3-021-288 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Physalia, or Portuguese Man-of-War, lately found on the south coast of England, 1869. Illustration of '...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...[however] the circumstance of its appearing...in unusual numbers is, in all probability, due to the long-continued action of southerly and south-westerly winds...The body 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...the colouring of the physalia is singularly delicate and beautiful, the air-chamber presenting tints of the purest azure...the air-vessel...forms a conspicuous object when floating on the placid waters of the tropics'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.