G80 DESCRIFTTON OF [Sotatorta. 



sharp spines in front, posteriorly rounded ; the body is red. Length 

 l-50th. 



Brachiontjs Midleri. Muller' s BracMomis. — Lorica smooth, with six 

 obtuse spines in front, two short ones behind, resembling papillae. This 

 species is somewhat larger than B. urceola/ris, and has peculiarly- 

 shaped frontal spines. The margin of the chin (brow) is smoothly 

 truncate, with tlu-ee faint indentations. The lorica is very transparent. 

 Length l-60th. 



B. hrevisjoinus. — Lorica smooth, having six acute unequal spines 

 in front, and four stout spines posteriorly, the two inner ones short ; 

 two sexual glands and a contractile vesicle are present. Found in 

 slow running clear water, with Conferva, Length l-65th. 



B. Balccri (M.)— -Lorica rough, its middle tesselatcd on the dorsal 

 surfiice ; six unequal acute teeth anteriorly, two elongated (lateral 

 and dorsal) spines posteriorly, and short ones at the sheath of the 

 foot. The lorica is covered mth delicate granules; those upon the 

 middle of the ventral surface are arranged in parallel but somewhat 

 curved lines. Length 1-1 20th to l-60th. 



The following interesting observations as to the development of 

 this species, have been communicated to me by a friend, an accui'ate 

 and diligent observe? of nature. " About two o'clock, B. Bakeri was 

 observed with one egg placed externally between the two posterior 

 spines of the shell, and another small egg in the left side of the 

 animal, which increased much in size in the course of the day. At 

 nine in the evening, a motion was perceived in the exterior ^^^, like 

 that of the muscular oosophagus of the parent ; and about this time 

 the internal egg was protruded and placed by the side of the othei-, 

 being longer than it. At eleven, the yoimg Brachionus bui'st with a 

 bound from the egg in which the motion was perceived, and affixed 

 itself by its tail to the lunette. At first it had the appearance of an 

 oblong ball; by degrees, the anterior part spread, and the wheel pro- 

 cesses were developed. Soon after, the posterior shell processes were 

 visible in a semilimar shape, with the points nearly touching each 

 other, which gradually expanded. The sheU of the c^g remained 

 attached to the parent in the same position, quite transparent, with a 

 longitudinal split through the whole length." (Bright well, op. cit.) 



