22 



vaginal muscles may be observed in connexion with it. The 

 rudimental polypide has now become somewhat enlarged below 

 the tentacular ring, and here presents in its interior a cavity. 

 This cavity is at first simple and continuous, but as the in- 

 ferior extremity of the polypide continues to elongate, we soon 

 find it divided into three distinct regions, which are the first 

 indications of oesophagus, stomach, and intestine. By the 

 elongation of the tentacula, the tentacular crown has now ac- 

 quired nearly its full development. Up ,to this period the 

 young polypide has been entirely shut off from all communi- 

 cation with the external water, and its nutrition must have 

 been effected through the general nutrition of the colony; 

 now, however, an opening occurs in the gemma, just over the 

 tentacular crown, and the last stage of development is en- 

 tered on. The tentacular crown rapidly acquires its complete 

 form, the inferior extremity of the alimentary canal becomes 

 elongated into the great cul de sac of the stomach, the mus- 

 cles are by this time all formed, and the polypide is capable of 

 exsertion and retraction. It is now no longer dependent for 

 its growth on the general nutrition of the colony, but has be- 

 come an independent being, obtaining its food from without, 

 and submitting it to the action of its own digestive system." 



The following Resolution of Council was read : 

 "That the Report of the Committee of Antiquities, which 

 was presented to the Council on the 1st of July, be read at 

 the next meeting of the Academy, together with the Eesolu- 

 tion of October 7th, referring thereto, viz. : 



" That the Report of the Committee of Antiquities, received 

 on July 7, be adopted." 



It was, however, resolved that the Academy do adjourn. 



