8 GENERAL HISTORY OF 



29. The study of the Infusoria has led to a more 

 distinct and conclusive notion of animal organization 

 generally, and the limits which circumscribe the animal 

 form ; from which all plants and minerals, that want the 

 animal organic system, are strongly and distinctly sepa- 

 rated. 



30. Finally, — it results from these inquiries, that expe- 

 rience shows an unfathomableness of organic creations, 

 when attention is directed to the smallest space, as it does 

 of stars, when reverting to the most immense. 



Section I. — Localities and Appearance of Infusoria in 

 Masses, 



In investigating most branches of practical science, 

 especially those relating to Natural History, the subjects 

 to which our observations are to be directed are generally 

 difficult of attainment, and the inquiry cannot be pro- 

 secuted without considerable inconvenience. This, how- 

 ever, is not the case w4th respect to the Infusorial 

 Animalcules. We can examine them in our chamber, at 

 any leisure moment we like, and at any time or season ; 

 and we can procure them, at least the ordinary kinds, such 

 as the Paramecium, Kolpoda, &c., with the utmost facility, 

 — for they abound in most waters wherein the stalks of 

 flowers have been a few days steeped — ^whilst many of 

 the more beautiful kinds, such as the Volvocina, Astasisea, 

 Hydatineea, &c , are to be found in pools of clear standing 

 water. 



Many remarkable species, and some of the most elegant 



