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 NOTES AND CORRESPONDENCE. 



The Circulation in Aqueous Plants. In the 8th number of the 



Journal, published in July, 1854, there is an account of the 

 circulation in the Closterium hinula, by the Hon. and Rev. 

 Mr. Osborne, and Mr. Hogg. This circulation, according to 

 Mr. Hogg, is " no new discovery," but to me, as a young 

 microscopist, I must confess it was so, as until I applied the 

 parabolic reflector of Mr. Wenham, with the assistance of 

 direct sunlight, I have never suspected it to exist. By this 

 means of illumination, however, it appears to me to be very 

 distinct, although I have seen it to better advantage in C. 

 acerosum. 



Some time in April last I met with some good specimens 

 of this plant, and with ^-inch objective of Smith and Beck 

 their No. 1 eye-piece, Mr. Wenham's reflector, and a prism 

 instead of mirror, with the assistance of direct sunlight, I had 

 repeatedly the gratification of beholding what Mr. Osborne 

 appropriately calls a " godlike " sight of the most beautiful, 

 undulating ciliary motion, magnificently illuminated with 

 prismatic colourings. After a longer time than usual spent 

 over one specimen, the water in the cage partially dried, and 

 on the edge of the air-bubble being brought by this means in 

 close proximity with the specimen, the usual effect of external 

 ciliary motion was most distinctly visible to myself and a 

 friend for some considerable time, although no cilia could be 

 distinguished. The rapid and continuous passage of a stream 

 of molecules in the direction of the extreme end showed 

 beyond the possibility of any doubt that cilia were there. 



A few days subsequently I met with a good sample of the 

 Chara, and it struck me to examine the circulation by the 

 same illumination I had so successfully employed with Clos- 

 terium. Judge my delight when I found precisely the same 

 appearances, the same rapid undulations, together with the 

 same brilliant coruscations, that almost satisfied me that 

 herein consisted the phenomenon of circulation in aqueous plants. 

 I am not aware that this has before been noticed, or at any 

 rate recorded, and hope some more practised observers will 

 put it to the test ; for whether I am correct in supposing the 

 circulation in water-plants originates in ciliary movement or 

 otherwise, they will be amply repaid for the trouble expended, 

 in the glorious sight presented to them. — James Western, 

 Veterinary Surgeon, Madras Artillery. 



