26 DROPS OF WATER. 



fixed ; after the lapse of an instant the creature 

 gradually uncoils its stem, and is again employed 

 in procuring food. The muscle that produces 

 this motion (so rapid that it cannot be followed 

 by the eye) is seen within the stalk, with a glass 

 having the power of 250 diameters. There are 

 many equally wonderful displays of muscular 

 power to the one here described. 



An eye, which is generally of a red colour, is 

 very visible in some genera, but not to be dis- 

 cerned in others, and probably they are destitute 

 of that organ. By some naturalists it is doubted 

 whether these spots are eyes ; but, as animalcules 

 are evidently excited by light, it is more than 

 probable : most of the Eotatoria possess them, 

 some species even having three, and one genus 



