DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGG OF CLAVA LEPTOSTYLA. 211 



HERMAPHRODITISM. 



An interesting feature in the reproduction of this hydroid is 

 the fact that occasionally individuals, and perhaps colonies, are 

 found in which gonophores contain both eggs and spermatozoa. 

 Figs, i, 2 ; Fig. 5, PI. IX., show various phases of this somewhat 

 anomalous condition. As will be observed, the elements are in 

 various stages of development, 

 some of the eggs well along toward 

 full growth, and spermatozoa like- 

 wise well advanced. In most 

 cases the condition shown at Fig. 

 5, PI. IX., was the prevalent one, 

 namely, where one half of the 

 gonophore bore sperms and the 

 other half an egg. In a few cases, 

 however, a well developed egg 

 was found on each side nearly or 

 quite surrounded by sperm- 

 cells. 



Of course, hermaphroditism in 

 itself is nothing strange among 

 animals, whether high or low. 

 Even among hydroids it is quite 

 familiar in the common Hydra, 

 though here it is not common to 

 find both organs in active function 

 at the same time on any given in- 

 dividual. I have also found a sim- FIG. I. Longitudinal section 

 ilar condition in Hydractinia, and throu h y oun gi>phre, showing 



at b the development of spermary, at 



Bunting ( 94), has likewise figured e and ^ mixed gonads . 

 a single case though without giv- 

 ing any details concerning it. In the whole of his extended 

 researches on the " Origin of Sex Cells in Hydromedusse '' 

 Weismann makes no mention, so far as I have observed, con- 

 cerning hermaphroditism. It would seem somewhat remarkable 

 that he should not have observed some indications of such a con- 

 dition if it were at all common. Indeed, though having found 

 repeated cases of it in Clava, I am disposed to consider it as a 

 rather rare phenomenon in this group. 



b 



