“And call up unbound
In various shapes old Proteus from the sea.”
MILTON.
During the cool season the tides on the coast of North Queensland offer peculiar2 facilities to the observer of the thousand and one marvels3 of the tropic sea. Spring tides throughout the warm months range low at night and high during the day. In other words, the lowest day spring-tide in winter exposes far more of the reefs than the lowest day tide of summer, while the highest night tide of summer sweeps away the data of the corresponding tide of winter. When, therefore, the far receding5 water makes available patches of coral reef exposed at other times of the year merely to the cool glimpses of the moon, I am driven to explore them with an eagerness, if not of a treasure-seeker or in the frenzies7 of naturalistic fervour, at least with the enthusiasm of an ardent8 student.
It may be that most of the sights which are revealed are of common knowledge among scientific men, and if one is inclined to preach a little sermon on the text of the living stones and polyps and animated9 jelly, and if such text be trite10, let it be granted that the sermon is at least original. Necessarily the sermon will lack commentary and application, and be very imperfect in many other details. If it possesses any virtues11, you must apply them personally, for the preacher is not enlightened enough to expound13 them even to his own, much less to the satisfaction of others.
In many places on this reef little secrets, well kept throughout the rest of the year, are boldly proclaimed when the sea retreats. A fairly common one is a huge anemone14 of a rich cobalt blue which opens out like a soup-plate with convoluted15 edges. Another has a form something resembling a hyacinth-glass. The more public parts are not unlike a dwarf16 growth of that old-fashioned flower the Prince of Wales’s feather, save that the colour is a rich brown. Being an animal, it possesses senses in which the most highly specialised vegetable is deficient17. It has the power of waving its spikelets, and of the thousand of truncated18 tentacles19 which cover the spikelets each seems to possess independent action. Though all, no doubt, contribute to the sustenance20 of the animal, they, at will, rest from their labours or assume great activity.
It is natural to suppose that the diet of such an animal must be of microscopic21 proportions. The other day I happened on one which had seized a fish about four inches long, and seemed to be greedily sucking it to death. The fish was still alive, and as it looked up at me with a pathetic gleam in its watery22 eyes, I released it. It was very languid — indeed, so feeble and faint that it could not swim away. Aid had come too late. The fish was the legitimate23 prey24 of the anemone. My interference had been at variance25 from the laws of property and right. As the vestige26 of life which remained to the fish was all too fragile for salvation27, and as I saw the chance of ascertaining28 whether the anemone had consciously seized it, or whether it had by mishap29 blundered against the anemone and had been arrested for its intrusion, I placed the fish close to the enemy. I am certain the anemone made an effort to reach it. There was a decided30 swing of one of the spikes31 in the direction of the fish, and decided agitation32 among the hundreds of minute tentacles. When I, in the interests of remorseless truth, placed the fish in the anemone it was immediately held fast, the activity on the part of the tubes subsiding34 with an air of satisfaction at the same moment.
It is well known that sea anemones35 do assimilate such robust36 and rich diet as living fish. If one’s finger is presented the spikelets adhere to it. I cannot describe the sensation as seizure37, for it is all too delicate for that; but at least one is conscious of a faint sucking pull. If the finger is rudely withdrawn38, some of the tentacles which have taken a firm hold are torn away. Again, the animal is often found apparently39 asleep, for it is languid and listless, and will not respond to the bait of a finger, however coaxingly40 presented.
There is another giant anemone (DISCOMA HADDONI) known to the blacks as “pootah-pootah,” whose inner, reflexed, convoluted edges are covered with tentacles of brown with yellow terminals. This is friendly to fish — at any, rate to one species. It is the landlord or host of one of the prettiest fish of all the wide, wide sea, and seems proud of the company of its guest, and the fish is so dependent upon its host as to be quite helpless apart from it. The fish (AMPHIPRION PERCULA) “intel-intel” of the blacks, is said to be commensal (literally41, dining at the same table with its host), as distinguished42 from the parasite43, which lives on its host.
