Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/339

Rh distance. The Brandling, tit-bit of Trout and other fish, may readily be supposed to exhibit a luminous skin when attacked or affrighted; and the fact that these lowly creatures seldom appear luminous except when irritated or exposed to danger, apparent or real, lends probability to the idea that the phosphorescent display is protective. A light flashed out in time of danger would scare a would-be intruder, which would soon become used to a regular light and learn its innocuousness. If, as Pietro Martire tells us, the people of the West Indies were alarmed when they met a fellow in the dark whose face had been smeared with the phosphorescence of an insect, it is not unreasonable to suppose that a Trout would be alarmed if a Brandling suddenly lighted its lamp. Further observation on this subject is greatly to be desired. At present it is far from being as complete as the scientist could wish. In the 'American Naturalist' (vol. xxi. p. 773–4) is a note by Mr. G. F. Atkinson entitled "A Remarkable Case of Phosphorescence in an Earthworm," which I have unfortunately been unable to consult. Reference may also be made to Moniez's paper in the 'Rev. Biol.,' i. pp. 197–200, Kirby and Spence's 'Introduction to Entomology,' and Secchi, 'Nouv. Observ. in Ann. Sci. Nat.,' series 5, vol. xvi., 1872, p. 68.