MULTIPLICATION OF THE HYDRA. 61 



be observed if a few of them be kept in a glass of 

 their native water, and well supplied with food. A 

 small bud shoots forth from some part of the parent 

 body, and gradually enlarging, appears like a minute 

 hydra : strange to tell, a portion of the food 

 digested by the parent has been observed to pass 

 into the body of the offspring, but no sooner are the 

 arms of the minute hydra sufficiently strong for the 

 capture of prey, than it contributes in some degree 

 to the support of its parent. On its being equal to 

 an independent existence, it is detached from its 

 parent, and lives apart at its pleasure. The following 

 engraving will throw fresh light on what has now 

 been stated. 



THE GREEN HYDRA, OF THE NATURAL SIZE. 



It appears erect, walking, under the influence of fear, and with a young 

 hydra sprouting from its surface. 



We now proceed to other creatures, whose history 

 is not less wonderful. 