The good-fellowship between the dainty fish — resplendent in carmine44, with a broad collar, and waist-band of silvery lavender (or rather silver shot with lavender) and outlined with purple — and the great anemone is apparent. If the finger is presented to any part of the latter, it becomes adherent45; or if the anemone is not in the mood for food, it curls and shrinks away with a repulsive46 demeanour. But the beautiful fish on the least alarm retires within the many folds of its host, entirely47 disappearing, presently to peep out again shyly at the intruder. It is almost as elusive48 as a sunbeam, and most difficult to catch, for if the anemone is disturbed it contracts its folds, and shrinks away, offering inviolable sanctuary49. If the fish be disassociated from its host, it soon dies. It cannot live apart, though the anemone, as far as can be judged from outward appearances, endures the separation without a pang50.
However, it is safe to assert that the association between the stolid51 anemone and the painted fish — only an inch and a half long — is for their mutual52 welfare, the fish attracting microscopic food to its host. And why should one anemone greedily seize a fish, and another find pleasure in the companionship of one of the most beautiful and delicate of the tribe?
This hospitable53 anemone occasionally takes another lodger54 — very frail55 and beautiful. All that is visible on casual inspection56 is an irregular smear57 of watery, translucent58 violet, flitting about in association with disjointed threads — stiff, erratic59, and delicately white. There is no apparent connection between the spectral60 patch of colour and the animated threads, though they are in company. If, determined61 to investigate the mystery, the finger is presented, the colour evades it. It is conscious and abhors62 the touch of man. Follow it up in the pellucid63 water, and make of your hand a scoop64, and you will find that you have captured, not a phantom65 but a prawn66, compact of one bewildering blotch67 — and that is a word of doubtful propriety68 in connection with so elfin an organism — a mere6 shadow tinted69 the palest violet, and transparencies, with legs and antennae70 frail as silken threads.
“Substance might be called what shadow seemed,
For each seemed either.”
So far I have never seen this lovely lodger in the same anemone with the painted fish. The latter, perhaps, admires it too ardently71 and literally.
Another marvel4, the sea-hare (APLYSIA), is a crudely wedge-shaped body but incomparable in its ruggedness72 to that or any other model, and the colour of mud and sand and of coral, dead and sea-stained. It reposes73, with its back flush with the surface, beside a block of coral or stone defiantly74 indistinguishable from the ocean floor — a stolid, solid, inert76 creature, eight or ten inches long, the under part smooth, presenting the appearance of wet chamois-leather, and irresponsive to touch —“the mother tongue of all the senses.” Ugly, loathsome77, and tough of texture78, it is so helpless that if it is placed on the sand it is extremely doubtful whether of its own volition79 it could regain80 its natural position. The surge of the sea might roll it over, and it might then be able to regain the grovelling81 attitude essential to life. Otherwise, I am inclined to think fatal results would follow the mere placing of the creature sideways on the sand. It seems to possess but the feeblest spark of life, and yet it has its sentiments and love for its kind, for often three or four are huddled82 together. And how, it may be asked, is this creature, so apt at concealment84 and so completely disguised, made visible to human eyes?
The answer is that if by chance the animal is disturbed it makes a supreme85 effort at further concealment, and that impulse — perfect as it may be when set in opposition86 to the wit of the creature’s nervous and apprehensive87 enemies — reveals it most boldly to man. From a funnel-shaped opening between two obscure flaps on the back — ordinarily invisible — there is emitted a gush88 of liquid, royal purple in hue89, which stains the sea with an impenetrable dye for yards around. The colour, which is delightfully90 gorgeous, mingles91 with the water in jets and curling feathery sprays, enchanting92 the beholder93 with unique and ever-changing shapes until a glorious cloud is created and he forgets the ugliness and forgives the humility94 of the originator in the enjoyment95 of an artistic96 treat. If the cloud which Jupiter assumed was of the imperial tone and of the fascinating fashion which the groveller97 in the mud creates, Aegina would have been superfeminine had she not joyously98 surrendered. Between the neutral tints99 of the squalid sprawler and the fluid which it excretes the contrast is so surprising that one involuntarily raises his hat by way of apology for any slighting thoughts which may have arisen from first and imperfect acquaintance.
