THE ZOOPHYTES. 593 



The Polypes* are gelatinous animals, consisting 

 of a long tubular body, fixed at the base, and sur- 

 rounded ac the mouth by arms or tenacula. They 

 are chiefly inhabitants of fresh waters, and are among 

 the most wonderful productions of nature. The 

 particulars of their life, their mode of propagation, 

 and powers of reproduction, after being cut to 

 pieces, are truly astonishing to a reflecting mind. 

 Long after experiments had been made did scepti- 

 cism involve the philosophic world ; and the history 

 of the animals did not obtain complete credit till 

 these had not only been often repeated but varied 

 jn every possible manner: they at length, however, 

 incontestably proved the truth of the surprising and 

 apparently impossible properties. 



See with new life the wond'rous worm abound, 

 Rich from its loss, and fruitful from its wound ! 



The Green Polype, a species that will fully illus- 

 trate the nature of the whole tribe, is found in 

 clear waters, and may generally be seen in great 

 plenty in small ditches and trenches of fields, espe- 

 cially in the months of April and May. It affixes 

 itself to the under parts of leaves, and to the stalks of 

 such vegetables as happen to grow immersed in the 

 same water. The animal consists of a long tubular 

 body, the head of which is furnished with eight 

 and sometimes ten long arms or tenacula that sur- 

 round the mouth. It is capable of contracting its 



* Hydra of Linnxus. 



vol. in. Q q 



