62 



DROPS OF WATER. 



times even rayed ; the colour is green, but with 

 the edges or rays transparent, forming beautiful 

 objects for the microscope. They will be viewed 

 with great interest, and are so large as to be visi- 

 ble to the eye without the aid of a glass, but only 

 as a small green clot. The mode of increase is 

 very remarkable : the two segments are united 

 by a narrow band or tube, and this produces 

 two new minute segments, which gradually in- 

 crease, and separate the two original portions ; 

 the young acquire colour, and soon look like the 

 old ones ; then the latter are entirely separated, 

 each taking one of the newer formations with it. 

 This singular process is constantly being repeated. 

 Micrasterias denticulata (Drop I. fig. 2) is one 

 of the most common found in bog-water : it is 