There are grounds for the entertainment of the belief that the ejected fluid not only effectually conceals100 the scarcely discernible animal but that it harshly affects the sensibilities of fish.
In a partially101 submerged coral grotto102 were two small spotted103 sharks (Wobbegong, CROSSORHINUS sp.) notoriously sluggish104 and averse105 from eviction106 from their quarters during daylight. The larger callously107 disregarded the tickling108 of a light fish spear, but lashed109 out vigorously when a decisive prod110 was administered. In its flurry it must have disturbed one of the dye-secreting molluscs, which had escaped my notice, for in a few seconds the water was richly imbued111. Thereupon both the sharks began to manifest great uneasiness, and eventually with fluster112 and splashing they worked among the fissures113 of the coral and shot out into the unimpregnated sea. The sharks seemed to find the presence of the forlorn groveller in the mud unendurable when it stained the water red, though apparently indifferent to its presence as long, as it remained quiescent114, which facts lend confirmation115 to the popular opinion that the fluid possesses a caustic-like principle violently irritative to the skin.
And why should this uncouth116 creature with scarcely more of life than a lump of coral have within it a fountain filled with Tyrian dye? Why? Because it has enemies; and though it seems to be SANS mouth, SANS eyes, SANS ears, SANS everything it is instinct with the first law of Nature — self-preservation.
A fairly common inhabitant of the sandy shallows diversifying117 the coral reef is a slim snake (? AIPYSINAS FUSCUS), sand-coloured, with a conspicuous118 dark brown stock, defined with white edgings, a whitish nose and pectoral fins119 so large as to remind one of those defiant75 collars which Gladstone was wont120 to wear with such excellent effect. Blacks invariably give the snake and its retreat a wide berth121 on the principle enunciated122 by Josh Billings: “Wen I see a snaik’s hed sticking out of a hole I sez that hole belongs to that snaik.” Among them this species has the reputation of attacking off-hand whosoever disturbs it, and of being provided with deadly venom123. My experience, however, bids me say that the pretty snake has the typical dread124 of the family of man, which dread expresses itself in frenzied125 efforts to get out of the way when suddenly molested126. For the most part it lives in a neat hole, oubliette-shaped, and in its eagerness to locate and reach its retreat it darts127 about with a nimbleness which almost eludes128 perception. These frantic129 quarterings, I believe, led to the opinion that the snake is specially130 savage131, whereas it is merely exceptionally nervous and eager for the security of its home. Twice recently when I have startled one in an enclosed pool it has darted132 hither and thither133 in extreme excitement, even passing between my legs without offering any violence or venom, and has eventually disappeared in a miniature maelstrom134 of mud, as the reptile135 often does. Like that lively fellow of whom Chaucer tells:
“He is heer and there,
He is so variant136, he bideth nowhere.”
Dickens had in his mind a similarly elusive character when he wrote: “You look at him and there he is. You look again — and there he isn’t.”
This habit of furiously seeking a lair137 might pass casually138 but for an astonishing detail, of which I was not well assured until it was confirmed by repeated observations and by knowledge current among the blacks. When the scared snake descends139 into its own well-defined well, very little disturbance140 and no discoloration of the water takes place. But when in desperation it disappears down a haphazard141 hole, a dense142 little cloud of sediment143 is created. By careful watching I discovered that the snake entered its home head first, but in any other hole the tail had precedence, and that the frantic wriggling144 as it bored its way down caused the obscuration. Moreover the snake — as subtle as any beast of the field — first detects a befitting temporary retreat from apparent or fancied danger, and then deliberately145 turns and enters tail first. Does the fact justify146 the conclusion that the creature, in the moment intervening between the detection of a present refuge in time of trouble and its dignified147 retreat thereinto, calculates the possibility that the unfamiliar148 habitation may be so narrow as to prevent the act of turning round? Does this sea-snake match its wonderful nimbleness of body with an equally wonderful nimbleness of brain? I do not presume to theorise on such a conundrum149 of Nature, but mention an undoubted fact for others to ponder.
