8 BRITISH HYDKUID ZOOPHYTES. 



and tentacles, constitutes a new individual. 

 These buds, in some few species (Hydra, etc.) 

 become detached, and like their })arents, lead 

 a solitary existence (solitary polypites), but, 

 they also, and far more frequently, remain 

 permanently connected with the parent 

 growth, and by continuous budding produce 

 branching plant-like structures. (colony 

 budding). 



** Coenosarc," or connective parts. 

 Between the parent creature and the young 

 bud there is generally a new piece of stem 

 formed which serves as a connective part 

 joining the bud to the main stem. Probably 

 this an-angement enables the young bud the 

 better to obtain sufficient space for its develop- 

 ment, the expansion of the tentacles, and the 

 procurement of food. These intermediate 

 portions which connect the polypites, are 

 termed the Co^nosarc (meaning common flesh). 



Protective resemblance to seaweeds. 

 So nearly do these growths resemble seaweeds 

 that the majority of observers mistake thorn 

 for seaweeds. This close resemblance may 

 therefore very probably serve as a protection 

 against their enemies which might show less 



