Sydney J Hickson

The Fauna of the Deep Sea Sydney J Hickson

Our knowledge of the natural history of the deep seas may be said to have commenced not more than fifty years ago. There are, it is true, a few fragments of evidence of a fauna existing in depths of more than a hundred fathoms to be found in the writings of the earlier navigators, but the methods of deep-sea investigation were so imperfect in those days that naturalists were disposed to believe that in the abysses of the great oceans life was practically non-existent. Even Edward Forbes just before his death wrote of an abyss 'where life is either extinguished or exhibits but a few sparks to mark its lingering presence, ' but in justice to the distinguished naturalist it should be remarked that he adds, 'Its confines are yet undetermined, and it is in the exploration of this vast deep-sea region that the finest field for submarine discovery yet remains.