ORDER ROTIFERA. 519 
mouth, a stomach, an intestine, and an anus near the mouth, 
are distinguishable. Behind, the body is most frequently 
terminated by @ tail, variously constructed, and in front it 
supports a singular organ, diversely lobated, with denticulated 
edges, the denticulations of which execute a successive vibra- 
tion, which might cause the belief that this organ consisted in 
one or several denticulated and revolving wheels. One or 
two prominences on the neck, have even appeared to some 
observers to support eyes. This revolving organ does not 
serve to conduct the aliments towards the mouth; it might be’ 
suspected that it has some relations with respiration. 
FURCULARIA, Lam., 
Have the body without armature, the tail composed of articu- 
lations, which enter one into the other, and terminate by two 
filaments. 
It is upon one of them, the Furcularia, or Rotifére des toits» 
that Spallanzani has made his famous experiments, as to 
their resurrection. Covered with dust in the gutters, it dries 
up, but yet, after several weeks will resume life and motion, 
if it be moistened with a little water. 
TRICHOCERCA, Lam., 
Do not appear to me to differ from the Furculariz, but in a 
little less development of their vibratile organs. (Zrichoda 
paxillum, Miill., &c.) 
VAGINICOLA, Lam., 
Appear to be only trichocerce, enveloped in a transparent 
case; but in this instance, there is reason to fear, that some 
optical illusion has taken place. (Trich. innata. Mill.) 
TUBICOLARIA, Lam., 
Do not differ from the furcularie, except that they live in 
