In this quote, Edward Forbes is discussing the depth at which animal life is discovered in the ocean. He mentions that at a depth of 300 fathoms, there is most likely to be no animal life present. A fathom is a system of measurement equivalent to 6 feet, so 300 fathoms would be comparable to 1,800 feet. This suggests that animal life is unable to endure at such a fantastic depth in the ocean. Forbes' declaration also indicates that there might be some exceptions to this, as he utilizes the word "most likely," indicating that there could be some animal life discovered at this depth, however it is not typical. Overall, this quote highlights the vastness and mystery of the ocean and the limitations of animal life in its depths.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"