52 ZOOPHYTES. 



CHAPTER IV. 



MISCELLANEOUS ZOOPHYTES. 



I have hitherto endeavoured to preserve a kind of connected narra- 

 tive, though neither in the strictest form nor order, but such as might 

 render the reader familiar with the hydraoid and ascidian zoophytes, in 

 some variety. Although the nearest kindred may not be placed in im- 

 mediate approximation, I felt desirous that they should not be very far 

 asunder. 



But a number of transient objects must always occur in a long 

 course of observations, affording only insufficient materials for history, 

 and from which nothing like a narrative of successive incidents can be 

 framed. Nevertheless, however brief and unimportant they appear to 

 the naturalist himself, they may fill up the chasms which accident has 

 left to others, and thus render the science more complete ; thence they 

 will not be void of utility. Where my hopes of additional illustration have 

 been disappointed, I propose to devote one or two chapters to a few 

 detached supplementary observations, meantime trusting that future 

 opportunity may enable me to advance them farther, if the more favoured 

 and skilful have not already done so. 



The mere corroboration of our enquiries, by even the shortest notice, 

 will often suffice to remove ambiguity and establish truth. 



Here, I mean to embrace those subjects whereon I consider my ob- 

 servations as yet incomplete. 



§ 1. Hydra (coryna) squamata. — Plate XVIII. — It appears to me 

 that Dr Johnston is the only author who has assigned this product its 



