NEW FACTS. 295 



the vitellus is " continuous with tlie medullary substance of 

 the stem." The ova are there, unmistakable by any eye 

 familiar with the ova of zoophytes ; and by cutting off the 

 tips of the capsules we can gently press these ova out, reveal- 

 ing the germinal vesicle in each, and the vitelline mass sur- 

 rounding it. Not only are ova there, but in some instances 

 spermatozoa may be observed in great activity, and this at a 

 time when the circulation, or more properly oscillation, of 

 medidlary granules from the stem into the interior of the 

 capsule is perfectly visible. Sometimes, instead of these, we 

 find simply a mass of granules and nucleated cells ; at other 

 times, ova in various stages of segmentation, the germinal 

 vesicle having disappeared, and a vitelline membrane being 

 formed ; at others, we find embryos nearly ready to escape. 



The facts which I have observed are so opposed to the 

 cuiTent theories on this subject, that I have no expectation 

 of their gaining acceptance, until they have been confirmed 

 by others. But I am content to await that confirmation, 

 assured that it must come sooner or later. Scepticism, be 

 it never so authoritative, cannot alter the facts ; and as I am 

 quite sure of what I have seen, and seen many times, I am 

 sure it will be seen by others. Unfortunately the Myrio- 

 phyllum is only to be had in deep water, and appears not to 

 be common, although it is abundant off Jersey ; and there is 

 also a possibility that the phenomenon may not be observable 

 in this species, dredged from other coasts. I say possibility, 

 because I am informed by Professor KollOver that the same 

 species of Polype (Eudendrium) found off our coasts and the 

 coast of Naples, differs in this remarkable character : the one 



