172 SEA-SIDE STUDIES. 



in which the ova are imbedded. When the ova are 

 matured, it is most probable that this stroma bursts 

 to set them free, and they fall into the general cavity, 

 where their further development takes place. It would 

 be justly considered an unwarrantable laxity in scien- 

 tific language if the temporary accumulation of germ- 

 cells beneath the investing membrane of the Hydra 

 were designated as an ovary ; and no less unwarrant- 

 able is it to call a somewhat similar accumulation of 

 germ-cells in the Actinia, an ovary. The pretended 

 " organ " is not permanent, it is not even constant in 

 its locality, for it may be found at any part of the free 

 border of the septum ; and, finally, it has no specific 

 structure, which distinguishes it from any other part 

 of the lining membrane ; its grape-like form is owing 

 entirely to the ova imbedded in it. 



The reader perceives that I regard the organisation 

 of the Actinia as much simpler than other ^vATiters 

 seem willing to admit, and that, in consequence, I in- 

 terpret its functions more in accordance with the laws 

 which regulate the simpler organisms. He will here- 

 after see that such a point of view led me to examine and 

 disprove the current notions respecting the Digestion 

 and Nutrition of the Actinise,"' and he will now see that 

 it led me to the discovery of their true sexual character. 

 The universal belief is that the Actiniae are of 

 separate sexes, and Kolliker, to whom most subsequent 

 writers refer, asserts that the males are about as nume- 

 rous as the females. The great difiiculties in the way 



* Part. III., Chaps. I. and II. 



