136 DROPS OF WATER. 



derful. The more we watch these little creatures, 

 the more we find to admire and interest us. 



I must mention the Paramecium aurelia (Drop 

 III. fig. 8), because it is found sometimes so very 

 abundant in stagnant water. I have seen it in 

 such numbers in one drop, that the little creatures 

 were almost close together, and yet all gliding 

 about in seeming enjoyment : they were in 

 water in which I had steeped a few leaves for 

 some weeks. They have an oval cylindrical 

 body, and have short cilia placed in long lines, 

 those near the mouth rather longer. The di- 

 gestive cells are very numerous ; and it is stated 

 that these little creatures have the sense of taste, 

 for if a mixture of carmine and indigo be put into 

 the water, some will take only one substance, 



