TRICHYDRA PUDICA. 



217 



equal length, but all very short ; POLYPITES about inch 

 in length, exceedingly attenuated during extension, 



Fig. 26. 



transparent, with the exception of the proboscis, which 

 is of a dense silvery white; TENTACLES 4-12, long and 

 waving. 



"Tnis interesting little zoophyte is remarkable for the 

 laxity of its habit and the extensibility and transparency 

 of its polyps." When at rest they " extend their bodies 

 and tentacles to their utmost length ; but a sudden glare 

 of light or shaking of the vessel in which they are confined 

 causes the modest hair-polyp to contract itself, or to bend 

 the buccal cavity and tentacles loosely downwards, like a 

 flower drooping on its stalk. It seldom entirely with- 

 draws itself into its cell unless irritated." (Wright.} 

 Hab. The "Fluke Hole," Firth of Forth, covering a 



