Volume 2

Rare and remarkable animals of Scotland, represented from living subjects. With practical observations on their nature / By Sir John Graham Dalyell, baronet.

  • Dalyell, John Graham, 1775-1851.
Date:
1847-1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Rare and remarkable animals of Scotland, represented from living subjects. With practical observations on their nature / By Sir John Graham Dalyell, baronet. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    60/396 (page 38)
    Contemplating this humble and defenceless production of Nature, how many admirable properties does it not disclose ? It blossoms as a beautiful plant in the dark abysses of the deep. The offspring generated in the head of the parent drops from its place, to unfold its organs, and to enjoy an independent existence. Though endowed with the privilege of moving around to select its site, no sooner does it show its choice, than there it is appointed to rest for ever. The fruit of its prolific womb discharged, the head which bears it is sundered, and the extinction me- naced of its reproductive powers. But Nature interposes for their pre- servation. Another head is generated. Another ovarium may be borne. The means of providing for posterity ensure conservation of the race. Dwelling amidst the ravenous tenants of the deep, the delicate organs of this defenceless being are offered for immediate prey. What if torn asun- der, mutilated, or severed into many parts ? It may arise as yet un- hurt. Wounds and lacerations—such as are mortal to the strongest in- habitants of the earth—have not impaired its vital principle; and that important portion bearing the source of distant generations, is renovated, to flourish in all its pristine symmetry. Plate I.—General view of a group of the Tubularia Indivisa, founded on a mussel shell, a large portion being invested by parasite matter. Plate II.—Renovation and propagation of the Tubularia Indivisa. Fig. 1. Group illustrating the deciduous nature of the hydra, reduced to half the size of life. 2. Prolific hydra. 3. Prolific hydra, front. 4. The same viewed from behind. 5. Regenerated hydra, with incipient ovarium. 6. Group of regenerating hydrae, after separation of the upper por- tion, as appearing December 22. 7. The same as appearing subsequently, January 14. 8. The same, January 17. 9. The same, January 18.