One of the salt sea snakes is distinguished by its odd, deceptive150 shape — a broad, flattened151 tail whence the body consistently diminishes to the head, which is the thinnest part. Other aquatic152 snakes have paddle-shaped tails.
Another singular denizen153 of the reef is a species of Acrozoanthus (?)— a compound animal having a single body and several heads. The body is contained in a perpendicular154, parchment-like, splay-footed tube a foot and a half or two feet long, whence the heads obtrude155 alternately as buds along a growing branch. Many of the tubes are vacant — the skeletons of the departed. From those which are occupied the heads appear as bosses of polished malachite veined and fringed with dusky purple, and yellow-centred.
SPAWN156 OF THE SEA
“The dewdrop slips into the shining sea.”
So Edwin Arnold. Here is an observation illustrating157 the manner in which certain pellucid sea-drops materialise and ultimately shed themselves as living organisms “into the shining sea.”
On November 6, 1908, the sea tossed up on the beach an exceptionally large and absolutely perfect specimen158 of the egg-cluster of that spacious159 and useful mollusc known as the Bailer160 Shell (MELO DIADEMA or CYMBIUM FLAMMEUM). Its measurements were: length, 16? in.; circumference161 at base, 12? in.; at middle, 11? in.; at apex162 7 1/8 in. It weighed 1? lb. and comprised 126 distinct capsules. The photograph presents a candid163 likeness164.
During the same month and the first two weeks of December portions of several other egg-clusters came ashore165, and as they were in nicely graduated stages of development I was enabled to indulge in an exceptionally entertaining study — no less than the observation of the transformation166 of glistening167 fluid into solid matter and life. In passing it may be mentioned that the first and the last two months of the year appear to constitute the period when the offspring of the species see the light of day, proving that the natural impulses of some molluscs are subject to rule and regulation similarly to those of birds and other terrestrial forms.
Each of the capsules composing the cluster is a cone168 with the apex free and interior, while the base is external and adherent to its immediate33 neighbours, but not completely so throughout its circumference. It follows, therefore, that the cluster of capsules is hollow and that water flushes it throughout. In appearance it resembles a combination of the pineapple and the corncob, and to the base a portion of the coral-stem to which it had been anchored by its considerate parent was firmly attached.
When the cluster of capsules (the substance of which is tough, semi-transparent169, gelatine, opal-tinted, soon to be sea-stained a yellowish green) is slowly expelled from the parent’s body — I have been witness to the birth — each contains about one-sixth ounce of vital element, fluid and glistening. Physical changes in this protoplasm manifest themselves in the course of a few days. The central portion becomes a little less fluid, and from an inchoate170 blur171 a resemblance to a diaphanous172 shell develops and floats, cloud-like, in a perfectly173 limpid174 atmosphere. Gradually it becomes denser175 though still translucent, as it seemingly absorbs some of the fluid by which it is surrounded. The model of the future animal, exact even to the dainty contours and furrows176 around that which represents the spire177 of the ultimate shell, is still without trace of visible organs. That, however, its substance is highly complex is obvious, for as imperceptible development progresses the exterior178 is transformed into a substance resembling rice tissue-paper — an infinitely179 fragile covering — which from day to day insensibly toughens in texture and becomes separate from the animal. Faint opaque180, transverse ribs181 are at this stage apparent, though disappearing later on. Opacity182 is primarily manifested at the aperture183 of the infant mollusc where a seeming resemblance to an operculum forms, possibly for the protection of vital organs during nascency184. This plaque185 of frail armour186 is, however, soon dismantled187, and of course much more happens in the never-ceasing process than is revealed to the uninitiated.
