234 ZOOPHYTES. 



Fleming, a practical observer, proposes to institute a genus Notamia, ex- 

 pressive of it. — Plate XLIV. fig. 5.* 



Some analogy may be found between the general arrangement and 

 form of the parts of zoophytes unconnected by genera. The cells of the 

 Loricularia, an ascidian zoophyte, for example, are in such a position that 

 their tenants protrude in opposite directions. Nearly the like is seen in 

 the Sertidaria pumila, an liydraoid zoophyte, where the orifice of the cell 

 is considerably elevated. — Plate XXVI. figs. 15, 16. 



A large specimen of the Loricularia is composed of numerous prin- 

 cipal and subordinate tufts, each of which would occupy a cone of smaller 

 diameter in proportion below than fig. 1. 



The hydra is minute, lively, and active, almost transparent, or dingy 

 white ; it seldom protrudes from its dwelling, Avhich has scarcely any per- 

 ceptible margin. When doing so, twelve is the usual number of tenta- 

 cula displayed. Some have fourteen. The hydras rarely occur alive ; and 

 observations can be made only on the merest fragments, from interven- 

 tion of the numerous parts. The tentacula have a percussive faculty, and 

 the hydrse vanish in a moment. 



If these ereatures have any reciprocal connection, the means whereby 

 they are united is undiscovered. Probably the cells from which they pro- 

 trude in opposite directions, are separated by thin parietes peculiar to the 

 successive pairs disposed on the twig. But owing to the inconvenient inter- 

 ception of the observer's view, from the multitude of parts, he is exposed 

 to much embarrassment in obtaining such a position as to allow satisfac- 

 tory delineation of the living specimens. 



Dark umber-brown distinguishes the lower parts of this zoophyte ; a 

 shade of which, together with dingy white, pervades the remainder. New 

 accessions towards the extremities are pure white. Some specimens 

 present a more luxuriant and richer aspect from speckling ; perhaps owing 

 to the numerous hydra that have perished in their cells. 



The substance of the product partakes of a calcareous nature. 



* It would be highly beneficial to science, were Dr Fleming to complete his useful work 

 on British Animals. His definitions are so clear, explicit, and applicable, as to stamp 

 authority on the volume already published, and to prove it the result of correct observation 

 and laborious research. No one could be better qualified for the task. 



