MISCELLANEOUS. 251 



margin of the umbrella were interposed between the tentacula. These 

 organs, the tentacula, never extended until two or three afternoon. Their 

 upper part was spiral, of a purple colour ; and they had so strong an adhe- 

 sion to whatever came in contact, that portions of them were ruptured. 



This animal, with the preceding exception, was quite transparent ; 

 the waving of the organs formed an agreeable spectacle, as it ascended by 

 collapse of the umbrella. 



In time it began to decline, but not before an accurate delineation 

 was executed, while in its utmost vigour. It survived ten weeks. 



I understood that this specimen was taken east of the Isle of May. 



From some fragments remaining, the fourth part of the appendage 

 had been probably lost. 



Plate LII. Fig. 5. Medusa in ascent. 



I have seen other kindred species, of which the four leaves, some- 

 what larger, spread out in close application to the glass. 



§ 6. Medusa fimbriata — The Fringed Medusa. — Plate LII. 

 Figs. 6, 7. — Our diffidence in discussing either the formation or the habits 

 of animals, should be in exact proportion to their rarity and the duration 

 of survivance. 



This is one of the smaller of the Medusae, in fact a microscopic sub- 

 ject : the diameter not exceeding four lines, the umbrella somewhat convex, 

 with a fringe of 106 tentacula, which extend about a fifth of the diameter 

 of the body, or less. Two cross lines, at right angles, pass through the 

 centre of the convex surface, and run down to the circumference, where 

 each terminates in two knobs. Thus the animal seems divided into four 

 portions, fringed respectively by 24, 26, 30, 26 tentacula, making up the 

 complement to 106. The proboscis issuing from below is rather of a 

 square form. 



This animal moves by slight collapse. It is absolutely transparent, 

 scarcely to be discovered in the water. The proboscis is grey. 