As the calcareous envelope becomes opaque and solid, the animal within loses its transparent delicacy189, and coincidentally the apex of the capsule opens slightly. In the meantime the fluid contents have disappeared, as if the animal had resulted from its solidification190. The animal, too, is a very easy fit in its compartment191, and incapable192, in its extreme fragility of withstanding the pressure of a finger. Now it begins to increase rapidly in bulk and sturdiness; the shell becomes hard, and as the exit widens it screws its way out of a very ragged193 cradle, emerging sound and whole as a bee from its cell, all its organs equipped to ply12 their respective offices.
With pardonable affectation of vanity it has finally fitted itself for appearance in public by the assumption of three or four buff and brown decorations upon its milk-white shell, which quickly blend into a pattern varying in individuals, of blotches194 and clouds in brown, yellow, and white. In maturity195 the mollusc weighs several pounds, its shell has a capacity for as much as two gallons of water, and is coloured uniformly buff, while in old age infantile milk-white reasserts itself.
It is not for such as I am in respect of the teachings of science to say whether the development of the perfect animal from a few drops of translucent jelly — as free from earthly leaven196 as a dewdrop — is to be more distinctly traced, in the case of this huge mollusc than in other elementary forms. All that it becomes an unversed student of life’s mysteries to suggest is that this example gives bold advertisement to the marvellous process.
Many of the secrets of life are written in script so cryptic197 and obscure that none but the wise and greatly skilled may decipher it, and they only, when aided by the special equipment which science supplies. In this case the firm but facile miracle is recorded in words that he that runs may read. Independent of microscope the unskilled observer may trace continuity in the transformation of jelly to life.
The sea-drop, lovely in its purity, knowing neither blemish198 nor flaw, becomes an animal with form and features distinctive199 from all others, with all essential organs, means of locomotion200, its appetite, its dislikes, its care of itself, its love for its kind, its inherent malice201 towards its enemies — all evolved in a brief period from the concentrated essence of life.
“If, as is believed, the development of the perfect animal from protoplasm epitomises the series of changes which represent the successive forms through which its ancestors passed in the process of evolution” (these are the words of Professor Francis Darwin) what a graphic202, what a luminous203 demonstration204 of evolution is here presented!
In a brief previous reference to this mollusc it was stated that the infants in their separate capsules were in a state of progressive development from the base to the apex of the cluster, those in the base being the farther advanced. Investigations205 lead to a revision of such statement. No favour seems to be enjoyed by first-born capsules. Development is equable and orderly, but as in other forms of life the contents of certain capsules seem to start into being with a more vigorous initial impulse than others, and these mature the more speedily. A sturdy infant may be screwing its way out of its cradle, while in a weakly and degenerate206 brother alongside the thrills of life may be far less imperative207.
The pictures illustrate208 isolated209 scenes in the life-history of the mollusc, which in a certain sense offers a solution to, the conundrum stated by job “Who, hath begotten210 the drops of dew?”
PROTECTIVE COLORATION
July 17, 1909.
Found a small cowry shell of remarkable211 beauty on dead coral in the Bay. At first sight it appeared as a brilliant scarlet212 boss on the brown coral, and upon touching213 it the mantle188 slowly parted and was withdrawn, revealing a shell of lavender in two shades in irregular bands and irregularly dotted with reddish brown spots; the apertures214 were richly stained with orange, and the whole enamel215 exceedingly lustrous216. Most of the molluscs of the species conceal83 themselves under mantles217 so closely resembling their environments as to often render them invisible. In this case the disguise assumed similitude to a most conspicuous but common object of anomalous218 growth, seeming to be a combination of slime and sponge.
