152 DROPS OF WATER. 



movement; it seems more frequently to turn 

 round only, and is probably assisted in this 

 action by the long stiff forked tail, or foot. It 

 appears to feed on other species of Rotatoria, as 

 well as the smaller Polygastrica. 



Synchceta pectinata (Drop IV. fig. 5) is a 

 beautiful animalcule, but very difficult to watch, 

 from its quick motions, and the transparency of 

 its body. It occasionally, however, fixes its 

 short forked tail, and then twirls round rapidly 

 for some time, vibrating its numerous rotatory 

 organs, and drawing towards it many objects 

 in the water. Between the clusters of ciliated 

 organs, are strong bristles, which are easily seen 

 when the creature is thus comparatively quiet. 

 The body is short, tapering towards the short 



