204 LECTURE XII. 



ance, when slightly magnified, is represented in 

 the figures we are at present viewing, and in which 

 the whole structure of the Zoophyte is clearly 

 shown. Like others of its genus, it produces eggs, 

 at particular periods, which are situated in the bo- 

 soms of the branches, and which produce young 

 Zoophytes like the parent. 



The Genus Tubularia is of uncommon ele- 

 gance. It is of a softer nature than most other 

 Zoophytes, except the Hydrae or proper Polypes ; 

 and some of the most beautiful species are na- 

 tives of fresh waters, adhering to the stems of wa- 

 ter-plants and other objects. The generic charac- 

 ter of Tubularia is, a Zoophyte of a tubular struc- 

 ture, either simple or branched ; fixed by its base ; 

 and protruding from the top of each tube a head, 

 surrounded by numerous tentacula or arms, which 

 are commonly placed in the form of a crescent or 

 semicircle. It is hardly possible by any descrip- 

 tion to give an adequate idea of the beauty and 

 elegance of some of the Tubularia. One of the 

 largest species is a marine one, and is found on 

 many of the European coasts, on rocks and shells, 

 and consists of straitish or upright yellowish tubes, 

 of the thickness of a small straw, and about three 