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1
marine
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| adj.海的；海生的；航海的；海事的；n.水兵 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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3
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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4
marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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5
receding
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| v.逐渐远离( recede的现在分词 )；向后倾斜；自原处后退或避开别人的注视；尤指问题 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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7
frenzies
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| 狂乱( frenzy的名词复数 )； 极度的激动 | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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9
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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trite
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| adj.陈腐的 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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12
ply
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| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
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13
expound
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| v.详述；解释；阐述 | |
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anemone
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| n.海葵 | |
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convoluted
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| adj.旋绕的；复杂的 | |
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dwarf
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| n.矮子，侏儒，矮小的动植物；vt.使…矮小 | |
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deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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truncated
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| adj.切去顶端的，缩短了的，被删节的v.截面的( truncate的过去式和过去分词 )；截头的；缩短了的；截去顶端或末端 | |
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tentacles
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| n.触手( tentacle的名词复数 )；触角；触须；触毛 | |
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sustenance
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| n.食物，粮食；生活资料；生计 | |
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microscopic
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| adj.微小的，细微的，极小的，显微的 | |
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watery
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| adj.有水的，水汪汪的；湿的，湿润的 | |
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legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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variance
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| n.矛盾，不同 | |
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vestige
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| n.痕迹，遗迹，残余 | |
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salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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ascertaining
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的现在分词 ) | |
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mishap
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| n.不幸的事，不幸；灾祸 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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spikes
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| n.穗( spike的名词复数 )；跑鞋；（防滑）鞋钉；尖状物v.加烈酒于( spike的第三人称单数 )；偷偷地给某人的饮料加入（更多）酒精（ 或药物）；把尖状物钉入；打乱某人的计划 | |
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agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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subsiding
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的现在分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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anemones
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| n.银莲花( anemone的名词复数 )；海葵 | |
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robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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seizure
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| n.没收；占有；抵押 | |
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38
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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39
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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40
coaxingly
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| adv. 以巧言诱哄，以甘言哄骗 | |
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literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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42
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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parasite
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| n.寄生虫；寄生菌；食客 | |
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44
carmine
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| n.深红色，洋红色 | |
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45
adherent
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| n.信徒，追随者，拥护者 | |
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46
repulsive
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| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
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47
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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48
elusive
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| adj.难以表达(捉摸)的；令人困惑的；逃避的 | |
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49
sanctuary
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| n.圣所，圣堂，寺庙；禁猎区，保护区 | |
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50
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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51
stolid
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| adj.无动于衷的，感情麻木的 | |
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52
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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53
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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54
lodger
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| n.寄宿人，房客 | |
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55
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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56
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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57
smear
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| v.涂抹；诽谤，玷污；n.污点；诽谤，污蔑 | |
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58
translucent
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| adj.半透明的；透明的 | |
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59
erratic
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| adj.古怪的，反复无常的，不稳定的 | |
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60
spectral
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| adj.幽灵的，鬼魂的 | |
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61
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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62
abhors
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| v.憎恶( abhor的第三人称单数 )；（厌恶地）回避；拒绝；淘汰 | |
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63
pellucid
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| adj.透明的，简单的 | |
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64
scoop
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| n.铲子，舀取，独家新闻；v.汲取，舀取，抢先登出 | |
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65
phantom
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| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
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66
prawn
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| n.对虾，明虾 | |
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67
blotch
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|
| n.大斑点；红斑点；v.使沾上污渍，弄脏 | |
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68
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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69
tinted
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| adj. 带色彩的 动词tint的过去式和过去分词 | |
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70
antennae
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| n.天线；触角 | |
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71
ardently
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| adv.热心地，热烈地 | |
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72
ruggedness
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| 险峻，粗野； 耐久性； 坚固性 | |
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73
reposes
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的第三人称单数 ) | |
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74
defiantly
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| adv.挑战地，大胆对抗地 | |
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75
defiant
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|
| adj.无礼的，挑战的 | |
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76
inert
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|
| adj.无活动能力的，惰性的；迟钝的 | |
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77
loathsome
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|
| adj.讨厌的，令人厌恶的 | |
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78
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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79
volition
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| n.意志；决意 | |
