210 THE ATLANTIC. [ CHAP. Imi. 
covers certain spherical bodies (the “ coccospheres” of Dr. Wal- 
lich). The rhabdoliths are the like elements of the armature 
of extremely beautiful little bodies, of which two forms are 
represented in Figs. 49 and 50, which have been first observed 
by Mr. Murray, and naturally called by him “rhabdospheres.” 
Coccospheres and rhabdospheres live abundantly on the sur- 
face, especially in warmer seas. Ifa bucket of water be allowed 
Fig. 49.—A “ Rhabdosphere.” From the surface. Five hundred times the natural size. 
to stand over night with a few pieces of thread in it, on ex- 
amining the threads carefully many examples may usually be 
found attached to them; but Mr. Murray has found an unfail- 
ing supply of all forms in the stomachs of Salpe. 
What these coccospheres and rhabdospheres are, we are not 
yet in a position to say with certainty; but our strong impres- 
sion is that they are either Algee of a peculiar form, or the re- 
productive gemmules, or the sporangia of some minute organ- 
