Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-05
NaturaIiStS on u. S. S. Alba
troSS Find Host of Funny
Looking SquinmerS in Search
ny MARK LARKIN.

AT SEA, ABOARD THE L. s.. S. AL
BATROSS, off Mexico Coast, Nov. 25.
Did you know that certain kinds OF
deep sea fish carry their own incaa-
descent lamps to light their way
through the binding blackness several
miles below the surface Of the sea?
Did you know, also. that a certain
species of fish carries its own fish
pole with which to lure its bait?-that
i'm some cases this pole is a jointed
rod which folds up conveniently when
not in use?
Were. you aware of the fact that a
particular sort of jelly fish, sometimes
called a Portuguese Man o War" and
living i'm the vicinity of the Golden
Gate. is equipped by mother nature
with a sail which he hoists when he
wants to get somewhere in a hurry?
And still another variety, near San
Diego, initiates itself with water and
goes sailing merrily along with the
tide much as a toy balloon would trav-
ell in the air?
These are only a few of the queer
Inhabitants of the ocean, many of which
have been discovered by the Albatross,
the United States bureau of fisheries
steamer. There are infinite numbers
Of strange animals, plants and fish liv-
ing in the deep, ranging from the tiny
parasites which cling to a whale to the
funny, bewhiskered animals which coil
themselves sup in spirals like watch
springs and go drifting along in the
currents.
PERHAPS the commonest of all forms
Of water life is what the scientists call
diatoms," says Naturalist L. c. John
ston, in charge of the scientific work
aboard the Albatross. THE diatom is
the Jewel of the plant kingdom. 1t is
sometimes called the pill box of the
ocean because of its peculiar construc-
ton, being built in two halves, or val
res, which fit together like pill
box"
Diatoms. it seems. live In both fresh
and salt water, regardless Of whether
the temperature is torrid. moderate or
arctic, or whether the water is brsck-
ish, still or running. The average dia-
tom is about the size of the point of
pin. while a few of them, regular Co
Iiaths among their fellows, are as large
as the period at the end of this SEN
tence.
Under the microscope Mr.. Diatom as
sumes countless shapes of the most
fantastic designs imaginable. This ac-
counts for the name. Jewel of the
Plant Kingdom"
.'rhs skeleton of the diatom.' ex-
lass. The plant lives on sunshine and
Inorganic substances in solution in the
water. No actual tests have ever been
made OF the depths at which diatoms
can flourish. but IL is probably some
hing below 100 fathoms. All light in
the ocean disappears at about 400 or 500
tathoms, or 5000 feet, and it is not
probable that these tiny vegetables could
survive beyond that depth"
The majority OF distoms are boat
shaped. but they travel with or against
currents without oar. propeller or sail.
The secret of this erratic movement has
completely baffied the scientific world.
Frequently they grow in a string-like
,luster. not unlike a collapsible tele-
phone bracket, and the manner of how
hey extend and retract their strange
amily formations. much after the fash
on OF an ACCORDION opening and closing,
- a mystery as Yet unsOlved.
The diatOm gives great promise or
practical value in determining the char
scter Of sea bottom. He is also a sort
II primary source Of food supply i'm the
ocean, starting point for all aquatic
life. He constitutes n good part of the
food for tiny fishes as well as animal
organisms on which larger fish feed.
And lie is food for the mollusks-oys-
tiers, CLANS and such like.
AIr. DIatom has many other practical
uses. For instance, he is frequently an
Ingredient i'm metal polishes. And GER
tain well known tooth powder is made
up almost entirely OF diatom shells. He
: also used in the manufacture OF eX-
ulosives and as a substitute for as
testos.
Marine life falls into three grand di-
visions. They are:
Plankton-AU oceanic life which is un-
able 20 travel against sea currents. Ger
tain varieties OF jelly fish fall into this
class. as do tiny salt water plants which
forever float about.
Nekton-All sea animals able to swim
against current: in other words. those
forms of sea life able to direct their
travel.
I;enthOs-The sort Of salt water life
VIII en- lives attached TO the bottom, such
as kelp; also starfsh, some of which
are out of water at low tide, and crabs
and snails which live along the beach.