a foot). That class of
animals which (like the Snail) have the locomotive organ attached to
the under part of the body.
=Gemmiparous= (L. _gemma_, a bud; _pario_, I produce). Propagation by
the growth of the young like a bud from the parent.
=Habitat.= The locality in which an animal habitually resides.
=Hinge.= That part of a shell at which the valves cohere.
=Hyaline= (Gr. _hualos_, crystal). The pellucid substance which
determines the spontaneous fission of cells.
=Hydra= (Gr. _hudra_, a water serpent). The modern generic name of
certain fresh water polypes.
=Hydrogen= (Gr. _hydor_, water; _gemmæ_, I produce). A gas forming one
of the components of water and atmospheric air.
=Infusoria.= The class of animalcules which abound in vegetable and
animal infusions.
=Lamellibranchiata= (L. _lamella_, a plate; _branchiæ_, gills). The
class of acephalous molluscs, with gills in the form of membraneous
plates, of which the oyster and mussel are familiar examples.
=Larva= (L. _larva_, a mask). Applied to an insect in its first active
state, which is generally different from, and, as it were, masks the
ulterior form.
=Ligament=. A membrane close by the hinge which connects the valves.
=Mantle.= The external soft, contractile skin of the mollusca, which
covers the viscera and a great part of the body like a cloak.
=Macroura= (Gr. _makros_, long; _oura_, a tail). A tribe of ten-footed
crustacea (as the Lobster, Cray-fish), which have long tails.
=Medusæ.= A genus or family of soft radiated animals or Acalephæ, so
called because their organs of motion and prehension are spread out
like the snaky hair of the fabled medusa.
=Molecules.= Microscopic particles of matter.
=Mollusc--Mollusca= (L. _mollis_, soft). The primary division of the
animal kingdom. It contains most shell-fish, slugs, &c.
=Monograph= (Gr. _monos_, one; _grapho_, I write). A written
description of a single thing, or class of things.
=Multivalve= (L. _multus_, many; _valvæ_, folding doors). Shells
composed of many pieces or valves, as the Chiton.
=Nudibranchiate= (L. _nudus_, naked; _branchiæ_, gills). An order of
gasteropods, in which the gills are exposed, as the Eolis, Doris, &c.
=Oxygen.= A gas which is one of the constituent parts of water and of
atmospheric air. It is essential to animal life.
=Oviparous= (L. _ovum_, an egg; _pario_, I bring forth). The animals
which bring forth eggs.
=Operculum= (from the Latin for lid). Applied to the horny or shelly
plate which closes certain univalve shells, as the Whelk, Periwinkle,
&c.
=Papillæ= (L. _papilla_, a nipple). Soft prominences which resemble in
form the teats of animals.
=Palpi= (L. _palpo_, I touch). The organs of touch commonly called
'feelers,' developed from the lablum and maxillæ of insects.
=Pectinated= (L. _pecten_, a comb). Toothed like a comb.
=Physograde= (Gr. _physis_, air; _gradior_, I advance). The acalephes
that swim by means of air-bladders.
=Phytophagous= (Gr. _phuton_, a plant; _phago_, I eat). Plant-eating
animals.
=Pulmonigrade= (L. _pulmo_, a lung; _gradior_, I walk). The tribe of
Medusæ which swim by contraction of the respiratory disc.
=Rotifera= (L. _rota_, a wheel; _fero_, I bear). The name of a class of
infusorial animalcules, characterized by the vibratile and apparently
rotating ciliary organs upon the heads.
=Rhodospermes.= The red-coloured sea-weeds.
=Serrated= (L. _serra_, a saw). Toothed like a saw.
=Sessile.= Attached by a base.
=Silicious= (L. _silex_, a flint). Flinty.
=Setæ.= Bristles, or similar parts.
=Spicula= (L. _spiculum_, a point or dart). Fine-pointed bodies, like
needles.
=Tuberculate.= Warty, or carved with small rounded knobs.
=Testacea= (L. _testa_, a shell). Molluscs with a shelly covering, as
the Oyster, Whelk, &c.
=Univalve= (L. _unus_, one; _valvæ_, doors). A shell composed of one
calcareous piece, as the Periwinkle.
