The Behavior of LoxophylJu/n 40 1 



same situation. 1 liave often observed specimens on the side of 

 an aquarium that remained over an hour within a few milHmeters 

 of their origmal position, although continually moving about. 



It is an interesting fact that the motor reflex or avoiding reaction 

 in Loxophyllum takes place m a direction just the reverse of that 

 of Paramecium and many other infusoria; the turning is always 

 to the oral mstead of the aboral side. Most of the turning, how- 

 ever, occurs after the infusorian has ceased to swim backward 

 which makes it probable that the anterior cilia are relatively more 

 active at this time. While swimming forward the direction of 

 movement is at the same time more or less toward the aboral side, 

 and the backward movements are more or less toward the oral 

 side, but the principal change of direction occurs at the close of 

 each backward movement. The infusorian thus continually cir- 

 cles about to the oral side. When swimming backward the body 

 is generally bent over to the oral side, often throwing the oral 

 margin into one or more folds. 



The movements ol the body vary considerably in rapidity accord- 

 ing to the degree of excitement of the animal, but I have never seen 

 an individual in a state of absolute quiet. There is a certain regu- 

 larity or rhythm of the forward and backward movements which 

 is fairly constant for a long period. Most of the individuals in a 

 dish move at a tolerably similar rate if some of them have not been 

 more disturbed than others. 



At times Loxophyllum may glide forward for a considerable 

 distance without reversing its direction, but it does this, I believe, 

 only when in a comparatively high degree of excitement. Its 

 body is then strongly elongated and nearly straight. In the short 

 forward movements which are performed in its usual circling 

 about near one place the body is not so greatly elongated and it is 

 bent over more strongly toward the aboral side. The extension 

 and straightening of the body during its more rapid gliding aid 

 the animal in maintaining a more direct course, although it com- 

 monly veers around somewhat to the aboral side. 



The body of Loxophvllum is very mobile and it is able to change 

 its shape in many ways by contracting locally in different regions. 

 It mav contract to half its maximum length, bend up or down or 



