ACTINIA. 231 



Among the fragments themselves there is no uniformity, but consi- 

 derable disparity of shape and dimensions. Some are rudely triangular, 

 rudely elliptical, or otherwise, but always moulding into due form and pro- 

 portion with the advancing evolution of the young animal. At length the 

 ligament ruptures, and leaves the new Actinia to enjoy its independent 

 existence. 



The fragments are not detached from around the base in regular or- 

 der, but from some part where it is unequal ; thence the size of the base 

 is not regularly reduced. 



From what has been said, it will appear that perpetuation of the race 

 of this species of the Actinia may be probably identified with gemmation. 

 I have never been able to detect any preformation of the embryo in the 

 flesh of the margin of the base or its inequalities, either by inspection or 

 microscopical observation. But it is generated thence after a fashion cer- 

 tainly presenting a near analogy to the gemmation of the embryo and ad- 

 vance of the young of the Hydra tuba, to the connection by a ligament 

 with the parent, and to the rupture of that ligament on attaining sufficient 

 maturity. All the irregularities seen in the one are witnessed in the other, 

 and many points of correspondence. 



These facts will go far to prove the kindred of the Actinia and the 

 polypus. 



The Actinia lacerata is prolific. A specimen obtained in the latter 

 part of November lost a large fragment, rather elliptical, from the base, on 

 December 12. Besides this, eight fragments were found on March 12. to 

 have separated subsequently, wherein the organs of some of the young 

 animals were in display. The number had increased to twenty on April 

 16, and to thirty on May 12, when all were removed from the vessel con- 

 taining the parent. The young thus removed were replaced by a new 

 generation, amounting to seven, on July 16, which were shifted as the 

 others from the vessel. But this being the season of multiplication, the 

 margin of the parent's base had thickened in various parts, so as leave a 

 rude resemblance to an irregular string of beads towards the end of July. 

 So evident a prelude to evolution, was followed by the production of 

 twenty young within a month, and of as many more in three months ; 



