Suppose a portion of Aurelia to be cut into the form of a pair of trousers, in such a way that a ganglion, _a_, occupies the bottom of one of the legs. Usually, of course, contractile waves starting from _a_ course along to _b_, and thence round to _c_ and backwards to _d_. But in one specimen I observed that every now and then the exact converse took place--viz. the contractile wave starting at _d_ to course to _c_, _b_, and _a_. On now excising the ganglion at _a_ both sets of contractile waves ceased--thus showing that even in the case where they started from _d_ it was the ganglion at _a_ which started them. This power on the part of Medusoid ganglia to discharge their influence at a distance from their own seat I have also observed in other forms of section, and it affords the best kind of evidence in favour of nerves. On the days when I could get no jelly-fish I took to star-fish. I want, if possible, to make out the functions of the sand-canal and the aviculæ; but as yet I have only discovered the difficulties to be overcome. I had intended to make a cell to cover the calcareous plate at the end of the sand-canal, and to fill the cell with dye, in order to test Siebold's hypothesis that the whole apparatus is a filter for the ambulacral system; but Providence seems to have specially designed that no substance in creation should be adapted for sticking to the back of a starfish. The aviculæ are very puzzling things. I am sure Allen is wrong in his hypothesis of their function being to remove parasitical growths; for, on the one hand, parasites are swarming around them unheeded, and on the other, they go snapping away apparently at nothing. It is more easy, however, to say what they are not than what they are. I went a few days ago to see the vine. It is now five feet high and vigorous, but I believe spring is the proper time for grafting. With best thanks for your 'boasting' and good wishes, I remain very sincerely and most respectfully yours, GEO. J. ROMANES. _From C. Darwin, Esq._ Down: June 4. Sir Joseph Fayrer supplied me with cobra poison. It is very precious, but I have no doubt that by explaining your motive he would give you a little, and your best plan of applying would be through Lauder Brunton.