204 
LECTURE XII. 
aiice, when slightly magnified, is represented in 
the figures we are at present viewing, and in which 
the whole structure of the Zoophyte is clearly 
shown. Like others of its genus, it produces eggs, 
at particular periods, which are situated in the bo- 
soms of the branches, and which produce young 
Zoophytes like the parent. 
The Genus Tubularia is of uncommon ele- 
gance. It is of a softer nature than most other 
Zoophytes, except the Hydrae or proper Polypes ; 
and some of the most beautiful species are na- 
tives of fresh waters, adhering to the stems of wa- 
ter-plants and other objects. The generic charac- 
ter of Tubularia is, a Zoophyte of a tubular struc- 
ture, either simple or branched ; fixed by its base ; 
and protruding from the top of each tube a head, 
surrounded by numerous tentacula or arms, which 
are commonly placed in the form of a crescent or 
semicircle. It is hardly possible by any descrip- 
tion to give an adequate idea of the beauty and 
elecrance of some of the Tubulariae. One of the 
largest species is a marine one, and is found on 
many of the European coasts, on rocks and shells, 
and consists of straitish or upright yellowish tubes, 
of the thickness of a small straw, and about three 
