76 NATURAL HISTORY 



tary canal, but no cilia, nor occasion currents when 

 immersed in a mechanical solution of coloured particles : 

 they would, therefore, probably be included with the 

 Entozoa. As microscopic objects they are highly inte- 

 resting, and their organization well worthy of rigid ex- 

 amination, 



121. Vibrio serpentulus {Amblyura, E.) The serpent 

 Vibrio. — This and the succeeding species are distin- 

 guished from the paste eel, by a short protuberance on the 

 under side, by which it can attach itself to extraneous 

 bodies by suction. When examined by a good instrument, 

 feelers may also be observed, but they do not occasion 

 currents. It is usually seen coiled in the sketch, fig. 55. 

 By unassisted vision, they appear of a milk-white colour. 



122. Vibrio gordius. The gordian Vihrio. — The an- 

 terior extremity of this cylindrical animalcule is termi- 

 nated suddenly : the mouth and oesophagus are very pel- 

 lucid, and the commencement of the alimentary canal is 

 at about one-sixth of the length of the Vibrio, vvhere the 

 creature becomes more opaque. The posterior extremity 

 is terminated by a small knob or tubercle. They are 

 generally found coiled, and entangled with each other, in 

 vegetable infusions, either in salt or fresh water. 



123. Vibrio coluber. The snake Vibrio. — This thread- 

 like animalcule is furnished with a long setaceous tail, 

 which is stiff and inflexible, except at its union with the 

 body, where it can bend it at a considerable angle, as 

 shewn, at its greatest deflexion, figure 56, which re- 



