The worms or other minute animals which are seized by the polype, are not always brought to the mouth in the same situation; if they be presented to it by one of their extremities, it is not requisite that the polype should open its mouth considerably, and in effect it only opens it so wide, as precisely to give entrance to the worm, Fig. 5. If it be not too long for the stomach, it remains there extended; but if it be longer, the end which first enters is bent, so that when the worm is entirely swallowed, it may be seen lying folded in the stomach, Plate XXIV. B. Fig. 12. If the middle, or any other part of the worm, be presented to the mouth of the polype, it seizes this part with the lips, extending them on both sides, and applying them against the worm, so that the mouth assumes the form of a boat, pointed at each end, Plate XXIV. A. Fig. 2; the polype gradually closes the two points of its boat-like lips, and by this motion and suction swallows the worm, Fig. 4. The polypes kill worms so speedily, that Fontana thinks they must contain the most active and powerful venom; for the lips of a polype scarce touch the worm, but it expires, so great is the energy of the poison it conveys into it, though no wound can be observed in the dead animal. As soon as the stomach is filled, its capacity is enlarged, the body is shortened, Plate XXIV. A. Fig. 6, the arms are for the most part contracted, the polype hangs down without motion, and appears to be in a kind of stupor, and very different from its shape when extended; but in proportion as the food is digested, and it has voided the excrementitious parts, the body lengthens, and gradually recovers its usual form. The transparency of the polype permits us to see distinctly the worm it has swallowed, Plate XXIV. B. Fig. 12, which gradually loses its form. It is at first macerated in the stomach of the polype, and when the nutritious juices are separated from it, the remainder is discharged by the mouth, Fig. 13. It is with these, as with other voracious animals, as they devour a great quantity of food at once, so also they can fast for a long time. The history of insects furnishes many examples of this kind.