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80
regain
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|
| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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81
grovelling
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|
| adj.卑下的，奴颜婢膝的v.卑躬屈节，奴颜婢膝( grovel的现在分词 )；趴 | |
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82
huddled
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| 挤在一起（huddle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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83
conceal
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|
| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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84
concealment
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| n.隐藏, 掩盖，隐瞒 | |
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85
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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86
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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87
apprehensive
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|
| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
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88
gush
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| v.喷，涌；滔滔不绝(说话)；n.喷，涌流；迸发 | |
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89
hue
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|
| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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90
delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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91
mingles
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| 混合，混入( mingle的第三人称单数 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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92
enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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93
beholder
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| n.观看者，旁观者 | |
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94
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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95
enjoyment
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|
| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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96
artistic
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|
| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
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97
groveller
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98
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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99
tints
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| 色彩( tint的名词复数 )； 带白的颜色； （淡色）染发剂； 痕迹 | |
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100
conceals
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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101
partially
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|
| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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102
grotto
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| n.洞穴 | |
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103
spotted
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|
| adj.有斑点的，斑纹的，弄污了的 | |
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104
sluggish
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|
| adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的 | |
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105
averse
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|
| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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106
eviction
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| n.租地等的收回 | |
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107
callously
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108
tickling
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| 反馈，回授，自旋挠痒法 | |
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109
lashed
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|
| adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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110
prod
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|
| vt.戳，刺；刺激，激励 | |
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111
imbued
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|
| v.使（某人/某事）充满或激起（感情等）( imbue的过去式和过去分词 )；使充满；灌输；激发（强烈感情或品质等） | |
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112
fluster
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|
| adj.慌乱，狼狈，混乱，激动 | |
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113
fissures
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|
| n.狭长裂缝或裂隙( fissure的名词复数 )；裂伤；分歧；分裂v.裂开( fissure的第三人称单数 ) | |
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114
quiescent
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|
| adj.静止的，不活动的，寂静的 | |
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115
confirmation
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|
| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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116
uncouth
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|
| adj.无教养的，粗鲁的 | |
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117
diversifying
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|
| v.使多样化，多样化( diversify的现在分词 )；进入新的商业领域 | |
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118
conspicuous
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|
| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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119
fins
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| [医]散热片；鱼鳍；飞边；鸭掌 | |
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120
wont
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|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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121
berth
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| n.卧铺，停泊地，锚位；v.使停泊 | |
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122
enunciated
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| v.（清晰地）发音( enunciate的过去式和过去分词 )；确切地说明 | |
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123
venom
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| n.毒液，恶毒，痛恨 | |
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124
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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125
frenzied
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| a.激怒的；疯狂的 | |
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126
molested
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|
| v.骚扰( molest的过去式和过去分词 )；干扰；调戏；猥亵 | |
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127
darts
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| n.掷飞镖游戏；飞镖( dart的名词复数 )；急驰，飞奔v.投掷，投射( dart的第三人称单数 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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128
eludes
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|
| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的第三人称单数 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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129
frantic
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|
| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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130
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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131
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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132
darted
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|
| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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133
thither
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|
| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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134
maelstrom
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| n.大乱动；大漩涡 | |
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135
reptile
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| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
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136
variant
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|
| adj.不同的，变异的；n.变体，异体 | |
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137
lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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138
casually
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|
| adv.漠不关心地，无动于衷地，不负责任地 | |
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139
descends
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| v.下来( descend的第三人称单数 )；下去；下降；下斜 | |
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140
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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141
haphazard
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| adj.无计划的，随意的，杂乱无章的 | |
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142
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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143
sediment
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| n.沉淀，沉渣，沉积(物) | |
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144
wriggling
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| v.扭动，蠕动，蜿蜒行进( wriggle的现在分词 )；（使身体某一部位）扭动；耍滑不做，逃避（应做的事等）；蠕蠕 | |
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145
deliberately
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|
| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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146
justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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147
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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148
unfamiliar
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| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
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149
conundrum
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| n.谜语；难题 | |
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150
deceptive
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|
| adj.骗人的，造成假象的，靠不住的 | |
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151
flattened
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| [医]（水）平扁的，弄平的 | |
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152
aquatic
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| adj.水生的，水栖的 | |
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153
denizen
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| n.居民，外籍居民 | |
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154
perpendicular
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|
| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
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155
obtrude
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| v.闯入；侵入；打扰 | |
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156
spawn
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|
| n.卵，产物，后代，结果；vt.产卵，种菌丝于，产生，造成；vi.产卵，大量生产 | |
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157
illustrating
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| 给…加插图( illustrate的现在分词 )； 说明； 表明； （用示例、图画等）说明 | |
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158
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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159
spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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160
bailer
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| 汲出积水的人，水斗； 水瓢； 水勺 | |
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161
circumference
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| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
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162
apex
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| n.顶点，最高点 | |
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163
candid
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| adj.公正的，正直的；坦率的 | |
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164
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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165
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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166
transformation
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| n.变化；改造；转变 | |
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167
glistening
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|
| adj.闪耀的，反光的v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的现在分词 ) | |
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168
cone
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| n.圆锥体，圆锥形东西，球果 | |
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169
transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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170
inchoate
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| adj.才开始的，初期的 | |
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171
blur
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| n.模糊不清的事物；vt.使模糊，使看不清楚 | |
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172
diaphanous
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|
| adj.(布)精致的，半透明的 | |
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173
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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174
limpid
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| adj.清澈的，透明的 | |
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175
denser
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| adj. 不易看透的, 密集的, 浓厚的, 愚钝的 | |
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176
furrows
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| n.犁沟( furrow的名词复数 )；（脸上的）皱纹v.犁田，开沟( furrow的第三人称单数 ) | |
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spire
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| n.(教堂)尖顶，尖塔，高点 | |
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exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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opaque
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| adj.不透光的；不反光的，不传导的；晦涩的 | |
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ribs
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| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
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182
opacity
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| n.不透明；难懂 | |
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183
aperture
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| n.孔，隙，窄的缺口 | |
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184
nascency
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| n.发生，起源 | |
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185
plaque
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| n.饰板，匾，(医)血小板 | |
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186
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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187
dismantled
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| 拆开( dismantle的过去式和过去分词 )； 拆卸； 废除； 取消 | |
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188
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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189
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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190
solidification
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| 凝固 | |
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191
compartment
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| n.卧车包房，隔间；分隔的空间 | |
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192
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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194
blotches
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| n.（皮肤上的）红斑，疹块( blotch的名词复数 )；大滴 [大片]（墨水或颜色的）污渍 | |
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195
maturity
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| n.成熟；完成；(支票、债券等)到期 | |
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196
leaven
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| v.使发酵；n.酵母；影响 | |
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197
cryptic
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| adj.秘密的，神秘的，含义模糊的 | |
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198
blemish
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| v.损害；玷污；瑕疵，缺点 | |
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distinctive
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| adj.特别的，有特色的，与众不同的 | |
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200
locomotion
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| n.运动，移动 | |
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201
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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202
graphic
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| adj.生动的，形象的，绘画的，文字的，图表的 | |
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luminous
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| adj.发光的，发亮的；光明的；明白易懂的；有启发的 | |
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demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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205
investigations
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| （正式的）调查( investigation的名词复数 )； 侦查； 科学研究； 学术研究 | |
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206
degenerate
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| v.退步，堕落；adj.退步的，堕落的；n.堕落者 | |
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imperative
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| n.命令，需要；规则；祈使语气；adj.强制的；紧急的 | |
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208
illustrate
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| v.举例说明，阐明；图解，加插图 | |
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isolated
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| adj.与世隔绝的 | |
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210
begotten
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| v.为…之生父( beget的过去分词 )；产生，引起 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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212
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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213
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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214
apertures
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| n.孔( aperture的名词复数 )；隙缝；（照相机的）光圈；孔径 | |
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215
enamel
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| n.珐琅，搪瓷，瓷釉；(牙齿的)珐琅质 | |
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216
lustrous
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| adj.有光泽的；光辉的 | |
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217
mantles
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| vt.&vi.覆盖（mantle的第三人称单数形式） | |
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anomalous
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| adj.反常的；不规则的 | |
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