32 ZOOPHYTES. 



displaying itself from a short tubular orifice at one extremity. — Figs. 9, 10. 

 Next, a wing is formed, by addition to the side, which is the source of a 

 new cell ; fig. 11 : and wherein a second hydra originates. This having 

 attained maturity, is displayed along with its elder companion, issuing 

 from the orifice of the first. — Fig. 13. 



The cell continues still so transparent as to expose the form of the 

 nascent animal completely within, — an advantage never to be derived 

 from the darkness and opacity of the adult. Here the extremity of the 

 body below is free. About twelve ligaments, a little above the extremity, 

 connect the body of the hydra with the bottom of the cell. Thence does 

 the rise and fall of the tenant admit of an easy explanation, from their 

 gradual relaxation and sudden contraction. 



At this early stage also, internal pulsation, or the semblance of a peri- 

 staltic action below, is sensible, and substances seem vehemently and 

 quickly tossed about in the stomach. 



There is no regularity in the number of tentacula generated from the 

 nascent hydra. They range between 18 and 24. 



I was disappointed of ascertaining the precise period occupied by 

 metamorphoses. Gemmules observed on May 26, had become stationary 

 on the third day following, and on the sixth, a hydra was displayed from 

 the cell then generated. Until the end of June, hydrae were produced 

 from spots. These, after having come of stationary gemmules, have some- 

 what of a shelly aspect. 



The young hydra are extremely minute. By microscopic power, 

 mao-nifying the object sixty diameters, the cilia bordering the tentacula of 

 fig. 13, were not rendered visible. 



Dr Johnston proposes to denominate this species carnosa, which 

 would distinguish its substance, instead of the present name hispida, de- 

 rived from the surface. This substance is certainly very peculiar. I know 

 of none among the zoophytes to be compared to it. When cut asunder, 

 it proves a thick, gelatinous, ropy, brown matter, which draws out after 



the knife. 



The liability of specimens to mould is a great embarrassment to con- 



