280 T. C. WHITE ON THE LIFE-HISTORY OF BOTRYLLOIDE8. 



work on the Microscope, must be sufficiently acquainted already with 

 that subject, and therefore you will perceive that in the observations 

 I have laid before you this evening, I have for the present limited 

 them to a few, and apparently, meagre details, bearing upon what I 

 have personally seen ; but it is my intention, if I can get materials 

 sent me, to continue my observations, with a view to laying another 

 short paper before you, when I can do so with profit to you ; but in 

 the meantime I would urge upon all, who may have the opportunity, 

 to follow out these investigations for themselves, as I can promise 

 them a rare harvest of interest in doing so, for whether as pretty and 

 attractive objects for the microscope, or from a point of deeper 

 interest, viz., the close relationship that exists between this class in 

 its larval condition with the vertebrata, the Tvnicata will amply 

 repay the time and attention expended on their study. Then again 

 they are the hosts of many interesting and peculiar-looking crusta- 

 cean parasites, who take up their abode within the mantle or sac of 

 some of the ordinary Ascidians, and which would well repay the 

 collection and mounting. Then the test or mantle contains many 

 forms of spicula not unlike those of the Gorgonia, which may be 

 studied. I have placed under my microscope, this evening, a slide 

 illustrating the character of these spicula, but while such objects as 

 these may be of special interest to the collector of microscope speci- 

 mens, I would say do not be content with the acquisition of these 

 but pass on to the far more interesting study of the life-history of 

 this class, and if only one or two meagre and disjointed observations 

 can be made, yet, if truly made, and accuracy be sought for for itself 

 alone, when these isolated contributions are put together they 

 will help to make at last one harmonious whole. With these last 

 words I ask your acceptance of this short communication, as one 

 such contribution to the life-history of the Tunicata. 



