20 



structive to them : but their actions^ immediately after 

 being immersed, exhibited no signs of pain or unea- 

 siness. 



From these experiments we may draw the follow- 

 ing conclusions : 



1. That these animals have the property of absorb- 

 ing water through the the medium of the surface. As 

 they possess the property in an eminent degree, is it 

 not equally probable that the air, which is a more subtle 

 fluid, may be absorbed through the same medium ? 



2. That they live but a short time in water that 

 has been previously boiled ; and that they possess not 

 the power of decomposing the water. 



3. That they can live a long time in water that has 

 not been boiled, and has a free communication with 

 the air. 



4. That they soon die in oil, in consequence of 

 their pores being obstructed ; that these animals have 

 organs which perform the office of lungs ; and, that 

 pure air is necessary for their vitality. 



