454 



THE MERMAID'S GLOVE. 



seen. It will be noticed that the cells are gathered into groups, connected with each 

 other by the stalk-like processes of the polyzoary. 



Fig. D represents a sprig of the Bowerbankia imbricata of the natural size, and the 

 same species is shown much magnified at E. In this species the cells are also placed 

 upon the footstalk formed by the polyzoary, but they are not grouped together as in 

 the last-mentioned species. The polypes are long and slender, and the walls of the 

 cells are delicately transparent, thus allowing the observer to examine the structure of 

 the polype through the walls. 



A part of the digestive organs of the Bowerbankia is deserving of a passing notice. 

 Like all the other species, it possesses a feathery crown of tentacles sprouting around the 

 mouth, and directing the minute objects which serve it for food from the mouth into the 

 oesophagus, popularly called the gullet. In this genus, however, a further provision is 

 made, for immediately below the oesophagus comes a kind of contractile gizzard, lined 

 with a marvellous pavement of teeth arranged in a tesselated formation, and capable of 



POLYZOA, VII. 



A. Serialaria lendigeri. B. Sertalaria lendigeri. X C. Serialaria lendigeri. XX 



D. Bowerbankia imbricata. E. Bowerbankia imbricata. X F. Buskia nitens. 

 The sign X signifies that the object is magnified. 



bruising and crushing the food before it is passed into the stomach and thence to the 

 intestine. One species of this genus, Bowerbankia densa, is common on our coasts, being 

 found parasitic on Flustra foliacea in patches of about an inch or so in diameter, and 

 may be readily obtained by those who are desirous of studying its habits and structure. 

 At fig. F is given a small portion of a polyzoon named Buskia nitens, the former 

 title being in honor of the eminent naturalist to whom we are indebted for most of our 

 accurate knowledge of these creatures, and the latter alluding to the shining appearance 

 of the species. 



WITH the accompanying plate our examples of the Marine Polyzoa are terminated. 



Fig. A is a small specimen of the natural size of the Alcyonidium gelatinosum, popu- 

 larly called the Sea Ragged Staff, Mermaid's Glove, or more commonly, Dead Man's 

 Fingers, in allusion to the cold dampness of its surface. Great numbers of this polyzoon 

 can be found on the sea-shore, especially after a storm, when it may be seen lying among 

 the masses of seaweed and other ddbris that are flung on the beach by the angry 



