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find that tlie external characters of the Radial a are engrafted 

 on a type of tunicated Mollusca : characters, though distinct 

 from each, which yet soften away into both. Some of the 

 polypes of this order have been arranged by most authors 

 among the Hydroidac, in consequence of their polypidoms 

 resembling those of the Sertulariadae. By the examination 

 of their polypes, however, they are now transfered to the 

 Molluscan zoophytes; and this grouping seems far from 

 being unnatural, even when their external forms are con- 

 sidered. Whatever alteration may be made in the future 

 arrangement of these creatures, when they shall have been 

 more thoroughly studied, vet the making the polype the 

 foundation on which to rest, is the only true one to guide 

 the systematist. The order is characterized as " Polypes 

 aggregate, the mouth encircled with filiform, ciliated, re- 

 tractile tentacula ; stomach distinct, with a curved intestine 

 terminating in an anus near the mouth j ova internal, Poly- 

 pidoms very variable; either horny, fstular, and confervoid, or 

 membranous or fibro-gelatinous ; formed of cells connected and 

 arranged in a determinate, and usually quincuncial manner." 



As the polype, therefore, forms the foundation of the ar- 

 rangement, it will be necessary to describe it, though without 

 entering into minute detail. In its expanded state it stands 

 prominently from the cell; it is columnar and transparent, 

 so that the internal structure can be seen. Between the sur- 

 face of the polype and the internal organs, there is an 

 intervening space, similar to what has been noticed in the 

 Asteroid zoophytes. This space is said to be occupied by 

 a clear fluid; and here also are the muscles, by which the 

 polype effects its various and rapid motions. The upper 

 portion of the column is surrounded with numerous long 

 slender tentacula. In the foregoing orders it has been found 

 that the chief uses of the tentacula were for the capture of 

 prey; here their functions have undergone a complete revo- 

 lution, for to them belongs the function of respiration, and 

 in a secondary degree only that of nutrition. If an expan- 

 ded polype be examined with a microscope, it will be found 

 to resemble a minute and delicate flower endowed with sen- 

 sation and voluntary motion. The tentacula which are long 

 and slender, are cloathed with numerous minute cilia, which 

 are in a constant state of activity. By their vibrations 

 numerous currents pass over the tentacula and across the 

 oral surface. Any insect or other substance coming within 

 these currents, passes over the mouth, and in so doing it 

 is instantly caught by the prehensile lips, which are ex- 

 ceedingly sensitive, and convened to tile stomach. Thus 

 we see both oflices are perforated by one set ot organs, one 

 being made subservient to the other* Tues-o tentacula, like 



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