MARINE ;iOOLOGY AT OBAN 
183 
of this Zoophyte were obtained by the late Mr. Barlee, from Shetland, 
but in no case did the number of polypes in the unattached condition 
exceed three. 
The late Mr. Jonathan Alder remarked on the varying conditions 
of Zoanthus as follows :—“ I have come to the conclusion that when 
the Zoophyte has free space on the stone it runs over it as Zoanthus, 
but when the base is confined to a shell it spreads into a uniform 
crust as Palythoa. The loose branched specimens, I conclude, having 
affixed themselves to some minute object not affording a proper base 
of attachment, take a tubular form until they terminate in polypes.”* 
If the foregoing be the explanation of the circumstances under which 
Zoanthus survives it furnishes a very interesting illustration of “ the 
adaptation of the organism to the environment.” 
A curious case of cannibalism was noticed in Solaster papposa, the 
common sun-star. A specimen was taken measuring about nine inches 
across. Within its mouth, and partly digested, was one of the same 
species, measuring about three inches across. Several of the rays 
which had not been engulphed appeared fresh in colour and healthy. 
During the days and in the evenings the living objects taken were 
exhibited and described to the Members. Phosphorescence was 
observed not only in Pennatula, but for the first time in Funiculina, the 
characteristic light coruscating over the whole series of polypes, and 
forming a very beautiful sight. 
Upwards of sixty hauls of the dredge, trawl, harrow, and plough were 
made, and accurate observations of the locality, depth, and tempera¬ 
ture were recorded, together with lists of the animals captured by Mr. 
JohnF. Goode, lion. sec. of the Biological Section, who again rendered 
good service as “log-keeper.” It was noteworthy that most of the 
hauls came from a muddy bottom, the mud seeming much more 
abundant than on the previous occasion. Specimens of the bottom 
were taken by Mr. J. F. Goode in many instances, to be hereafter 
searched for Foraminifera, etc. Miss Osier also rendered good service 
by taking water-colour drawings, from the life, of several interesting 
animals brought up by the dredge. 
A preliminary report of the dredgings was made at the Microscopical 
Meeting of the Society held on Tuesday, 17th July last, by Mr. J. F. 
Goode, by the writer, as Chairman of the Excursion (who exhibited 
in their native element some of the living specimens captured), and by 
Mr. Marshall. During the excursion Mr. G. W. Tait, M.B.C.S., tried 
some important experiments on the various kinds of preserving fluids 
used for the immersion of the specimens. Fuller general reports will be 
presented hereafter when time has been allowed for the examination of 
the collections. An interesting collection of botanical specimens was 
obtained by Mr. John Morley, the hon. sec., and other members, 
including fifty species of plants gathered in flower during a walk on 
Sunday, the 1st of July, and the following is a list of the rarer ones:— 
Getivirivale, AnthyUis vulneraria, Orchis latifolia, Gymnadenia Conopsea, 
* “ Act. Brit.,” p. 300. 
