166 VIGNETTES FROM INVISIBLE LIFE. 



the original. These intermediate forms having 

 been mistaken for new species, have led to over- 

 numbering the latter. There are many modifica- 

 tions of the modus operandi in both processes of 

 division and conjugation, but although of great 

 interest to the scientific student, are yet involved 

 in too much obscurity for our purpose here. 



One of the most interesting features in the 

 Diatom, and one which has led to much speculation, 

 is that of its movement. It has not been observed 

 in all Diatoms, but in those in which it occurs it is 

 very remarkable and full of interest. No loco 

 motive organs or any other agency is seen, although 

 the very highest powers of the microscope are used, 

 " yet it moves," and it is an extremely interesting 

 sight to see a number of these golden-coloured fairy- 

 like boats without oars or paddles or any other 

 visible propelling agency, gliding hither and thither 

 in slowly measured time, over the surface of the 

 miniature sea now forwards and backwards in a 

 strictly measured and definite distance in fair 

 weather sailing, then turning, and jerking, and 

 rolling, as if an invisible storm agitated the waters. 

 In one species the movement is of the most singular 



