MEMOIR OF SIR J. G. DALYELL. 



XXVll 



provided with a proboscis protruding from the middle of the belly or un- 

 der surface ; swimming supine." 2. " Body in a state of repletion, resem- 

 bhng a double cone ; mouth in the anterior extremity." The phenomena 

 brought to light in regard to the food and habits of these animals are ex- 

 tremely curious. The species is propagated by eggs, but most of them 

 have the smgular faculty of reproduction by spontaneous division The 

 head, for example, separates from the trunk. In time a new head is form- 

 ed, and the animal resumes its functions entire, while, from the separated 

 head expands a new body. If any portion of the animal is cut off by ac- 

 cident, nature immediately sets about replacing it. If an incision is made 

 forward or backward, beyond a particular line, it is possible to produce a 

 second head, or a second tail, according to the position of the puncture 

 Sir John frequently tried the experiment. 



Huber's celebrated "Observations on the Natural History of Bees"— 

 a work entirely coinciding with the taste of our author-was translated 

 and m some manner condensed by him. The third edition, which we 

 have before us, was published by W. & C. Tait, in 1821. This little 

 12mo had an extensive sale ; and Huber has long been considered a stan- 

 dard authority on Bees. 



The following year Sir John had a communication from Baron Cuvier, 

 whose letter we subjoin : — 



" Monsieur, 



" Permettez moi de vous remercier, non seulement du beau present que vous 

 m avez fait en m'envoyant votre livre, mais encore du service que vous avez rendu k I'his- 

 torie naturelle en y remplissant una lacune demeuree vuide malgre les efforts d'hommes 

 aussi habils que Muller et autres. C'en par des travaux de ce genre, par des observations 

 assidues sur des espgces particuli^rs que I'on enrichire le plus surement cette belle science- 

 je serais bien heureux de pouvoir vous exprimes plus divertement I'estime que votre ouvrage 

 me inspiree ; si vous venez jamais dans noire pays, j'espSre que vous n,e fournirez I'occasion 

 de vous en donner des preuves ; agreez je vous prie I'assurance de la haute consideration 

 aveo lacquelle, je suis, 



" Monsieur, 



" Votre trSs humble et 



" Trfis obeissant serviteur, 



" Paris, le 28. Juin, 1822." " ^"^ ^"^'^•'•" 



