NOTES ON SOME FREE-SWIMMING ROTIFERS. 179 
Since writing my previous papers, I have become acquainted 
with two facts, which have a material connection with the subject 
in hand. Mr. Saville Kent having accepted an appointment in 
Tasmania, it is highly improbable that he has any work in hand, 
of such importance, as one on the Rotifera, especially as it is 
known that he is engaged on one about Mites. The other fact 
is the pleasing announcement, this time authoritative, that the long 
expected work is actually in hand, and by a gentleman well and 
favourably known to most microscopists by his admirable papers on 
this subject. Irefer to C. T. Hudson, Esq., LL.D., F.R.M.S., &c, 
of Clifton. This being the case nothing more need be said 
about the necessity of such a work; but there are one or two 
points about which I should like to make a few observations 
and suggestions. It appears to me that for several reasons, when 
an important work of this character is undertaken, the fact ought 
to be made widely known. Since the last edition of Pritchard,” 
20 years ago, many new Rotifers have been discovered, and 
described in the Microscopical Journals, but in addition there 
must be a large amount of valuable material scattered about in 
private note books. During the last few years the microscope, as 
an instrument of scientific research, has been rapidly coming to the 
front. Microscopical societies by scores have been formed all over 
the country, and many of them have done good work. Judging 
by these signs of activity, surely it is not too much to hope that 
much of scientific interest; many discoveries of new Rotifers ; 
and, we trust, many valuable additions to our knowledge of the 
internal organs, the habits and peculiarities, and the development 
of these charming animals will have been made, and only require 
the asking to be made of public utility. The Notes and Sketches 
I have contributed to the Microscopical News have all been written 
and drawn from observations made during last summer, and there 
can, I think, be no doubt but that others, more able than myself, 
would be quite willing to contribute material in order that the 
forthcoming work might be made more perfectly indicative of our 
present knowledge. Another important point is the manner and 
price at which it may be brought out. It is, of course, impossible 
to produce such a work at a price that would bring it within the 
reach of all. Hundreds of naturalists, who are earnestly looking 
forward to its production, will be unable to afford £2 or £3 for 
it, even if brought out in ros. 6d. parts; but I feel assured that if 
it were possible to bring it out in smaller parts, say at 2s. or 3s. 
each, that it would be brought within the reach of great numbers, 
who would otherwise be unable to procure it. I have a large 
acquaintance among north-east Lancashire naturalists, and I know 
that in this matter I speak the sentiments of many who have no 
direct method of making them known. In conclusion, I con- 
