MEDUSA, OR JELLY-FISH. 151 



the umbrella hang thread-like tentacles, which are active 

 and sensitive, and provided with minute darting threads, 

 giving them an adhesive, and somewhat stinging power. 



" NaJced-eyed " Medusce are those which have swelling 

 coloured bulbs at the bases of the tentacula, supposed to 

 be e3'es. While '' Cover ed-e?/ed" ^lxq those in which the 

 organs, more complicated, are protected by membranous 

 folds hanging over them. 



Eew objects can exceed the elegance of these creatures, 

 when floating in the briny fluid. Their graceful forms, 

 their crystalline transparence, their airy and evanescent tints, 

 and wavy motions, combine to make them exquisite in love- 

 liness ; while many of them are luminous, giving out flashes 

 of light in the midst of darkness. 



" "Withia the shadow of the ship 



I watched their rich attire ; 

 Blue, glossy-green, and velvet black, 

 They coil'd and swam ; and every track 



"Was a flash of golden fire ! " 



The most attractive part of the history of Mediism is the 

 wonderful manner in which they multiply their species. In 

 the course of this operation metamorphoses take place from 

 the state of fixed Zoophytes to that of free AcejjJiala. 



