154 DEscEiPTioN OF [Polycfasfrica. 



tiered doubtful, and, probably Sphaerosira should be united with the 

 Pandorina. 



Genus Gyges. The ring Animalcule. — This genus is characterized 

 by being deficient of the eye, tail, and vibrating filiform proboscis. 

 The lorica is of a simple box-like form (wrceolm). We know but 

 little of the organization, as not even the nuti'itive apparatus has 

 been observed ; and were it not that some slight spontaneous motion 

 of the body is perceptible, when it is surrounded with a coloured 

 fluid, it would seem that all the certain characteristics of an animal 

 were wanting. Two species are mentioned by Ehrenberg, both of a 

 green coloiu\ and enclosed in a transparent lorica. 



G. gramdum f Volvox gramdmn, 'M..J — Form oval, approaching to 

 globular. Body contains a heap of granules within it, of a darkish- 

 green coloiu'. Found amongst Lemna and Conferva. A magnified 

 representation is given at figiu-e 34. Size l-1150th. 



G. iipartitus. — This species has a body of a ciystaUine gelatinous 

 substance, and of nearly a spherical form ; the superficies colourless, 

 but its contents yellowish-green. Its body is sometimes divided 

 into two, and at others it is a simple sphere. The contents are com- 

 posed of numerous homogenous granules, which if the creature be 

 an animal, may be considered as the ova, Foimd amongst Conferva. 

 Size 1 -480th. 



G. sanguineus. — Body oval, colour red, inclining to crimson, sur- 

 rounded by a broad coloiuless ring, representing an enveloping lorica. 

 This is a new species discovered by Mr. Shuttleworth in the red 

 snow, which fell at the Grimsel, in August, 1839; its motion is 

 lively. In Plate 12., group 527, shows several higlily magnified. 

 Found with Astasia nivalis and Monas gliscens, among the globules of 

 Protococcus nivalis. (See Ml. Phil. Jour, v., xxix., also Dr. Ctihn's 

 elaborate Essay.) Length l-1200th to l-300th. 



M. Vogt has described the reproduction of this being as very 

 singular. He says, " it gives off from several parts of its body small 

 ti-ansparent buds, apparently vesiciilar, and, for the most pai-t, filled 

 with granular matter. As they enlarge they become gradually de- 

 tached ; sometimes two of equal size, of which one is red and loricated, 

 the other colourless, adhere by a very narrow point of attachment, 

 which subsequently gives way, and the bud appears as an Infusory 



