208 ZOOPHYTES. 



But the latter, of reddish colour, and globular figure to the eye, exhibited 

 much activity in rotatory and progressive motion, describing an orbit, and 

 revolving as if on an axis. In none of these latter could any subordinate 

 parts be discovered. 



Subsequent experiment led to very interesting results. 



Numerous corpuscula are contained in the tentacula of the Actinia 

 mesembryanthemum, dwelling there as in their native abode, from which 

 they are occasionally withdrawn, or resort to some other part of the body 

 for a season. Their presence, their number, and their disappearance, are 

 alike irregular. None are seen for long intervals : there are also periods 

 when some are always to be found. Availing ourselves of such oppor- 

 tunities, the tentacula may be amputated, when the corpuscula will be dis- 

 charged from the sections. 



These corpuscula are the embryo Actinia? in an early stage. Nothing 

 can be so unlike the race : their form is such as almost to defy descrip- 

 tion. 



All are red, opaque, solid : some flattened, some elongated, some with 

 irregular prominences, as if composed of two or three or more unequal 

 spheres. They cannot be referred to any known familiar objects for com- 

 parison. Their motions are no less diversified, evidently affected by con- 

 siderable specific gravity, and regulated by the cilia which surround their 

 circumference, whatever be its outline. The motion of each individual is 

 either progressive, gyratory, advancing by irregular courses, or in curves, 

 and by ascent or descent, — quicker or slower. Where the body is com- 

 posed of unite'd spheres, the motion has appeared to be a horizontal revo- 

 lution, on an intermediate portion, where the point of union of two con- 

 stituted the axis. — Plate XLVI. fig. 2. 



A satisfactory view of the embryonic corpuscula may be obtained by 

 amputating the tentacula. But they generally perish in a few days, 

 whereby the purpose of protracted observation is defeated. 



This species of Actinia is viviparous. It produces its young by the 

 mouth. The body of the parent is then greatly compressed, and, to judge 

 by appearances, it suffers in genuine labour. As the half digested food is 

 disgorged by the mouth — not Avithout an effort — we may presume that in 