=Umbones.= The base of a shell about the hinge.
=Viviparous= (L. _vivus_, alive; _pario_, I bring forth). The animals
which bring forth their young alive. See Oviparous.
=Whorl.= The spiral turn of a shell.
=Zoology= (Gr. _zoon_, animal; _logos_, a discourse). That branch of
science that treats of the habits, structure, and classification of
animals.
=Zoologist.= One who is acquainted with the science of Zoology.
=Zoophyte= (Gr. _zoon_, an animal; _phyton_, a plant). The lowest
primary division of the animal kingdom, which includes many animals
that are fixed to the ground and have the form of plants.
INDEX.
_Animalculæ_, 37.
_Actiniæ_ (Sea anemones), 38, 47.
_mesembryanthemum_, 48, 365.
_troglodytes_, 51, 62.
_bellis_, 56.
_dianthus_, 57, 62, 154, 366.
_crassicornis_, 61, 100.
_coriacea_, 56.
_parasitica_, 66.
_explorator_, 51.
Acorn barnacles, 145.
Adductor muscle, 178, 182.
Annelids, 154, 191, 315.
_Acalephæ_, 203.
Alternation of generations, 214.
_Aphrodite aculeata_, 267.
_Aplysiæ_, 54, 309, 311.
_Aquariæ_ (on the formation of marine), 357.
_Anomoura_ (Hermit crabs), 69, 92, 130, 133.
_Asteriadæ_, 271.
Algæ, 97.
_A. ventilabrum_, 161.
Amphitrite, 162.
_Buccinum undutum_, 92.
Byssus of Mussel, 168, 170, 177, 184.
_Beröe_, 210.
_Bêches de mer_, 31.
Brittle Star-fishes, 277.
Bird's foot Sea-star, 285.
Blenny (Smooth), 71, 104, 236, 336, 341, 365.
Blenny (Viviparous), 346.
Butter fish, 347.
_Brachyura_ (crabs, &c.), 69, 133.
Buckie, 93.
Barnacles, 98, 146.
Barnacle geese, 150.
Boring Acephaia, 251.
Bivalves, 122, 167, 282, 363.
Bearded rockling, 346.
_Cilia_, 35, 147, 214.
_Coryne_, 41.
Crabs, 67.
_Cancer Pagurus_ (Edible crab), 67, 69, 128.
_Carcinus mænas_ (Common Shore crab), 67, 78, 120, 127, 167, 239.
Common Whelk, 94.
Common Cockle, 84, 106, 239.
Cray fish, 128, 131.
_Crangon vulgaris_ (Common Shrimp), 139.
_Cestum veneris_, 209.
_Cydippe pileus_, 210.
_Cyanea capillata_, 218.
_Comatula rosacea_, 275.
Crinoid Star fishes, 275.
Cross fish, 280.
Cushion stars, 285.
Cake Urchin, 300.
_Chondrus crispus_ (Irish moss), 101, 123.
_Cirri_, 147.
_Cetacea_, 205.
Chiton, 226.
_C. offinalis_, 285.
_Ciliograde acalephæ_, 209.
Common Sea cucumber, 305.
Doris, 223, 363.
Doris (Spawn of), 226.
Diminutive Sucker-fish, 350.
_Decapoda_ (ten-footed crustacea), 69, 85, 115.
_D. sanguinea_, 78, 118, 368.
Dorsibranchiate annelidans, 155.
Devil's hand, 279.
Dulse, 310.
Exuviation of Crabs, &c., 85, 113, 120, 132.
Exuviation of Prawns, &c., 139.
Exuviation of Barnacles, 147.
_Eolis_, 223.
_Eolis_, (Spawn of) 228.
_papillosa_, 228.
_Echinus_, 291.
_sphæra_, 297.
Entomology, 28.
Egg Urchin, 297.
_Foraminifera_, 24, 30.
Fan-amphitrite, 161, 163.
Fishes 329.
Five-fingers (Star-fish), 281.
Gulf stream, 206.
Girdle of Venus, 209.
Green-pea urchin, 299.
Gunnel-fish, 346.
Goby (one-spotted), 309, 348.
Goby (two-spotted), 348.
