72 



LIFE, IN ITS LOWER F0RM3. 



chance of double fare. A new mouth, furnished with two 

 rows of numerous tentacula, was opened up on what had 

 been the base, and led to the under stomach : the indivi- 

 dual had, indeed, become a sort of Siamese twin, but with 

 greater intimacy and extent in its unions !"* 



What may be the duration of life in these low forms of 

 existence we know not, but recorded facts seem to warrant 

 the belief that it is considerable. Sir John Dalyell stated 

 in 1845, that one was then in vigorous health which had 

 lived in his possession for a period of seventeen years.f 

 They appear subject to few vicissitudes, and to enjoy a 

 more than usual immunity from the attacks of other 

 animals. 



The reproductive energy is no less vigorous in these 

 animals than in the Hydra ; . and similar experiments to 

 those already described have been instituted on these with 

 similar results. They have been variously maimed and cut 

 into pieces, the fragments reproducing the parts lacking, 

 and rapidly assuming a complete and normal condition. 



We have at least fi fty species of Sea- Anemones, including 

 the allied genera, on the British coasts ; and it is probable 

 that they are even much more numerous than this, as 

 new discoveries are constantly rewarding the close exami- 

 nation of any particular locality. Among them are two 

 or three representatives of a form which is far more 

 abundant in the tropical seas, where they have acquired 

 renown above their fellows as "master-builders." The 



* Brit. Zoophytes, i. 235. 



•f We were informed, but a few days ago, that this notable individual still 

 (September 1856) survives. From its appearance Sir John Dalyell considered 

 that it was about seven years old when he procured it; it must now, there- 

 fore, have attained the age of thirty-five years. 



