HYDEA. 89 



apprehension fall strictly under the character of fission or cleaving, but is 

 more properly to be distinguished as (/e?iimation. By fission we under- 

 stand the division of a substance, each portion separating or caiTying off' 

 a part of the original whole, which is scarcely applicable to the forma- 

 tion of a bud from the parent's side. 



Whether the budding results from a germ come of an earlier prin- 

 ciple, whether from the depositation of matter immediately secreted from 

 the substance of the parent, probably the primordial elements of the sub- 

 ject nasciturus — of that being which is to exist by developement, are the 

 same. All the works of Nature apparently resolve into great simplicity. 

 The preceding observations had been the occupation of many years. 

 But various facts and ambiguities still remained for explanation. The im- 

 measurable field, replete with animated beings, is such, and the portion to 

 be traversed by an individual attempting to journey over it so limited, be- 

 sides so many unavoidable obstacles in his course, he must often halt for 

 repose and opportunity. Thence no one has been yet found capable, of 

 himself, for composing the perfect history of any single living subject as 

 proceeding from the hands of the Creator. 



There is none of Nature's products which should be more common 

 than the Trumpet Polypus ; still it is not so. To seek for it purposely is 

 vain ; in truth it is of rare occurrence. 



A group obtained in the middle of August had been comparatively 

 neglected as of no farther use, but new circumstances of curiosity induced 

 me to restore it to suitable treatment, on the 10th of September, for per- 

 manent observation. 



This group consisted of ten small hydrse, occupying the cavity of a 

 fragment of the Solen siliqua, or razor shell. They enlarged speedily by 

 feeding, and the invigoration of renovated water, so that in five or six 

 weeks they became sufficiently adapted for the object I Jiad in view. 



In process of time these animals spread over to the back or convexity 

 of the shell, thus investing both surfaces by their multiplication and dis- 

 persion, during five or six months subsequently. — PI. XIV. figs. 2, 3. In 

 June following, or ten months after procuring the group, I found the co- 

 lony on both sides, consisting of 50 independent animals ; at least six 

 VOL. I. M 



