T H E P O L Y P U S. 329 



On the furface of the water, is often ftudded with a number of thefe lit- 

 tle jelly-like fubftances, which are polypi gathered up into a quiefcent 

 flate. In action they affume a very differeni appearance j the finger of 

 a glove, cue ofr at bottom, with fcveral threads round the edge like a 

 fringe, will give us an idea of the ftomach of the animal, and its arms 

 or feelers. I: has neither mufcles nor rin^s : its manner of lengthening 

 or contracting itfeif molt refemb^es that of the fnail ; it contracts itfelf 

 in proportion as it is touched, or as the water is agitated. Warmth ani- 

 mates, and cold benumbs them ; but a degree of cold approaching con- 

 gelation only reduces them to perfect inactivity : their arms are double 

 (often thrice) as long as their bodies j thefe are thrown about in vari- 

 ous direftions to feizt its prey; fometimes three or four are employed, 

 while the reft are contrafted, like the horns of a fnail, within the animal's 

 body. It feems capable of giving what length it pleafes to thefe arms, 

 and ftretches them in proportion to the remotenefs of the objed: it would 

 leize. ■ 



They go from one part of the bottom to another'; they mount along 

 the margin of the water,' and climb the fides of aquatic plants. They 

 often come to the furface of the v*'ater, where they iufpend them.fclves by 

 their lower end. They advance very flowly, employ a deal of time ia 

 every action, and bind thcmfelves very ftrongly to whatever body they 

 meet as they proceed; their adhtfion is voluntary, and probably per- 

 formed in the manner of a cupping-glafs. 



, They have a remarkable a&tacnmtrnt to turn towards light, yet no eyes 

 have ever been difcovercd by the belt microscopes. 



In the center of the arms the mouth is placed, ferving at once as a 

 paffage for food, and an opening for it after digeftion. The inward part 

 of the animal feems to be one great ftomach, open at both ends ; but 

 the purpoles of the opening at bottom- are unknown, unlefs it be of 

 adhefion. The furface of the body of this little creature, examined with 

 amicrofcope, appears ftudded vvithTa number of warts, as alfo the arms, 

 efpecially when contracted. 



They chiefly fubfift on infects lefs than themfelves, particularly a kind 

 of water-millepedes, and a very fmall red worm, which they feize with 

 great avidity. Wherever its prey is, which the animal finds by feel- 

 ing, a touch fallens the objed: it would feize beyond efcape. The greater 

 its diftance, with the greater eafe the Polypus brings the prey to its 

 mouth. If the little objeft be near, though irretrievably caught, it is not 

 without great difficulty it can be brought to the mouth and fwallowed. 



?ART VI. No. 31. 3K • Whea 



