Hebridean Sea Fire

The phenomenon called by sailors “sea-fire,” is one of the most beautiful and interesting which is witnessed in
the Hebrides. At times the ocean appears entirely illuminated around the vessel, and a long train of lambent
coruscations are perpetually bursting upon the sides of the vessel, or pursuing her wake through the darkness.
These phosphoric appearances, concerning the origin of which naturalists are not agreed in opinion, seem to be
called into action by the rapid motion of the ship through the water, and are probably owing to the water being
saturated with fish-spawn or other animal substances.

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