594 THE INFUSORIA. 



The Order Radiolaria embraces some very beautiful forms, radiated and resembling 

 crystals of snow-flakes. 



The Order Reticularia includes the Foraminifera such as are figured above, Polystomella, 

 Bulina, etc. One of the most notable of these is the Olobigerina, a wonderful little micro- 

 scopic globe, from which radiate myriads of spine-like organs, giving the creature a resem- 

 blance to some of the Echini. The celebrated " Olobigerina ooze," described by the naturalists 

 of the "Challenger," is made up of this little animal in innumerable numbers, forming vast 

 beds of mud on the ocean bottom. 



The Class INFUSORIA includes certain more familiar forms called Vorticella and Stentor, 

 etc. But the most notable is the Noctiluca, the largest of all, being visible to the naked eye. 

 This is somewhat like a gooseberry in aspect. It is noted for its beautiful phosphorescence 

 the sea at times being wonderfully illuminated by myriads of it on the surface. It has been 

 seen in this condition on the Coast of Maine and Massachusetts. 



Many species of these "animalcules" exist, and many of their forms are as fantastic and 

 beautiful as anything Nature produces. 



