274 DESCRIPTION OF [Poli/gastrica. 



divides itself, the two portions separating entirely; the 

 gelatinous lorica forms only a separating wall. In this 

 manner thousands and millions of connected animal cells 

 are quickly formed, appearing as gelatinous masses. They 

 resemble minute Algae of the genus Nostoc, and have been 

 placed with ulva, fucus, conferva, &c., by different 

 botanists. 



420. Ophrydium versatile {Trichoda iuguillanus et 

 Vorticella versatilis, M.) The greenOphrydium has elongated 

 corpuscles, attenuated at both ends, vividly green, and as- 

 sociated in smooth and globular polypi clusters or masses, 

 which vary in sizefromthatof apeatothatofaball five inches 

 in diameter; they are either free or attached. Ehrenberg 

 states that in May, 1 837, he saw hundreds of clusters as large 

 as the fist, which, by the evolution of gas, were at intervals 

 elevated to the surface and driven by the wind to the edge 

 of the water. Longitudinal self-division has been seen by 

 the same observ^er, and he is inclined to believe that 

 Schrank's representation of transverse division is erroneous. 

 In the engraving, Jigures 249, 250, represent quarters of 

 small globular masses of clustered animalcules not mag- 

 nified. Figures 251 and 252 represent parts of such a mass 

 magnified. Figures 253 and 254 single animalcules, the 

 former stretched out. Found in sea-water. Length of 

 single animalcule, stretched out, 1-1 20th. 



Genus XCVI. Tintinnus. The clapper little bell 

 Animalcules. — Ophrydina which possess divisibility of the 

 body, but not of the urceolate lorica; the body is attached 

 to the interior of the lorica by a flexible pedicle (somewhat 

 similar to the clapper of a bell). The organs of locomotion 

 are a wreath of cilii and the elastic pedicle ; the mouth 



