98 VIGNETTES FROM INVISIBLE LIFE. 



Another form of reproduction is that in which 

 small bodies are produced named Statoblasts (Fig. 

 17 A). They are seen lying within the inner transpa- 

 rent membrane during the greater portion of the life 

 of the Polyzoon, and have generally been spoken of 



FIG. 17. 



A. Statoblast. B. Young Polyzoon in process of development from a 



Statoblast. 



as winter-eggs. They are of diversified form in the 

 several genera and species round, oval, or oblong- 

 lenticular bodies, which furnish by their shape, &c., 

 a ready means of identification. In one instance they 

 are furnished with hooked spines projecting from 

 their margins. In all cases they are beautiful and 

 interesting objects. Generally they are lying quietly 

 and loosely within the sac investment ; but occa- 

 sionally one sees them being tossed up and down 



