1892.] NEW-YORK MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 49 



the number and position of the tentacula alone precluding that 

 possibility. 



Like the typical Hydra, it rises on an elongated stem, and ex- 

 tends tentacles armed with bundles of thread-cells, also Hydra- 

 fashion; but then all resemblance ceases. Its tentacles range from 

 twelve to thirty in number, and spring from a continuous ring 

 around the upper portion of what may be called the head, and 

 just below the mouth. A short distance from the base they are 

 connected by a beautifully delicate " web," thus forming a perfect 

 funnel (see Fig. 5^;, which is a view from above). This web-like 

 joining of the tentacles doubtless aids in their more rapid con- 

 traction when alarmed, and would seem to foreshadow the similar 

 connection shown in Plumatella and other polyzoons. Notwith- 

 standing their number, and the absence of highly developed mus- 

 cular power as seen in the Rotifera and Polyzoa, they appear to 

 be under absolute control. 



The thread-cells are very numerous, ranging from eighty to 

 one hundred bundles on each of the tentacula. I have reason to 

 believe that reproduction is effected in a similar manner to that 

 of C. lacustris. Indeed, I have already noted some points of re- 

 semblance, and when my observations are completed I hope to 

 have the pleasure of laying them before the Society. 



CoRDYLOPHORA Lacustris Allman (Pis. 30, 31). 



I have now to narrate a singular coincidence which occurred in 

 connection with the discovery of the preceding forms. 



Whilst looking over my stock of C. coronata I noticed one 

 different to all the rest, and on fishing it out and giving it time to 

 recover from its surprise, to my utter amazement I found I had 

 before me a solitary specimen of C lacustris. As I have before 

 said, I had not previously seen it nor Dr. Allmau's memoir, and 

 should not have known it but for my recent searches and the 

 drawings I had made. 



Had a choice been given me, it would have been this form 

 above all others, and more especially for the purpose of compari- 

 son ; and, therefore, my pleasure on seeing it gradually unfold 

 itself in all its beauty can be more easily imagined than described. 

 Fearing I might lose it, I exhibited it, without remarks, at the 

 Society's meeting on November 6th, 1891.' 



This specimen was exhibited by Mr. Horace W. Calef for Mr. Helm.— Ed. 



