SYNURA. 95 



apparent enjoyment. Now and then they stop 

 at a portion of decaying vegetation, and appear 

 to be taking a slight repast, but as the mass 

 forms a ball, how each individual comes equally 

 into contact with the food is difficult to deter- 

 mine ; it is probable, however, that the principal 

 part of their sustenance is floating in the water, 

 and therefore they procure it even when moving. 

 The whole cluster seems to be moved as with one 

 mind, for I have watched them repeatedly, and 



thev move and turn as if all was under the di- 



/ 



rection of one individual, and yet they are a com- 

 pound mass, formed of very many animalcules. 

 Each has an oblong yellowish body with a tail, 

 which is attached to the bottom of a cell in the 

 general envelope. Into these compartments they 



