108 



THE SEA SHOEE 



FIG. 59. SECTION OF A NUMMULITE 

 SHELL 



whole forming one continuous mass by means of the perforated 

 partitions of the complex skeleton. 



Some of the simplest fora- 

 minifers possess only one hole 

 in the shell, and, consequently, 

 are enabled to throw off 

 pseudopods from one side of 

 the body only. In others, of 

 a much more complex nature, 

 the new chambers form a 

 spiral in such a manner that 

 they overlap and entirely con- 

 ceal those previously built ; 

 and the development may 

 proceed until a comparatively 

 large discoid shell is the result. 

 This is the case with Num- 

 mulites, so called on account 



of the fancied resemblance to coins. Further, some species of 

 foraminifera produce a skeleton that is horny in character, 

 instead of being calcareous, while others are protected merely by 



grains of sand or par- 

 ticles of other solid 

 matter that adhere to 

 the surface of their 

 glutinous bodies. 



We have spoken of 

 foraminifera as floating 

 freely about in the sea 

 water, but while it is 

 certain that many of 

 them live at or near 

 the surface, some are 

 known to thrive at con- 

 siderable depths ; and 

 those who desire to 

 FIG. 6Q.Globigerina bulloides, study the various forms 



AS SEEN WHEN ALIVE, MAGNIFIED of these interesting 



creatures should search 



among dredgings whenever an opportunity occurs. Living 

 specimens, whenever obtained, should be examined in sea 



