90 Process of Reproduction of the 



If, instead of a straightline, the amputation be made in an oblique 

 one, the new growth instead of commencing in one point and one 

 projection, commences at the same moment in two separate ones. 

 But the growth of the superior, or proximal, one, goes on in a 

 ratio so much greater than the other, it soon overtakes it, thus 

 speedily correcting the obliquity. These' separate growths united 

 together at their bases, soon form one, and the process of repro- 

 duction is continued in the usual manner. It is worthy of remark, 

 that when this occurs in the reproduction of the tail, the new 

 growth does not assume its pointed triangular form, until the two 

 separate growths are united together. 



When instead of a simple obliquity, the amputation is made so 

 as to leave a bifurcated stump, which is easily done in amputation 

 of the tail, the new growth does not arise from the sides of the 

 fork, but from its angle, in the form of a triangular projection, 

 which is gradually united to them. 



When, however, the method of amputation is reversed, and the 

 stump is spear-shaped, separate growths take place from each 

 side of the point; and, as soon as they are on a level with each 

 other, the process proceeds in the usual manner. 



It would seem that the reproduction of any of the members may 

 be repeated, ad infinitum ; for, as far as I have observed, I have 

 never known any limit to it. Whether the second amputation be 

 made during the process of growth, organization, or increase, the 

 secondary reproductions observe the same laws as the primary one, 

 except that the nearer the amputation is made to the period of 

 growth, when the structure is most simple, the cicatrization is 

 quicker, and the growth takes place in a shorter period. 



The process of reproduction is much influenced by the season of 

 the year. In the months of April, May, and June, it is compa- 

 ratively slow in its progress. It proceeds with the greatest rapi- 

 dity in the month of August, the period of greatest general vigour. 



The reproduction does not appear in any way materially af- 

 fected by the animal being in spawn, nor does the privation of food, 

 which these animals are able to support for a considerable time, 

 in any sensible way interfere with the process. 



