284 On the Hermaphrodite mode of 



yet informed from direct observation, the process of budding- 

 appears to consist in the gradual projection and growth of a 

 portion of the entire thickness of the wall of the body in the 

 parent polype, without its being possible to detect any pecu- 

 liar structure in the bud, such as a germinal vesicle at its com- 

 mencement ; or without there being any evidence of fecunda- 

 tion by a male generative element. Whatever probability, 

 therefore, may belong to the view held by some, that buds 

 require fecundation as ova do, this opinion cannot be consi- 

 dered as founded on observation in the polype ; an animal, 

 it may be remarked, in which a most favourable opportu- 

 nity presents itself of detecting such a fecundation were it to 

 occur. 



Buds are formed upon those polypes in which the spermatic 

 capsules exist ; but they are much more frequently observed in 

 those individuals which do not possess them, and I regard the 

 assertion of Professor Owen, that the process of gemmation is 

 preceded by the fecundation of an ovum below the integu- 

 ment, as not yet warranted by observation. I have never, at 

 least, been able to detect any appearances which would lead me 

 to believe that such was the case. In regard to this matter, 

 however, it may be proper to notice that the place from which, 

 in the gray polype, the buds almost always sprout, is the same 

 with that in which the ova are developed — viz., at the union of 

 the pedicle and body of the animal ; the spermatic capsules being 

 in general nearer the head, and removed from the ova or buds. 

 From Trembley's interesting researches, it appears neces- 

 sary, in order that germination should go on briskly, that the 

 polypes should be well nourished ', and when this is the case, 

 and the weather is fine, a very considerable number of buds, 

 and even a second generation, may appear on some of the pro- 

 geny of the first parent: and that, on the other hand, when 

 food is withheld for some time, there is an increased tendency 

 to the separation of the buds, so that some occasionally leave 

 the parent stalk, while yet very imperfectly developed. 



It is in the autumn principally that the formation of ova and 

 spermatic capsules occurs; and it is at this season or in winter 

 that almost all observers have described the process. Ehren- 



