102 HALF AN HOUR WITH CORALLINES. 



inches high, growing like a miniature tree. When 

 examined with a strong lens, the branches appear to 

 be studded with cells, each furnished with a " bird's 

 head " and " beak "-like process. The illusion is 

 carried out by this beak continuing to open and 

 shut, and the head keeping up a constant nodding 

 to and fro, so that the result is quite comical. Nor 

 should we omit drawing attention to another 

 zoophyte, which the visitor will be pretty certain to 

 find, the " Lobster's Horn Coralline " (Antennularia 

 antennina). It derives its name from its strong 

 likeness to the long jointed antennae of the lobster. 

 It is stiff and unbranched, and around each joint 

 may be seen a whorl of delicate hairs, in the axils 

 of which is seated the cell and glassy cup of a 

 polypite. 



We have already referred to the wonderful system 

 of what may be regarded as allied to that known 

 to naturalists by the name of " alternation of gene- 

 ration," which prevails among the hydrozoa. It is 

 now known for a fact that these animals lead a most 

 varied and active life. At one stage of their 

 existence we find them skimming the sea as per- 

 fectly radiated animals, clothed in masses of trans- 

 lucent jelly, and even in many species giving out 

 phosphorescent light. In others they throw out 

 long tentacles, which sting the hand that dares to 

 meddle with them. In fact, the connection of the 

 medusae with corallines appears quite incredible to 

 the student when he first makes his acquaintance 



