
558 THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. . [Vor. XXXVI. 
probably later strobilating as before, though no demonstration 
of this was undertaken. 
The time involved between the drikoa of the planula 
and the assumption of the strobila stage and the discharge of 
ephyræ was like that of the planula history, quite variable. 
The minimum time noted between the attachment of the 
planula and the assumption of the strobila stage was ten days, 
making the time from the origin of the planula to that of the 
strobila about seventeen days, or about eighteen to twenty 
days for the appearance of the ephyra. But as before inti- 
mated, there is much variation on this point, probably more 
than occurs in natural conditions. 
The Ephyra.— Ephyræ liberated in the aquarium seemed 
quite normal in morphological aspects. In color they are dull 
brownish, the color showing itself as the strobilization proceeds 
toward maturity. In habit the young ephyra appears somewhat 
sluggish, and, while capable of active movement by the con- 
‘tractions of its bell, lies rather quiescent in the aquarium, 
seldom moving except as stimulated by agitation of the water 
or otherwise. While in rest it lies upon the aboral surface, 
with the manubrium extended upward, probably a condition 
assumed for the capture of prey. 
Several specimens were marked by definite variation in the 
number of lobes or other organs. A specimen with nine lobes 
had also a similar number of rhopalia, while another with eight 
normal lobes had three extra rhopalia irregularly disposed at 
intermediate positions. Several specimens taken in the tow 
showed also similar variations, as did likewise several adult 
specimens taken during the summer and at previous times. 
Feeding. — In rearing the polyps several experiments were 
made upon the feeding habits. Scrapings of slime, algz, etc. 
from the eelgrass, which contained numerous Protozoa, were 
found to be among the most successful sorts of diet. Larvæ 
of gastropods and starfish were also taken readily by the 
polyps, the former especially being apparently quite accept- 
able. Diatoms and other micro-organisms taken from the 
deep waters of the Sound apparently proved deleterious, the 
polyps in aquaria supplied with this food showing evident and 

