ZOOPHYTA HYDROIDA. 
91 
(June 1st) the cells were evidently filling again, although no 
tentacula were visibly protruded, but on the afternoon of Friday 
(June 2d) every cell had its polype complete, and displayed in 
the greatest perfection. Had these singular facts been known 
to Linnaeus, how eagerly and effectively would he have impres- 
sed them into the support of his favourite theory 1 Like the 
flowers of the field the heads or <c flores” of these polypidoms 
expand their petaloid arms, which after a time fall like blighted 
blossoms off a tree ; — they do become 46 old in their youth,” 
and rendered hebetous and unfit for duty or ornament by age or 
accident, the common trunk throws them off, and supplies its 
wants by ever-young and vigorous growths. The phenomena 
are of those which justly challenge admiration and excuse a so- 
ber scepticism, so alien are they to all we are accustomed to ob- 
serve in more familiar organisms ; but besides that faithful ob- 
servation renders the facts undeniable, a reflection on the history 
of the Hydra might almost have led us to anticipate such events 
in the life of these zoophytes. Ci Verily for mine owne part, 
the more I looke into Nature’s workes, the sooner am I induced 
to beleeve of her even those things that seem incredible.” 
I arrange the British species of this order under the follow- 
ing families and genera : 
Family I. HYDRAIDiE. 
Polypes gemmiparous, the young pullulating from the body of the 
parent. 
1. Hydra. Polypes naked, single, locomotive. 
Family II. TUBULAR l ADiE. 
Polypes gemmiparous , the gemmules naked , pullulating from the 
bases of the tentacula. 
* No Polypidom. 
2. Coryne. Polypes naked, the tentacula filiform. 
3. Hermia. Polypes tunicated, the tentacula with glandular tips. 
** A distinct polypidom. 
4. Tubularia. Polypes not retractile within cells : Polypidoms 
fistular, simple or branched. 
