MISCELLANEOUS. 247 



I have endeavoured to feed various specimens with different animal 

 substances. But I cannot affirm that it was with certain success. 



As they weaken they cease to ascend, then die, and dissolve at the 

 bottom of their vessel. 



The general size of most specimens is three or four inches in diameter. 



Plate LI. Fig. 1. Medusa attrita, upper surface. 



2. Profile. 



3. Under surface. 



4. Gland or ocular speck, enlarged. 



§ 2. Medusa capillata — Plate LI. Figs. 5, 6. — This animal is one 

 of the most beautiful of the tribe. It generally appears in June, July, and 

 August, when it is from three to six inches in diameter. Some, of smaller 

 dimensions, also occur at the same time. 



The surface has the appearance of being divided into three concen- 

 tric portions : o,f which the central part seems reticulated by the inter- 

 section of darker lines, and the circumference consists of a broad white 

 margin. In a specimen expanding six inches, the central part was an 

 inch and a half in diameter, and the circumferential belt half an inch 

 broad. The portion interposed between them is fine azure-blue, which is 

 not superficial but deeper seated, under a transparent gelatinous covering. 



Sixteen blue radii diverge from the circumference of the central 

 circle, towards the marginal belt, with white lines dividing them. The 

 circumference is partitioned into eight principal lobes, each of which is 

 subdivided into two lesser lobes. A number of bundles of tentacular 

 organs hang down from the under surface, at some distance within the 

 margin. — Plate LI. Fig. 5. 



Medusa? of this kind swim by collapse of the body, like the former. 

 I know not whether they are equally vigorous, but more of them than of 

 others are seen in shallow pools left by the tide, from which they are pro- 

 bably unable to escape. 



Multitudes of white, fleshy, solid looking planuhe are discharged by 

 the Medusa capillata in August and September, which are very minute, 



