CIRCE. 



45 



Fig. 53. 



There are but four chymiferous tubes in the Oampanella, 

 and four stitf tentacles, which in consequence of the pecu- 

 liar character of the veil appear, when the animal is seen in 

 profile, to start from the middle of the disk. The ovaries con- 

 sist of eight pouches, placed near the point of junction of the four 

 chymiferous tubes. (Fig. 52.) This little Medusa is of a dark 

 yellowish color with brownish ocellated spots, scattered profusely 

 over the upper part of the disk. 



Circe. (Traclnjnema digitate A. AG.) 



Among the Jelly-fishes, the position of which is somewhat 

 doubtful, is the Circe (Fig. 53), differing greatly in outline 

 from the ordinary Jelly- 

 fishes. As may be seen 

 in Figure 53, the bell 

 forms but a small por- 

 tion of the animal ; it rises 

 in a sharp cone on the 

 summit, thinning out at 

 the lower edge, to form 

 the large cavity in which 

 hangs the long proboscis 

 and the eight ovaries, four 

 of which may be seen in 

 Fig. 53 crowded with eggs. 

 The Circe differs in con- 

 sistency, as well as in form, 

 from other Jelly-fishes. It 

 is hard and horny to the 

 touch, and the veil, usu- 

 ally so light and filmy, is 

 here a thick folded membrane, which at every stroke of the ani- 

 mal forces the water in and out of the cavity. It is very active, 

 moving by powerful jerks, each one of which throws it far on its 

 way. It advances iisually in straight lines ; or, if it wishes to 

 change its direction, it drives the water out of the veil suddenly 



Tig. 53. Trachynema digitate ; about twice the natural size. 



