16 Marvels of Pond- Life. 



words and explanations of classification, we reserve 

 further matter of this kind for the opportunities that 

 must arise, and direct our attention to living forms by 

 watching the Euglence which our water-drop contains. 

 We have before us a number of elegant spindle-shaped 

 bodies, somewhat thicker in front than behind, and in 

 what may be called the head there glitters a brilliant 

 red speck, commonly called an eye-spot, although, like 

 the eyes of potatoes, it cannot see. Round this eye- 

 spot the tissues are clear, like glass ; but the body of 

 the creature is of a rich vegetable green, which shines 

 and glistens as it catches the light. Some swim rapidly 

 with a rollicking motion, while others twist themselves 

 into all manner of shapes. Now the once delicate 

 spindle is oddly contorted, now it swells out in the 

 middle, like a top, and now it rolls itself into a ball. 



— a, motile ; and 5, resting condition of Euglense. 



The drawings will afford some idea of these protean 

 changes, but they must be seen before their harlequin 

 character can be thoroughly appreciated. Some of the 

 specimens exhibit delicate lines running lengthwise, and 

 taking a spiral twist as the creature moves about ; but 

 in none can any mouth be discerned, and their antics, 



