Page:The aquarium - an unveiling of the wonders of the deep sea.djvu/145

104 side, the living atoms would presently be seen crowding up to that part by myriads, and studding the glass in the vicinity, just as if it were covered with fine dust. I subsequently availed myself of this acquaintance with the habits of the Entomostraca, to provide food for the smaller fishes; for I found that they soon disappeared, not a trace being left of their presence after the Tank had been stocked a few days, doubtless having been devoured by the Wrasses and Mullets. I therefore gathered some tufts of the more bushy sea-weeds, and allowed them to remain floating in the Tank for an hour or two in the evening, a candle being placed outside. The result was the same as I have described; the vast numbers that swarmed out were really astonishing; and I was pleased to see the little Mullets flock up to the spot where the light revealed the tiny prey, and pick the atoms from the glass, one by one, as fast as they could seize them; and yet the hosts crowded on, faster than they could be devoured.

The animals of which I could take distinct cognizance were as follows.