OF ANIMALCULES. 39 



GENUS III. 

 VOLVOX. 



The animalcules belonging to this genus are of a glo- 

 bular form, and revolve in the water. Some of the species 

 are so large as to be discerned by unassisted vision, while 

 others are very diminutive. Ehrenberg has not demon- 

 strated their digestive organization; but in a note to 

 his table, conceives they ought to follow the monads. In 

 this genus is included that beautiful animalcule, called 

 the Volvox glohator, which forms so interesting a spec- 

 tacle in the Solar and Gas Microscopes. 



25. V0L.YOX punctum. The point Volvox, — This volvox 

 takes its name from the appearance of a bright point in 

 the centre. It is spherical, with one part opaque and 

 black ; the other portion transparent and colourless. A 

 violent internal motion is often observed in the dark 

 part. It swims in a tremulous manner, and often passes 

 across the drop of water, and occasionally turns upon 

 its axis. They congregate together, moving as in a little 

 whirlpool, and then separate. Found very abundant on 

 the surface of foetid sea- water. 



26. Volvox calamus, (new species, Mihi). The pipe 

 Volvox. — This pretty little animalcule, about the l-15(X)th 



