382 On the Reproduction of the Virgularia. 



pennatulse were discovered on the bottom of the vessel, in a 

 horizontal position, with a hydra or polypus developed from 

 one extremity of each, identically resembling those of mature 

 specimens, and inclining upwards. 



Afterwards, I succeeded in obtaining seven , which were brought 

 to a situation sufficiently favourable for microscopical obser- 

 vation. 



Here they remained, as also in other vessels, surviving 

 until the end of July ; but in none was more than a single 

 hydra developed, which, towards the close, ceased to display 

 itself, though the individual still lived, as is seen in other 

 zoophytes. 



But from the first they never shifted their position. This 

 was always horizontal, and by a very slight adhesion : there- 

 fore, I am rather induced to believe that if they are erect in 

 their native site, as some fishermen assert, adhesion results 

 from a loose fleshy portion, extending below, beyond the bone. 

 I must acknowledge, however, that I am incapable of arriv- 

 ing at any satisfactory conclusion on this subject. 



Thus, much in conformity with the propagation of most zoo- 

 phytes, a yellow ovum issues from the adult pennatula, which, 

 as in some others, is seen in the embryonic state, as I conceive 

 it, of a planula endowed with great activity. Its motion 

 ceases, the planula becomes more elongated, rather cylindrical, 

 and next a hydra with eight tentacula is developed from one 

 extremity. At first the pinnae forming the pectinate part of 

 the tentaculum are few; stronger towards its extremity, and 

 decreasing in size until becoming mere projections as they de- 

 scend. The stomach is seen in the centre with four organs 

 like coeca below. But I have not been able to recognise the 

 central bone. 



Some indications of a circulating fluid, by the ascent and 

 descent of minute dark particles, as if contained in an invisi- 

 ble vessel, reaching as high as each side of the stomach, merit 

 further investigation. Microscopical illusions are ever ready 

 to mislead observers. 



The planulse are very minute, not above a third of a line in 

 length, at their utmost dimensions ; and the nascent pennatu- 

 lae, though extending considerably as they lay, never exceeded 



