One of our Illustrations represents a physalia, one of the so called unexpected visitors whose recent advent to our shores has been hailed as affording conclusive evidence of the increasing energy of the much-vexed Gulf Stream. In point of fact, however, there exists but a remote connection between the arrival of these illustrious strangers and the agency with which they have thus been associated. The physalia, or, as it has from time out of mind been called by seamen, "the Portuguese man-of-war," occurs in more or less profusion along the entire Atlantic seaboard from the Bay of Biscay to the Cape of Good Hope. It certainly does not occur more abundantly within the track of the Gulf Stream than elsewhere in the open Atlantic. Nor is it by any means so rare a visitor as seems to have been supposed. The Gulf Stream is, after all, answerable for sometimes drifting it hitherwards; but the circumstance of its appearing during the past season in unusual numbers is, in all probability, due to the long-continued action of southerly and south-westerly winds.
The body of the physalia consists of a transparent spindle shaped air-chamber possessing singular strength; its upper convex surface is traversed longitudinally by a crescent-shaped crest; whilst dependent from the under portion of the air vessel, which rests on the surface of the sea, are two sets of tentacles; one of these brings its food to the creature; the other would seem to provide it with means of attack and defence, being supplied with very powerful stinging organs, the effects of handling which are not likely to be forgotten by those who have once experienced them. Both sets of tentacles are highly elastic and capable of being either extended downwards several feet or of being drawn up close to the animal's body. As seen in its natural haunts, the colouring of the physalia is singularly delicate and beautiful, the air-chamber presenting tints of the purest azure, whilst the free margin of the crest occasionally exhibits the richest roseate hues. The lower surface of the air-chamber, as also the tentacles, are of a rather deep indigo colour. In length the air-vessel varies from 2 in. to 6 in., and forms a conspicuous object when floating on the placid waters of the tropics. It is doubtful if the creature possesses any power of suddenly expelling the contents of its air-vessel so as to admit of its sinking, and far more probable that it becomes overlooked during boisterous weather, owing to its general bubble-like appearance.
Source: The Illustrated London News, Vol. LIV, March 27, 1869, p.321
