  We have obtained optical spectrophotometry of 11 HII regions in the polar
ring of NGC 2685 (the Helix galaxy), and have used these data to study the
physical characteristics of the polar-ring HII regions. The HII regions have
normal spectra with no suggestion of unusual density, temperature, extinction,
or composition. Semi-empirical calculations yield high oxygen abundance
estimates (0.8--1.1 Z-Solar) in all HII regions. This, along with the observed
(B-V) color, H-alpha equivalent width, and molecular gas properties argue
against the current picture in which polar rings form from tidally captured
dwarf irregular galaxies, and suggests instead that the rings are long-lived,
self-gravitating structures as predicted by some dynamical models. This would
allow the time required for multiple generations of star formation, and for the
retention of the resulting enriched ejecta for inclusion in further generations
of star formation.
