41 



then at the lica'l appears to foiin oiio ring or wheel, wliich, in 

 rourse of time, is divided into two, and the sheatli or case is 

 gradually formed of Leautifnl transparent rings (hence its name 

 Auuuhitia). Hoav these nniformlj- and evenly arranged i-ings arc 

 formed I believe has not been made out. The beautiful sheath or 

 case of the Melecerta Hiugous, which is built up by the cri ature 

 l)ellet by pellet, we are all well acf^uainted with, having seen the 

 machine by wliich they arc formed, and witnessed the wondeiful 

 little architect repeatedly make and lay the pellets on the wall of 

 its growing ease. The formation of each pellet occupies about tAVO 

 minutes and a half. Uut ihe formation of the ringed cases of 

 Liranas Annulata baffles us. Ml the above mentioned Kotifers are 

 very similar in the manner of their repioduction. The egg is 

 foimed in the ujiper portion of the body, and is then pas.'^ed out 

 thiough the ovaduct into the sheath, and is there perfected, when 

 it passes up and escapes at the top of the case. 



