PLUMATELLA. 133 



the middle of winter. Probably this is common in the native abode of 

 many zoophytes ; and it may be witnessed from experiment. If the stems 

 of a group of the Tubidaria indivisa be cut asunder, new hydrse will be 

 developed from the higher extremity, and after the fall of the first or second 

 their successors will appear, all during the winter season. 



All the observations hitherto made certainly apply to the Plumdtetta 

 r&pens. Understanding that the Plumatella reptans dwelt along with it in 

 a pond called Lochmill, in the county of Fife, I proposed visiting the 

 place. Fulfilment of my design, however, was anticipated by the friendly 

 attention of Dr Fleming, from whom some specimens, carefully packed in 

 wet moss, reached me, then 30 or 40 miles distant. 



But their preservation proved difficult, owing to an interval of a 

 few days elapsing before they could be treated suitably. The chief pre- 

 caution, necessary on such occasions, is to preserve the zoophyte humid 

 and cool. 



I am not entirely satisfied that I was now in possession of the Pluma- 

 tella reptans, providing that species has been sufficiently defined. Here 

 the specimens spread on a stony surface, or rose above it. The hydra 

 protruded its lunate head, with about 45 tentacula, from the extremity of 

 the tubular ramifications, with much vivacious action. When retracted 

 completely within, a slight influence remained by sensible inflexion of the 

 summit. Particles were attracted and repelled by the tentacula, and dark 

 matter filled the stomach. A notch seemed to indent some of the tubular 

 extremities. — Plate XXXII. Fig. 18. 



The specimens survived about three weeks, during which time they 

 were enlarged by new accessions. Older portions being of chestnut colour, 

 or yellowish brown, the young animals with their tubular extremities were 

 perfectly white. 



I dread that the preceding long detail will be considered prolix and 

 unsatisfactory ; that some parts of it may appear equivocal to the reader. 

 I should have gladly solved the doubts entertained by myself, but of later 

 years specimens have disappeared from their wonted abode. I know not 

 how many seasons I have visited Blackhall pond, as one of the most, acces- 

 sible, but unsuccessfullv. 



