156 DROPS OF WATER. 



and, if deficient in sight, Las other senses of 

 equal value. The lorica is flattened, and of an 

 oval form ; the small foot divided at the end, 

 and moving about in every direction. It ap- 

 pears to fix the foot on some substance in the 

 water, and then to move the body rapidly on 

 every side, as if in search of prey; the small 

 rotatory organs are in constant motion. 



Mastigocerca carinata (Drop IV. fig. 9) is one 

 of the most elegant of these interesting crea- 

 tures : its oval body, with a crest on the back, 

 seems to take a variety of shapes as it spins 

 round in the water ; its long needle-like tail is 

 straight when swimming in one direction, at 

 others bent at right angles to the body whilst it is 

 stopping to examine food. It does not swim so 



