ALOYONELLA. 117 



ject to alter, and here presenting a very singular process. While a hydra, 

 containing three ova, was under the microscope, one of them visibly pass- 

 ed into the body of the hydra next to it. As I beheld the ovum in the 

 course of transit, there could be no mistake. 



It is difficult to account for the influence whereby the transference 

 ensues, and especially if occurring in the prominence which may remain 

 from decayed hydra?. As the ovum traverses an irregular circumscribed 

 orbit while revolving on its centre, or on some axis shorter than the cen- 

 tral line, a certain force, such as an impinging current, may fall on the 

 circumference. 



Among the frequent alterations of the relative or reciprocal position 

 of the ova, one, the lowest of four, rose above all the rest, while the hydra 

 was under microscopical observation. 



If the ova pertain to the common mass, and occupy the body of the 

 hydra-, and shift their site, the whole cavities are obviously replete with 

 a fluid wherein they are suspended, — and herein is much correspondence 

 with the nature of the Alcyonella stagno-rum. 



Likewise the circumference of the ovum is smooth, being destitute 

 of hooks or spines, that noted characteristic of the Cristatella. 



The most favourable circumstances are indispensable for the observa- 

 tions whereon all these facts are to be established. Many of them are 

 slowly and progressively disclosed. 



Like the others, whereof the lunate hydra constitutes the distinguish- 

 ing feature, this product decays and breaks up at the end of the season, 

 when multitudes of ova are liberated with the close of autumn. Few 

 hydra were displayed on the 29th of October, though some still survived 

 on the 19th of November. 



Many ova were now set apart in phials, also portions of twigs and 

 branches, wherein they were imbedded, awaiting the issue on arrival of the 

 ensuing season. 



There is great interest in experiments involving a tractus futuri temporis. 

 Our vigilance must never sleep ; we must banish all precipitation, other- 

 Avise our cares and expectations may end in disappointment. 



