bo 
(=P) 
x 
MISCELLANEOUS. 
9. SpH#ruLa.—Plate XXXVI. Figs. 3, 4. 
The nature of this animal is very perplexing. If those I have seen 
be adults, there seems no place in any genus incorporated in the Systema 
Nature for its reception. But it must be remembered, that the young and 
the adult of many among the lower animals are so unlike each other, as 
to delude the most experienced naturalist, who may not have had an 
opportunity for the protracted study of the same individuals. 
Form of the animal spherical or ovoidal, the largest of the latter 
extending a line. There is an aperture at one end, from which between 
sixty and seventy fine transparent silky threads are extended, twice or 
thrice the length of the animal, to affix it to some neighbouring surface. 
These (which are with difficulty visible) stretch in all directions, some- 
times forming a fan, broadening upwards from the aperture ; sometimes 
circularly, but in general irregularly. _ In the sun, the integument of the 
animal is quite smooth and shining, like a shell. 
The motion of the Spherula is extremely slow, imperceptible to the 
eye, and only to be discovered by having shifted its place, wherein it 
frequently remains very long. None are seen in progress. 
This animal has occurred on the corallines of different kinds. Once 
above twenty were found on a lump of scoriz from the shore. 
It is easily preserved. 
For a long time I supposed it the young of the Kchinus ; but my 
conjecture has not been verified—Plate XXXVI. Figs. 3, 4. 
10. AnimatcuLa.—Plate XXXVI. Figs. 18, 19, 20. 
An immense number and great variety of minute living creatures 
pass by the general name of Animalcula, whereof the Animalcula infu- 
sorta, so distinguished by a name almost alike general, form by far the 
greater proportion. 
It is not improbable, however, that with the advance of science and 
