MISCELLANEOUS. 59 



§ 3. Pedicellina. — Plate XX. — Although this zoophyte was the 

 subject of transient observation nearly a century ago, naturalists have been 

 much perplexed regarding it, owing to indistinct notices, and imperfect 

 representation. Nor, until very recently, has any one ventured to give it 

 a name, or assign it a position. 



We have already remarked how slight the influence enjoyed by most 

 of the hydraoid and ascidian zoophytes over the inorganic parts ; that it is 

 commonly, but to the smallest extent, and chiefly confined to the im- 

 mediate vicinity of the animated portion — the hydra or head. 



It has been seen that should such zoophytes be stripped of their in- 

 organic or cortical exterior, the organic portion,- or interior, consisting of 

 the pith, terminated by a multitude of hydra, could not sustain itself 

 amidst the water. Neither would it be capable of any voluntary flexures. 



If such be the nature of the hydraoid genera, inflexibility, through 

 the inefficiency of the animal over the inanimate organization, is still a 

 firmer character of the vast proportion of the ascidian zoophytes. 



But the subject of the present paragraph is a noted exception. 

 There are no cells, no polyparium, for reception of the hydra, and it can 

 exercise complete control over all its parts. 



Recalling what has been said of the Vorticcllte of the fresh- waters in 

 the preceding volume, which, growing like single flowers, or luxuriant 

 shrubs, whereof each extremity terminates by an animal resembling a bell 

 with a ciliated lip, we may remember that these products can curve 

 their different stems in all directions, or form them into spirals ; that the 

 whole of their numerous parts cluster together, and sink to the surface 

 below in a moment; that this collapse relaxing, they rise and expand 

 themselves anew, with the most lively action. — Vol. I., Plate XII. 



The Pedicellina participates so far in the nature of such animals as 

 also to exercise an influence, but in a minor degree, over the whole or- 

 ganization. 



A faculty such as this, being so rarely enjoyed, is calculated to excite 

 the more attention. 



The Pedicellina is an ascidian zoophyte, to which can be scarcely 

 ascribed any inorganic parts, for it seems throughout organic. 