_Gasterosteus aculeatus_, 352.
Golden willow, 87.
_Hyas araneus_, 80.
Hermit crabs, 94, 105, 108, 130.
_Hydra tuba_, 213.
_Hydra gelatinosa_, 213.
Hyaline stylet, 239.
_Holothuriadæ_, 303.
_Infusoria_, 33, 43, 227.
_Iridea edulis_, 74, 236.
Irish Moss, 101.
Jelly fish, 203.
_Kerona silurus_, 35.
_Lepas anatifera_ (Ship barnacle), 148, 150.
Laminated nereis, 155.
_Luidia fragillissima_, 285.
_Lepus marinus_, 309.
Lettuce Ulva, 180, 364.
Limpet, 81, 98.
Lobster crabs, 94.
Lily stars, 271.
Lobster (The), 131, 290.
_L. digitata_ (Oar weed), 277.
Lingthorn, 285.
Lump sucker, 347.
_Maia squinado_ (Spider crab), 79, 80, 82, 167.
Mussel (_Mytilus edulis_), 82, 122, 167, 363.
_Medusæ_, 203, 210, 216.
_Modera formosa_, 217.
Montague Sucker-fish, 349.
Marine Aquariæ, 357.
_Macroura_ (as Lobsters), &c.
_Nereis_, 155, 158.
Nudibranchiate gasteropoda, 226.
_Ostrea edulis_ (oyster), 81.
_Ophiuræ_, 277.
_texturata_, 277.
_albida_, 277.
_Ophiocoma rosula_, 279.
_Paramecium caudatum_, 35.
_Portunus puber_ (Velvet crab), 68.
_Porcellana longicornis_ (Minute Porcelain crab), 79.
Periwinkle, 95.
_Pagurus bernardhus_ (Hermit crab), 96, 108, 146.
Pecten, 108, 370.
Prawn, Common (_Palæmon squilla_), 137.
_Phyllodoce laminosa_, 155.
_Purpura lapillus_ (Whelk), 103, 168.
Portuguese man-of-war, 212.
Pholas (_crispata_), 84, 153, 236, 245, 258, 365.
Pholas (_dactylus_), 260.
_Pentacrinus Europæus_, 275.
_Psolus phantapus_, 304.
Pike-fish, 339.
_Pinnotheres pisum_ (Common Pea-crab), 82.
Pinna, 83.
Partane, The (Edible crab), 65, 124.
_Pulmonigrade acalephæ_, 21l.
_Physograde acalephæ_, 211.
_Parthenogenesis_, 218.
_Rotifera_, or Wheel-bearers, 36.
Rosy Feather star, 276.
Rosy Heart urchin, 300.
Rockling (Five-bearded), 347.
Razor-fish, 323.
Stickleback, 25, 108, 352.
_Sertularia_, 41.
Ship Barnacle, 145.
Sea-Mouse, 267.
Star fishes, 273.
_Solaster papposa_, 167, 286.
_endeca_, 286.
Sea Urchins, 289.
Silky Spined urchin, 299.
Sea Cucumbers, 303.
Sea Hares, 309.
_Serpulæ_, 315.
_Sabellæ_,315, 319.
_Solen siliqua_, Razor-fish, 324.
Soldier crabs, 92.
Shrimps, 137.
_Saxicavæ_, 248.
Sucker fishes, 348.
Shore crab, 65, 68, 72, 120, 235.
Swimming crab, 66.
Spider crab, 78.
_Salex vitellina_ (golden willow), 87.
Silver Willie (_T. zizziphanus_), 191.
_Terebella figulus_ (the potter), 191, 195.
_littoralis_, 197.
Trepang, 304.
Top-shell, 132.
_Trochus_, 146.
Tubiculous annelids, 162, 194.
Tanks, 355.
_Uraster rubens_, 167, 281.
_Ulva latissima_, 98, 180, 367, 368.
Univalves, 94.
Urchins (Sea), 298.
_Vorticellæ_, 35, 38.
Velvet Fiddler crab, 66, 74.
Whelk (_Purpura lapillus_), 168.
_Zoothamnium spirale_, 43.
_Zooids_, 219.
Zoophytes, 47, 49.
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