THE RHIZ08T0MA. 
567 
and assumes the form of an unmistakable, though shallow-disced Medusa. Its arms rapidly 
gain strength, the attachment becomes hourly weaker, until at last the whole disc is broken 
away, and floats into the wide sea in its new form. 
How wonderful is this phenomenon, and how full of interest is the study of animate 
nature ! Here we have a being which first enters into active existence in a shape like that of 
the infusorial animalcules ; then changing into a hydra, and while in this state becoming the 
parent of a numerous offspring ; then developing into a Strobila ; and lastly, breaking up into 
a series of Medusae. 
