H.R. Stevens, 1853

Memorandum of Collection. Augt. 17th, 1813 Lat 1° 06' South Long 26° 30' West Caught in hauling in the Log line. A substance 5¾ inches long, ¼ inch broad at one end and ⅜ inch at the other. About the middle there appeared to be an irregular hole, and from that the larger extremity, a groove-like indentation. The whole outside covered with crystalline points from which appeared to be emitted, the brilliant phosphorescent light that it shined. H. Kellerman August 28th, 1813. Lat 28° 29' S. Long 16° 30' W. Caught in net. A great many globular substances, some shot sparkling spawn; there appeared to be a thin membrane containing liquid, and in the membrane small spots. Some were born in others red, others again blue. These on being put into a glass jar and stood up at night showed like sparks of fire. H. Kellerman Lat 28° 09' S Long 16° 30' W. Almost calm Water very smooth. A great many marine Animals about, Caught one with a great many legs or arms; the limboured or almost made up of oblong pouches, which kept contracting & opening perfectly. Many of these with small bladders filled with air attached to the extremities. And one of the bladders at the extremity of the body. They had the power of moving with a great deal of rapidity. The Colour was a fine light pink. H. Kellerman (N° 4) Two little shells – caught by Mr Chilton.

(No. 5.) Sep 8th. Lat 34°26' S. Long 1°12' East. Squid found on board in the morning Sep 13th. Lat 35°22' S. Long 12°58' East. A Marine Animal about 5 inches long by 4 in diameter. Seemed to be a sack with a mouth that could be closed or opened at will. When caught had the mouth open & interior filled with water. Around the mouth were small purple spots. (No. 6) The whole exterior covered with points irregular placed, rising from bases about 20 in bean; and being 10 in long, the most of them bent or broken at the ends. The colour a bluish white, when not emitting light. But where seen in the water or even floating some distance from the vessel on top of the water, shewing a steady bright light. The light was evidently emitted at will; for on being caught and allowed to remain in the net a few minutes it all disappeared, and then shone out again gradually becoming brighter until the whole body glowed with a brilliant white light. On putting them into a bucket of water, the light disappeared again, but by touching any one of the points it became lighter fish and then the light gradually spread until the whole was illuminated as before. A slight agitation of the water also was sufficient also to produce the same effect. St. Helena | | But that Sep 13th. Lat 34°26' S. Long 1°12' East St. Helena