AmoBbaea.] infusortai- antmat,cui,f,s. 107 



is not readily soon, hj reason of its crystalline lorica, and colourless 

 body : by a patient investigation, however, the little shrubby 

 colony may be perceived rolling along, and advancing in the field 

 of view. Within each lorica a pale yellow animalcule may be 

 noticed, in form somewhat resembling the young of the CJdorogonium 

 or Etiglena riridis. This creature has the power of stretching itself 

 out in a spindle-shaped manner, so as not to protude, however, 

 beyond the mouth of the lorica, and also of contracting itself into a 

 globular form. The red point is observable at the anterior part of 

 the body, and a single thread-like proboscis is thrust forth from out 

 of the shell. Cluster 83 represents a shrubby cluster, containing 

 eight animalcules, and the shells of three which have died. The 

 vibrating proboscides act like so many paddles in the water, and 

 propel the moving mass. Found in bog-water. Length of single 

 animalcule l-570th; ditto of cluster 1-1 20th. 



DiNOBRYON (?) sociale. — Body small, enveloped in a shell of a simple 

 conical shape, truncated at the mouth. Developed in the form of a 

 shrub. Found in fresh water. Length 1 -860th; ditto of cluster 

 l-280th. 



D. gracile. — Less branching ffruticosej, lorica slightly constricted 

 at the middle, apertiure truncated. Size of single animalcule 

 1 -2080th, 



Family— AMOEBAEA. 



The animalcules of this family are polygastric, with one aperture 

 only to the body, and no alimentary canal or lorica. No other 

 organs of motion are observable than certain appendages or ramifica- 

 tions, consisting of variable pediform processes, which they have the 

 power of putting forth from every part of their gelatinous and contrac- 

 tile bodies, and by which they move from place to place. The organs 

 of nuti-ition are composed of numerous digestive cells, which are visible 

 in all the species, either in their natural state, or by the introduction of 

 coloured substances into them. Self-di\dsion has been seen in Amcela 

 diffluens. No indications of a sensitive system are discoverable in 

 any species. As only one genus is known, its characteristics are 

 represented by those of the family. 



