On the other hand, the larvæ of the other colonies, which this gentleman obtained in July, began to yield young Medusæ about the middle of March. This process takes place in the following manner: A 'bud' having arrived at maturity, it becomes 'cylindrical,' considerably elongated, and much diminished in diameter, its outer surface being marked with a series of transverse wrinkles. These wrinkles, or rings, which frequently amount to thirty or forty in number, are first formed at the top, and slowly extend downwards. Gradually as these furrows become deeper, the tentacula waste away, and upon the margin of the upper ring eight equi-distant rays are formed. The process continuing, in the space of a fortnight or so each groove or ring is in like manner furnished with rays. The Medusæ now present an appearance exactly resembling a series of cups piled up one within the other. Strange to state, each little cup becomes eventually endowed with life! As the uppermost segment is completely developed, it rests upon the slender lips of the one beneath. It then glides off from its old resting-place, and swims freely about in the water. Quickly it aspires to the rippling surface above, and by a series of graceful evolutions accomplishes its object. Once among the dancing waves and exposed to the rays of a cheering sun, our little Medusa assumes its complete form; and as a beautiful _Modecra formosa_, it may be destined at some time or other to be the prize of an ardent zoologist, who, I venture to assert, could not compliment it in more poetical language than Professor Forbes has already done. This delightful author, describing the little gem in question, says, 'It is gorgeous enough to be the diadem of sea fairies, and sufficiently graceful to be the night-cap of the tiniest and prettiest of mermaidens.' Or as an adult _Cyanea capillata_, our once insignificant jelly-bag may perhaps appear, and by an exercise of its urticating powers, send some unhappy swimmer smarting and trembling to his home. While the Medusæ column proceeds to throw off from its uppermost part living segments of itself, its lower half, or stem, continues to grow, but does not become ringed, for as the budding process ceases, the last formed cup rests on newly-formed tentacula! Then again stolens are thrown out, on which young Medusæ are formed, as before described. Contemplating such mysteries as these, the mind becomes bewildered and the spirits humbled. 'Imagination wastes its strength in vain, And fancy tries and turns within itself, Struck with the amazing depths of Deity.'