302 



THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE, 



think you will say that it looks like a gelatinous thread, in which 

 are a few greenish granular particles ; disturb it, and it shrinks 

 into a minute jelly-like spot, but expands again when left undis- 

 turbed, so that it has the power of contraction and extension. 

 Observe it still further, and you will see that it has the power of 

 locomotion ; attached by its sucker, it extends its body to its full 

 length, and with its arms takes firm hold with tbe other ; it then 

 relaxes its sucker and advances it towards its head, and again fixes 

 itself; and thus, by a repetition of these movements, it makes pro- 

 gress. It is slow, certainly, but consider the size of the animal, 

 and, further, what is its mode of sustenance. It has been observed, 

 however, that it has another and very remarkable mode of diverting 

 itself; that is, by rowing about in a very ingenious and wonderful 

 manner. To accomplish this, the little creature first moves itself to 



tbe surface of the water 

 in the manner above de- 

 scribed; it there pro- 

 trudes its little sucker 

 above the surface, and 

 ddates it into a hollow 

 {•one-like cavity, thus 

 forming a miniature boat, 

 and by this curious con- 

 trivance it is enabled to 

 float its body, and with 

 the aid of its arms, which 

 it uses as oars, it is en- 

 abled to row itself about 

 in any direction it pleases ; 

 but, if it become alarmed 

 and is desirous of get- 

 ting out of danger, it 

 contracts up its little 

 boat, and, from its body 

 being specifically heavier 

 than water, it sinks to the 

 bottom. Observe, also, 

 the side of the vessel 



Hydra viridis on roots of Lemna minor, 

 ma^jniSed. 



sliglitlv 



the effect which light has upon it. On 

 turned from the light you will not find them ; but turn it round, 

 and they are congregated on that side. Leave it for a few hours, 

 and then they will have changed their position to the other side 

 again, showing that they are attracted by the solar rays ; but how 

 they act upon the little animal we know not, as hitherto no organs 

 of vision, or even a nervous system, has been detected. 



Let us now inquire further into its mode of living, and we shall 

 be astonished at so minute a gelatinous-looking creature being 

 endued with such powers as it has. It is carnivorous, and most 

 voracious in its habits, and is gifted with such terrible powers of 

 destruction, as to capture and devour the lava of insects, etc., 

 larger, stronger, and more active than itself. It does not, however, 

 wander about for its prey, but lava wait for it. Having firmly 



