wreath of pneumatic serpents. The Nautilus, notwithstanding her speed, kept meeting these animals for many consecutive hours, and the nets brought in an innumerable quantity—when I recognised the nine species that d’Orbigny has classed for the Pacific Ocean.
During this voyage the sea displayed her marvels with a prodigal hand, and with an infinite variety. She changed her decorations and mise en scène at our will apparently, and we were permitted to observe, not only the works of the Creator in mid-ocean, but even to penetrate the most hidden mysteries of the sea.
During the 11th December I was engaged reading in the saloon. Ned and Conseil were watching the glittering waters through the panels. The Nautilus was at rest. Her reservoirs were full, and she lay at a depth of 1,000 yards, a somewhat uninhabited level, in which large fish were very seldom seen.
I was reading a very interesting book by Jean Macé, entitled “Les Serviteurs de l’Estomac,” and I was relishing its ingenious teaching when Conseil interrupted my reading.
“Will Monsieur come here for a moment?” he said in a peculiar tone.
“What is it, Conseil?”
“Monsieur will see.”
I got up, sat before the sheet of glass, and looked out.
In full glare of the electric light was an immense black mass, suspended in mid sea. I looked at it attentively, seeking to recognise the nature of such an
