7] 2 Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 



The great shoal on August 7th was probably due to the 

 accumulation of specimens produced by rapid gemmation for 

 the increase of the number of sexual individuals. The shoal 

 was probably formed off the coast early in August, and was 

 carried into the harbour by the tide. The rapid decrease is 

 remarkable ; for within a week there was a complete disap- 

 pearance. 



The specimens taken in July were budding off Medusse fi'om 

 the basal bulbs of the tentacles, and the generative cells were 

 only just visible on the stomach of a few individuals. Nearly 

 all the specimens taken on August 7th possessed generative 

 cells, and the Medusa-buds were either very small or absent. 



In 1897, it appeared in June and disappeared in August; 

 very abimdant in July. 



In 1898, it appeared in May and remained until September. 



The distribution of this species is somewhat noteworthy. 

 Forbes fii'st found it in Penzance Bay in 1846 ; and since 

 then it has been recorded for Falmouth, Fowey, Plymouth, 

 Jersey, and the Orkney Islands. The latter is a genuine record 

 by Busch (1851), with a figure of the Medusa. 



Sarsia tubulosa (Sars). 



Sarsia tuhdosa, Forbes, 1848, p. 55, pi. vi. ; Haeckel, 1879, p. 16. 



In 1895, a few specimens occasionally taken during April 

 and May. 



In 1896, not present during my visit from July to September. 



In 1897, it first appeared in February and disappeared in 

 August. On April 24th, four specimens were taken, with 

 umbrella 9-10 mm. in length. On April 27th, a specimen 

 captured, which measured 8^ mm. in length and 8 mm. in 

 width. 



In 1898, it was taken fi'om April to July. A fine specimen 

 was captured on May 23rd ; the umbrella measured 9 mm. in 

 length and width. 



This species is well distributed throughout the British seas. 

 It reaches maturity about April or May. 



Tiara pileata (Forskal). 



Tiara pileatci, Haeckel, 1879, p. 58, Taf. iii. 



Oceania episcojpalis^ Forbes, 1848, p. 27, pi. ii. 



In 1895, diuing my visit in April and May, a few young and 



